4th Annual Central Cali Prospects “Next Up Showcase”: Top 35 Performers and Recap

Bakersfield, CA – Last Friday, Friday, August 16th, myself and Clutch Clip Hoops hosted the 4th Annual Central Cali Prospects Next Up Top 30 Showcase at the beautiful Dignity Health Sports Complex right off the 99 Freeway in Central California. This event was designed to shine light on the next wave of high school basketball talent in the Central Section of California, and featured players from the graduation classes of 2027 and 2028, the current sophomores and freshmen. There were 62 participants in the showcase, and they were split up and placed on five teams, which were taken from college team names located within close proximity to Central California: CSU Bakersfield, Fresno State, Cal Poly, CSU Northridge, and UC Santa Barbara. Each player played in two showcase games, which were spread out over a schedule of five games for the event.

CSUN won the opening game over Fresno State, 95 to 63. CSUN was led by Ethan Saenz, while Fresno State was led by Anthony Smith. The second game saw UCSB defeat Cal Poly by a score of 100 to 77. UCSB was led by Zander Jensen, the event’s overall leading scorer, and Jeremias Killerbrew led Cal Poly with a double-double. Game 3 of the event was one of the closer games, as CSUB got the win over Fresno State, 105 to 93. Ben Stype and Godson Eyita led CSUB in the win, while Taiwo Daramola led Fresno State in the loss. The closest game of the showcase was Game 4, which saw CSUN edge out Cal Poly by a score of 88 to 81. CSUN was led by Jaxson Silverstrom and Cal Poly was led by Aidan Mancilla and John Trichell. The final game of the event saw the overall Next Up Showcase MOP, Godson Eyita, put on a show finishing with a double-double to lead CSUB to a big win over UCSB, 120 to 97. Zander Jensen and Spencer Kubit led UCSB in scoring. 

The remainder of this article lists the top 35 players from the event in ranked order, based on some feedback from event personnel but ultimately I made the final decisions. Godson Eyita was the Most Outstanding Player of the event, making a solid case for top player in the 2027 class in the Central Section. Eyita was the clear cut choice, which was not the case last year, but there were plenty of other talented players in attendance that performed at a high level. In the article below, I provide a brief summary of how each player performed at the Next Up Showcase, recorded statistics from the games, the players’ information, the number of where I had them ranked, and some notes on the players’ skill set. I will be updating the Class of 2027 Player Rankings before the season starts in November and releasing the first Class of 2028 Player Rankings around the same time.

1. 6’9 Godson Eyita |2027| St. Joseph (Santa Maria CA)

Eyita is a strong and skillful power forward that controls the paint on both ends and has improved his skill set to be a threat on the perimeter. He entered the event coming off a highly productive June and July, as he had a great showing at the 2nd Annual Boys California Live Scholastic Showcase followed by an EYBL Peach Jam E15 Title with Team Why Not 15u squad, putting up a near double-double in the championship game. Eyita brought that same energy to the Next Up Showcase and made his presence felt in the first few plays, dominating the boards and hammering down some powerful dunks. Eyita would put up double-doubles in both of his games, going for 17 points and 15 rebounds followed by 28 points and 11 rebound, as his 28-point game would tie for the single game scoring high of this year’s event. For his level of play, Eyita was named the Most Outstanding Player for the 4th Annual Next Up Showcase and will look to be a key piece for the Knights this upcoming season, as it looks to make a run for an Open Division State Title. Eyita dominates the glass, generates multiple 2nd chance points for himself or teammates, is a great rim protector that blocks or alters anything near the basket, and throws down power dunks routinely. Eyita also showed a nice handle with the ability to push the ball up the court, move to create off the dribble, can put the ball on the deck to attack from the top of the key, and can space the floor with the 3-ball. Eyita has nice footwork, effective back to the basket moves, and nice touch on shots around the basket. Plays with relentless energy and is already a D1 prospect with the work ethic to become a true stretch big.  

