2026 Sleepers Ready to Lead and Contribute

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NorCal has plenty of prospects working under the radar that can play basketball at the next level. We have DII, DIII, and JUCO prospects in this group. They have prepared themselves for a breakout season and will be key contributors one way or the other during the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2059747' first='Jonah' last='Rucker']: Has good size at 6'4 moves well. He's an Outside/In player on this team. He spots up around the 3-point line ready, with a good stroke. He works from the high to mid-post. A good passer, can hit the free throw jumper, he'll drive to the rim. He uses two dribbles from the mid post to get into the paint for touch jumpers. He makes good cuts to finish around the rim. He boxes out, gets out on shooters in the corners. Rebounds, and pushes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2854213' first='Matthias' last='Howard']: A 3 sport athlete will probably play college ball in one of his other sports. He's a good basketball player with the tools to help lead this team to a winning season. He spots up well around the 3-point line, with range to knock down shots if left unattended. He uses his dribble to get paint points, hits short jumpers, and drives to the basket. He works the boards, makes good passes, runs the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2415921' first='Jack' last='Walker']: The experienced Senior is on an upward path, he's made progress across the board that puts this team in good position, he'll be a key component. He's playing with confidence, standing around 6'6 he's looking longer, and stronger better able to handle inside play, he could be a double, double guy. He's getting points inside, using a dribble or two to attack along the baseline and other areas. He has improving range on his jump shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2770819' first='Jabril' last='Lewis Muhammed']: He's the athletic type, has length and foot speed to defend different players, he has speed going up and down the court, filling lanes, or getting back on defense. At 6'2 he goes up high finishing around the basket in traffic, fighting for rebounds, and going after blocks. He plays with energy and effort doesn't need to score to have impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2415913' first='Emmett' last='Rose']: He's working a bit under our radar, because we don't see many teams from the Placer Area during the season. We saw Rose in early Fall Ball at a Sacramento Showcase. He gives his team a chance to stay close during games, and a shot at winning the way he shoots 3's. He knocks down 3-point shots at a good rate. Transition, spotting up in the corners for catch and shoot, along the perimeter, using screens to free himself. He can use a dribble or two to free himself up. He's a shooter with range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2520900' first='Sean' last='Tetz'] and his twin brother [player_tooltip player_id='2520899' first='Drew' last='Tetz'] are ready to lead Lodi from the San Joaquin Section. Both are good athletes that play multiple sports. Sean gets the work done inside while Drew is more of a facilitator, both will be contributors in their own way. Sean a solid body doesn't mind the physical play in the post area, he'll power up, or use touch, he rebounds and defends in the post. Drew is a good ball handler, passer, sees the court, involves others, can create his own shot off the dribble. Twins!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2613093' first='Matthew' last='Strong']: He heads into the season working under the radar. His teammates know he plays with energy and passion. He's an excellent 3-point shooter who can get hot. He hustles to fill lanes in transition. Doesn't mind scrapping for loose ball on the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2415922' first='Carson' last='Keplinger']: He's carved out a role that makes him a contributor. He plays a good all around game, doesn't force the issue or make a lot of mistakes, does well playing within the flow of the offense. He has experience as a ball handler, can pass, and move the ball around the perimeter. He spots up well around the perimeters, he'll knock down 3's often if left unattended.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->