Underclassmen to Watch: Jim Harris Classic
Last week we went over the All-Tournament and the best players at each position. Right now I want to give some recognition to the freshman and sophomores that rose to the occasion in Huntington Beach, California at the Jim Harris…
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Continue ReadingLast week we went over the All-Tournament and the best players at each position. Right now I want to give some recognition to the freshman and sophomores that rose to the occasion in Huntington Beach, California at the Jim Harris Classic. These five players are only going to get better over their high school careers and I have no doubt they will become special.
Tyler Holmquist – PG – 6’0” – 2026 Sonora
This lefty sharpshooter is a freshman, but he does not play like it. He has confidence in his game that should not be there for someone that just stepped on a high school campus for the first time. The only freshman player in the whole tournament was able to prove why he was able to get minutes every time he was on the court. He brought it on the defensive end by bringing energy and being in the right spot at the right time.
Preston Ezewiro Preston Ezewiro 6'7" | C Mira Costa | 2025 State CA-S – SF/PF – 6’7” – 2025 Mira Costa
On a stacked Mira Costa squad, Preston was able to prove his worth and why he starts on a Top 25 team in California. Probably the most intriguing prospect in this tournament with his age, size, athleticism, and skill. He can do anything you ask of him on both ends of the court. He is an elite shot blocker that will take it coast to coast. His pure shooting touch is the only thing I would look to see improve but he is still reliable with his shot. His biggest strength is that he can play any position on the court and also fill any role needed in each game.
Jaedon Anderson – SG – 6’3” – 2025 La Habra
The second he steps on the court, you can tell he is a hooper. At first, I labeled him as a deadeye shooter but as the games went on he proved that he can be much more than that. He is excellent at guarding on the perimeter, on the inside, and in help defense. That is a quality that isn’t appreciated enough in today’s game and the fact that he plays basketball the right way is something that coaches will immediately notice.
Tai Gan – PG – 5’10” – 2025 Trabuco Hills
He is coming off the bench behind some senior guards right now, but he still can show his value in limited minutes. I would label him as an energy guy that everyone wants on your team. He does everything just well enough to be effective. He is an elite passer and spot-up shooter but does most of his damage on the defensive end as you will see him pick up full court every single possession.
EJ Sickles – C – 6’5 – 2025 Villa Park
The Villa Park center is a sight to see. He is 270 pounds of bully ball and he has yet to grow into his body. There isn’t as much skill as you might like to see but, the prospect that he can become is intriguing. Every game he seemed to get better, finding more ways to be effective as a rebounder and shot blocker. He is someone to keep your eye out for.