The 2023-2024 high school basketball season had some first time experiences, as well as some records set. Centennial of Bakersfield won the CIF SoCal Regional Championship; Clovis North won the Division 1 Section Title over the favored St. Joseph Knights; North Bakersfield won its first Section Title in school history, as well as the Final 4 for State Division 5 Playoffs; St. Joseph and Sierra won the Northern California Championships in the Open Division and Division 5 respectively. Clovis West & Clovis North gave us another classic end of regular season game, North Bakersfield and Sierra played an overtime thriller for the D3 Section Championship, Kerman & Corcoran went down to the wire in the D4 Section Title Game, and Bullard got some close wins over league foes to capture the CMAC title. Logan Kilbert set the all time career scoring record for the Central Section and top 5 in California high school basketball history. Tounde Yessoufou continued to put up gaudy numbers but Connor Amundsen reminded everyone that he is one of the best in the Section as well.
I have put together the 3rd annual 661 Hoops Live All-Central Section Team Rosters. There are 3 teams of 10 players each, 2 co-Most Outstanding Players, and 12 players of honorable mention, for a total of 46 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 (if the information was made available). 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. 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, which is two players this year. I have awarded two players for All-Section Most Outstanding Player, as both were equally significant to their team’s success this season and the best players on the top two teams in the Central Section. Therefore, we begin with the co-MVPs, Tounde Yessoufou and Connor Amundsen.
Central Section’s Co-Most Outstanding Player
Connor Amundsen-Senior, Point Guard (Clovis North Broncos/Fresno CA)
- Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference co-Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2 steals
- Led the Broncos to a second consecutive TRAC title (co-champs with Clovis West), the top seed in Division 1 Central Section Playoff, the Central Section Championship over the favorite St. Joseph Knights, and an Elite 8 appearance in the State Open Division Playoffs with a win over Branson of Ross, CA.
- Leading scorer at the Gridley Invitational, Tournament MVP at the Mission Prep Christmas Classic, and All-Tournament Team for top division at Classic at Damien, as well as Player of the Game honors in multiple single game showcases.
Tounde Yessoufou-Junior, Guard/Wing (St. Joseph Knights/Santa Maria CA)
- Central Coast Mountain League Most Valuable Player
- Ranked #24 in the national class of 2025 by ESPN
- Season averages per game: 32.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.6 steals
- Led the Knights to a CC-Mountain League Title with an 8-0 record; Central Section Division 1 Runner-ups; and Elite 8 for Open Division State Playoffs with a win over Sierra Canyon.
- Earned multiple tournament and single game showcase MVPs and Player of the Game honors.
1st Team All-Central Section
Nate Becerra-Senior, Forward (North Stars/Bakersfield CA)
- South Yosemite Mountain League co-Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 19.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks
- Becerra held down the post and led the Stars to a SYL-Mountain title (split with South Bakersfield), the school’s first ever Central Section Championship (Division 3) over Sierra, and the Final Four in the Division 5 State Playoffs before falling to Verdugo Hills.
Jordan Espinoza-Senior, Wing/Forward (Clovis North Broncos/Fresno CA)
- Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference 1st Team All-League
- Season averages per game: 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 2.2 assists
- Espinoza was the defensive anchor for the D1 Central Section Champs, as well as a key leader in helping the Broncos win a TRAC League title (co-champs with Clovis West). Espinoza routinely took on bigger players from opposing teams and held his own on the boards.
Dalen Felder-Sophomore, Combo Guard (Bullard Knights/Fresno CA)
- County-Metro League Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 20.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists
- Felder was key in league play, especially when fellow sophomore standout Ja’Vance Coleman went down with a season ending injury, and helped lead the Knights to an undefeated season and outright CMAC Champs. Felder continued his high level of play to lead Bullard to the Final Four of the Division 3 State Playoffs.
