GameChangers: California Impact Players
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There was so much talent in the Southern California gym this past Saturday, but these 5 players stood out from the rest. Over the course of 4 games, each of these players were able to show that they are capable of impacting the game in different ways. Some stood out with their offensive or defensive talent, some with their leadership, but they all in their own way are GameChangers.
The question remains… What makes them GameChangers?
Deisyn Payne – SG – 6’2” – 2025 Hesperia
Easily the quickest player in the gym, Payne has the potential to not only be a GameChanger today but to imprint his name into the history books. The quick lefty guard has the capability to blow by any defender put in front of him. What sets him apart is his ability to always make the right decision for his team.
Ilyes Lear Ilyes Lear 6'4" | CG Fontana | 2024 CA-S – PG – 6’4” – 2024 Fontana
As a bigger point guard, he has learned how to control the game at his own pace and doesn’t allow his defender any option other than reacting to him. He is able to do it all from pull-ups, finishing through contact and using his quick first step. Lear lets the game come to him and never feels the need to force anything.
Ray Wiggins Ray Wiggins 6'4" | SF Venture Academy | 2024 CA-N – SF – 6’5” – 2024 Venture Academy
The ultimate 5 tool player (shooting, passing, finishing, defense, and leadership). Standing at 6’5”, there is nothing that Wiggins can’t do on the court. He is a GameChanger because of the way that he can single-handedly impact a game.
Blaine Raagas Blaine Raagas 6'0" | PG Mt Carmel | 2025 CA-S – PG – 6’0” – 2025 Mt Carmel
Raagas is a true point guard that sets up his teammates as well as himself. Calm is the perfect word to describe him and the reason why he is able to impact the game so well. He does a fantastic job of deciding when to take what the defense gives him or using his talent to get the job done.
Xavier Ogle Xavier Ogle 5'8" | PG Rancho Bernardo | 2023 State CA-S – PG – 5’9” – 2023 Rancho Bernardo
He is a pure scoring guard that can score in any way imaginable. Ogle is a bit undersized but does no shortage of impacting the game every minute he is out on the court. He is a GameChanger not because of his scoring ability though, but because of his leadership. Whether his team was up or down, he continued to give his all and make sure his teammates can maximize their effort through his own play.
Shoutout to all of these GameChangers that are ready to impact the game of basketball and their futures.