Under the Radar NorCal 2027

Players flying under the radar outside of NorCal, but not for long. The players below are set to gain statewide and outer region recognition.    Ronald Ronbie Rhymes Jr. | 6'2 G | St. Patrick-St. Vincent | Class of 2027   In a loaded 2027 point/combo guard class, it's easy for certain names to get overlooked. But don't let that be the case with Ronbie Rhymes. The 6'2” guard out of Vallejo has been the most athletic player on the floor every time I've seen him this summer. Rhymes is one of those dunkers who can get the opposing bench in hot water when they're struggling to hold back their expressions. Ronbie's game does extend beyond highlight reel dunks.   Rhymes can shoot it off the catch or off the dribble, and he doesn't hesitate when the ball finds him, he shoots it in rhythm. He's physical on both ends and knows how to create his own shot, whether it's getting downhill or pulling up in space.   While others might be getting the headlines, Ronbie Rhymes is quietly building a résumé that's hard to ignore. If you're looking for a high-motor, high-upside guard who can score and compete, you need to keep an eye on Ronald “Ronbie” Rhymes.     [player_tooltip player_id='2212734' first='Heath' last='French'] | 6'4 G/W | The Branson School   [player_tooltip player_id='2212734' first='Heath' last='French'] has quietly put together one of the more impressive summers in NorCal, and it's only a matter of time before more people take notice. The 6'4” guard/wing from The Branson School is as versatile as they come, capable of playing and guarding 1 through 3 beyond the high level.   He excels in space, plays with great pac,e and makes high-level decisions whether he's finishing in transition or creating for others. French's mid-range game is polished and crafty —built on footwork, timing and feel. And when defenses sag off, he can make them pay from the outside. French shoots the three at a decent clip.   What makes him stand out even more is his approach. No shortcuts taken—just steady progression, continuing to add to his game and play winning basketball. French isn't skipping any steps, and he'll reap benefits soon, as offers will come his way. Look for Branson to make a deep state run this coming season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2834943' first='Pranav' last='Krishnan'] | 6'5” Wing | Milpitas High   [player_tooltip player_id='2834943' first='Pranav' last='Krishnan'] is one of those wings who knows how to make an impact on both ends of the floor. At 6'5” with long arms and a scorer's mentality, he brings the kind of energy and aggression you want from a slasher.   He finishes well in the paint and doesn't hesitate to go up strong—if there's a chance to dunk, he's dunking it! That assertiveness around the rim sets the tone. Krishnan becomes a versatile threat offensively. He also has a good shooting stroke and attacks defenders off the bounce.   But he's not just a scorer. Pranav plays with good defensive instincts, using his length and timing to disrupt plays and stay active on the perimeter. He takes pride in being a two-way player and it shows in his effort.   With his size, athleticism, and developing all-around game, the Milpitas High star [player_tooltip player_id='2834943' first='Pranav' last='Krishnan'] is a name to keep an eye on.     [player_tooltip player_id='2136794' first='Isaiah' last='Clendinen'] | 5'10” PG | Moreau Catholic   In NorCal, [player_tooltip player_id='2136794' first='Isaiah' last='Clendinen'] is already a household name and for good reason. The 5'10” lefty point guard has that it factor. The type of it that “IT” (Isaiah Thomas) has, where size doesn't hold him back against any level of competition. Clendinen plays like a true lead guard with all the tools that a 6'2” floor general embodies.    Clendinen has a deep offensive bag, especially inside the arc. He's crafty, efficient and can create space to get to his spots with ease. Whether it's a pull-up, floater or midrange jumper, Isaiah gets it off clean and makes it count.   Don't be surprised when he puts up big numbers this season. He's poised for a breakout year and with the way he reads the game and controls tempo, more college coaches will be taking notice.     [player_tooltip player_id='2282466' first='Aeron' last='Wallace'] & [player_tooltip player_id='2136797' first='Elijah' last='Payne']: The Underrated X-Factors at Modesto Christian   With a roster stacked with talent like Sincere Hudson, [player_tooltip player_id='2215149' first='Trevor' last='Dickson'], and Jordan Ross, it's easy for players like [player_tooltip player_id='2282466' first='Aeron' last='Wallace'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2136797' first='Elijah' last='Payne'] to get overlooked but both are critical to Modesto Christian's championship aspirations.   