Calif's Central Section Roundup: Guard Prospects

Central California's basketball scene once again proved why it's a hotbed for emerging talent, with three marquee events—the Heart of California Basketball Classic in Fresno, the Clovis Tip-Off Classic in Clovis, and the Highway 58 Showcase in Bakersfield—delivering standout performances from some of the region's brightest stars. We will take a position-by-position look at the most eye-catching athletes who showcased their skills, athleticism, and game-changing abilities. From crafty guards to dominant big men, seasoned seniors to breakout underclassmen, these players solidified their status as must-watch prospects this season and beyond. Here's a closer look at the standout performers who commanded the spotlight during these highly competitive showcases.   *In no specific order   Ethan Saenz | 5'11 | Lead Guard | North Bakersfield HS | 2027 A true lead guard, he scored 24 points to guide his team to an opening-night victory. His impact on the game drives his team's success. With a high basketball IQ, he directs his teammates to be in the best positions to excel. He has the ability to make open shots and is strong in pick-and-roll situations, making the right reads and attacking the rim whenever the opportunity arises. Additionally, he excels in transition. He is a rising prospect in his position in the state of California.   Mckae Amundsen | 5'9 | Lead Guard | Clovis North HS | 2026 A savvy and tough point guard who is lightning quick on his feet. He can shoot accurately from any distance and serves as an extension of the coach on the floor, making his teammates better. He is capable of guarding taller opponents and is a very scrappy defender. As an excellent leader and communicator, he can penetrate the paint and make good decisions in open court situations. Each offseason, he adds size to his frame, making him a relentless point guard.   RJ Sheehee | 5'8 | Lead Guard | Bakersfield High School | 2028   A young and talented lead guard has joined his new high school team as an incoming freshman, bringing with him a sense of veteran leadership. He is a multi-sport athlete, having just completed a solid football season. This shifty guard possesses a wide range of skills that significantly impact the game whenever he is on the court. He demonstrated exceptional shooting ability and consistency during his first high school tournament. We look forward to watching this prospect grow and develop his legacy as the season progresses.   Aginaldo Neto | 6'1 | Lead Guard | Bella Vista Prep | 2025 A tough-nosed point guard with a high volume of paint touches, he excels at creating opportunities for his teammates. When the game is on the line, he can penetrate to the rim for scoring chances. He is a solid passer with a very quick first step and has the ability to push the ball effectively. His game pace with the ball in hand is at a high level, showcasing his potential as a lead guard in the professional arena. As a late bloomer, he represents a valuable find for any college program looking to develop a point guard into a starting role.   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.   [player_tooltip player_id='2571725' first='Gabe' last='Gutierrez'] | 5'11 | Lead 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.   Ja'Vance Coleman Jr. | 6'2 | Guard | Fresno - Bullard | 2026 This player is a slasher guard who effectively attacks the paint and excels at rebounding on both ends of the court. While his shooting can be inconsistent, he is capable of making open shots. He is an athletic player with considerable potential for improvement. He is a solid prospect to watch as he progresses this season.   Sean Smith-Sharkey | 6'1 | Guard | Fresno-Bullard | 2026 He is a skilled shooter who can make shots from beyond the arc when left unguarded. On the first day of the Clovis High School Tip-Off Classic, he made six three-pointers by halftime against a strong South High School basketball team. He possesses solid ball-handling skills and a high basketball IQ, allowing him to locate open areas that leverage his shooting strengths.   Damian Rease | 6'2 | Guard | Weston Ranch HS | 2026 A tough, sneaky, athletic guard with a high motor; he excels in transition, makes the right play, and plays through contact but needs to increase shot opportunities.   [player_tooltip player_id='2024614' first='Josh' last='Banks'] | 5'10 | Guard | Weston Ranch HS | 2025 Quick, smooth, and agile guard who can finish at the rim despite contact. He effectively gets past defenders and penetrates the paint, breaking down team defenses to create open-shot opportunities for his teammates.   Connor Sheets | 5'10 | Lead Guard | Clovis-Buchanan HS A smooth, hard-nosed guard who attacks the rim in transition, knows how to draw contact to get to the free-throw line. He shoots the ball at a high level from beyond the arc and possesses a high basketball IQ, along with strong floor general abilities. He is a prospect that college programs should keep on their radar.   [player_tooltip player_id='2094253' first='Roy' last='Bishop'] | 6'1 | Guard | Oakland - Fremont | 2026 A strong athletic guard with a fast first step. He has solid ball-handling, can create separation on one- or two-dribble pull-ups, excels in transition, and has good upside to his frame. He is a solid change-of-pace guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='1845363' first='Rajan' last='Roberts'] | 6'1 | Guard | Prolific Prep | 2026 He is a physical guard on both sides of the court, known for attacking the paint aggressively and transitioning quickly. He plays at the rim when necessary and has the ability to guard wings in high-pressure situations. With quick separation moves, he can effectively shoot from mid-range and three-point range. Mid-major college programs should definitely take notice of him.

Central California's basketball scene once again proved why it's a hotbed for emerging talent, with three marquee events—the Heart of California Basketball Classic in Fresno, the Clovis Tip-Off Classic in Clovis, and the Highway 58 Showcase in Bakersfield—delivering standout performances from some of the region's brightest stars. We will take a position-by-position look at the most eye-catching athletes who showcased their skills, athleticism, and game-changing abilities. From crafty guards to dominant big men, seasoned seniors to breakout underclassmen, these players solidified their status as must-watch prospects this season and beyond. Here's a closer look at the standout performers who commanded the spotlight during these highly competitive showcases.