The 2021-2022 high school basketball season was filled with a lot of firsts. Clovis West won their first Central Section Open Division Championship, Clovis North won their first Division 1 NorCal State Championship, Bakersfield Christian won their school’s first Division 1 Section Title, Golden Valley won their program’s first Section Championship in Division 3, and Mt. Whitney had their first 30 game winning season. In the spirit of firsts, I have put together the 661 Hoops Live Inaugural All-Central Section Team Rosters. There are 3 teams of 10 players each, a Most Outstanding Player, and 10 players of honorable mention, for a total of 41 players from all areas within the Section. The All-Section Team rosters include the players’ name, school they attend, grade in school, basketball position, a short description of their season highlights and accomplishments, and their season averages in key categories. 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 99% of the players on these rosters in-person, and 100% if we include watching game film. I look forward to next season, as the future looks bright for Central Section basketball, but this article is designed to shed light on players that excelled this season. I begin with the overall Most Outstanding Player, Joseph Hunter.
Central Section’s Most Outstanding Player:
Joseph Hunter-Senior, Combo Guard (San Joaquin Memorial Panthers/Fresno)
Hunter put on an impressive display of scoring this season, and left no doubt as to who is the top player in the Central Section. Hunter surpassed the 2000 point mark for his career, set a single-game scoring record with 54 points against Madera South, and is a finalist for CalHi Sports Mr. Basketball for the state of California. Hunter poured in a game-high 49 points in the Central Section Open Division 3rd place game, in a win over Clovis North, and earned County Metro League Most Valuable Player for the 3rd consecutive year. Hunter was a McDonald’s All-American selectee and will continue his playing career with the Fresno State Bulldogs.
- Season averages: 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
1st Team All-Central Section:
Jackson Tucker-Senior, Guard/Wing (Bakersfield Christian Eagles)
Tucker led the Eagles in scoring, rebounding, and assists en route to a South Yosemite League Championship, as well as Bakersfield Christian’s first Central Section Division 1 Championship in school history. Tucker was named SYL Co-Most Valuable Player and had a career/season-high of 31 points against Golden Valley in league play. Tucker was named All-Area Co-MVP by the Bakersfield Californian (BVarsity), and has been garnishing a lot of attention from Division 2 and Division 3 schools, with recent offers from Cal State East Bay and Dominican.
- Season averages: 19.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Lejuan Watts-Senior, Forward/Wing (Bullard Knights/Fresno)
Watts led the Knights in points and rebounds, and anchored the team during their run to the Division 3 State Semifinal game. Watts is a jack of all trades on both ends of the court, which was reflected in one of his most impressive individual performances of the season against Hoover of Fresno, where he finished with 27 points, 22 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. Watts was selected to 1st Team All-League for the County Metro League, and recently Watts received an offer from Eastern Washington.
- Season averages: 17.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3 blocks.
Tounde Yessoufou-Freshman, Wing/Guard (St. Joseph Knights/Santa Maria)
The freshman phenom took the Central Section hoops scene by storm this season scoring at a high clip, as he would have 6 games of 30+ points, and 3 games with 29 points. Yessoufou had a career-high of 44 points and 12 rebounds against Central of Fresno and was awarded Central Coast Mountain League Most Valuable Player, as he led the Knights to an undefeated season and league title. Yessoufou was key in the Knights return to the Central Section Open Championship game, where they fell short to Clovis West.
- Season averages: 26.4 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
Connor Amundsen-Sophomore, Point Guard (Clovis North Broncos/Fresno)
Amundsen entered his sophomore season with a lot of hype and expectations after a highly productive fall individual showcase showing at various events throughout California. The super sophomore lived up to the hype and then some, as he was the driving force for the Broncos in their run to the Division 1 State Championship game, where they fell short to Damien of La Verne. Amundsen had games of 27, 25, 21 and 17 points in the team’s four games in the State Playoffs, and was selected to 1st Team All-TRAC League. Amundsen has generated a lot of interest amongst Division 2 programs, and is starting to garner serious attention from Division 1 schools.
- Season averages: 17.5 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2.4 steals.
Tyus Parrish-Tillman-Senior, Forward (Clovis West Golden Eagles/Fresno)
Parrish-Tillman returned for his senior season after he had missed the entirety of his junior year, due to a knee injury, and he would make the most of his season. Parrish-Tillman was TRAC League Co-Most Valuable Player, he was named 1st Team All-Tournament at several events the Golden Eagles participated in, and came up big time in all of Clovis West’s meaningful games this season. Parrish-Tillman’s signature game came against Central of Fresno, as the Golden Eagles trailed by 22 points, as the big man led the comeback charge with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Tyus was a force on both ends in the paint and left his imprint on the Section Open Division Title game, with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
- Season averages: 16 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks.
