Stock Risers: Orange County Guards to look out for

Los Angeles, California is considered one of the best basketball producers in the United States. Just a little bit south, where Orange County is located is some undervalued talent. In this article are some of the guards that I think should be followed over the next season as they show some great promise.

Parker Strauss Parker Strauss 6'4" | PG Pacifica Christian/OC | 2023 State CA-S – PG – 6’4” – 2023 Pacifica Christian

The recent Northwestern commit is a lengthy and skilled point guard going into his senior season. By far his best attribute is that he will always make the right decision. Because of that, I expect a successful career at the next level. There are thousands of players at your level that are going to be good, but he can set himself apart with his decision-making.

Jaden Goodall Jaden Goodall 6'5" | SF Anaheim Canyon | 2024 State CA-S – PG/SG – 6’6” – 2024 Canyon

A four-star recruit coming from ESPN rankings, Jaden has so much promise as a 6’6” combo guard. His build is what more and more of the best guards in basketball are starting to look like and his skillset fits that perfectly. He is a crafty lefty that scores well inside and out, with his strongest skill being his finishing at the rim. That comes in a variety of ways whether it’s a euro step, spinning through the paint, or dunking right on your head.

Carson Brown – SG – 6’3” – 2023 Tesoro

Shooting over 40% from deep last season and calling him just a shooter would be an understatement. This kid scores in every way imaginable while also bringing it on both sides of the floor. Looking to take his talents to the next level after this year, he likes to use his muscular build to his advantage when finishing at the basket.

Darrell Morris, Jr. Darrell Morris, Jr. 5'9" | PG West Ranch | 2024 State CA-S – PG – 6’0” – 2024 Crean Lutheran

His deep shooting stroke combined with his quick first step toward the rim makes him lethal to guard on the perimeter. Being a small guard, he is looking to put on some weight over the next year, but there isn’t much anyone can do to stop him on the offensive end.

Christian Hubbard – PG – 6’1” – 2023 Fullerton

Coming off his best season by far (3^rd team All-County), the true point guard is looking to continue his success in his senior season. A bit undersized, but he has learned how to control his body well. Christian does his damage mostly off of pick and roll through getting into the paint and scoring off of switches.

Cameron Mercadel Cameron Mercadel 5'11" | PG Orangewood Academy | 2024 State CA-S – PG – 6’0” – 2024 Santa Margarita

The son of one of the more recognizable trainers in the Orange County area, Cameron is looking to make a name for himself. He started to do that last season with the Eagles. As a combo guard, he has a stroke from deep, an active passing ability, and the knowledge to always be in the passing lanes. When he doesn’t have the ball, he is also one of the best spacers in the league.

Blake Manning – PG – 6’2” – 2023 Tesoro

The senior guard doesn’t scream athlete when first watching him play. Although after watching Blake for a couple of possessions on the court, you will realize that he does everything and more for his team. He excels in spot-up situations as well as driving off the dribble. The way he finds his teammates is exceptional as he set school records for most assists in a game and season.

Tyler Small Tyler Small 6'1" | PG St. Anthony | 2023 State CA-S – SG – 6’2” – 2023 Servite

One of the leading scorers in the county with over 20 ppg but he also gets after it on the defensive end as a smaller guard. Blocking shots, and playing the passing lanes helps his team get easy buckets in transition. In the halfcourt, he does a great job of setting himself up in isolation and in pick and roll. I am looking forward to seeing how he gets his teammates involved a little more this season as he looks to get some scholarship offers.