South Coast All-League Honors

There was a lot of talent of all varieties throughout the South Coast League standings. Ranging from Seniors to underclassmen, pure scorers, and some quality big men. Here's a peek at South Coast All-League plus some snubs before the official awards go out.   First Team All-League   Carson Brown – SG – 6'3” – 2023 Tesoro   Trying to make a run at Orange County Player of the Year, this star senior just dropped 39 points to lead his team to the CIF-SS Championship game. He has been a stud all year and I am stunned to see that he hasn't been signed yet. There is no doubt that he is capable of contributing at the D1 level, so any coaches reading right now go recruit him before he gets scooped up. He scores on all three levels and has underrated defense to back up his game as well.   Matt Mowers – C/PF – 6'4” – 2024 Trabuco Hills   This star big man managed to lead his team in every statistical category except for steals. Points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goal, and three-point percentage. He is definitely not a traditional big man which makes him very valuable on any team. There is a calmness in his game that helps him control the pace. He has a soft shooting touch from pick-and-pop threes and the midrange, which isn't just impressive because of his size. What impresses me most is his footwork on the elbow and the block. He wastes no time making moves and leaves his defender in the dust with his quick spin moves.   [player_tooltip player_id='1434812' first='Efe' last='Gucoglu'] – SG – 6'4” – 2023 Capistrano Valley   Holding down the runner-up spot in scoring in the entire league, he was one of the only reasons his Cougars were able to stay relevant throughout the season. Averaging just under 20 points per game is not an easy feat at the high school level no matter where you are. He likes to do most of his damage from beyond the arc with unlimited range. He shot an outstanding 46% from three. At the very least he can hold a shooter role at the college level.   Blake Manning – PG/SG – 6'2” – 2023 Tesoro   The best point guard in the league by a landslide. He brings just about everything you could ask from a leader of a basketball team. At a decent size for a guard, he has a defensive identity of constant ball pressure to force the opposition into second and third options. As a ball handler, he is constantly setting up teammates through his own game. Watch for a lot of action out of pick-and-roll settings where he is able to get his own shot while also passing to open shooters and the roll.   Jake Bennett – C/PF – 6'7” – 2023 Tesoro   More of a traditional big man than some of the others in this league. With his size and strength, there wasn't anyone that could stay with him in the paint on both ends. He is very plug-and-playable where he would instantly bring offensive and defensive rebounding to the roster, as well as a defensive paint presence. Especially being a senior still on the CIF tourney run right now, look for him to add value to your team no matter what his role is.   All-League Snubs   Jack Warnick – SF – 6'4” – 2024 Trabuco Hills   Second in scoring on his team, he is one of the best go-to scorers in the league. Having the chance to watch him play a decent amount, he really uses his size in smart ways on the perimeter. His best attribute has to be his slashing ability and also watching him on the fastbreak is mesmerizing. He can definitely improve his three-point percentage, but he makes the shot when it counts.   Jordan Nguyen – PG – 5'10” – 2024 Trabuco Hills   The stats don't jump off the page but he is really a true point guard that controls the pace on both ends of the court. This point guard does his damage as a ball controller on both sides. Leading the team in steals he brings turmoil to opposing ball handlers. What I find remarkable about his game is his willingness to do whatever is needed. Most of the time it is a steady balance of passing and defense but he is also capable of hitting the big shot.   Nathan Draper – PF – 6'4” – 2023 Tesoro   Probably the best all-around defensive player in the entire league, he has the ability to guard all five positions on the court at all times. He excels guarding in the paint as well as defending a top wing or guard on the perimeter. There isn't as much to show for on the offensive end but he is great without the ball. He spaces the floor just enough to keep the defense honest. Most of his contributions on the offensive end come from layups off of good cuts and he is also great at setting off ball screens to set up his teammates.

There was a lot of talent of all varieties throughout the South Coast League standings. Ranging from Seniors to underclassmen, pure scorers, and some quality big men. Here's a peek at South Coast All-League plus some snubs before the official awards go out.