California's Central Section Roundup: Combo Guards

Central California's basketball landscape continued to deliver high-level competition as three premier events—the Heart of California Basketball Classic in Fresno, the Clovis Tip-Off Classic in Clovis, and the Highway 58 Showcase in Bakersfield—showcased the region's most promising talent to tip off the season.   In the third installment, we shift the focus to combo guards—players who showcased their versatility by excelling as both scorers and playmakers. These athletes consistently turned heads with their ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, demonstrating why they are among the most dynamic prospects in the region. Whether through relentless scoring, clutch performances, or facilitating for their teammates, these combo guards made their mark and solidified themselves as prospects to watch. Here's a closer look at the rising stars who stood out and are gaining attention from college programs.   *In no particular order   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.   Zander Jenson | 6'3 | Combo | Redwood HS (Visalia CA) | 2027 A combo guard who impressed with his 10 points and 7 rebounds in his opening season game. He has a knack for scoring at will and makes the game look effortless. Serving as an extension of the coach on the floor, he leads by example, makes the open pass, and steps up to score when the team needs him. With a shifty skill set and a confident perimeter shot, his strength lies in creating separation for a one- or two-dribble pull-up shot. He is involved in every play on both sides of the court, showcasing major upside with his frame and skill potential.   Dalen Felder | 6'2 | Combo Guard | Fresno-Bullard HS | 2026 He is a combo guard who can effectively play the point guard position when needed and can play well on the perimeter. His strongest skill is his ability to take shots from anywhere on the court. He rebounds well for his position and is known for being a diligent defender. Additionally, he is a relentless worker who continuously develops his physique to improve his ability to finish through contact.   Cliff Willis | 6'1 | Combo | Bakersfield South HS | 2026 A true point guard with a strong feel for the perimeter game, he has solid ball handling and court awareness. In one-on-one situations, he can create open shots for himself, and his separation moves are very disciplined. He can penetrate the lane effectively and make paint touches, and his mid-range game continues to improve. This summer, he has garnered interest from a few low-major Division I programs. He is an athlete worth keeping on your recruiting board for the 2026 class.   Braylen Smith | 6'2 | Combo | Bakersfield Christian HS | 2028   One of the rising multi-sport prospects in California's Central Section is a talented guard with an emerging skill set. He plays with passion on both sides of the ball, demonstrating the ability to create separation from defenders and reach his scoring spots when needed for his team. His aggressive background in football enhances his defensive skills, allowing him to guard his position effectively. As he continues to develop, he is poised to become a lockdown defender and a dominant scoring guard for the Class of 2028 in the section. College programs are expected to take notice as we approach the spring viewing period.   [player_tooltip player_id='1707488' first='Demari' last='Hunter'] | 6'1 | Combo | Sacramento Grant HS | 2026 With a solid handle, he looks up the court in transition and excels in pick-and-roll situations. He needs to focus on developing his shot selection but can score on one- and two-dribble pull-ups. His shooting ability has upside, making him an athlete to keep on the radar as the season progresses.   Seven Purlock | 6'5 | Combo | Prolific Prep | 2026 A guard with a well-rounded skill set, he displays a slasher mentality and excels at making smart decisions while directing the offense. He consistently makes hustle plays and communicates effectively on defense. Excellent in transition, he knows when to attack coast-to-coast or when to advance the ball for an advantage. College programs will be very interested in recruiting this player during the upcoming period.

Central California's basketball landscape continued to deliver high-level competition as three premier events—the Heart of California Basketball Classic in Fresno, the Clovis Tip-Off Classic in Clovis, and the Highway 58 Showcase in Bakersfield—showcased the region's most promising talent to tip off the season.