Rippen Gill-Senior, Guard/Wing (Centennial Golden Hawks.Bakersfield CA)
- South Yosemite River League Most Valuable Player (3rd consecutive MVP)
- Season Averages per game: 18.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4.1 steals
- Led the Golden Hawks to an undefeated league record and a SYL-River title, and the Division 2 SoCal Regional State Championship, as well as having a
Gabe Gutierrez-Junior, Point Guard (Bakersfield Christian Eagles/CA)
- South Yosemite Valley League co-Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 18 points, 3.7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 steals
- Gutierrez was part of one of the best duos in the Section, if not the state, along with Bentley Waller, and helped lead the Eagles to an undefeated season and SYL-Valley title, as well as an Elite 8 run in the Division 2 State Playoffs.
Logan Kilbert-Senior, Shooting Guard (Sierra Chieftains/Tollhouse CA)
- Northwest Sequoia League Most Valuable Player (3rd consecutive league MVP)
- Season avengers per game: 29.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.5 steals
- Kilbert once again led the Chieftains to an undefeated season and league championship and a second consecutive spot in the Central Section Division 3 Title Game, but fell short to North Bakersfield in overtime.
- Kilbert surpassed the 3,000 career point mark, at 3,334, to become the all time leading scorer in Central Section basketball history.
Julius Price-Sophomore, Point Guard (St. Joseph Knights/Santa Maria)
- Central Coast-Mountain League All-1st Team Honors
- Season averages per game: 19.7 points, 7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds
- Price was part of one of the best duo’s in the country, alongside Tounde Yessoufou, and helped lead the Knights to a to a CC-Mountain League Title with an 8-0 record; Central Section Division 1 Runner-ups; and Elite 8 for Open Division State Playoffs.
DJ Stickman-Junior, Point Guard (Clovis West Golden Eagles/Fresno CA)
- Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference co-Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals
- Stickman made major strides in his game this season to help the Golden Eagles win a TRAC League Title (co-champs with Clovis North), the final four in the D1 Central Section Playoffs, and the #1 seed in the NorCal D1 State Regionals. Arguably the best two-way player in the Section.
Javier Torres-Senior, Point Guard (Dinuba Emperors/CA)
- West Yosemite League Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 16.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.3 steals
- Torres had a great senior campaign, as he led the Emperors to an undefeated season and WYL champs. Torres was key in leading Dinuba to a Central Section Division 2 Title over Mission Prep of San Luis Obispo.
Bentley Waller-Senior, Combo Guard (Bakersfield Christian Eagles/CA)
- South Yosemite Valley League co-Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 24.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists
- Waller put together a sensational senior season to help lead the Eagles to a SYL-Valley title going undefeated at 8-0, and a run to the Elite 8 in the Division 2 State Playoffs, and capped off his high school career with a 30-point showing in a loss to Heritage Christian.
2nd Team All-Central Section
Malachi Barnes-Junior, Point Guard (Sunnyside Wildcats/Fresno CA)
- North Yosemite League Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 18 points
- Barnes, dynamic two sport athlete, led the Wildcats to a 2nd place finish in NYL play and the semifinals of the Central Section Division 2 Playoffs before falling to eventual Section Champs Dinuba, 38 to 35. Barnes, and a majority of the roster will return for senior season and I would expect Sunnyside to compete for the NYL title with Barnes leading the way.
Christopher Baudreau-Junior, Power Forward (Clovis West Golden Eagles/Fresno CA)
- Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference 1st Team All-League
- Season averages per game: 11.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks
- Baudreau gave the Golden Eagles the needed inside presence that helped Clovis West win another TRAC league title (co-champs with Clovis North) and provided the rim protection missing from the previous season. Already has received D1 offers, Baudreau will be a key piece next year, along with Stickman, Kellogg, and others that will make the Golden Eagles a preseason top 3 team.
