Central Section HS Hoops

The 2024-2025 high school basketball season saw multiple school individual scoring records broken, a few teams making deep runs in the state playoffs, and some programs making strides after being down for a few years. Fresno Christian won the CIF SoCal Regional Championship and the D4 Section Title; St. Joseph won another D1 Section Title and finished #15 in the FAB50 Top 50 Final National Rankings; North Bakersfield defended its first Section title to capture its 2nd D3 Section Title; Bakersfield Christian made a run to the State D2 Semifinals before falling to Chatsworth, and Mission Prep avenged its D2 Section Championship loss from last year to capture this year’s D2 Section Title. Individually, Tounde Yessoufou not only surpassed Logan Kilbert to become the Central Section’s all-time leading scorer, but also became the all-time leading scorer in the history of California high school hoops. Zach Garnett of Frontier and Lucas Jones of Clovis North became their school’s all-time leading scorers, Gabe Gutierrez earned his 3rd league MVP honors, Conner Sheets put Buchanan on his back to lead the Bears to the D1 Section Title game and TRAC co-MVP, and Julius Olanrewaju surpassed the 2,000 career point scoring mark at San Joaquin Memorial to name the major accomplishments this season.  

I have put together the 4th annual 661 Hoops Live All-Central Section Team Rosters. There are 3 teams of 10 players each, 1 Most Outstanding Players, and 25 players of honorable mention, for a total of 56 players from all areas within the Section. The All-Section Team rosters include the players’ names, schools they attend, grade in school, basketball position, a short description of their season highlights and accomplishments, and their season averages in key categories (only one player I did not get stats for). These rosters were constructed by taking the following factors into account: individual awards and accolades earned from play throughout the high school season; level of competition players competed against; success and achievements of the teams these players were a part of throughout preseason, league play, and in the postseason; individual statistics accumulated by the players; and input from media and coaches. I did not put any emphasis on achievements or accomplishments from club basketball played prior to the high school season, nor did I construct these rosters based on future potential and level of prospect. I want to thank all the coaches, players, parents, media, and members of the basketball community throughout the Central Section for helping me compile as many statistics as I could to provide that information for each player on these All-Section rosters. I have been fortunate to watch close to 100% of these players in person, and all if we include watching game film. This article is designed to shed light on players that excelled this season. I begin with the overall Most Outstanding Player of the Section, and new all-time leading scorer in the State of California, Tounde Yessoufou. 

Central Section’s Most Outstanding Player

Tounde Yessoufou-Senior, Wing/Forward (St. Joseph Knights/Santa Maria CA).

• Central Coast Mountain League Most Valuable Player (4th league MVP).
• Season averages per game: 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.4  steals
• Ranked #9 in the national class of 2025 by ESPN.
• All-time leading scorer in the history of California basketball with 3,659 points (all-time leading scorer in the Central Section).
• McDonald’s All-American Game Selectee and winner of the Dunk Contest. 
• Led the Knights to a CC-Mountain League Title with an 8-0 record; won the Central Section Division 1 Championship (2nd of his career); was named Player of the Game in the Section title game, and made the Elite 8 for Open Division State Playoffs before falling to Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks.
• Earned multiple tournament and single game showcase MVPs and Player of the Game honors.

1st Team All-Central Section

Javon Bragg-Senior, Small Forward (Corcoran Panthers/CA)

• East Sequoia League Most Valuable Player
• Season averages per game: 28 points, 14 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
• Led the Panthers to an undefeated league record of 8-0 and the outright league title. Bragg served as an automatic double-double for the Panthers, has expanded his perimeter skill set and shooting efficiency, as well as post moves to score at a high clip around the basket. Bragg led the Panthers to the Division 4 Semifinals, before being upset by Monache of Porterville. 

Dalen Felder-Junior, Combo Guard (Bullard Knights/Fresno CA)

• County-Metro 1 League co-Most Valuable Player (2 x MVP)
• Season averages per game: 20.9 points and 3.2 rebounds. 
• Felder led the Knights to a co-CMAC 1 League Championship, as Bullard would split with San Joaquin Memorial and go 5-1 in league play. Felder had to hold down the fort while fellow junior standout Ja’Vance Coleman went down with a foot injury for a 7-game stretch in the middle of the season and put up some big scoring games to establish himself as one of the best scoring threats in the Section. 

Zach Garnett-Senior, Small Forward (Frontier Titans/Bakersfield CA)

• South Yosemite River League Most Valuable Player. 
• Season averages per game: 20.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks.
• Garnett led the Titans to its first league title in school history, going 8-0 in the process, became the program’s all-time scoring, and helped Frontier advance to the D2 Section semifinals before falling to eventual D2 champs in MIssion Prep of San Luis Obispo. 