Dre Roman-Senior, Combo Guard (St. Joseph Knights/Santa Maria)
Roman was the only returning starter from the previous season’s Section Open Division Championship team, and would be relied upon to be the leader on both ends of the court. Roman was named to 1st Team All-League for the Central Coast Mountain League, was tasked with defending the top perimeter player on the opposing team every game, and had his best individual performance against Las Vegas High School, where he scored 32 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. Roman provided the defensive intensity that got the others going, and provided the leadership needed to make a return to the Section Open Title Game.
- Season averages: 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Issac Martinez-Junior, Shooting Guard (Clovis West Golden Eagles/Fresno)
Martinez had numerous big-time performances in key games that helped lead the Golden Eagles to their 1st Central Section Open Division Title. Martinez was Co-Most Valuable Player for the TRAC League, earned 3 tournament MVP awards for the Golden Eagles, and led the comeback win in the Open Championship game with all 18 of his points coming in the 2nd half and overtime. Martinez had his personal best scoring the ball in the Clovis West Nike Invitational Championship, a triple-overtime thrilling win over Clovis North, where he put up 31 points.
- Session averages: 15.5 points and 3 assists.
Cameron Brown-Senior, Combo Guard (Independence Falcons/Bakersfield)
Brown was the driving force for the Falcons this season on both sides on the ball and was pivotal in Independence taking 2nd place in SYL play, with a big win over league rival Bakersfield Christian. Brown earned Co-Most Valuable Player honors for the South Yosemite League, and carried the Falcons in scoring after the loss of fellow senior Kyriaun Davis, who was averaging a double-double before his season-ending knee injury. Brown had a season-high of 31 points against Ridgeview of Bakersfield, with multiple double-double games throughout the season.
- Season averages: 18.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Erick Chaney-Senior, Combo Guard (Bakersfield Christian Eagles)
Chaney had a highly productive season that really ramped up towards the end of league play and throughout the postseason, which culminated in Bakersfield Christian’s first Section Division 1 Title. Chaney had a season-high of 36 points, connecting on 7 threes, over St. Francis of La Canada. The big scoring numbers continued, as teams focused more attention on fellow Eagle Jackson Tucker, going for 30 points against Clovis East, and 28 points in the Section Division 1 Title Game over Central of Fresno. Chaney’s signature moment would come in the opening round of the NorCal Division 2 Playoffs when he connected on a 3 pointer as time expired to give the Eagles the win over St. Paul. Chaney was selected as All-Area Co-Most Valuable Player by the Bakersfield Californian (BVartisty).
- Season averages: 18.7 points and 3.1 renounds.
Jamar Howard-Junior, Wing/Guard (Mission Prep Royals/San Luis Obispo)
Howard had a sensational first season with the Royals, as he displayed his ability to score the ball at a high clip all season long. Howard was named 1st Team All-Central Coast Mountain League and led the Royals to the semifinals of the Central Section Division 2 semifinals, before losing to the eventual D2 Champs of Mt. Whitney. Howard had a season-high of 39 points, eight games of 30 or more, and a season total of 717 points. Howard’s run of 30 point games to end the season and throughout the first two rounds of the Section playoffs are the reason why the Royals were able to compete and why Howard cracked the All-1st Team roster.
- Season averages: 24.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
2nd Team All-Central Section:
Jaden Haire-Junior, Wing/Guard/Forward (Hanford West Huskies)
One of the best-kept secrets in the Central Section is the 6’6 big guard, who put down a sensational season with monster numbers. Haire led the Huskies in both points and rebounds, as he had some huge double-double performances throughout the season. Whether it be the 37 points and 18 rebounds against Hanford, 22 points and 17 rebounds against Section powerhouse San Joaquin Memorial, 40 points and 18 rebounds against Tulare Union, or the 36 points and 23 rebounds against Kingsburg, Haire put on a show when he hit the court. Haire was awarded the Most Outstanding Offensive Player for the Central Sequoia League, as well as 1st Team All-League.
- Season averages: 22.9 points and 16.2 rebounds
Julius Olanrewaju-Freshman, Wing/Guard (Coalinga Horned Toads)
Close on the heels of Tounde Yessoufou for top 2025 prospect in the Central Section is fellow standout freshman Olanrewaju, who led the Horned Toads in every key statistic this season. Olanrewaju put up big numbers this season, with a high of 49 points against McLane of Fresno, as well as being named Most Valuable Player of the West Sierra League, leading Coalinga to an undefeated league record of 10-0. Olanrewaju will play for Jalen Green Elite on the Adidas circuit, which will provide the exposure needed for the young but skilled prospect.
- Season averages: 31.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 blocks.
