The 2026 Section 7 tournament was held June 12-14 in Mesa, Arizona, bringing together Arizona’s top high school teams and elite programs from across the country. While West Coast teams made up most of the field, it was Florida that stole the spotlight. The Villages Charter (FL) edged Corona Centennial (CA) 70-68 in the early championship behind seniors Aaron Britt Jr. and Jomar Bernard, junior Miles Simpson, and sophomore Zayden Garcia, who scored 21 points while knocking down five three-pointers. Christopher Columbus (FL) was another major storyline, arriving with just six players, featuring a frontcourt of three 7-footers, and battling through two overtime games before falling 79-69 to Crespi Carmelite (CA) in the championship despite finishing the second overtime with only four players after both Akol Nyok and Martin Simko fouled out. Arizona teams also impressed, showcasing the state’s growing talent pool at both the prep and AIA levels while featuring several familiar faces in new uniforms. Here are some of the standouts from the event.
**Photo Courtesy: Griffin Greenberg
Top 10 NBA Prospects from the Event
Yann Kamagate 7’0 PF/C – Saint Francis (CA) – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Perhaps the hottest name in grassroots basketball, Kamagate (pictured) seemingly came out of nowhere after transferring from the East Coast to Saint Francis in March and immediately making an impact for Compton Magic at the April 24-26 adidas 3SSB session in Ladera, California. This was my first opportunity to see him live. To begin with, his height and length are ideal for an NBA big, and he is a fluid runner for his size with the ability to outpace wings and guards in transition. Offensively, he runs the lanes and finishes strong, while also showing flashes off the dribble. On one play, he crossed a smaller defender from right to left at half court, took two dribbles, and exploded off one foot for a rim-rattling one-handed dunk. In the half court, he was nearly impossible to stop from the dunker spot. Even when Lone Peak big Camden Broadhead tried to grab, hold, pull, and bump him, he consistently finished lob plays or got to the foul line with great efficiency. Yann is also like a pogo stick around the rim. His second jump often comes before opponents can leave the floor again, allowing him to tip the ball to himself in Wembanyama-like fashion. He constantly keeps his feet moving and attacks the ball off the rim, making offensive rebounding a real weapon. He keeps the ball high on catches around the basket and displays soft touch as a finisher. He has solid shooting mechanics, but the physicality of opponents appeared to affect him at the free throw line, where he shot below 50 percent for the weekend. While his shooting form is promising, he can rush catch-and-shoot attempts and still lacks some overall offensive polish, particularly with shot selection and creating for others. Defensively, his length and athleticism make him an effective rim protector, primarily playing in drop coverage. He also slides his feet well laterally, which bodes well for his long-term defensive versatility. Team defense remains a work in progress, but overall he confirmed himself as one of the top long-term prospects in high school basketball, whether he remains in the 2028 class or ultimately reclassifies to 2027 as rumored.
Jalen Davis 6’3 PG/CG – Bremerton (WA) – Class of 2027 – Undecided
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for Jalen Davis, beginning with the ANGT Finals in Athens, Greece in late May, followed by the Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy (June 5-7), and the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina (June 8-11). There was little expectation that he would then fly to Arizona and suit up on the afternoon of June 12. However, this was a matchup against Millennium (AZ) and consensus top-2027 guard prospect Adan Diggs. Jalen wanted all the smoke, and not only did he play in front of a who’s who of blue-blood NCAA coaching staffs, he went viral for his scoring outburst. He had 32 points by halftime, outscoring the entire Millennium team (26) by himself. Jalen showcased his three-level scoring ability, all predicated on his outstanding perimeter shooting. He knocked down transition threes and side-step jumpers while also displaying great touch on floaters and excellent handles getting downhill and finishing around the rim. While not a super explosive athlete, his change of pace in the pick-and-roll is excellent, and he has a high basketball IQ, consistently finding seams and angles to get to the basket. His passion for the game shows in the way he plays, with a relentless motor and an uncanny ability to always seem to come up with the ball. Jalen finished with 43 points, leaving a few at the free throw line, without being a ball hog, repeatedly making the right pass for assists or quality looks for teammates and leading Bremerton to a 70-68 upset of Millennium despite being a significant underdog. Defensively, while he lacks strength, he has outstanding instincts and frequently jumps passing lanes for steals. His previous workload, combined with his dominant opening performance, was enough for him to be shut down for the remainder of the event. While his physical measurements may never wow NBA scouts, his game speaks for itself, and even with his recent rise in the national rankings, he remains underrated.