Gabe Gutierrez-Senior, Lead Guard (Bakersfield Christian Eagles/CA)

• South Yosemite Valley League co-Most Valuable Player (3 x MVP).
• Season averages per game: 18 points, 4.1 assists, 3.3 steals, and 3.2 rebounds.
• Gutierrez led the Eagles to another SYL-Valley title, going undefeated at 8-0, was pivotal in Balersfiled Christian’s run to the D2 State Final 4, and put up a 40-ball in the State D2 Regional semifinal win over Riverside Poly. 
• CSO All-Area MVP Honors 

Loukas Jones-Senior, Shooting Guard (Clovis North Broncos/Fresno CA)

• Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference co-Most Valuable Player.
• Season averages per game: 17.7 points, 5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals.
• Jones was a key piece for the Broncos, as it would go 8-2 in league play and earned another TRAC League title, shared with Buchanan. Jones would also become the Broncos all-time leading scorer at , as well as the all-time leader in made 3-pointers at 159 with 92 this season alone. Jones was part of last year’s D1 Section Title team, and this year’s Section semifinal participants. 

Julius Olanrewaju-Senior, Wing/Guard (San Joaquin Memorial Panthers/Fresno CA)

• County-Metro 1 League co-Most Valuable Player. 
• Season averages per game: 17.1 points, 8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
• Olanrewaju was the cornerstone for the Panthers this season, as the offense was at its best when the ball moved through Julius, especially from the high-post. Olanrewaju helped lead the Panthers to its 3rd CMAC league title in his 4 years of high school, which it shared with Bullard, and had some big-time scoring games highlighted by the 33-point outburst in a win over Bakersfield High. Julius became a member of the 2,000 career point club, and finished with a total of 2,220. 

Julius Price-Junior, Point Guard (St. Joseph Knights/Santa Maria CA)

• Central Coast-Mountain League All-1st Team Honors (3rd 1st Team selection).
• Season averages per game: 18.4 points, 6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.
• Price was pivotal at the lead guard position running one of the best teams in the country, as well as being the team’s leading 3-point shooter. Price was the perfect complimentary piece to go alongside the Baylor commit Tounde Yessoufou, but will be called upon to lead the way in the scoring column next season. Price helped lead the Knights to the D1 Section Title, the 2nd of his career, and was the only other player to score in double-figures in the Open Division State quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame of Sherman Oak. 

Ethan Saenz-Sophomore, Point Guard (North Bakersfield Stars/CA)

• South Yosemite Mountain League co-Most Valuable Player.
• Season averages per game: 18.8 points and 6.5 assists.
• Saenz, after earning Rookie of the Year honors and helping the Stars win a Section title his freshman year, led North to its 2nd consecutive Division 3 Section Title, as he would earn Player of the Game honors after dropping a game-high 33 points in the win over Righetti. Saenz has established himself as one of the top lead guards in the Section and, for the first time in his high school career, will be the upperclassmen tasked with leading a young but talented Stars roster next season. 

Conner Sheets-Senior, Lead Guard (Buchanan Bears/Clovis CA)

• Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference co-Most Valuable Player.
• Season averages per game: 18.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals. 
• Sheets put on some spectacular scoring displays this season, as he would lead the Bears to its first TRAC Title in years, which it would split with Clovis North. In the D1 Section playoffs, Sheets had a big 2nd half against Bakersfield Christian to get a win, as well as another big scoring output in the Bears 3rd win of the season against the defending D1 Section champs Clovis North in the semifinals, which earned Buchanan a spot in the Division 1 Section Title game. Despite the loss to the powerhouse St. Joseph Knights in the D1 Section Title Game, Sheets would lead the Bears to a first round win in the D1 State playoffs over Monterey Trail, before falling to St. Ignatius of San Francisco. 

DJ Stickman-Senior, Combo Guard (Clovis West Golden Eagles/Fresno CA)

• Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
• Season averages per game: 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 3.1 steals, and 2.3 blocks.
• The Fresno State commit put up stellar numbers this season, as was evident in his 30-point performance against D1 Section champs St. Joseph in a non-league game in early January. Stickman was part of a 1-2 punch, along with Jace Kellogg, that helped the Golden Eagles finish in 2nd place in the TRAC and has been one of top two-way players in the Section since his sophomore year, with his ability to defend perimeter players, as well as interior players on switches. Stickman showed major improvements as a lead guard and displayed the court vision and decision making to run an offense.   

