2025 Rankings Update: New W/F/C (Pt. 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're a little more than halfway through the 2024-25 high school basketball season in Southern California which has given us plenty of time to see teams and players from across the region and make some additions, moves and changes to our senior class rankings. We added 27 new players to the list - which now stands at 200 ranked players - and below we break down some wings, forwards and centers who made their debut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2746561' first='Jarne' last='Eyenga'] | JSerra</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eyenga had to sit all of last season due to international transfer rules through the CIF Southern Section but he has made a statement this season. The 6-foot-8 forward has the Lions in the mix for a Trinity League title and Open Division playoff berth as his combination of size, skill and smarts make him a versatile offensive and defensive player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2746575' first='Cheikh' last='Diebakhate'] | Crossroads</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diebakhate is an intriguing long-term big prospect in a class that doesn't have a deep group of power forward or center options. The 6-foot-9 center is a mobile and fluid athlete with a 7-foot-4 wingspan that results in him being a capable rim protector defensively. Diebakhate is still rounding out his offensive skill-set, but, with continued development at the right program, he could mold into a viable Division 1 big man.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2742303' first='Jonas' last='Thurman'] | Chaminade</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thurman has a ton of upside at the wing spot and his dribble, pass and shoot skill-set is the reason why. The wiry 6-foot-5 senior is a smooth slasher and finisher in transition, can create offense for himself and teammates off the dribble and has a fluid three-point shot off the catch. Thurman is a prospect for Division II and low major Division I programs to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2746570' first='Donovan' last='Pitts'] | St. Anthony</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pitts is a 6-foot-4 lefty who has really come on as a three-and-D type prospect during his senior season. The St. Anthony wing has great balance and a high release point on his catch-and-shoot three-ball which he gets off with a quick release. Pitts' combination of size, strength, length and lateral speed allow him to guard multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2714546' first='Pablo' last='Balderas'] | Mission Bay</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Balderas has some of that throwback "power forward" feel to his game as the 6-foot-6 senior thrives inside as a physical scorer through contact and second-chance opportunist with his ability to pursue and pull down offensive rebounds. Balderas has a good pop of athleticism around the basket and isn't afraid to do the dirty work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2746567' first='Marc' last='Cherfan'] | Alemany</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cherfan has an interesting skill-set as his combination of ball skills, vision and basketball IQ allow him to play a point-forward type of role for Alemany. At 6-feet-6 the lefty can rebound, push the break and initiate offense or serve as a dribble hand-off or ball screener in the half-court setting. Cherfan has shown flashes of touch out to the three-point line in catch and shoot situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->