By Michael West, Contributing Writer
Kyelin King, 2022’s Lincoln High School basketball prodigy, committed to Cal State San Marcos in January and will sign his National Letter of Intent on April 17 this year. The All-City prospect led the Hornets to the 2022-2023 Section 2 CIF Title before deciding to attend school in Greenville, South Carolina at Legacy Early College, an East Coast College Prep School loaded with college prospects.
King drew statewide attention in 2023 as a Junior, leading Lincoln High to their first Division 2 title since 2011. The six feet, five-inch lefty made a name for himself by helping transform the Hornet from a middling 14-15 team in 2021-2022 to a powerhouse 30-3 champion in 2022-2023. He averaged eighteen points per game, and played in twelve games, scoring at least ten points, and grabbing ten rebounds in the same game. The crafty guard collected Player of the Year honors in the San Diego City League.
Known as a gritty player, King excelled on both offense and defense. Coaches praised his athleticism, and his slashing style as a shooting guard in high school. Leading the charge with multiple double digit scoring performances, he peaked at Lincoln with a career high of 30 points and 13 rebounds against Culver City in the Division 2 playoffs. He also notched 2nd Team honors in the ALL-CIF San Diego Section, and 3rd Team California Section 3 CIF.
King enhanced his skills over the summer of 2023 by joining West Coast Elite AAU Basketball- a collection of high school players from the 31 top West Coast High Schools. He ultimately moved to Greenville, South Carolina where he played for Legacy Early College his Senior year- in one of the most competitive High School leagues on the East Coast. King did not disappoint-averaging 20 points per game and 11 rebounds a game.
San Marcos came calling in August with an offer to play for the Cougars, after an eye-opening performance at the CSUB Men’s Basketball Elite Camp in late July. King also garnered interest from UC Riverside, Cal State Bakersfield, Lamar University, and the University of Tampa, before deciding to return home to San Diego to play in his hometown. Best of luck to another High School standout.
Source: Twitter (X), Fieldlevel.com, ncsasports.org