Javon Bragg-Junior, Power Forward (Corcoran Panthers/CA)
- East Sequoia League Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 22.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 4 blocks
- Bragg dominated in the post and the mid-range to lead the Panthers to an undefeated season and ESL Title. Bragg would help Corcoran earn a spot in the Division 4 Central Section Champions Game before falling to Kerman by a point, 61-60.
Cole Gilcrest-Junior, Forward/Center (Redwood Rangers/Visalia CA)
- East Yosemite League Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 13.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks
- Gilcrest anchored the post as one of the most dominant bigs in the Section and led the Rangers to an undefeated season and EYL title. Double-double machine that continues to expand his offensive game.
Javon Hicks-Senior, Combo Guard (Selma Bears/CA)
- Tri-County Kings Canyon Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 19.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals
- Hicks led the way for the Bears this season with his dynamic two-way play, as Selma would win their league and get to the quarterfinals of the Central Section Division 2 Playoffs.
Keon Hill-Sophomore, Guard/Wing (Hoover Patriots/Fresno CA)
- North Yosemite League All 1st-Team Honors
- Season averages per game: 13.4 points and 4.2 rebounds
- Hill was the pivotal piece that joined the varsity squad before league play began and proved to be the key missing component for success, as he would lead the Patriots to a NYL title and a run to the semifinals of the Central Section D2 Playoffs.
Loukas Jones-Junior, Shooting Guard (Clovis North Broncos/Fresno CA)
- Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference 1st Team All-League
- Season averages per game: 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists
- Jones provided the spark from the perimeter and was the 2nd leading scorer for the D1 Central Section Champs and co-TRAC League Champs (shared with Clovis West). Jones had some great games shooting from the 3-point line and his role will expand dramatically next year, but he has the complete game on both ends to step up into that role.
Julius Olanrewaju-Junior, Wing/Guard (San Joaquin Memorial Panthers/Fresno CA)
- County-Metro 1st Team All-league
- Season averages per game: 13.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 5 assists
- Olanrewaju led the Panthers to a 2nd place finish in CMAC League play and with his double-double season averages, along with some impressive individual performances against high level competition, showed he has emerged as one of the best prospects in the Section regardless of grade. He will lead a talented and more mature Panthers roster next season and will be in the mix for the CMAC title.
Jeremy Pierro-Senior, Wing/Guard (Clovis East Timberwolves/CA)
- Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference 1st Team All-League
- Season averages per game: 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal
- Pierro led a balanced roster this season for the Timberwolves who finished 3rd in TRAC league play and earned a spot in the Division 1 Semifinals for the Central Section Playoffs before falling to top seeded Clovis North. The Timberwolves epitomized team basketball this season, as it would have different players step up each game and multiple players averaged around double figure points per game, but Pierro was at the lead of that group.
Tad Tibbett-Senior, Wing/Forward (Immanuel Eagles/Reedley CA)
- Tri-County Sequoia Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 22.1 points and 6.1 rebounds
- Led the Eagles in points and rebounds, as well as a league title with a 7-1 record.
3rd Team All-Central Section
Remy Barnes-Junior, Wing/Guard (Hanford West Huskies/CA)
- Tri-County Kings County Offensive Player of the Year
- Season averages per game: 20.7 points (limited games stated on MaxPreps)
- Barnes is one of the best two-way players in the Section and shouldered the majority of the burden on both ends for the Huskies to help get 2nd place in league play.
Ray Brown-Senior, Combo Guard (Edison Tigers/Fresno CA)
- County-Metro 1st Team All-League
- Season averages per game: 17.9 points, 6 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 steals
- Brown brought the consistent offense firepower for the Tigers this season and shot the ball well from the 3-point line all season.
Dre Davis-Senior, Forward/Center (San Joaquin Memorial Panthers/Fresno CA)
- County-Metro League All 1st-Team Honors
- Season averages per game: 15.7 points and 9 rebounds
- Held down the post for the Panthers and was one of the most productive bigs in the Section.