DeMarcus Henry 6’7 Wing – AZ Compass – Class of 2027 – Undecided
Henry is another player who has been busy over the last couple of weeks, playing for Team USA at the FIBA U18 Americas before heading straight to the NBPA Top 100 Camp, where he led the event in scoring. Unlike Jalen Davis, he took the first day off to rest before playing the remainder of the weekend. The southpaw has shown real growth over the past year, becoming more perimeter-oriented while making significant progress extending his shooting range. He has a smooth, repeatable jumper with a quick release and the ability to score from deep both off the catch and off the dribble. He is most comfortable operating from the top of the key, using his quick first step to get downhill in search of an explosive finish. He also has the basketball IQ and body control to decelerate after picking up his dribble, avoid shot blockers, and either draw contact or finish with a soft lay-in. While his versatility and athleticism remain his biggest strengths, his improvement as a self-creator has helped him climb the national rankings. Defensively, that same versatility stands out, as he is capable of guarding all five positions at the high school level and projects as a player who can defend one through four at the next level. He is also a strong rebounder who sheds on-ball screens well and moves his feet laterally, giving him the tools to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Paul Osaruyi 6’10 – Bella Vista Prep – Class of 2027 – Undecided
One of the top interior players in his class, early on he was working on some things, spending time at the top of the key and trying to play a sort of point forward, with mixed results. Facing the basket from the wing in triple threat, he would flash a quick jab step and a crossover dribble, but the defender often did not bite, allowing him to take the outside shot or play his drive. When a defender did bite on his pump fake from the perimeter, with one quick dribble he was at the rim throwing a thunderous dunk. A fast-twitch athlete with a 7’2/7’3 wingspan, he has the ideal size for a big. In the post, he was a load for all opponents, taking advantage of players who didn’t have his height or strength, bullying them with his shoulder into the basket. He flashed drop steps with strong finishes and half-hooks when he turned toward the middle. While his decision-making from the perimeter in shot selection and when to dribble still requires some refinement, his handles are quite good for a player his size. For example, on one play he was bringing the ball up the court from the right side of the court. A defender picked him up mid-court, and he crossed over his opponent going right to left hand, took 2 more left-handed dribbles, and then punched the ball through the rim for a thunderous dunk. Defensively, he is a rim protector who moves well for a player his size. He’s extremely physical, which can intimidate a few opponents but also leads to some unnecessary fouls.
Martin Simko 6’11 Center – Christopher Columbus – Class of 2027 – Undecided
Martin Simko is relatively new to the grassroots scene, recently coming from the Czech Republic and having played one game at the ANGE in Abu Dhabi this year. Physically, he has a good frame and looks to be able to fill out quite well as he matures. Not a bad athlete for a player his height, he was good in the post at this event. For example, in the championship game, right after the tip-off in the 2nd OT, he was able to get downcourt before the opposing defense was set for a two-handed alley-oop dunk. With a strong base, he was able to give a big target so teammates could pass him the ball right above the block. Using shoulder fakes, he was able to drop-step and score on several occasions, showing a strong seal of the defender while executing the move. A good finisher, he will dunk the basketball when he has the opportunity but has soft hands and knows how to use the basket as a shield for scores when the dunk is not available. He creates and absorbs contact well, allowing him to get to the free throw line, where he showed good form and was proficient. He played mostly the low man in the high-low offense, with Martin Sibal playing the high man primarily. He sets strong screens in the pick-and-roll, and when rolling, made good decisions when receiving the ball in the high post and was a weapon finishing on the dive. On the defensive end, he’s a strong rebounder who played a lot of zone at this event due to the lack of depth.