Camden Thompson-Senior, Guard (Clovis East Timberwolves/Fresno)
Thompson led the Timberwolves this season to the Central Section Division 1 semifinal, where he had a team-high 25 points in a tough loss to Bakersfield Christian. Thompson was key for the Timberwolves’ upset of Central of Fresno, scored over 1000 points for his career, and was named to the TRAC League All-1st Team. Thompson came up big against Clovis East’s toughest opponents this season, with 25 points against both Bakersfield Christian and Clovis North, and 22 points against the Section’s top seed Clovis West.
- Season averages: 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3.3 steals.
Jhase Boston-Junior, Combo Guard (Stockdale Mustangs/Bakersfield)
Boston was the leading scorer for the Mustangs, and was the primary lead guard before the return of fellow junior Joaquin Rios. Boston had multiple games of 30 points or more, and had a career-high of 42 points against Dos Pueblos of Goleta. Boston was named Southwest Yosemite League Co-Most Valuable Player.
- Season averages: 24 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds.
Zykiar Henderson-Sophomore, Wing/Guard (Frontier Titans/Bakersfield)
Henderson had a standout sophomore season for the Titans, as he led them in points and rebounds. Henderson took his game to another level in the playoffs, and led the Titans to the Central Section Division 2 Championship game, losing to Mt. Whitney. Henderson earned All 1st-Team for the Southwest Yosemite League, and a career scoring high of 37 points against West High of Bakersfield.
- Season averages: 19.3 points and 9.1 rebounds.
Luis Marin-Junior Point Guard (St. Joseph Knights/Santa Maria)
Marin made major strides this season, as he went from the sixth man off the bench for last season’s Section Open Division Championship squad to being a part of the Knights big three this season. Marin had an impressive showing in the Open Division Section Title game, where he led the Knights with 21points, along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists, despite a loss in overtime. Marin’s best individual performance came against Righetti, where he put up an impressive triple-double, 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. His season-high was against Nipomo, scoring 30 points. Marin earned 1st Team All-Central Coast Mountain League honors.
- Season averages: 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.
Markell Brooks-Senior, Forward/Wing (Golden Valley Bulldogs/Bakersfield)
Brooks anchored the Bulldogs on both ends of the floor this season, and was the leading catalyst in Golden Valley’s run to the school’s first-ever Central Section Championship, winning the Division 3 Title. Brooks, or Mr. Double-Double, had 10+ points and 10+ rebounds in 21 of the Bulldogs’ 30 games this season. Brooks’ season-high in points came against South Bakersfield, with 33, but his most impressive all-around game was against Frontier of Bakersfield, where he had 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Brooks earned 1st Team All-League in the South Yosemite League for his impressive play this season.
- Season averages: 18.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
LaDanian Streets-Junior, Guard (Central Grizzlies/Fresno)
Streets was the leading scorer for the Grizzlies, who had one of the more balanced attacks of any team in the Section. Streets was the most proficient shooter from the 3 point line, and had season highs of 24 points against Hoover of Fresno and 22 points against Inderkum of Sacramento. Streets earned 1st Team All-TRAC League honors, and will be a key piece again next season for the Grizzlies.
- Season averages: 12.5 points.
Mike Davis Jr.-Junior, Forward (San Joaquin Memorial Panthers/Fresno)
Davis was a big presence in the post for the Panthers, as he controlled the glass all season long. Davis had his career-defining game against Edison, where he showed his ability to dominate on the offensive end, as he went for 36 points and 8 rebounds in a win over CMAC league rival Edison of Fresno. Given the volume scoring numbers that teammate Joseph Hunter accumulated this season, Davis’ scoring numbers were not as high as he is capable of putting up on a nightly basis. Davis was named 1st Team All-CMAC League and will be called upon to be more of a scoring presence next season.
- Season averages: 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Matthew Ruegge-Senior, Shooting Guard (Kingsburg Vikings)
After being part of a senior-heavy squad that won the Division 5 SoCal State Championship last season, Ruegge was tasked with the leadership role for the Vikings, and he showed he was capable of taking on the challenge. Ruegge set a single-game scoring record with 49 points against Central Valley Christian, as well as a school record of 119 three-pointers made in a single season. Ruegge was awarded the Central Sequoia League Most Valuable Player award, and will go down as one of the top scorers in program history.
- Season averages: 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
3rd Team All-Central Section:
Dane Odsather-Senior, Guard/Wing (Porterville Panthers)
Odsather had an impressive senior campaign, as he led the Panthers to an East Yosemite League championship, going undefeated at 10-0. Odsather was named the EYL’s Most Valuable Player.
