<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The basketball action in Central California continued to heat up as the<strong> <em>Heart of California Basketball Classic</em>, the <em>Clovis Tip-Off Classic</em>, and the <em>Highway 58 Showcase</em> </strong>delivered another day of thrilling performances. In this fourth installment, we now shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes and breakout stars playing the critical <strong>wing position.</strong> These players displayed the versatility, athleticism, and skill that make wings indispensable in today's game. <strong>From relentless defenders locking down opponents to under-the-radar prospects </strong>showcasing undeniable potential, their efforts elevated the competition and earned the attention of scouts, coaches, and fans alike. Let's dive into the standout performances from wings across the region.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>*In no particular order</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Carson Acevedo | 6'7 | W | Garces Memorial HS | 2025</strong><br>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.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194700' first='Jeremias' last='Killebrew'] | 6'4 | W | Bakersfield Christian HS | 2027</strong><br>He 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.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Chauncey Carter | 6'1 | W | Bakersfield South | 2025</strong><br>As a developing combo guard, he contributes in various ways to his team. He is capable of guarding, rebounding, and defending at his position. While he is a raw and underrated athlete, there is potential for growth. To continue improving for the next level, he needs to focus on developing his mid-range skill set and adding size to his frame.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Elias Gish | 6'6 | W | Clovis North HS | 2026</strong><br>A left-handed, tall, and lanky wing player who can make an impact on both ends of the court. He rebounds effectively against larger opponents and has a high vertical leap for his jump shot. This physical wing player excels at finishing at the rim, and he consistently utilizes the mid-range shots available to him. Division 2 schools should keep him on their radar during upcoming viewing periods.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Gus Swenning | 6'6 | W | Kingsburg HS | 2025</strong><br>He is a scoring wing who rebounds effectively. His strongest skill is getting his shot off from various mid-range spots. He excels at playing near the rim, and his ability to penetrate the defense and kick the ball out is another key strength, along with his shooting. He can create his shot at any time.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Eli Griffin | 6'4 | W | Bakersfield North HS | 2025</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>He is a long and athletic wing forward who serves as a glue guy for his team. He excels at rebounding on both ends of the court and plays effectively at the rim. He runs his lanes with purpose. However, his jump shot and ball-handling skills are a focus area for him. He is a solid free-throw shooter and a solid man-to-man defender, but he needs to continue to add size to his frame to prepare himself for the next level. As the season progresses, he should be on the recruiting boards of every California JUCO and NJCAA program.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1384450' first='Darrion' last='Lilly'] | 6'6 | W/F | Weston Ranch HS | 2025</strong><br>The player has a strong physical presence, standing at 6'6". He excels at rebounding on both ends of the court and has good court vision. His mid-range shot is reliable, and he can create separation to effectively get his shots off. Additionally, he understands how to space the court well. As an impactful player, he draws significant attention from opposing coaches in their game strategies. His ball-handling skills are above average.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Kade Johnson | 6'3 | W | Bakersfield High School | 2026</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>An athletic wing player with a smooth skill set, he can score from all levels of the court. He showcased his abilities by leading his team to the championship game of the 58 Tournament in Bakersfield, California. His consistent performance drew significant interest from several Division I programs while playing for Jalen Green Elite during the July evaluation period, which marked his first experience on a major shoe circuit schedule. With each game, his stock continues to rise, and he is expected to attract a lot of attention this summer from both Division II and Division I programs on the West Coast.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
The basketball action in Central California continued to heat up as the Heart of California Basketball Classic, the Clovis Tip-Off Classic, and the Highway 58 Showcase delivered another day of thrilling performances. In this fourth installment, we now shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes and breakout stars playing the critical wing position. These players displayed the versatility, athleticism, and skill that make wings indispensable in today's game. From relentless defenders locking down opponents to under-the-radar prospects showcasing undeniable potential, their efforts elevated the competition and earned the attention of scouts, coaches, and fans alike. Let's dive into the standout performances from wings across the region.
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in