Adan Diggs 6’4 SG – Millennium – Class of 2027 – Undecided
No player had a bigger target on his back at this event than Adan Diggs, who is currently ranked at the top or near the top of the class of 2027 rankings. Every time he stepped on the court, there was a who’s who of NCAA coaches in the front row, making sure they were seen wearing their brightest school colors. His first game was against Jalen Davis and Bremerton, and while he became the subplot in the game, he still had 23 points in the loss. Physically, his body is filling out nicely for the next level. He still possesses a quick first step and an easy ability to touch the paint and finish around the rim. He has improved in playing off top-of-the-key ball screens and can change tempos if he needs to. He also is still quite good at stopping on a dime 15 feet or so from the basket and shooting the mid-range jumper. In full-court offense, he can create the fast break or run the lanes and finish the play off with one hand or two-handed flushes. He is a very good self-creator and has become more efficient in his shot selection. However, for the top level there are some concerns about how much his jumper can extend beyond the mid-range, and he still has some work to do in terms of being able to create for others. Defensively, he has the athleticism to defend the point of attack but still has room to improve as a team defender and in rotations. He also is not a particularly long or tall wing, which as a result makes it unlikely that he will be anything but an average defender at the top level. He led Millennium to a 3-1 weekend, but unfortunately the initial loss resulted in less competitive opponents for the rest of the weekend.
Darius Wabbington 6’11 Center – Sunnyslope – Class of 2027 – Undecided
Last season, Darius Wabbington was the best player on the squad that won the 2026 Open Division AIA championship. However, with the loss of Rider Portela to graduation and the Big 12, and the absence of star senior point guard Delton Prescott, still recovering from his knee injury, it was going to be difficult for this squad to navigate tough opponent guard play. Hence the 2-2 record at Section 7. The play of Darius was not to be questioned. Physically, he no longer looks like he needs to cut weight and looks to have more agility in his steps and footwork. His ball vision and high basketball IQ allow the team to run the offense through him in half court sets. His girth allows him to bulldoze opponents in the post, and he has soft touch around the rim. Over time he has improved on not rushing his shot around the basket or from the perimeter, becoming a reliable catch-and-shoot threat if left open from three-point range. While not quick, his release has become quicker and more consistent. His lack of center length and lack of athleticism will be an issue for the top level, but his ability to set screens, be physical, rebound, pass, and see plays develop both on offense and on defense are things that coaches at all levels absolutely love, or will love, about him.
Tai Bell 6’3 CG – Christopher Columbus – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Tai Bell was the sole guard on the Columbus team. Physically, he has good height for a lead guard, and at 200 lbs is already a load. A good athlete, he can finish at the rim. At this event he was the engine of the offense. It was his job to feed the bigs in the post or to drive and dish for catch-and-shoot situations for Fisher and Sibal. He was getting plenty of reps in pick-and-roll and pick-and-dive situations, and if he can continue to facilitate as a lead guard, his build and strength were the type that excelled in these NBA playoffs. Now, he was far from perfect, missing lay-ins at times around the rim and missing some free throws that could have changed the outcome in the double-OT loss to Crespi, but he did make some key plays to take the game to OT, and in OT, including off a half court set touching the paint and getting a layup with 2 seconds left, finishing with 19 points. His next step in his development is to be more of a threat from long distance, given the paint will shrink when the three 7-footers are on the floor, making floor spacing that much more important.
Martin Sibal 7’1 PF/C – Christopher Columbus – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Martin Sibal is another recent import to Columbus via the Czech Republic, with a strong basketball heritage, with his mother and father (also Martin) having played at the national team level. A very skilled big, he drifts primarily on the wing and in the corner for catch-and-shoot opportunities from long range. But not afraid to put the ball on the floor, he took screens from teammates to take mid-range shots or set up dive opportunities for the screener. He has good vision and tends to be a step ahead of opponents as plays develop. On the fastbreak, he runs well and is a real threat on the secondary fast break, finishing plays from long distance. What he lacks is functional strength and power. He can be pushed out of the post and, of the three bigs, was the least likely to grab an offensive or defensive rebound. Playing the wing in a zone, it was hard to properly evaluate his defensive impact, but a true 7-footer with his skill and touch is rare, and with two years to allow his body to mature, he will be prepared for the next level.
Mateen Cleaves Jr. CG – 6’4 – Dream City Christian – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Son of the Michigan State legend, Cleaves has made a name for himself in the high school ranks. At this event he really distinguished himself as a creator, flashing an excellent change of pace and finishing plays off with either hand, almost ambidextrous-like. His reads off the pick-and-roll really distinguished him at this event and were very reminiscent of Jalen Hood-Schifino when I saw him play at Montverde. His shot can be a little streaky, and when it goes in, the squad played well; when it wasn’t falling, the paint suddenly got smaller for Dream City Christian and led to some serious scoring droughts. He lacks the ideal athleticism of a wing for the top level, but the question is whether he can run an offense well enough at the top level to be a taller lead guard, because his craftiness and vision show some potential in those areas. If not, he will need to develop more consistency from long distance.