The  6'3” guard [player_tooltip player_id='2282466' first='Aeron' last='Wallace'], is a dawg. He's athletic, explosive in transition and has the ability to create his own shot or step out and knock down the three. While he may not always lead the team in scoring, Wallace embraces his role. He often takes on the opposing team's top perimeter threat. He's the type of player willing to make sacrifices in the box score if it means helping his team win. If Modesto Christian ends the season making a deep run, Wallace would have played a huge role with his defense, energy, and grit.     [player_tooltip player_id='2282466' first='Aeron' last='Wallace'] & [player_tooltip player_id='2136797' first='Elijah' last='Payne']: The Underrated X-Factors at Modesto Christian   With a roster stacked with talent like Sincere Hudson, [player_tooltip player_id='2215149' first='Trevor' last='Dickson'], and Jordan Ross, it's easy for players like [player_tooltip player_id='2282466' first='Aeron' last='Wallace'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2136797' first='Elijah' last='Payne'] to get overlooked but both are critical to Modesto Christian's championship aspirations.   [player_tooltip player_id='2136797' first='Elijah' last='Payne'], a 6'6” wing, is another name flying under the radar. He's had a strong developmental summer and will be asked to do a little bit of everything this year. Whether it's spacing the floor with his shooting, guarding bigger players, or hitting the glass. Payne's versatility will be huge for Modesto Christian's system. He has the tools—size, shooting touch, and motor to emerge as one of the top wings in NorCal by next season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2352720' first='Donovan' last='Mikel'] | 6'6” F | St. Mary's   [player_tooltip player_id='2352720' first='Donovan' last='Mikel'] is quietly trending up and those following in Northern California are starting to take notice. At 6'6”, Mikel has mostly been asked to play inside but his skill set suggests there's even more to unlock. He's a capable shooter with clean shooting mechanics and a confident looking release. If given more opportunities to shine on the perimeter, his stock would rise even faster.   What sets him apart right now is his defense. Mikel has a natural feel on that end of the floor and it shows. He averaged over 2 blocks per game on the EYBL circuit, proving he can defend at a high level against elite competition.   With more reps as a perimeter threat, [player_tooltip player_id='2352720' first='Donovan' last='Mikel'] could be one of the breakout forwards in his class.     [player_tooltip player_id='2215139' first='GJ' last='Hill-Thomas'] | 5'10” G | Bishop O'Dowd   GJ Hill isn't just a combo guard—he's a problem for defenders. The 5'10” lead guard out of Bishop O'Dowd brings big-time scoring ability and continues to make waves on the EYBL circuit.   Hill shot an impressive 39% from three in EYBL play, proving he can stretch the floor and knock down shots with consistency. GJ is shifty, tough, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. As he continues to develop, GJ will be asked to run a team and control pace, something he's fully capable of doing.   Whether he's scoring in bunches or picking apart defenses, [player_tooltip player_id='2215139' first='GJ' last='Hill-Thomas'] is a name you'll want to keep on your radar     [player_tooltip player_id='2879183' first='Camden' last='McKinney'] | 6'7” F   [player_tooltip player_id='2879183' first='Camden' last='McKinney'] is one of the more versatile forwards in his class. At 6'7”, he handles the ball like a guard and he has the ability to consistently create offense for himself off the dribble. Whether it's pulling up from midrange or facing up and attacking slower bigs on the perimeter, Camden has the skill and mindset to be a force offensively.    What really makes him valuable is his ability to guard 4 to 5 positions. He moves his feet well, uses his length to contest shots and can switch onto perimeter players without missing a beat.   McKinney is a hybrid forward, very skilled and a matchup problem.     [player_tooltip player_id='2613096' first='Baron' last='Sabir'] | 6'3” G | Sheldon High   [player_tooltip player_id='2613096' first='Baron' last='Sabir'] is an electrifying guard. He's extremely quick with the ball in his hands and has that rare ability to make sharp moves while going full speed. His quick-twitch athleticism allows him to stop and go in a flash which is beneficial for him on both offense and defense.   He shoots it with good rotation and has a smooth side-step jumper. The side-step, step-back move helps him create lots of separation to get his shot off. Sabir is clearly on the right trajectory and should start garnering more attention from college programs soon.   With Baron, [player_tooltip player_id='2613094' first='Tey' last='Carter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2836474' first='Ryder' last='Daniels'] sharing the backcourt load, Sheldon High is going to be a problem in the Delta League this season.

Players flying under the radar outside of NorCal, but not for long. The players below are set to gain statewide and outer region recognition.