2. 6’4 Zander Jensen |2027| Redwood (Visalia CA)

Jensen is a skilled and poised lead guard that can make plays for others, as well as create his own scoring opportunities. Jensen came in as one of the top freshman scorers last season in the Central Section and played really well at the recent CSUB Prospect Camp I was able to attend, so I expected him to have a solid showing. Jensen did in fact have a great showing and was the overall leading scorer for the Next Up Showcase, with games of 25 points and 22 points for a total of 47 points over his two games and was the top perimeter player in attendance. Jensen plays with good pace, makes quality decisions with the ball in his hands, gets nice acceleration when attacking off the dribble, gets into the paint routinely, has the frame to absorb and finish through contact, and scores from 3 levels effectively. Jensen has range on the 3-ball, moves well off the ball to get open looks, and is accurate off the bounce or the catch and shoot. Jensen does a solid job on the glass to push the pace of play, is a solid on-ball defender, and will make up one of the best backcourts in the Section with new teammate AJ Johnson, who was a top 15 player at the event as well. 

3. 6’6 Cobi Posas |2027| Roosevelt (Fresno CA)

Posas is a lengthy and active wing/slasher that is emerging as one of the top two-way prospects in the Central Section regardless of grad class. Posas missed this event last year, as he attended the illustrious CP3 Camp on the East Coast and more than made his presence known in this year’s rendition of the Next Up Showcase. Posas played well in his first game, going for 15 points and 7 rebounds. Posas really got it going in the 2nd half of his 2nd game, scoring 21 of his 23 points after intermission and connecting on 5 threes to show off his range. Posas is a versatile defender with the length to guard bigs and the lateral quickness to lock up and alter shots on the perimeter. Posas controls the glass, has the handle to push the pace of play, the moves to create space from his defender off the bounce, and showed improved efficiency from beyond the arc, both off the catch and off the dribble. Posas runs the floor well in the open court, is a solid weakside rim protector in the paint with good timing, and has good court vision to find cutting teammates from the high-post. Kid plays with great energy and is someone others would like to play alongside. 

4. 5’11 Ethan Saenz |2027| North Bakersfield (CA)

Saenz is a crafty and skilled lead guard that makes the right reads with the ball in his hands, but can create his own offense when the game calls for it. Saenz displayed the best true point guard play at the Next Up Showcase and has made the strides in his game to be a top 5 player this year, as he participated in this event last year as well. Saenz had 18 points and 7 rebounds in the opening game of the event to lead all scorers, and followed that up with a 12 point and 5 rebound game. We did not record assists, but having watched all 5 games, I would say he was one of the top assist leaders at the showcase. Saenz keeps the ball on a string, has the court vision to find open players in transition or the half court setting, plays with great pace and redirection, and has the moves to create his own shot off the dribble from the mid-range to the 3-point line. Saenz is effective with the 3-ball, makes good decisions with the ball in hand, and is a creative finisher over size with touch on the floater down the lane.  

5. 6’1 Jaxson Silverstrom |2027| San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno CA)

Silverstrom is an athletic and high energy wing/guard that leaves his imprint all over the game, which was highly evident last Friday night. Silverstrom was one of the more surprising players at last year’s Next Up Showcase and I anticipated he would play well this year, but he exceeded that and then some. Silverstrom tied Godson for 2nd all around leading scorer, going for 16 points and 7 rebounds in his opening. Silverstrom erupted for a monster double-double in his 2nd game with 28 points and 16 rebounds, which solidified his spot in the top 5 for the event. Silverstrom is a great rebounder for his size, has the moves and handles to create shots off the dribble, good court vision to find open teammates when on the attack, and is a solid on-ball defender. Silverstrom gets into the paint routinely, is able to finish through contact around the basket, and can score from 3-levels. Relentless motor, wins 50/50 balls, & has that dog mentality when he steps on the court. Jaxson will be a key glue guy for the talented Panthers this coming season. 