Honorable mention
Darren Ford 6’2 PG AZ Compass Class of 2028 Undecided
Kur Lual 6’7 SF AZ Compass Class of 2027 Undecided
Kyi Kyi Miles 6’4 PG AZ Compass Class of 2028 Undecided
Jayden Robinson 6’4 PG DNA Prep Class of 2028 Undecided
Jalen White 6’5 Wing Class of 2027 Undecided
5 Bigs
Hassan Abdulkadir PF/C – 6’10 – Bella Vista Prep / Canyon International – Class of 2028 – Undecided
The bigman from Nigeria who represents Bahrain in FIBA plays as a traditional post big man, controlling the paint on the defensive end. He has good strength and is a physical rebounder who does a good job controlling his physicality and avoiding foul trouble. He has strong hands and moves well laterally, but may be on the shorter side length-wise as a center at the top level. Offensively, he will take the occasional open catch-and-shoot mid-range shot but is usually posting up on the block. He finishes plays strong and had a few powerful offensive put-backs. He runs the lanes well for his size and can finish breaks off one or two feet. Still very raw, but a sponge and a quick learner off the bench. His court awareness has improved tremendously since I last saw him play at Crush in the Valley last January.
Emmanuel Ahamefule PF – 6’9 – Archbishop Riordan – Class of 2027 – Undecided
Emmanuel Ahamefule is a polished player who was just returning from his stint at the Adidas Eurocamp. Physically, at 6’9 he is a bit undersized as a big, but is a good athlete with good strength and is refined in the details. At Section 7, he overpowered the younger or less physical defenders and controlled the paint in every game he played. A leader for the team, he helped navigate the offense and calm the play down for some of his less experienced teammates. A load in the post, he scored on drop steps and countered with half-hooks going middle. On the perimeter, he showed the ability to score in catch-and-shoot situations from the corners. A good rim runner, he stood out simply because he has the body to play in the SEC or Big 12, and has the experience after playing for NBA Academy, FIBA, Eurocamp, and the California Open Division Semifinal to have an immediate impact at the next level.
Dakari Mitchell PF – 6’10 – Centennial (OR) – Class of 2028 – Undecided
One of the more underrated players in this class, Dakari has nice, soft hands, making him a great target to feed on the run. He doubles that up with nice, soft touch around the rim, where he can score through traffic with ease. A constant mover, he was able to find open spaces on the floor for passes, and his work off the movement allowed him to be a strong offensive rebounder, scoring easy points off that activity. Still very much growing, he needs to add some strength and power to his game. He stayed for the most part in the key when observed but showed some potential to extend his range as his game matures.
Mustafa Mohamed PF – 6’9 – AZ Compass – Class of 2027 – Undecided
Mustafa Mohamed is a long, lengthy forward who runs the floor well. As he runs the floor, he is always looking to finish plays off with a momentum-swinging jam. In half court sets, he’s best finishing plays from the dunker spot, looking for defenders to lose vision of him and finding a lane to catch an alley-oop from the wing or corner. He demonstrated some ability from the wing in catch-and-shoot situations. Defensively, he has the length but should be generating more deflections in games than he currently does. He needs to continue developing his functional strength and handles for the next level.
Milton Phinnessee II C – 6’10 – Liberty (AZ) – Class of 2027 – Undecided
Milton may have the best body of this group of bigs. At 6’10/6’11 with good length, he has solid positional height and a frame that, when filled out, looks like it would be the biggest of this group — but he is also very much the rawest of the group. A year ago, he had a hard time catching the ball and being up to speed with the rest of his teammates. This season his catching ability is much improved, and he has a better idea of how to make himself available for a score in the post. His improved body control and length get him 3 or 4 buckets per game. He has soft hands and is very much a gentle giant. As his body matures, he will need to play with the power his body can generate. He is a bit of a blank canvas and does not need touches to play hard on either end of the floor. Defensively, his size intimidates opponents, and he does all the dirty work on the defensive glass. At this stage, he is best fit for a program willing to take time to develop him, especially with the new 5-year time frame. His body alone gives him a chance at the very top level.