Michael Gutierrez-Junior, Point Guard (Centennial Golden Hawks/Bakersfield CA)
- South Yosemite River League All 1st-Team Honors
- Season averages per game: 13.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 2.5 assists
- Gutierrez was the sharp shooter for the Golden Hawks en route to its SYL-River title and Division 2 SoCal State Regional Champs.
Jaleel Jackson-Senior, Combo Guard (Bullard Knights/Fresno CA)
- County-Metro All 1st-Team Honors
- Season averages per game: 12.1 points, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 4.3 rebounds
- Jackson stepped his scoring up with the injury to Coleman and became a reliable scorer and improved 3-point shooter, which helped the Knights win the CMAC title and get to the Division 3 State Final 4.
AJ Johnson-Freshman, Point Guard (Central Valley Christian Cavaliers/Visalia CA)
- Tri-County Sequoia Offensive Player of the Year
- Season averages per game: 23.1 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds
- Led the Cavaliers in scoring and was the leading scoring freshman in the Central Section.
James Miller-Junior, Point Guard (Roosevelt Rough Riders/Fresno CA)
- North Yosemite League All-1st Team
- Season averages per game: 16.3 points and 3.7 assists
- Miller, coming back from missing his entire sophomore season due to injury, led the Rough Riders in scoring and assists en route to a 3rd place finish in NYL play.
Ronnie Roche-Senior, Combo Guard (Kings Christian Crusaders/Lemoore CA)
- East Sierra League Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 28.9 points, 4.6 steals, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 rebounds
- Roche led the Crusaders to an undefeated season and league title.
Amarius Rowel-Junior, Combo Guard (Independence Falcons/Bakersfield CA)
- South Yosemite Valley League All 1st-Team Honors
- Season averages per game: 20 points
- Led the Falcons to 2nd place in SYL-Valley play.
Cliff Willis-Sophomore, Combo Guard (South Spartans/Bakersfield CA)
- South Yosemite Mountain League co-Most Valuable Player
- Season averages per game: 10 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 steals
- Willis led the Spartans to a SYL-Mountain title (co-champs with North Bakersfield) and the semifinals of the Central Section D3 Playoffs.
Jackson Young-Senior, Shooting Guard (Clovis West Golden Eagles/Fresno CA)
- Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference 1st Team All-League
- Season averages per game: 11.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals
- Young was the long range shooter that opened up the offense for the TRAC League champs (co-champs with Clovis North), the semifinals of the D1 Central Section Playoffs, and the #1 seed in the NorCal D1 State Regionals. One of the best pure shooters in the Section.
Honorable Mention
McKae Amundsen-Sophomore, Point Guard (Clovis North Broncos/Fresno CA)
Abdoul Bare-Sophomore, Forward/Center (St. Joseph Knights/Santa Maria CA)
James Brown-Senior, Combo Guard (Mclane Highlanders/Fresno CA)
Zach Chauhan-Senior, Wing/Guard (Clovis West Golden Eagles/Fresno CA)
Ja’Vance Coleman-Sophomore, Point Guard (Bullard Knights/Fresno CA)
Connor Dodd-Junior, Forward (Sierra Pacific Golden Bears/Hanford CA)
Zach Garnett-Junior, Wing/Forward (Frontier Titans/Bakersfield CA)
Jensen Hirschkorn-Sophomore, Wing/Forward (Kingsburg Vikings/CA)
Luke Jacobson-Senior, Forward (Mission College Prep Royals/San Luis Obispo CA)
Zander Jensen-Sophomore, Combo Guard (Redwood Rangers/Visalia CA)
Va’Ron Mitchell-Senior, Wing/Guard (Edison Tigers/Fresno CA)
Abram Potts-Junior, Shooting Guard (San Joaquin Memorial Panthers/Fresno CA)
Connor Sheets-Junior, Combo Guard (Buchanan Bears/Clovis CA)
Deshawn Usochu-Senior, Combo Guard (Liberty Patriots/Bakersfield CA)
