Fresh Faces

Part 1   The NorCal 2029 class continues to impress, with a mix of size, athleticism and skill on display. These freshmen prospects stood out as names to track early in their high school careers.    [player_tooltip player_id='2952296' first='CJ' last='Ani'] | 6'2 G | Riordan | Oakland Soldiers   [player_tooltip player_id='2952296' first='CJ' last='Ani'] is an electric scorer and a high-volume three-point shot maker. He carves up defenses, as he can pick them apart by literally scoring from everywhere and in anyway on the court. He's comfortable creating space off the bounce and pulling up inside the arc. He has an arsenal of finishes around the hoop with either hand. He can out-fitness opponents and play bully ball against smaller defenders.   As a lead guard, he's a good decision-maker. He can read defenses and organize his teammates. Due to his aggressiveness attacking the paint, he's able to create great scoring opportunities for others. Archbishop Riordan has added two talented freshmen guards to their program and they'll learn plenty from senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='2215141' first='Cole' last='White'] and Andrew Hillman.     [player_tooltip player_id='2868676' first='Juleeyan' last='Williams'] | 6'2 G | Monterey Trail | Compton Magic   Williams already carries himself like an upperclass prospect. At 6'2, he has a polished offensive game with multiple ways to score—he can face up, stop on a dime for a pull-up, hit the outside jumper, or use his strength to bully defenders at the rim. His game isn't one-dimensional, either. Williams is a capable playmaker who sets up easy looks for teammates. With a long list of offers already in hand, it's clear he's on track to be one of California's premier guards in the 2029 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='2951974' first='Jordan' last='Price'] | 6'5 G | Oakland Tech   [player_tooltip player_id='2951974' first='Jordan' last='Price'] looks like he can be the next big name to emerge out of Oakland. At 6'5, the long, athletic guard is at his best when attacking downhill, using his size and quickness to get by defenders and finish through contact with either hand. In transition, he's nearly unstoppable—his momentum often results in dunks or easy buckets at the rim.   While his jump-shot shows solid mechanics, Price is so effective attacking off the dribble that he doesn't always need to lean on his outside shot. On the defensive end, his speed and anticipation allow him to jump passing lanes like a safety, creating turnovers and converting them into instant offense.   Not sure how fast he makes an impact on Oakland Tech's deep roster but Price is poised to be one of the most dynamic guards in Northern California's 2029 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='2952326' first='Will' last='Farrington'] | 6'8 F/C | Campolindo   [player_tooltip player_id='2952326' first='Will' last='Farrington'] has quickly established himself as one of the more versatile bigs in the 2029 class. At 6'8, he brings a modern skill set that allows him to impact the game inside and out. Farrington can stretch the floor with his shooting, running the court in transition and finishing plays above the rim with authority.   In the half court, he excels in pick-and-pop situations, utilizing his touch from the outside. Farrington is also a reliable option creating his own shot when they throw it to him on the block. On the defensive end, Farrington anchors the paint with his shot-blocking ability and shows excellent awareness, often keeping blocked shots in play to spark fast breaks.   [player_tooltip player_id='2952326' first='Will' last='Farrington'] is a name to watch out for as one of NorCal's most intriguing young front-court players.     Scotty Beamish | 6'1 Wing | King's Academy   Scotty Beamish is quickly making a name for himself as one of the best shooters in his class. A lefty with a smooth release, who's able to gets his shot off quickly. He tends to stay balanced his shot and repeats the same mechanics on every attempt. His consistency shooting the ball from the perimeter forces defenses to stay locked on him at all times.   Beamish isn't limited to just shooting, though. With a strong frame and a solid handle, he creates space off the bounce and uses his physicality to keep defenders from disrupting his rhythm when pulling up. When he drives, defenders often bounce off, allowing him to finish plays or create for others.   With King's Academy boasting a deep roster, it will be worth watching to see if Beamish can carve out a supporting role as a freshman. His shooting ability and toughness he'll have a chance     [player_tooltip player_id='2952636' first='James' last='Kennedy'] | 6'0 CG | Washington | Team Lillard   [player_tooltip player_id='2952636' first='James' last='Kennedy'] is a versatile guard whose impact shows up in multiple ways. All summer, he impressed with his basketball IQ, knowing how to move to open spots to create passing lanes. He also fills lanes in transition and cuts to the rim with purpose, consistently finding himself in scoring positions. He's a natural finisher who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. When he has the ball, he's comfortable creating his own shot against high-level competition.   Kennedy's game translates on or off the ball, giving Washington High flexibility in how they choose to use him. On defense, his timing and instincts allow him to create turnovers, picking pockets on the perimeter and sparking fast breaks.   Kennedy was one of the leading scorers on Team Lillard's championship team. He was also invited to the Adidas All-American Camp. Kennedy brings a winning pedigree and the skill set to make an immediate impact at Washington High     Anthony Osborn | 6'4 W/F | San Leandro | Team Lillard   Anthony Osborn is a versatile wing coming off a standout summer. At 6'4, he brings a well-rounded game, handling the ball with confidence the open-court, making the right play in transition and spacing the floor as a reliable finisher    On the defensive end, Osborn separates himself with effort and the pride of not liking to give up buckets. He locks in defensively. He uses his length to disrupt and consistently turn defensive stops into scoring opportunities. That two-way impact was on display as part of Team Lillard's national championship run in Rock Hill, SC.   Now headed to San Leandro alongside several teammates, Osborn could very well make an immediate impact and continue his rise as one of NorCal's promising young wings.

Part 1