6. 6’8 Taiwo Daramola |2027| Bakersfield Christian (CA)

Daramola is an athletic, bouncy, and rangy forward that had a great 2nd game and displayed why those that know his game are so high on him long term. Daramola had a pretty good opening game, but the guard play really led that game and it was tough for him to get comfortable or in a groove. In the 3rd game of the event, the two prominent bigs at the showcase were matched-up against each other, as Daramola would face a real test against Godson Eyita. Eyita got the best of Daramola early on with a few statement dunks to let it be known he was in the gym. I was pleased by how Daramola responded, as he would finish with a team-high 20 points and 7 rebounds and showed his ability to rim run effectively, find the dunker spot for easy pocket passes that led to some bang outs. Daramola alters and blocks shots around the basket with good timing, has nice touch around the basket, is a quick leaper that lead to some powerful dunks, has a nice jumper from the mid-post, makes himself available in the dunker spot, and is just scratching the surface of his potential long-term. A prospect to keep an eye on in the 2027 class and will rise up those ranks over the next year. 

7. 6’3 Anthony Smith |2028| Clovis (CA)

Smith is an athletic, lengthy, and skilled combo guard that was a last minute addition and he took advantage of the opportunity, as he came out hitting shots early and often. Smith had 15 points and 4 rebounds in the opening game, and 12 points and 5 rebounds in his 2nd game. Smith does a solid job on the boards, using his quick hops and long reach, gets up the floor quickly with the handle to push the pace, has a smooth handle and moves to create space off the dribble and slice through the defense, is accurate with the 3-ball, and has a smooth middy with good body control on the fadeaway. Smith has a good burst of speed to accelerate quickly off the bounce, a good stop and pop jumper, and fluid movement off the ball to get open looks. Very impressive showing and a player to keep an eye on in the 2028 class. Also a football player so curious to see which pathway he takes down the road, but Smith can hoop. 

8. 6’4 Jeremias Killebrew |2027| Bakersfield Christian (CA) 

Killebrew is a wing/slasher that can operate on the perimeter, as well as in the interior and has always had a smooth jumper. Killebrew does so many things to impact the game and is an asset to have with his ability to play multiple positions on both ends and make good basketball decisions on the court. Killebrew had a big time showing in his first game, leading his team in points and rebounds, with 20 points and 12 rebounds for one of the better all-around games of any player at the showcase. Killebrew played more of the facilitator in his 2nd game but still led his team in rebounds with 8, to go with 6 points. Killebrew controls the glass, has the handles to push the ball up the court, gets downhill off the perimeter into the paint, and is creative finisher at the rim. He has good footwork in the midrange area, good body control with accuracy on tough jumpers off the dribble, and is an underrated shot blocker and rim protector. Good wingspan to defend in the post with the lateral footwork to defend perimeter players as well.

9. 6’ Spencer Kubit |2027| Clovis West (Fresno CA)

Kubit is a shooting guard that can light it up from deep, along with an improving skills set to attack off the perimeter with nice touch on the floater in the paint. Kubit plays with a unique blend of locked in and focused mixed with a joy in playing hoops. Don’t let the nice guy smile fool you though, as Kubit can hit shots and seems to have limitless range on the 3-ball. Kubit had 17 points and 5 rebounds to help lead his squad in a win. Kubit stayed hot and scored 23 points in his 2nd game with 3 threes in the first half, to go with 6 rebounds. Kubit moves well off the ball to get open looks off the catch, has the handles and moves to create space from his defender, has a quick release on his jumper, nice touch on the floater, and has range with the 3-ball, as was evident w his near half court shot in his 1st game! Kubit will be key for a Clovis West squad that is looking ready to get after it this coming season. 

10. 6’4 Dominik Olanrewaju |2028| San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno CA) 

Olanrewaju is a lengthy and skilled guard/wing that can score the ball in a variety of ways and showcased a smooth baseline jumper off the bounce multiple times throughout the showcase, with the pull-up or fadeaway mid-range shot. Olanrewaju entered the event as one of the more known freshman prospects in the Central Section and played up this past Spring and Summer playing with Jalen Green Elite’s 15u 3SSB squad. Olanrewaju put up double digit points in both of his games, going for 14 points and 12 points respectively.  Olanrewaju has a smooth handle and moves fluidly with the ball in hand, the court vision to find open players on the attack or in the open court, and is deadly with the fadeaway jumper off the dribble. Olanrewaju is active on the glass, looks to push the pace of play with the height to see up the court to hit players leaking out, moves well off the ball for catch and shoot looks, and is accurate from beyond the arc. Olanrewaju will be in the mix for the top spot of my first round of 2028 player rankings and will play a role for the Panthers this upcoming season, alongside older brother Julius Olanrewaju. 

