2026 Must See SoCal Freshman Standouts Pt. 1
With just about 2 weeks left in the CIF-SS schedule left until playoffs, several freshman across the state are making quite a name for themselves. Prep Hoops takes a look at the freshman that need to be on everyone’s radars…
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Continue ReadingWith just about 2 weeks left in the CIF-SS schedule left until playoffs, several freshman across the state are making quite a name for themselves. Prep Hoops takes a look at the freshman that need to be on everyone’s radars (in no particular order).
Joe Sterling (Crespi) Started the high school season with a 26 point debut and has never looked back. Sterling is a sharpshooter, who can get hot in a hurry from outside. He also utilizes a good pull up jumper and hits from midrange to compliment his deep ball. Sterling does a bit of everything as he also hits the boards and gets his teammates involved. Very tough player who is mature beyond his years. As a freshman, is leading his team averaging over 20 PPG despite being the focus of opposing defenses and gameplans. Sterling currently holds a scholarship offer from the University of Washington. Also to note is that Sterling is being coached and mentored by Clint Parks, who has trained the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Kuzma, Jaden and Jalen McDaniels, and Ben McLemore among many others.
Jason Crowe Jr. (Lynwood) One of the most explosive scoring freshman in the entire country. The lefty shooting Crowe is averaging 35 points per contest, including a 51 point outburst this season. Despite seeing double and triple teams every single game, Crowe still manages to hit his average on a nightly basis. Crowe is a multi faceted scorer who does his damage in a myriad of ways, he has a consistent jumper, attacks the basket, and gets to the line. Crowe has a good handle which he uses to create space and can get off the midrange and deep ball off the dribble. On the other side of the ball he also defends. Currently holds an offer from UCLA and is only 14 years old.
Alijah Arenas (Chatsworth) Just exploded for 56 pts against Canoga Park and is currently averaging 30 points a contest. The 6’4″ smooth scoring guard is a very creative shot maker who can score on all 3 levels. Arenas has a ton of moves to free himself and utilizes counters when hit with double teams and closeouts. His game and demeanor is very impressive as at the age of 14, he is essentially playing all 5 positions for Chatsworth. Hard not to compare to his dad, NBA legend Gilbert Arenas.
Maximo Adams (Narbonne) Easily one of the top wing prospects on the west coast. The 6’6″ Adams is an all around player who has great athleticism, a knockdown jumper, good length, and size. He is a good shooter with good form and a high arc, is consistent from beyond the arc, has steady handles to create for himself for the jumper or going to the basket, and finishes inside with his length and athleticism. Is only 14 years old and already has 4 D1 offers including the latest from Oregon.
Brayden Kyman (Santa Margarita) Skilled wing with big time shooting and playmaking potential. Although he has a different form on his stroke, he makes a huge impact from deep like his brother Jake, former UCLA Bruin and current Wyoming standout. What makes Kyman different from the other players on this list is his footwork and how skilled he is in the post. Brayden as a freshman already is very comfortable on the blocks either creating for himself or finding his teammates. He isn’t afraid of contact, hits the boards, and pushes the ball. Keep an eye on Kyman’s progression as he has potential to be special.