LSBA Fall Shootout: 2026 standouts, Part 1
After two days of the Lamont Smith Basketball Academy Fall Shootout and the Creme of the County a week earlier, one thing is clear: the class of 2026 is extremely deep. The very top of the class is crowded with…
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Continue ReadingAfter two days of the Lamont Smith Basketball Academy Fall Shootout and the Creme of the County a week earlier, one thing is clear: the class of 2026 is extremely deep.
The very top of the class is crowded with guards and wings that will have an impact on the varsity level from the moment they set foot on campus.
In this report, we look at eight freshmen who had big roles for their teams over the weekend.
Jayden Gray. 6-0 G, Victory Christian
Gray put together a masterful second half and overtime performance against Santa Fe Christian, scoring in the paint, knocking down jump shots off the bounce and hitting open shooters on drive and kick, including the game-winning assist to fellow freshman Mason Zennedjian.
Zander Ovies, 6-2 G, Torrey Pines
Ovies started the weekend with a strong effort in a win over Scripps Ranch. The fluid combo guard has great shooting mechanics from deep and offensively can score it from each level. He’s the first true frosh to play a significant role for the Falcons since Brandon Cyrus, which given the program’s history says a lot about his ability.
Julian “JuJu” Lebel, 6-3 G, Foothills Christian
Lebel shined as the primary option on the upstart Knights squad, scoring from midrange and finishing drives through contact or getting to the foul line with regularity. A long wing with guard skills, Lebel is going to be one of the region’s more productive freshmen.
Clay Grebing, 6-4 F, Mission Bay
Mission Bay was down three starters, which gave players like Grebing a chance to have a more expanded role. Grebing, a forward with very good ball skills and feel who can stretch the floor and finish with his back to the basket. Grebing runs the floor hard and gives a good effort on the boards in addition to his passing and scoring skills.
Lincoln Grogan, 6-2 W, Mater Dei Catholic
Grogan is transforming before our eyes, shedding baby fat and becoming a chiseled, physical scoring guard/ wing who can hit shots from deep and midrange on the pullup. Grogan’s foot speed is improving, which is helping him become less of a liability in on-ball defense.
Jalen Williams, 5-10 G, San Marcos
San Marcos looks to have found its point guard of the future in Williams, a crafty scoring point guard who has a solid first step and likes to play in the paint. He isn’t the quickest guard, but does a good job playing with multiple speeds and absorbing contact to finish around the basket. Williams can also play off the ball and space the floor with his shooting, which extends to the college three.
Jaden Bailes, 6-0 G, St. Augustine
Bailes won’t have as large a role on Saints as some of his other freshmen counterparts, but this weekend, with the Saints down two starters, he got his number called, and delivered. Against Lincoln, Bailes got into the paint and finished through contact, and showed growth as a game manager and with his ball security against varsity competition.
Mason Zennedijan, 6-0 G, Victory Christian
Zennedijan is wired to score, and does it in flurries playing off the ball for the Knights. He has deep range on his jump shot and shows solid quickness and craftiness off the bounce to score it in the paint. Zennedijan’s best attribute is his motor: he doesn’t take plays off and gives max effort on both sides of the ball.