11. 6’1 Sier Harbin |2027| Bullard (Fresno CA)

Harbin is a lead guard with good ball skills and size to operate at the top of the key, with the ability to create for himself or make plays for others. Harbin was one of the more efficient players over the course of his two games and displayed the ability to get to his shot spots routinely and the confidence to take and make tough jumpers from the mid-range to the 3-point line. Harbin would score 17 points in each of his two showcase games and showed he will be an impact guy behind the dynamic backcourt of juniors Dalen Felder and Ja’Vance Coleman at Bullard, as he made the transfer this summer from Central. Harbin has a good handle on the ball, keeps it on a string to survey the court, makes nice use of the crossover to create space from his defender, has a nice burst of speed off the bounce, is able to finish through traffic down the lane, and is accurate with the 3-ball off the dribble, connecting on 3 threes in his 2nd game. Harbin has good body control on his jumper and makes nice use of the glass to hit shots from odd angles. 

12. 6’ AJ Johnson |2027| Redwood (Visalia CA)

Johnson is a shifty and skilled lead guard that makes plays when on the attack, as well as create his own scoring opportunities, which was evident by him averaging over 23 points per game his freshman year at Central Valley Christian. Johnson got off to a bit of a slow start at the showcase, but settled in and got into his bag, which was evident with his 16-point showing in his 2nd game. Johnson keeps the ball on a string, keeps his head up to survey the floor to find cutting teammates, makes good use of the hesitation and change of direction to keep his defender off balance, has a quick release on his jump shot, and is accurate with the 3-ball off the dribble or the catch and shoot. Johnson gets paint touches frequently, has good footwork to stop on a dime and use the pivot to get out of tight situations, and is a creative finisher around the basket. Johnson has nice touch on the floater down the lane, a smooth stop and pop jumper, and moves well off the ball to get open looks off the catch. Johnson has transferred to Redwood and will team up with fellow standout sophomore Zander Jensen to make up a dynamic backcourt. 

13. 6’3 Jhalil Montgomery |2027| Clovis North (Fresno CA)

Montgomery is an athletic and physical wing/slasher that makes his presence felt on the boards and the defensive end, with improved shot-making from the perimeter. Montgomery put up double-digit points in both of his showcase games, with 14 points and 10 points respectively. Montgomery has improved moves to create scoring opportunities off the dribble, is accurate with the 3-ball off the bounce or the catch, and has built up his frame to absorb contact when attacking down the lane. Montgomery is a lock-up on ball defender, controls the glass and looks to push the pace up the court, is a quick leaper and sneaky weak side shot blocker, and fills lanes well in the open court. He is a versatile player that will be called upon to fill the void left by Jordan Espinoza, who was called on to defend bigs in the post, be a force in the paint, and rebound amongst bigger players. The added muscle to his frame will help Montgomery in this role for the Broncos. 

14. 6’1 Braylen Smith |2028| Bakersfield Christian (CA)

Smith is a smooth and skilled combo guard that can score the ball from various spots on the court and makes the game look effortless at times. Smith had it going in his first game, as he would finish with 16 points and connected on a couple three’s in the process. Smith has a solid handle on the ball, keeps it on a string to survey and find holes in the defense, makes great use of the crossover and change of speed to keep his defender off balance and create space from his opponent, has a smooth stop and pop jumper, and is accurate with the 3-ball off the bounce or the catch and shoot. Smith has nice touch on his floater down the paint, is a creative finisher around the basket, and has the court vision to find open teammates when he gets into the interior of the defense. Really impressed with his poise and body control when going at his defender. 

15. 6’2 Ty Schalk |2027| San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno CA)

Schalk is a shooting guard that can light it up from beyond the arc and has the moves to attack driving lanes off the perimeter. Schalk had a balanced showing in both of his games, with a personal scoring high of 12 points and 7 rebounds in his 1st game, while connecting on a pair of threes. He followed that up with 9 points in his 2nd game. Schalk moves fluidly off the ball, gets to his shot spots to receive passes off the catch, makes good use of the pump fake to get his defender off the ground, with the handles and moves to attack off the perimeter, with touch on the mid-range jumper or floater. Schalk can operate at the point, has the court vision to find teammates cutting off the ball, and has range on the 3-ball. 

