The 2023 Pangos Best of SoCal Showcase was held recently (Saturday May 20th) at Assumption Greek Church Gym/Long Beach CA). This event showcased several top HS prospects from Southern California (and beyond). Full length video re-plays of all Pangos Best of SoCal Showcase games (with play by play) are now available on replay from Baller TV: https://www.ballertv.com/events/pangos-best-of-socal-showcase-2023-long-beach-ca-bfe4b88b09034f8bad0beff38bb8c572
Game event rosters and schedule can be accessed online at: https://www.fullctpress.net/23-pangos-bofsc-showcase.html
My previous recap from the event featured several 2025, 2026 and 2027 players from the event:
https://nbnmagazine.com/2023-pangos-best-of-socal-showcase-reviewfreshmen-sophomores-8th-graders/ In this recap I will focus on the 2024 players that stood out.
James Evans 6’7” 2024 West Ranch (Stevenson Ranch CA)
Rugged and explosive hybrid-forward erupted for 30 points (3 “threes”) – earning an invite to the upcoming Pangos All-American Camp in Las Vegas (June 4-6). Evans has the strength to bully defenders inside and the bounce to rise above them at the rim. Very underrated 3-point shooter and rebounder. His versatile size and agility allows him to defend inside and out on the perimeter. James has offers from the likes of Washington and Southern Utah.
Jacob Bayla 6’5” 2024 Valley Christian (Cerritos CA)
Strong wing from the Philippines (member of that country’s U16 national team) is wired to score – pouring in a game-high 34 points (2 “threes”) here. Bayla has a well-built frame and physique and a nice touch driving to the rim as well as from distance. Terrific student (4.3 GPA) will be attending the Princeton Elite Camp in mid-June after a stop at the Pangos All-American Camp on June 4-6.
Kendyl Sanders 6’6” 2024 St. Bernard (Playa del Rey CA)
One of the fastest rising members of SoCal’s 2024 class, Sanders has the versatility and multi-positional skill set that has great value at the NCAA D-I level. Although right-handed, Kendyl uses either hand both off the dribble or at the rim equally well and has the ability to explode to the basketball with his very good athleticism. Playing mostly inside as a junior for Tony Bland’s St. Bernard program, Sanders is a very underrated perimeter shooter with ability for coaches to use him to initiate offense due to his fine passing. Had 23 points (1 “three”) in the Top Junior Game. Looks to have a lot of college coaches watching when St. Bernard attends the Section 7 event in Phoenix AZ on June 23-25.
Bryce Bedgood 6’10” 2024 Valencia (Santa Clarita CA)
Up and coming skilled Big with off the charts GPA (4.0+) had 15 points here. Active rebounder and rim-protector has range to the 3-point arc (hit 1 “three”) and is an excellent passer out of the high-post. As Bryce continues to improve his upper body strength, he will become even more of an impact player. Visited Princeton recently.
Darrell Morris 5’8” 2024 West Ranch (Stevenson Ranch CA)
Ultra-quick point guard is small but plays with tons of heart and is as good an on-ball defender as there is in SoCal’s rising senior class. Underrated scorer had 23 points (1 “three”) in the Top Junior Game.
Sabien Cain 6’2” 2024 University (Indianapolis IN)
Sturdy Indy combo-guard can really extend defenses with his accurate range on jumpshot. Cain had 14 points (4 “threes”) in Top Junior Game.
Scottie Belnap 6’5” 2024 Mater Dei (Santa Ana CA)
Rangy WG with nice size and sharpshooting ability plays in the Nike EYBL for Team Why Not (CA).
Rippen Gill 6’6″ 2024 Centennial (Bakersfield CA)
Strong and physical forward is a regular on the glass and can convert when he gets scoring opportunities. Gill’s fine play in Top 40 Junior Game (14 points) earned him a berth in Top 20 Junior contest.
Bishop Brooks 6’4” 2024 Taft (Woodland Hills CA)
Wing with nice scoring ability connected for 17 points in the Top 40 Junior Game and 18 more (2 “threes”) in the Top 20 Junior game. LA-City CIF rising senior sleeper.
Other players worth noting for their fine play (in alphabetical order):
Kenyon Alexander 5’10” 2024 Venice (Los Angeles CA)
Derrick Hill 6’4” 2024 Taft (Woodland Hills CA)
Darius Jones 5’10” 2024 Hillcrest (Riverside CA)
Nicholas Motta 6’2” 2024 Da Vinci (El Segundo CA)
Kevin Pledger-Lemle 6″1 2024 Westchester (Los Angeles CA)
Jhaisen Rivera 5’9” 2024 University City (San Diego CA)
Greg Urbano 6’3” 2024 Orangewood Academy (Garden Grove CA)
Aaron Williams 6’5” 2024 Paraclete (Lancaster CA)
