Wintertime Standouts
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LONG BEACH, Ca—As the playoffs approach, there have been several high-level games throughout the winter session. Intense league match-ups and an abundance of showcase events have littered the Southern California landscape. Here are some of the highlights as the playoffs…
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Continue ReadingLONG BEACH, Ca—As the playoffs approach, there have been several high-level games throughout the winter session. Intense league match-ups and an abundance of showcase events have littered the Southern California landscape. Here are some of the highlights as the playoffs approach. Here are some prospects who have stood out in various games I’ve witnessed.
Top Standouts
Julien Gomez Julien Gomez 6'2" | CG La Mirada | 2025 State #264 Nation CA-S (La Mirada)
2025, combo guard, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Although Gomez is only a sophomore, his game speaks volumes of his maturity. He rarely gets sped up, has a crafty handle, and his triple-threat game is tight. Whether it’s coming to a jump stop, pivoting, and then freeing himself for a lay-in, or knocking in his feathery jump shot—he can do it all. Think of a high school version of Manu Ginobili
Mazi Mosley (St. Francis)
2025, guard, 6-foot-4, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: The gifted transfer from Heritage Christian has been a catalyst for St. Francis. The sinewy guard has a quick 1st step, moves well without the ball, and is strong going to his right hand. His pull-up game in the mid-range was on display and he showed his 3-point range. Not to mention, he handed out a few nifty assists off the bounce.
Connor Hough (Dana Hills)
2025, PG, 5-foot-10, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Hough is a clever right-handed point guard, but he is extremely potent going left. He can finish with either hand, changes speed well, and his pull-up game is tight. He has several impressive scoring outbursts including a dazzling performance against Leuzinger. Although he’s a bit undersized at this stage he is one of the better young point guards in Orange County.
Kaiden Bailey (Crean Lutheran)
2026, G, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Bailey is one of the better all-around guards in the state. There isn’t much he can’t accomplish on the court. Whether it be using his strength and savvy to break down defenders off the bounce or knocking in deep jump shots—he can do it all. His moxie stands out as well, especially considering his youth.
Aaron Powell Aaron Powell 6'0" | CG Campbell Hall | 2024 State CA-S (Campbell Hall)
2024, PG, 6-foot-1, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the faster guards in transition was Powell. He has a solid frame with nice length and strength. Powell has a good burst, changes directions well, and can finish over length. He shows excellent body control and if the lane isn’t available he’ll snap a pass to an open shooter. His ability to create off the dribble was on display as he hit a clutch pull-up 3-pointer late in the 2nd quarter—one of the fastest-rising guards in the West in the junior class.