Freshmen Standouts – NorCal Tip Off

Scooty Beamish — 6'1 CG | 2029 | Kings Academy   Scooty Beamish delivered one of the most impressive freshman performances of the showcase. After back-to-back turnovers late in the third quarter got him benched, Beamish responded with maturity and composure in the fourth — scoring 12 of his 14 points in the final period, including an and-1 and two big threes that sparked Kings Academy's run.   Beamish plays with confidence and understands how to attack as a true combo guard. He knows how to get to the line, absorbs contact well, and stays shot-ready. When the ball was being swung around the perimeter, he consistently relocated into open gaps and made himself available for clean catch-and-shoot looks.   Key Traits   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Clutch performer; tough and composed </li>   <li>High-IQ combo guard who knows how to get to the line</li>   <li>Excellent off-ball; can relocate to open space; ready to shoot</li> </ul>   A standout freshman showing that he belongs on the big stage from day one.     Somo Patrick — 6'8 F | 2029 | Modesto Christian   Somo Patrick was one of the most impressive young prospects at the NorCal Tip Off. The 6'8 freshman moves extremely well for his size and already impacts the game on both ends of the floor.   Patrick blocked multiple shots and showed strong timing as a rim protector, altering everything around the basket. Offensively, he can post up or face up, using his length and footwork to create clean looks. His shooting fundamentals are solid—the form is there, he just needs more reps to develop consistency from the outside.   He finished with a standout stat line of 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, showcasing his versatility, motor, and long-term upside.   Key Traits   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Mobile 6'8 forward with natural feel for the game</li>   <li>Active rim protector </li>   <li>Comfortable scoring with back-to-the-basket or face-up game</li>   <li>Strong foundation as a shooter</li> </ul>   A high-upside 2029 prospect who looks ahead of schedule for Modesto Christian.      Zach Arnold — 6'0 G | 2029 | San Gabriel Academy   Zach Arnold was pure instant offense for San Gabriel Academy. The talented freshman guard knocked down three 3-pointers and created scoring opportunities whenever he touched the ball. He plays with great pace when running the point, keeping defenders off balance with the changing of speeds and strong command of the offense.   Arnold's hesitation move is already a weapon — it looks exactly like he's about to rise up into a jumper, and the moment defenders bite, he blows past them and gets downhill. His confidence, shot-making, and feel stood out among all the 2029 prospects in attendance.   Key Traits   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Instant scoring spark</li>   <li>Strong pace and control as a point guard</li>   <li>Elite at changing speeds</li>   <li>Skilled, confident 2029 guard with advanced feel for the game</li> </ul>   A high-upside freshman who played like an upper-classman at the NorCal Tip Off.     Alkeise Boodie — 6'3 G | 2029 | Cornerstone Christian   Alkeise Boodie brought immediate energy to the game and made his presence felt through effort, athleticism, and instinctive play. He made multiple hustle plays, including three offensive rebounds thanks to his impressive anticipation and timing. Boodie knows how to play off the ball, slashing into gaps and keeping pressure on the defense without needing the offense run through him.   Defensively, he was active and disruptive — deflecting passes, jumping lanes, and finishing with 5 rebounds and 2 steals, showing that he affects winning in multiple ways. His feel, motor, and physical tools stood out among the 2029 class.   Unfortunately, his strong showing was cut short due to a leg injury, but he had already displayed enough flashes to mark him as one of Cornerstone's most promising young prospects.   Key Traits   Disruptive defender who gets many deflections   High-energy guard who changes the tempo   Excellent anticipation   Strong off-ball instincts and slashing ability     Harper Mathews — 6'2 G | 2029 | Lincoln   Harper Mathews showed impressive poise for a freshman, running Lincoln's offense with maturity and control. A natural pass-first point guard, he distributed the ball well, kept teammates involved, and showed strong instincts for organizing the team in the half court.   Mathews also demonstrated that he can create his own shot, using his handle and size to get to his spots when needed. As he continues to gain experience, he'll benefit from learning when to pick his moments to be more aggressive — the tools are clearly there.   Key Traits   Excellent size at the guard positions at 6'2 or 6'3   Poised freshman floor general; Pass-first PG   Capable shot creator     [player_tooltip player_id='2952322' first='Isaiah' last='Dotson'] | 6'2 G | Moreau Catholic   [player_tooltip player_id='2952322' first='Isaiah' last='Dotson'] is an athletic guard who brings instant energy and scoring to the floor. He's a natural slasher with a knack for sneaking in for offensive rebounds, giving his team extra possessions through effort and instincts.   Dotson is also a true shot maker. Whether it's attacking downhill or pulling up from the perimeter, he finds ways to get the ball in the basket. He put up19 points with three 3-pointers on 50 percent shooting at the NorCal Tip Off, showing how efficient he can be when he gets going.   Alongside of [player_tooltip player_id='2484296' first='Brendan' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2136794' first='Isaiah' last='Clendinen'], Moreau Catholic has one of the most exciting young cores in Northern California—this trio is going to be a problem for years to come.    Riordan's Freshman Trio Making Early Noise   Archbishop Riordan has added a trio of talented freshmen to its varsity program, and all three are already carving out roles on a team ranked top 20 nationally. Guards Judah Van Ewijk and [player_tooltip player_id='2952296' first='CJ' last='Ani'] have both logged meaningful minutes off the bench, while [player_tooltip player_id='2952304' first='Blake' last='Poole'] is earning time at the wing/forward spots.   Getting on the floor as freshmen for a powerhouse like Riordan is a strong indicator that this group is on the right trajectory. This trio is special, and they'll have plenty of time to display their talent and grow into major contributors this season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2952296' first='CJ' last='Ani'] | 6'2 PG | 2029 | Riordan   CJ is learning how to impact the game by doing the little things that contribute to winning. He's making the right plays, diving for loose balls, and jumping passing lanes. With his scoring talent already known, CJ's commitment to the details is elevating his all-around game.     Judah Van Ewijk | 6'1 PG | 2029 | Riordan   Judah competed at a high level on the defensive end and showed he can play effectively without the ball in his hands. His decision-making continues to improve, and physically he appears to have grown an inch or two since last spring. Judah brings toughness, composure, and a high level of skill that fits seamlessly into Riordan's system.