16. 6’1 Cam Saenz |2028| North Bakersfield (CA)

Saenz is a wing that has a solid frame and does an excellent job on the boards, which allows him to get the ball out in transition or provide second chance points. Saenz tied Godson Eyita for the most overall rebounds at the showcase with 26 total, and a single game high of 16 rebounds to go along with 12 points in his first game. Saenz has a strong build, good positioning and timing on rebounding, has the handle to push the ball up the court, and the moves to create off the perimeter, with the ability to finish through contact at the basket. Saenz is accurate with the jumper and as his game continues to develop, he will be a key piece for the Stars over the next four years. 

17. 6’ Ben Stype |2028| Kingsburgs (CA)

Stype is a combo guard that has a solid handle, moves well off the ball to get open looks, and when he heats up he can score in volume. This was evident in Stype’s first game, as he erupted for 23 points connecting on 3 threes and was the leading scorer in the 3rd game of the event. Stype would follow that up with a 9-point and 6 rebound to help his team go 2-0. Stype has good moves to create off the dribble and create separation from his defender to get open looks. Kingsburg has a pretty deep roster of upperclassmen, but Stype should have a chance to earn a spot on the varsity roster or play down and likely have a productive season. Either way, the Vikings have some really good young talent and Stype may be a focal point of that group as a scorer. 

18. 5’8 Anthony “AJ” Pedro |2027| Clovis (CA)

Pedro is a shifty and crafty shooting guard that can light it up from the perimeter and shoots the ball with confidence and accuracy. Pedro was one of the top perimeter scorers at the showcase, as was evident by AJ knocking down 7 threes over his two games and scoring 17 points in his first game and 19 points in game 2. Pedro moves fluidly off the ball to get open looks off the catch, has a smooth release on his jump shot, has the moves and handles to attack the open lanes off the dribble, has good touch on the floater, and is a creative finisher at the basket. Pedro gets to his shot spots and can score in volume quickly with his ability to hit from deep with efficiency. Pedro will be a welcomed presence on offense for the Cougars, who have a good young core of players. 

19.  6’1 Davion Cockheran |2027| Central (Fresno CA) 

Cockheran is an athletic and bouncy wing/guard that plays with a great motor and gets up quickly to go at the rim in the open court. Cockheran was one of the more surprising players for me personally, as this was my first time seeing him live and he showcased his strengths as a player. Cockheran was cooking in the 2nd half of his first game, with 15 points and 7 rebounds, which was followed by an 11-point and 6 rebound game to finish out the event. Cockheran has enough handle to get downhill off the perimeter, the physical build to finish around the rim through contact, and excels in the open court, as he had multiple transition dunks. I will be tracking his game with the Grizzlies this coming season and he could be an impact guy. 

20. 6’3 Lawrence Moore |2027| Clovis West (Fresno CA)

Moore is an athletic and lengthy wing/slasher that is a versatile defender and a rapidly improving scoring threat on offense. Moore has the length and agility to be one of the more elite defenders in the Section by his upper class years, and is active around the glass to provide second chance scoring opportunities. Moore had a solid showing and was consistent over his two games, going for 8 points and 6 rebounds in his opening game followed by a 10-point and 8 rebound in his second game. Moore has the wingspan and length to defend bigger players when switching on ball screens, the lateral quickness, agility, and active hands to be a lock-up on-ball perimeter defender, does a nice job on the boards with the handle to push the ball up the court, and looks to attack down hill with the ability to finish at the rim through contact. Moore moves well off the ball to get open in the dunker spot or the mid-post, and is able to connect on tough jumpers with good body control. Moore will have a more prominent role in the Clovis West system this season and is still scratching the surface of his long term potential, which could be one of the best two-way players in the Section for his class. 

