Orange County Standout Guards

Zion Paleo Zion Paleo 5'10" | PG Orange Lutheran | 2025 CA-S had 20 points and multiple assists in a huge win for Orange Lutheran over Mater Dei (OLU was 1-30 all-time against MD). Paleo got off to a hot start early with 7 first quarter points but primarily focused on setting the table for his teammates in the first half. Zion’s 3 three’s in the 3rd quarter (2 in quick succession) were a huge factor in OLU establishing their second half lead that would eventually prove to be the difference. Zion exhibited tremendous control over a game that was very difficult and without much secondary ball handling help. His playmaking skills and sense of the game is already very good and will only continue to improve.

Aidan Fowler Aidan Fowler 5'10" | PG JSerra | 2024 State CA-S averaged 13.5 points across JSerra’s two games this week against St. John Bosco and Servite. This JSerra squad is currently missing their #1 inside scoring threat in Sebastian Rancik Sebastian Rancik 6'9" | PF JSerra | 2024 State #89 Nation CA-S and as a result defenses are able to focus a lot more attention on Fowler. However, this week Fowler played so well it didn’t appear to matter. In a difficult loss to St. John Bosco, Fowler had 18 points (3 3PM) in the face of constant pressure and harassment. Making it even more impressive was that he was able to create space for himself with JSerra’s diminished court spacing. His handle and excellent quickness allow him to create just enough space to get his shot off even over larger defenders.

Elzie Harrington Elzie Harrington 6'5" | PG St. John Bosco | 2025 State #25 Nation CA-S had 19 points on Wednesday night (1/11) in a win for St. John Bosco over JSerra. Harrington scored in multiple ways in this one and showed why so many coaches are so excited about him. His size and length give him a tremendous advantage over the majority of guards he faces and he should only learn how to exploit that more as he develops.

Jack Turner Jack Turner 6'3" | SG St. John Bosco | 2024 State #253 Nation CA-S had 16 points (4 3PM) for St. John Bosco in a victory of JSerra. Turner did most of his damage in the first half in this one with 3 three’s and 11 total points but his 3-point shooting ability is such that the defense is worried about him whenever he’s on the court. Jack is committed to the University of Loyola Chicago.

Cameron Mercadel Cameron Mercadel 5'11" | PG Orangewood Academy | 2024 FL had 16 points (5 3PM) for Orangewood on Thursday night (1/12) in a tough 40-42 loss to Fairmont Prep. Mercadel had the long range shot working in this one as he hit 4 three’s in the first half. Cameron showed the ability to shoot off the catch or off the dribble tonight, emphasizing his ability to play effectively on or off the ball in an offense.

Cameron McNamee Cameron McNamee 6'6" | SG Santa Margarita | 2024 State CA-S had 16 points on Friday night (1/13) in an important win for Santa Margarita Catholic over Mater Dei. McNamee started quickly in this one by hitting multiple three’s and getting involved on the glass. Cameron’s size and length allows him to rebound and go, effectively starting a 1-man fast break that gets his team into their sets before the defense can get itself set.