- Season averages: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
Jaylan Walton-Senior, Point Guard (Hoover Patriots/Fresno)
Walton has been one of the top lead guards in the Section since his freshman season, and led the Patriots in points and assists per game. Walton was selected to the 1st team All-North Yosemite League. Walton’s best individual performance came in a win over Bullard of Fresno in the Sanger Shootout, going for 23 points and 3 assists.
- Season averages: 15.8 points, 4.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 steals.
Tyric Herod-Senior, Guard (Bullard Knights/Fresno)
Herod provided the perimeter scoring punch to match the post presence of Watts for the Knights this season. Herod had his best showing this season in the first round of the Central Section Division 1 Playoffs, as he went for 26 points, connecting on 5 threes, and the game-winner over Centennial of Bakersfield. Herod had a solid playoffs run for the Knights, as they advanced to the Division 3 State Semifinals, and was selected to the 1st Team All-CMAC.
- Season averages: 16.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals.
Carter Glick-Senior, Guard (Mt. Whitney Pioneers/Visalia)
Glick was the top scorer for the Pioneers during their historic season, which was capped off with the Central Section Division 2 Title. Glick was lights out from the 3-point line, and a major reason the Pioneers were able to end the season with a record of 30-3, the 30 wins is a school record. Glick was awarded West Yosemite League Most Valuable Player honors.
- Season averages: 18.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Rippen Gill-Sophomore, Wing/Forward (Centennial Golden Hawks/Bakersfield)
Gill provided the versatility and skill that helped the Golden Eagles win the SWYL, going undefeated with a 10-0 record. Gill had a huge game in the first round of the playoffs, scoring a team-high 21 points despite falling to Bullard. Gill was selected as Co-Most Valuable Player for the Southwest Yosemite League.
- Season averages: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Orion Tomlinson-Senior, Point Guard (Fresno Christian Eagles)
Tomlinson led the Eagles to an East Sierra League Title, as the team went undefeated at 10-0. Tomlinson had a season-high of 46 points against Kings Christian, and was awarded Most Valuable Player of the East Sierra League. Tomlinson would finish his high school career with a total of 1776 total points scored.
- Season averages: 23.8 points, 6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 steals.
Prince Ellis-Junior, Point Guard (South Bakersfield Spartans)
Ellis was the offensive focal point for the Spartans this season, as he led South Bakersfield to the Southeast Yosemite League Title with a record of 9-1. Ellis went for 30 points twice this season, against Golden Valley and West High of Bakersfield. Ellis was named SEYL Most Valuable Player.
- Season averages: 18.3 points, 3.2 steals, 2.7 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Dea’Shuan Bias-Senior, Wing (Sunnyside Wildcats/Fresno)
Bias provided great leadership for the Wildcats this season, who bolstered a very young roster, and helped lead the team to a North Yosemite League Title, going 9-1. Bias was awarded the NYL’s Most Valuable Player award for his individual play this season, as well as leading his team to a league title.
- Season averages: 17.7 points and 8 rebounds.
Jermaine Dabbs-Senior, Combo Guard (Golden ValleyBulldogs/Bakersfield)
Dabbs has been the lead guard for the Bulldogs all four years of his high school career, and his senior season would conclude with a bang, as he was a major part of the team’s success. Dabbs had his best game of the season when it mattered most, as he went for 25 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in the Division 3 Section Title game and win over Atascadero. Dabbs was named to the All-League 1st Team for the South Yosemite League.
- Season averages: 13.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 steals.
James Miller IV-Freshman, Point Guard (Roosevelt Rough Riders/Fresno)
Miller was a welcomed presence on the ball this year, as Roosevelt was very senior-heavy last season. Miller led the Rough Riders in points and has elite playmaking ability, and is the 3rd freshman in these All-Section Team rosters, which is shaping up to be a class loaded with talent. Miller was named 1st Team All-North Yosemite League, and had a season-high of 33 points against Reedley High School.
- Season averages: 18.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Honorable Mention Team:
Marques Green-Senior, Forward (Central/Fresno)
Amari Carraway-Junior, Point Guard (San Joaquin Memorial/Fresno)
Nico Jones-Senior, Guard (Clovis North/Fresno)
Nathan Jaureguizar-Senior, Forward/Wing (Hanford)
Noah Wright-Senior, Forward/Wing (North Bakersfield)
Stevie Waiters-Senior, Guard (Atascadero)
Deshawn Usochu-Sophomore, Combo Guard (Liberty/Bakersfield)
Isaiah Martinez-Senior, Point Guard (Dinuba)
Stephon Brooks-Senior, Guard (West High/Bakersfield)
Blake Dibble-Senior, Shooting Guard (Centennial/Bakersfield)
Tyler Silva-Senior, Point Guard (Frontier/Bakersfield)
