CA Central Section Roundup: Top Prospects of Opening Week

The basketball scene in Central California was electric on the opening week of November 21-24, as three premier season tip-off events showcased the region's elite talent and rising stars. The Heart of California Basketball Classic at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, the Clovis Tip-Off Classic held at Clovis and Buchanan High Schools, and the Highway 58 Showcase in Bakersfield brought together top prospects and competitive teams from across the state. Each gym was buzzing with high-level competition, giving scouts, coaches, and fans a glimpse of the future of college basketball. Athletes showcased their skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ on some of the region's biggest stages. In this six-part series, I'll break down the standout performances from these marquee events, focusing on the players who commanded attention and proved they are ready for the next level. From sharpshooters to dynamic playmakers, these athletes truly embodied the level of elite competition.   Elijah Wade | 6'2 | Combo | Garces Memorial HS | 2025   He scored an impressive 17 points, leading his team to victory. As a strong bodyguard, he can defend multiple positions due to his physical strength. He is a strong rebounder on both ends of the court and a high-intensity athlete with solid court awareness. He enjoys playing near the rim, making him an appealing prospect for any low to mid-major college program to consider.   Mishael Baninge | 5'11 | Guard | Garces Memorial HS | 2025     He opened the season with a productive and well-rounded performance, scoring 13 points. As a solid defender, he thrives in a fast-paced environment and exhibits strong instincts during transition plays. He is a prospect that D3 and JUCO programs should keep an eye on.   Carson Acevedo | 6'7 | Wing | Garces Memorial HS | 2025   Carson scored 17 points effortlessly, standing at 6'7" with a long frame. He can score from various levels on the court and is still developing his skill set, though his mid-range game shows major potential. To enhance his rebounding and put-back production, he needs to improve his physicality. He is a solid prospect worth keeping an eye on.   [player_tooltip player_id='2571725' first='Gabe' last='Gutierrez'] | 5'11| Guard | Bakersfield Christian HS | 2025   He opened the season where he left off, scoring 26 points to lead his team. This athlete has a talent for scoring at all three levels, despite being viewed as undersized. Gabe competes at a high level and is capable of getting his shot off against taller defenders. He also enhances his teammates' performance with his style of play. One aspect of his game that often gets overlooked is his ability to read the floor and create plays for his teammates, thanks to his high basketball IQ and passing skills. He is an underrated prospect for low to mid-major programs to consider adding to their recruitment list.   Jeremias Killebrew | 6'4 | Wing | Bakersfield Christian HS | 2027   Opened the season strong, filling the stat sheet with 17 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range, along with 7 rebounds. He is a remarkable athlete with a great deal of potential, capable of playing multiple positions for his team. A strong rebounder who consistently blocks shots, he can score from both mid-range and beyond the arc. He excels at playing near the rim and rebounding with the best players. To attract more interest from Division I schools, he will need to add size to his frame over the next few years. Overall, he is a solid prospect to consider for any college recruiting board.   Cole Gilcrest | 6'9 | F/C | Redwood HS (Visalia CA) | 2025   A rising big man prospect opened his senior year campaign with an impressive performance, scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He excels at rebounding and is effective in pick-and-roll situations, although his shooting in this area is still developing. He shows a good feel around the basket, can make accurate passes from the post, and is also developing his face-up skills. Additionally, he runs the lanes well in transition. This is a prospect worth keeping an eye on.

The basketball scene in Central California was electric on the opening week of November 21-24, as three premier season tip-off events showcased the region's elite talent and rising stars. The Heart of California Basketball Classic at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, the Clovis Tip-Off Classic held at Clovis and Buchanan High Schools, and the Highway 58 Showcase in Bakersfield brought together top prospects and competitive teams from across the state. Each gym was buzzing with high-level competition, giving scouts, coaches, and fans a glimpse of the future of college basketball. Athletes showcased their skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ on some of the region's biggest stages. In this six-part series, I'll break down the standout performances from these marquee events, focusing on the players who commanded attention and proved they are ready for the next level. From sharpshooters to dynamic playmakers, these athletes truly embodied the level of elite competition.