NorCal Tip Off Showcase Preview Part 1

Northern California's unofficial opening day is here. The NorCal Tip Off brings together elite programs, rising prospects, and some of the most exciting young talent on the West Coast. Here's what to watch for through the first 5 games in every matchup.   8:00 AM — Kings Academy vs Branson   Players to Watch: Kings Academy     [player_tooltip player_id='2484356' first='Boss' last='Mhoon'] – 6'5 | G | 2028 #1 ranked NorCal 2028 – 12 ppg, 5.5 rebs, 2 ast A long, fluid sophomore guard who scores effortlessly. Boss impacts the game in multiple ways and is one of the top young prospects in California.     [player_tooltip player_id='1826998' first='Xavier' last='Barnett'] – 6'1 | PG | 2026 14 ppg, 5.5 rebs, 3 ast, 3 stls The engine. Barnett pushes with pace, defends at a high level, and fills the stat sheet. His ability to pressure the ball without fouling will be critical in this matchup.     [player_tooltip player_id='2710103' first='Claxton' last='Ladine'] – 6'4| Wing | 2026 15.5 ppg, 5.5 rebs, 2 ast Kings Academy's senior anchor. Ladine brings size, maturity, and a reliable scoring presence from all three levels.     Freshman Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='2894463' first='Scotty' last='Beamish'] – 6'1 | G | 2029 Athletic, skilled, poised freshmen that can really shoot it. We knew he could score the ball, however Beamish has been showing us his playmaking ability early on this season. Including a viral alloy-hoop to [player_tooltip player_id='2484356' first='Boss' last='Mhoon'] in a scrimmage game. Beamish is a name to track as the season unfolds.    Players to Watch: Branson    [player_tooltip player_id='2212735' first='NJ' last='Gray'] – 6'1| PG |2027 #1 ranked NorCal 2027 One of the best junior guards in the nation. NJ brings elite pace, craftiness, and the ability to take over in late-game moments. NJ is coming off of a great summer. He helped lead Team Lillard to a National Championship along with fellow teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2212734' first='Heath' last='French']. NJ also climbed up in the rankings this off season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2212734' first='Heath' last='French'] – 6'4 | G | 2027 Top 15 ranked NorCal 2027 A strong, athletic wing who rebounds, defends all positions, score the ball at a high rate, and has playmaking ability. French gives Branson whatever they are missing at the time. You can run your offense through him. He could play some point for stretches and he can defend the other teams best player.    Matchup    Two high-upside teams collide early in a matchup that should set the tone for both programs.   Kings Academy enters with a trio of proven double-digit scorers in Mhoon, Ladine, and Barnett — all of whom averaged at least five rebounds per game last season. They're very balanced, as they can play at a fast pace and run half court sets effectively    Branson counters with arguably the best backcourt duo in the entire event. [player_tooltip player_id='2212735' first='NJ' last='Gray'] pushes tempo instantly after makes or misses, while [player_tooltip player_id='2212734' first='Heath' last='French'] brings size and athleticism that can overwhelm smaller lineups. The program does lose a key piece with Chase Robertson transferring to Desert Pines (Las Vegas), but the remaining core is still dangerous.Transition defense will be key in this game with both teams loving to run, making it a major challenge to get matched up early.   This one should be fast, competitive, and filled with high-level guard play — a perfect way to open the NorCal Tip Off Showcase.   9:30 AM — Bellarmine vs Lincoln (SF)   Players to Watch: Bellarmine    [player_tooltip player_id='1703108' first='Will' last='Corbett'] – 6'3 | PG |2026 Chico State signee Bellarmine's floor general. Corbett is steady, efficient, and sees the game a step ahead. He controls pace, gets teammates involved, and scores the ball in a variety of ways.     [player_tooltip player_id='2876374' first='Brennan' last='Williams'] – 6'6 | W/F | 2026 Physical, explosive, and relentless on the glass. Williams adds toughness inside and gives Bellarmine a rim-running threat who can finish. Willams has the ability start the break after grabbing defensive rebounds     [player_tooltip player_id='2509657' first='Sofian' last='Stringfellow'] – 6'5 | Wing | 2026 A smooth, athletic scorer who thrives in transition. His length and versatility make him a matchup problem on both ends.    