SoCal Fall Prep Classic: Top Guard Performers (Pt. 2)
CHINO — Gerry Freitas’ SoCal Fall Prep Classic featured 47 teams from Southern California, Northern California, Arizona and Nevada in a two-day event format that featured matchups of some of the region’s best teams. While we weren’t able to see…
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Continue ReadingCHINO — Gerry Freitas’ SoCal Fall Prep Classic featured 47 teams from Southern California, Northern California, Arizona and Nevada in a two-day event format that featured matchups of some of the region’s best teams. While we weren’t able to see all of the teams over the weekend, we got our eyes on most of them, and here are the guards who turned in standout performances.
Brayden Burries, 2025, Riverside Poly
Burries had his full offensive repertoire on display in this event. The 6-foot-5 sophomore scored efficiently from multiple levels of the floor with his ability to knock down perimeter jumpers off the catch and off the bounce opening up his drive and finish game. What separates Burries from most other players in this class is the physicality he’s able to play with. Burries’ strong frame allows him to absorb contact in the lane, stay on balance and finish.
Connor Amundsen, 2024, Clovis North
Amundsen played as advertised: a high IQ playmaking point guard who balances scoring and setting up teammates very well. The 5-foot-10 junior has a nice mix of modern scoring point guard and throwback pass-first point guard which fits in perfectly with his Clovis North squad. Amundsen is a knock down three-point shooter off the catch and off the bounce, but can also slice his way through the defense and get to the rim or draw extra defenders and kick to an open shooter.
Dedan Thomas, Jr., 2024, Liberty (NV)
If I was forced to pick one player as the “Most Outstanding Guard” from the event, my vote would go to Thomas. The 6-foot-1 lefty has shades of Jalen Brunson in his game and it’s not just because he’s a fellow lefty. Thomas plays the position with a poise and high IQ that allows him to see the game a few steps ahead of the opponent. Thomas plays off two feet in the paint, is a crafty finisher around the basket and understands what his team needs from him in each moment of the game. The most impressive part of Thomas’ game is his vision and passing ability.
EJ Spillman, 2025, Pacifica Christian
Spillman continued his strong fall performance with another display of impressive shot-making. The 6-foot-3 guard is tough to contain when he gets downhill as his combination of strength, shiftiness and creativity to create space from defenders to get his shot off – whether it’s in the lane or on the perimeter. Spillman’s frame allows him to initiate and play through contact while his finesse and skill makes him a player who can break defenders down in isolation and hit tough step-back jumpers.
Eric Freeny Eric Freeny 6'5" | SG Corona Centennial | 2024 State #73 Nation CA-S , 2024, Corona Centennial
Freeny’s versatility and toughness are what make him such a good high school player and what will make him a good college player. At 6-feet-4 and a solid 190-ish pounds, the junior can guard multiple positions on the defensive end, handles and initiates offense, rebounds the offensive and defensive boards and uses his strength and athleticism to get into the lane where he can finish through contact or make a high IQ read and hit an open shooter.
Gavin Hightower, 2025, Windward
Hightower is a young player tasked with leading a young, but talented, Windward team this season and the 6-foot guard looks to be built for the role. Hightower is as confident as they come on the offensive end of the floor as not shot or no moment is too big for him. He always wants the ball in his hands. Hightower has an impressive scoring acumen and his consistent jump shot from three-point and mid-range areas of the floor sets up his downhill, athletic driving and finishing ability.