5 Arizona Prospects
Maurice Carter II PG – 6’0 – Millennium (AZ) – Class of 2028 – Undecided
In his debut tournament for Millennium, Maurice did an excellent job adapting to being a secondary scorer alongside Adan Diggs. He continues to develop physically and is quite a load with his thick shoulders and quick first step, keeping defenders out of the paint. His ability to score has never been questioned; his efficiency has come into question from time to time, but this is the season he can put those question marks to rest. At Section 7, there was a real effort on his part to set teammates up and score only within the offensive flow. When he wasn’t touching the paint to finish plays or driving and kicking it to the corner, he was taking his top-of-the-key mid-range shot with ease. Defensively, he can defend full court and create turnovers; due to his lack of height, he will need the stamina to do this on every defensive possession if he wants a chance at the top level. Given his transfer from Willow Canyon, he will miss the beginning of the season per AIA rules.
Lleyton Leonard Wing – 6’4 – Basha – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Lleyton is most dangerous in the mid-range, taking one dribble from beyond the arc to find space to elevate and make his shot. He is also very strong in the triple threat, using jab steps and pump fakes to get defenders off balance, get downhill, and finish plays around the rim. A good offensive rebounder, he has a very quick secondary jump that allows him to get to the ball off the glass much quicker than opponents. On defense, he competes and moves well laterally. His next step is to continue becoming more efficient from long distance, as he lacks ideal positional size as a wing.
Kingston Montague PG – 6’0 – Basha – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Kingston flashed his full arsenal as a scoring point guard. While he lacks ideal height, he is as quick as a lightning bolt, allowing him to blow by the first line of defenders, and has the skill and touch to finish around the bigs protecting the paint. His ability to touch the paint and create for himself and for others stood out at Section 7. In addition, he is a true three-level scorer who can navigate the pick-and-roll to gain a momentum advantage, take a couple dribbles and jump-stop into a mid-range jumper, or give a defender a quick crossover and pull up for a side-step three. He’s also able to score off the ball in catch-and-shoot situations. Defensively, he plays the passing lanes well and has the stamina to defend opponents in the full court.
Donovan Palmer PF – 6’8 – Sunnyslope – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Donovan Palmer, at 6’8 with a plus wingspan, looks to have ideal size as a power forward. A new addition to Sunnyslope as a transfer from Chandler, he will have to sit out the beginning of the 2026-27 season. Donovan is best in the dunker spot, playing off Wabbington for athletic finishes and offensive rebounding put-backs. While he shows flashes in catch-and-shoot opportunities at the elbow and on the baseline, it is something he can still refine. His first two years at Chandler allowed him to be the primary scoring option in the post, and here he showed a good ability to seal his defender and get the ball, turning toward the middle or spinning baseline for lay-ins. He can absorb contact well around the rim and is a true battler on the glass. Defensively, he plays mainly in the drop or on the wing in a zone. He does a good job keeping his hands up and taking space with his long wingspan. He rotates well positionally and seems keen on learning from Wabbington.
Jacobi Thompson II II Wing – 6’5 – Arcadia – Class of 2029 – Undecided
While Arcadia as a team did not have much success at Section 7, Jacobi flashed some real talent. In particular, he has good positional size for a shooting guard and broad shoulders that, as he matures, project to fill out well. He flashed some excellent handles for a wing, allowing him to be a very proficient self-creator. He was often at the top of the key using ball screens to get downhill, then avoiding second layers of defenders with strong footwork and a euro step. He also had an uncanny ability to create contact and draw fouls, where he was very efficient from the charity stripe. Defensively, he looked for steals and was a strong rebounder on that end of the floor, though his energy on that end was inconsistent at times.