21. 5’10 Jayden Bergman |2028| Central Valley Christian (Visalia CA)

Bergman is a crafty combo guard that can score it from various spots on the floor, as well as make plays for others. Bergman was consistent over his two games of play and showed the ability to play on and off the ball and have an impact on the game. He would score 10 points in each of his games, connecting on four threes in the process. Bergman is accurate with the 3-ball off the dribble or off the catch, has good handles and moves to create off the bounce, generates space from his defender with change of pace and direction, has nice touch on the stop and pop jumper, and is a creative finisher around the basket with the ability to take contact down the lane and still get his shot off. Intriguing young prospect with savvy play and good decision making. One of the more impressive 2028 players in attendance. 

22. 6’ Aidan Mancilla |2027| Clovis (Fresno CA)

Mancilla is a guard that can score the ball in bunches and looks to attack off the perimeter when the defense over pursues him on the wing. Mancilla had a good showing in his 2nd game, as he would score 15 points and show his range from beyond the arc. Mancilla moves well off the ball, has shifty moves to create off the bounce, and runs the floor well in the open court, which will benefit him in the high tempo Cougar offense. Mancilla could be an impact guy for Clovis that can provide a scoring punch off the bench and will help long term with his ability to score the ball. 

23. 6’ Eddie Ramey III |2027| South Bakersfield (CA)

Ramey is a skilled and high IQ point guard that makes quality decisions with the ball in his hands, but can create his own shots when the moment calls for it. Ramey had a solid first game with 8 points and 6 rebounds. We did not keep assists but he was making plays that game and probably had around 5 dimes. In his 2nd game, Ramey was more assertive in scoring the ball and finished with 12 points. Ramey has a solid handle on the ball, keeps it on a string to survey the floor, plays with good pace and controls the flow of the offense, and has the court vision to find players cutting off screens in the half court setting. Ramey can space the floor with the 3-ball and is a creative finisher around the basket with some tough finishes at the event. Ramey will be relied upon to be one of the primary ball handlers for the Spartans this coming season along with junior Cliff Willis. 

24. 5’8 Carter Hanson |2028| Liberty (Bakersfield CA)

Hanson is a physical and athletic lead guard that can make plays for others, create his own offense, and lock-up on defense. Hanson showed up late to his 1st game due to his football practice running over, but that did not stop him from entering the game and getting to work. Hanson would score all 11 of his points in the 2nd half of that game and was the scoring punch his team needed. Hanson has a strong handle on the ball, shifty moves to create off the dribble, gets downhill with a purpose with the strength to absorb and finish through contact down the lane, and can spread the floor with the 3-ball. Hanson makes great use of the change of pace and the hesitation to keep his defender off balance and has nice touch on the floater. Elite athlete. 

25. 6’1 Luke DeManby |2028| Buchanan (Clovis CA)

DeManby is a combo guard that can space the floor with the 3-ball and score in volume quickly. DeManby had a strong showing in his opening game finishing with a near double-double of 14 points and 8 rebounds, while connecting on a pair of threes. DeManby moves fluidly off the ball for catch and shoot looks, has the handle to create off the bounce when the defense over pursues on the perimeter, has nice touch on close shots off the glass, and with his ability to rebound the ball well, he can get out in the open court and push the pace of play. The Bears have an upper class heavy roster but he could be a player that provides a scoring spark off the bench behind the dynamic play of senior Connor Sheets. 

26. 6’1 John Trichell |2027| Garces Memorial (Bakersfield CA)

Trichell is a wing/forward that can space the floor with the 3-ball and can create shots off the dribble or the catch and shoot. Trichell was one of the more pleasantly surprising players at the event, as his game has made some significant strides since last year. Trichell had a solid 2nd game, as he would finish with 13 points while connecting on 3 straight threes in the 2nd half to help keep his team close. Trichell is solid on the glass, can push the ball up the court or find the outlet man, has a nice jumper from the mid-range, and is effective from beyond the arc. 

