Creme of the County: 2025 Standouts
SAN DIEGO — The 2022 Creme of the County showcase operated by fellow Prep Hoops scout and Full-Time Hoops owner Aaron Burgin brought together many of San Diego’s top basketball prospects in a class-by-class showcase game format. In this piece…
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Continue ReadingSAN DIEGO — The 2022 Creme of the County showcase operated by fellow Prep Hoops scout and Full-Time Hoops owner Aaron Burgin brought together many of San Diego’s top basketball prospects in a class-by-class showcase game format. In this piece we go in-depth on the standout performers from the class of 2025 games.
Atreju De La Cruz, Mission Bay – De La Cruz was named the MVP of the 2025 “Creme” game and for good reason. The 6-foot point guard controlled the pace and flow of the game while he was on the floor and struck a good balance of scoring and distributing. De La Cruz is a crafty ball handler who was always in attack mode in the open court. The sophomore showed impressive finishing ability over length and a smooth perimeter jump shot.
Elijah Stephens, Sage Creek – Stephens impacted the game with his all-out hustle play throughout the 2025 “Creme” game. The 6-foot-5 forward rebounded in and out of his area on both ends of the floor, sprinted the middle of the floor in transition to give his team an offensive advantage on the break and flashed some defensive versatility. Offensively, Stephens was great when getting perimeter catches, facing up, and using his athleticism and strength to drive by defenders for high percentage buckets.
Isaiah Marte, San Diego – Marte played in the “Select” game in the 2025 class and showed that he could have hung with those in the “Creme” game. The 5-foot-11 combo guard was pulling from three-point range with confidence and knocked down perimeter jumpers off the catch and off the dribble. Marte was a playmaker for teammates as well, using his speed to get two feet in the paint and hit open shooters.
JJ Sanchez, Montgomery – Sanchez wasn’t the quickest or highest-jumping player in this game, but his basketball IQ and craftiness on both ends caught my eye. The 6-foot-5 forward is the younger brother of former Mater Dei Catholic standout Melo Sanchez and has some similarities to his brother’s game. JJ is a high IQ passer and willing playmaker in the half-court setting. The sophomore came up with timely offensive rebound put-backs and showed impressive footwork and feel when driving to and scoring in the painted area.
Manny Cortez, St. Augustine – Cortez jumped out to a quick start as he knocked down a handful of catch and shoot and rhythm three-pointers within the first rotation of the game. At 6-feet-4 with a strong frame, the sophomore wing read closeouts well and quickly hit driving lanes for floaters in the paint or a drive and kick to a teammate.
Mason Little, Eastlake – The biggest keys for young big men is learning how to navigate ball screen action and Little showed he’s on the right track when it comes to that skill. The 6-foot-5 forward angled his screens well, made sure to be legal, and rolled hard out of them to the basket where he finished off a number of pick-and-roll layups.
PJ Jourdain, Cathedral Catholic – Jourdain was the clear-cut MVP of the 2025 “Select” game. The wiry 6-foot combo guard possesses impressive scoring feel and the ability to get to his comfort zones on the floor. When he wasn’t knocking down deep three-point shots, Jourdain was using his smooth athleticism and ball skills to get in the paint and finish at the rim.