Honorable mention
Martray Bagley SG 6’5 Saint Mary’s Class of 2028 undecided
Marcus Isaac 6’9 Mountain Pointe Class of 2028
Tristan Edwards 6’9 Forward Canyon Internation Class of 2029* likely reclass to 2028 Undecided
Trey McKinney 6’7 Forward Millenium Class of 2028 Undecided
Rhys Robinson 6’6 Wing Pinnacle Class of 2027 Undecided
5 California Prospects
Isaiah Barnes CG – 6’4 – Crespi – Class of 2027 – Undecided
Coming off a strong U18 AmeriCup showing for Mexico, where he was the second-leading scorer at 18.4 points per game, Isaiah with the aid of his twin Carter and teammate Rodney Mudkendi led Crespi to a Section 7 championship. Throughout the event, Isaiah showed his proficiency as a shooter. His ability to counter Columbus’ points in the paint by hitting long-distance threes and key free throws was backbreaking for the opponent. He was not only strong in catch-and-shoot opportunities but also flashed the ability to pump fake and find space off one or two dribbles to take a mid-range attempt. Always with a competitive smile, both twins showed uncanny toughness and seemed to be the player on top of every loose ball. No play exemplified this more than in overtime against Columbus, when Carter was completely laid out after colliding with an opponent while intercepting a high pass, his head bouncing off the floor as he landed. Many of us on the sidelines thought he had a concussion, but after a few moments to gather himself, he quietly and without fuss went to the line and drained both free throws. Shooting and toughness plays itself at any level.
Ryan Doane Forward – 6’8 – Mater Dei – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Ryan physically looks ready for the NCAA level; with good height and size, he can play both forward positions. He ran the floor well on the fast break and demonstrated good body control, avoiding a charge after a catch by euro stepping around the opponent. In a half court set, he also flashed his body control through his ability to decelerate on a lay-up attempt to avoid a defender who had jumped in the air to block his shot. Very much a perimeter player, he can create off the dribble and score in catch-and-shoot opportunities. He will need to extend his proficiency from long distance for the top level.
NJ Gray PG – 6’1 – Salesian Prep – Class of 2027 – Undecided
There is no player on the West Coast with more wiggle than NJ. His flexibility in his hips and the head shakes he deploys coming down the court allow him to slither past defenders with ease. Now entering his senior year, his explosiveness has increased — after getting by his defender, he is able to finish plays off with one-handed jams, but he still has the craftiness to avoid secondary defenders by absorbing contact or using the rim as a shield, softly putting English on the ball and using the backboard to score around the rim. Off pick-and-rolls, his change-of-pace dribble is excellent, and when he touches the paint his head is always on a swivel, probing to find a teammate for a catch-and-shoot opportunity from long distance. He flashed good form from long distance but needs to continue growing in efficiency in that area for the next level, given his lack of size. Defensively, his lateral mobility on offense serves him equally well on defense. He reads plays well and often intercepts passes with his quick reads and lateral quickness. One of the most underrated prospects in the class of 2027.
Kainoa Patton Wing – 6’3 – Corona Centennial – Class of 2028 – Undecided
Kainoa Patton has elite athletic ability showcased on both ends of the floor. On the offensive end, the team had a set play once per game to back-screen his defender so he could catch a backside lob for a dunk, due to his elite jumping ability and strong finishing. He mostly played off the ball on offense, finishing plays or getting the occasional catch-and-shoot opportunity. When he did create off the bounce, it was usually from the corner or the wing, where he had a very direct approach attacking the rim. His top-level skill is on the defensive end, where he has potential as a lockdown point of attack defender with his elite lateral movement and reads that allow him to get steals. He also rotates well for some strong weak-side blocks and can create offense purely off his defense. He has the potential to make it to the top level as a specialist, a la Gary Payton II.
Gene Roebuck Wing – 6’5 – La Mirada – Class of 2027 – Undecided
Gene has grown as a leader and become more efficient in his shot selection. With solid size and excellent handles, he is a very strong self-creator. He has an excellent change-of-pace dribble and spin move with both hands, allowing him to get past defenders and into the paint for scores. A strong decelerator and absorber of contact, he will finish plays around the rim. He lacks elite athleticism but finds ways to score and create plays. He has a high offensive basketball IQ and will score when there is offensive momentum or a numbers advantage (5-on-4, 3-on-2). He has a solid shooting stroke but is more of a scorer than a pure shooter. Defensively, he is getting better at competing on that end with no lapses, aided by an improved body and more stamina.
Honorable Mention
Javez Coleby 6’9 PF Veritas Class of 2029 Undecided
Templeton Fountaine V 6’3 SGVanden Class of 2027 Undecided
Siincere Hudson 6’2 PG Modesto Christian Class of 2027 Undecided
Hermann Kone 6’9 PF St. Francis Class of 2029 Undecided
Jakobi Oware 6’7 Wing St. Prius X Class of 2028 Undecided
Top 5 Underclassmen
D'Ari Bruce Forward – 6’5 – Oakland – Class of 2029 – Undecided
D’Ari Bruce played mainly in the interior at Section 7 for Oakland. A thick-bodied player with excellent vertical ability who can absorb contact well — he is a load at the high school level. In fastbreak offense he can either run the lanes or initiate the offense. In half court sets he can be the screen setter in the pick-and-roll, the high man at the elbows, or run the offense from the top of the key. With a quick first step and wide shoulders to shed defenders, he usually needs only one or two dribbles to have a play at the rim. Strong on the glass on both ends, he can defend longer opponents due to his excellent functional strength. He has a hitch in his shot that needs refinement, but he will be an absolute load to stop by his senior year.