2nd Team All-Central Section

McKae Amundsen-Junior, Point Guard (Clovis North Broncos/Fresno CA)

• 1st Team All-Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference.
• Season averages per game: 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.5 steals.
• Amundsen was tasked with running the Broncos offense and helped lead Clovis North to another TRAC League title, which it split with Buchanan. 

Roman Benedetti-Senior, Wing/Forward (MIssion Prep Royals/San Luis Obispo CA)

• 1st Team All-Central Coast Mountain League. 
• Season averages per game: 17.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.7 steals.  
• Benedetti had a stellar season and led the Royals to a Division 2 Section title, in which he took home the Player of the Game honors. Benedetti hit some big time shots in the Section title game, especially the 3-pointer in double overtime. 

Gavin Chirstian-Junior, Wing/Forward (South Bakersfield Spartans/CA)

• South Yosemite Mountain League co-Most Valuable Player. 
• Season averages per game: 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals. 
• Christian took a big leap in his game this season and had some big games, which helped the Spartans earn a co-SYL-Mountain title, shared with North Bakersfield. 

Ja’Vance Coleman Jr.-Junior, Lead Guard (Bullard Knights/Fresno CA)

• 1st Team All-CMAC 1 League.
• Season averages per game: 19.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2 steals. 
• Coleman provided the balanced attack, along with fellow junior Dalen Felder to help lead the Knights to a 2nd consecutive CMAC 1 League title, which it split with San Joaquin Memorial. Coleman went down with a foot injury at the Mission Prep Christmas Classic but made a quick recovery and was back on the court by MLK weekend, which gave Bullard the scoring and defensive punch it needed to capture a CMAC title. 

Malachi Ficher-Senior, Guard/Wing (Tulare Western Mustangs/CA)

• West Yosemite League Most Outstanding Player 
• Season averages per game: 27 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.7 steals.
• Fischer was one of the more prolific scorers in the Section and helped lead the Mustangs to a WSL co-championship, which was split with Tulare Union.     

Caeden Lloyd-Senior, Center/Forward (Central Valley Christian Cavaliers/Visalia CA)

• Tri-County-Kings Canyon League Most Valuable Player. 
• Season averages per game: 17.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 6.3 blocks. 
• Lloyd was one of the more dominant bigs in the Section this season and provided the senior leadership needed on a young roster to lead the Cavaliers to the Tri-County Kings Canyon league title.  

James Miller IV-Senior, Lead Guard (Roosevelt Rough Riders/Fresno CA)

• County-Metro 2 League co-Most Valuable Player. 
• Season averages per game: 15.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. 

Aden Millwee-Senior, Shooting Guard (Fresno Christian Eagles/CA)

• Northwest Sequoia League Most Valuable Player
• Season averages per game: 20.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2 
• Millwee led the Eagles to a Division 4 Section Title, as well as a D4 State SoCal Regional Title. Millwee was key in Fresno Christian’s undefeated season and Northwest Sequoia League title and was one of the top 3-point shooters in the Section. 

Caleb Ramirez-Senior, Forward (Sanger Apaches/CA)

• County-Metro 2 League co-Most Valuable Player. 
• Season averages per game: 15 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
• Ramirez was a constant interior presence all year for the Apaches, as it would win the CMAC 2 League title. 

Parker Spees-Junior, Forward (San Joaquin Memorial Panthers/Fresno CA)

• 1st Team All-CMAC 1 League.
• Season averages per game: 14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 2 assists.
• Spees made a big jump to being one of the core 3 guys for the talented Panthers squad and was key in San Joaquin’s 1st place finish in the CMAC 1 League, which it split with Bullard.  

3rd Team All-Central Section

Remy Barnes-Senior, Wing/Guard (Hanford Bullpups/CA)

• 1st Team All-West Yosemite League.
• Season averages per game: 17.2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.7 steals.
• Barnes provided the scoring punch needed to have a successful season, with its upset of the #2 seed San Luis Obispo in the D2 Section Playoffs as a pivotal moment of the season. 

Ty Baxter-Senior, Combo Guard (Monache Marauders/Porterville CA)

• East Yosemite League Most Valuable Player.
• Season averages per game: 20 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals. 
• Baxter led the Marauders to a 3-way tie for the EYL title, as well as a run to the D4 Section Title game, where he was named Player of the Game but Monache fell short. Baxter scored 23 points in the Section championship.  

Tristan Beechler-Freshman, Lead Guard (Clovis East Timberwolves/CA)

• 1st Team All-Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference.
• Season averages per game: Information not available or provided. 