27. 6’ Pierce Black |2027| Centennial (Bakersfield CA)

Black is a true lead guard that has the court vision and moves to attack the defense and find open teammates. Black did not have any big scoring games, but played to his strengths and was the floor general for his team when on the court. Black has quality handles and keeps the ball on a string, sees the floor well in the open court or the half court setting, and has shifty moves to get by his defender with nice use of the hesitation and redirection. With the firepower the Golden Hawks have lost the last few years, Black should be a player that finds time on varsity this year but Centennial will likely be more guard heavy this year. 

28. 5’7 RJ Shehee |2028| Bakersfield (CA)

Shehee is a crafty, shifty, and high IQ lead guard that can generate his own offense, as well as find open teammates in the half court or in transition. Shehee has dynamic handles, keeps the ball on string, has touch on the floater down the lane, and can space the floor with the perimeter shot. Shehee has great court vision, is a willing passer when on the attack, is able to find teammates in tight windows off ball screens and back cuts, and has the physical build to finish through contact down the lane. True floor general that makes quality decisions when the ball is in his hands. 

29. 6’3 Alexander Gomez |2028| North Bakersfield (CA)

Gomez is a lengthy and active wing/forward that displayed the ability to space the floor, as well as create disruptions on the defensive end. Gomez was one of two waitlist players that were able to get in the event a few days before and showed flashes of his long-term potential connecting on the 3-ball, using his length to disrupt passes on the perimeter, and has enough handle to put the ball on the deck and attack from the wing. Moves fluidly off the ball to get open for catch and shoot looks and has nice touch around the basket. Intriguing prospect that could be one of the better long-term prospects in the class of 2028 in the South Valley. 

30. 6’2 Grant Hyde |2027| Central Valley Christian (Visalia CA)

Hyde is a lengthy and active wing/slasher that impacts the game on the interior and the perimeter. Hyde does a solid job on the glass, uses his wingspan to alter shots around the basket or on the perimeter, and has nice touch around the basket. Hyde runs the floor well in the open court, fills lanes, and had a 9 rebound game to show his impact on the glass. Intriguing prospect from the Visalia area. 

31. 6’ Giovanni Fomusoh |2027| Centennial (Bakersfield CA)

Fomusoh is a physical and athletic wing/guard that can hit shots and makes his presence felt in various aspects of the game. Fomusoh had a solid 2nd game with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Fomusoh does a solid job on the glass, shot accuracy on the mid-range jumper, and is a solid on-ball defender with a good wingspan. 

32. 5’8 Clay David Laurente |2028| Clovis North (Fresno CA)

Laurente is a shifty lead guard that can make plays for others, as well as create for himself. Laurente showed accuracy with the 3-ball off the bounce or the catch and shoot, is a creative finisher over height in the paint, and has the court vision to find teammates when on the attack. Stays moving on offense and is a tough on-ball defender.  

33. 6’5 Jacob Wheeler |2027| Redwood (Visalia CA) 

Wheeler is a forward that runs the floor well, is active on the glass, has nice touch around the basket, and alters shots around the rim with the ability to step out and contend perimeter shots. Wheeler had 11 rebounds in his first game and a solid 7 points and 4 rebounds in his second game and will be a welcome addition alongside big man Cole Gilcrest for the Rangers this coming season. 

34. 5’10 Bryce Hanson |2027| Liberty (Bakersfield CA)

Hanson is a strong and athletic lead guard that can make plays for others, has quick bounce to get rebounds, is a tough on-ball defender, and can create his own shots off the bounce. Although Hanson finished lower in the top 35 of this event than I would have predicted, he is a top 20 prospect in the class of 2027 in the Section but is playing varsity football and he is locked into football mode at the moment. He was still able to get open looks when he wanted and was on attack mode in both of his games, but sometimes the shots don’t fall. He was one of the top freshman varsity players last season for the Garces Rams and will be an immediate impact player for the Patriots, but Liberty is also known for having one of the top football programs in the Central Section. Hanson will learn to balance both sports, as he is only starting his sophomore year, but his on-ball defense is elite and his playmaking skills are really good as well. 

35. 6’ Bryan Guyton Jr. |2028| Stockdale (Bakersfield CA)

Guyton is a crafty combo guard that has solid handles and displayed a nice touch on his jumper. Good court vision, solid frame to take contact, and runs the floor well in the open court.