Omar Muhammad PG – 6’0 – West Clovis – Class of 2030 – Undecided
Omar is just entering his freshman season in high school. Physically, he lacks ideal positional size and may not grow much more, but he has excellent functional strength and a frame that looks like it can add some weight while maintaining his explosive power. Omar is extremely quick with the ball in his hands and is equally willing to go right or left to get to the rim. He also mixes his lightning-quick point-of-attack with a change-of-pace dribble. He showed a fluid shot from the free throw line and made a couple of threes but mainly looked to drive as the defense could not stop him at any point from penetrating the paint. Defensively, he used his quickness to get steals.
Somto Patrick Forward – 6’8 – Modesto Christian – Class of 2029 – Undecided
Somto Patrick has real potential as a 3-and-D wing. An elite defender with a plus-7-foot wingspan, the Bahrain national via Nigeria is an excellent rim defender at this level. A great athlete, his ability to defend the perimeter and generate deflections and steals, in addition to his shot-blocking ability, is a real weapon for Modesto Christian. A raw player, he has improved noticeably since I saw his debut Thanksgiving weekend. He is more comfortable as a help defender and tends to bite less on pump fakes. On offense, he is a strong offensive rebounder who can finish plays strong and can also absorb contact and score with soft hands in the paint. He has great hands that absorb the ball, making him an excellent lob threat. While he needs to continue developing his shot, he can score in the mid-range in catch-and-shoot opportunities. He can put the ball on the floor to create in space, but the ball can come loose when there is traffic in his vicinity.
Phillip Reed PG – 6’3 – Palisades Charter – Class of 2030 – Undecided
Phillip Reed is one of the most electric prospects in his age category on the West Coast. His physical attributes include excellent height for a lead guard and a frame that appears capable of adding good size as he matures. Already blessed with functional strength, a strong handle, and athleticism, he led Palisades Charter to a championship against Pinnacle (AZ) 69-65, where he had 22 points — all of them from inside the arc. His ability to get downhill and score throughout the event stood out. On defense, he showed a willingness to dive for loose balls and was a pest moving his feet, showing some ability as a point-of-attack defender.
Judah Van Ewijk PG – 6’1 – Archbishop Riordan – Class of 2029 – Undecided
Judah is entering his sophomore season after serving as the sixth man for NorCal Open Division semifinalist Archbishop Riordan as a freshman. Now a starter, he showed flashes at Section 7 that he will be one of the tougher guards to play against in California. Physically, he has a slim frame with wiry strength that he exploits with his top-rate speed and agility. Blessed with excellent handles, he routinely blows by opponents to run the offense and get to his spots. He is particularly strong on the fastbreak and can provide highlight-level plays. For example, against one opponent there was a sequence where he flew by a defender at midcourt and punched the ball through the rim one-handed through traffic, then scrambled back on defense, stole the ball at half court, and delivered a perfect alley-oop pass to Tariq Thomas-Garcia for the two-handed dunk. He will use his speed and simple ball screens to zoom by opponents. A bit of a streaky shooter, he has the ability to extend his range from beyond the arc. He needs to progress off the ball in finding spots on the floor to make himself available in catch-and-shoot situations. In addition, there are some concerns as he moves up levels about whether his slim frame can absorb the continuous contact of bigger bodies without sapping some of his speed.
Honorable Mention
Austin Acy 6’6 Chaminade Wing Class of 2029 Undecided
CJ Johnson 6’2 PG Desert Edge Class of 2029 Undecided
Marquice Pless 6’5 Wing Higley Class of 2029 Undecided
Waad Mojwok 6’7 Forward Dream City Christian Class of 2031 Undecided
Juleeyan Williams 6’3 PG Corona Centennial Class of 2029 Undecided
**Photo: Griffin Greenberg (find him on X)
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