Malachi Davis-Sophomore, Wing/Guard (McFarland Cougars/CA)

• South Sequoia League Most Valuable Player
• Season averages per game: 23.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 4.1 steals.
• Davis led the Cougars to an undefeated season in league play and a SSL Championship. 

Landon Hayes-Junior, Point Guard (Porterville Panthers/CA)

• 1st Team All-East Yosemite League. 
• Season averages per game: 14 points and 5 rebounds.
• Hayes led the Panthers to a 3-way tie for the EYL title, as well as a run to the D2 Section Semifinals before falling to base-D1 Central of Fresno. Hayes will lead a solid core of juniors coming back next season with a senior heavy roster. 

Kade Johnson-Junior, Wing/Guard (Bakersfield Drillers/CA) 

• 1st Team All-South Yosemite Valley League.
• Season averages per game: 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 assists. 
• Johnson was the key scoring punch that helped the Drillers get back to the program’s winning ways with big games against the likes of San Joaquin Memorial, Inglewood, and Bakersfield Christian.

Drew Minnear-Senior, Point Guard (Bakersfield Christian Eagles/CA)

• South Yosemite Valley League co-Most Valuable Player.
• Season averages per game: 9.4 points, 4.5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. 
• Minnear provided a tough 1-2 punch for the Eagles backcourt and provided the needed senior leadership on a team with a relatively young roster. Minnear was key in helping the Eagles go undefeated in league play and make a run to the D2 State Semifinals. 

Nevin Pitkin-Senior, Combo Guard (Sierra Pacific Golden Bears/Hanford CA)  

• Tri-County – Kings Canyon co-Offensive Player of the Year
• Season averages per game: 14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3.8 steals. 

Brayden Stevenson-Junior, Combo Guard (Tulare Union The Tribe/CA)

• 1st Team All-West Yosemite League.
• Season averages per game: 21.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3 steals. 
• Stevenson helped lead the Tribe to a WSL co-title and the most successful season in a while for Tulare Union. The backcourt duo will be back next season and may be the front-runners in league play.  

Agustus Swenning-Senior, Wing/Forward (Kingsburg Vikings/CA)

• Tri-County – Kings Canyon co-Offensive Player of the Year.
• Season averages per game: 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.  

Honorable Mention: 

Malachi Barnes-Senior, Lead Guard (Sunnyside Wildcats/Fresno CA) 

Keyvon Burcher-Senior, Lead Guard (McLane Highlanders/Fresno CA)

Micah Cole-Senior, Wing/Forward (Sanger Apaches/CA) 

Noah Coulton-Junior, Lead Guard (Fresno Christian Eagles/CA) 

Dallin Crawford-Senior, Forward (Frontier Titans/Bakersfield CA)

Taiwo Daramola-Sophomore, Forward (Bakersfield Christian Eagles/CA)

Colin Dodd-Senior, Forward (Sierra Pacific Golden Bears/Hanford CA)

Chayce Duerksen-Senior, Shooting Guard (Sierra Chieftains/Tollhouse CA) 

Stevie Estrada-Junior, Forward  (Madera Coyotes/CA)

Cole Gilcrest-Senior, Forward/Center (Redwood Rangers/Visalia CA) 

Elias Gish-Junior, Wing/Guard (Clovis North Broncos/Fresno CA)

Elias Griffin-Senior, Wing/Forward (North Bakersfield CA)

Jensen Hirschkorn-Junior, EWing/Forward (Kingsburg Vikings/CA) 

Jace Kellogg-Junior, Lead Guard (Clovis West Golden Eagles/Fresno CA)

Jeremias Killerbrew-Sophomore, Wing/Slasher (Bakersfield Christian Eagles/CA)

Erick Estrella Marquez-Senior, Forward (Dinuba Emperors/CA)

Logan Missler-Junior, Combo Guard (San Luis Obispo Tigers/CA)

Jayden Nozil-Senior, Lead Guard (Mission Prep Royals/San Luis Obispo CA)

Gerald Perry III-Senior, Lead Guard (Central Grizzlies/Fresno CA)

Cobi Posas-Sophomore, Wing/Forward (Roosevelt Rough Riders/Fresno CA)

Abram Potts-Senior, Shooting Guard (San Joaquin Memorial Panthers/Fresno CA)

Payton Powell-Junior, Combo Guard (Justin Garza Guardians/Fresno CA)

Amarius Rowell-Senior, Lead Guard (Independence Falcons/Bakersfield CA)

RJ Shehee-Freshman, Point Guard (Bakersfield Drillers/CA)

Dax Stout-Senior, Wing/Guard (Buchanan Bears/Clovis CA)