Players to Watch: Lincoln    Tre Simmons – 6'4 | G |So (ranked Top 5 in NorCal Class of 2028) One of the most promising young guards in Northern California. Tre plays with patience and power, using his size to create mismatches. He's a composed scorer and a steady leader despite his age.     [player_tooltip player_id='2089524' first='Jagger' last='Merolla'] – 6'1 | G | 2026 A competitive two-way guard who brings toughness, shot-making, and big-game confidence. Merolla's energy sets the tone for Lincoln.    Matchup    Bellarmine brings a senior-heavy lineup with size and athleticism on the wings. With Corbett running the point, they operate with precision, especially in half-court sets. Stringfellow and Williams give them two dynamic finishers who can change momentum immediately in transition.   Lincoln counters with an energetic, fast-paced style centered around sophomore standout Tre Simmons and the steady veteran presence of [player_tooltip player_id='2089524' first='Jagger' last='Merolla']. They aren't as experienced, but they compete and have a few players that have played in big games last season.     11:00 AM — Dublin vs Modesto Christian   A powerhouse program versus a team in transition. Modesto Christian enters with one of the strongest junior cores in the region, while Dublin looks to establish new contributors after significant roster turnover. This matchup gives both squads a chance to reveal their early-season identity.   Players to Watch: Modesto Christian    [player_tooltip player_id='2212733' first='Siincere' last='Hudson'] – 6'2 PG | 2027 15 ppg, 5 ast last season – #2 ranked NorCal 2027 Hudson is the dynamic lead guard. He plays with pace, strength and a smile. What makes him different is his body control, he can take on contact and finish consistently which makes him special.     [player_tooltip player_id='2215149' first='Trevor' last='Dickson'] – 6'5 SG | 2027 10.6 ppg last season – #3 ranked NorCal 2027 A smooth scorer with ideal size. Dickson is an elite next level shooter. He is also getting stronger and more athletic compared to this time last year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2136797' first='Elijah' last='Payne'] – 6'6 | G | 2027 7.5 ppg last season A long, athletic versatile player who creates mismatches at his size. Payne can effect the game in a number of ways. Payne is active on the defensive end and he is a good rebounder. His output is likely to double from last year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2737139' first='Jayden' last='Richardson'] – 6'4 G | 2028 A talented guard who's poised for a bigger role this year. With [player_tooltip player_id='2282466' first='Aeron' last='Wallace'] transferring back to Natomas High, Richardson becomes a key rotation piece with room to break out.    Players to Watch: Dublin   Dublin enters the season with more questions than answers after losing transfer guards Jailen Jones and Cam Anderson to California High and Amador Valley. They return a hardworking group, but without us seeing a preseason scrimmage we don't know what to expect. This game will give the first real look at who steps into scoring and playmaking roles.   Matchup    Modesto Christian brings depth, size, and elite guard play into this one. With major departures from Gavin Sykes (22.5 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='1703093' first='Myles' last='Jones'] (13.5 ppg), MC still enters with one of the more explosive scoring trios in Northern California.   This matchup could lean heavily toward Modesto Christian, but it also offers Dublin a chance to reveal its next wave of talent. Early-season games always provide surprises, and Dublin will look to make theirs count.   12:30 PM — Cornerstone Christian vs Folsom   This matchup brings together two well-coached programs with backcourts that can really score the ball. With multiple high-level prospects on the floor expect great perimeter and guard play.    Folsom – Players to Watch    [player_tooltip player_id='2484218' first='Parks' last='Weaver'] – 6'3 | CG |2028 6.5 ppg last season– #2 ranked NorCal 2028 One of the most talented underclassmen in the region. Weaver can score at all three levels, underrated facilitator, has a unique blend of strength and athleticism. Weaver has a dangerous when he's in attack mode     [player_tooltip player_id='1707490' first='Joven' last='Dulay'] – 6'6 | Wing | 2026 (Idaho State commit) 13.5 ppg last season Dulay is Folsom's experienced leader and shot-maker. He scores in a variety of ways and causes matchup problems. Dulay and the Bulldogs lost a close one to Sheldon. Look for Dulay to be more assertive right away as the he and his team will be playing with a chip on their shoulders.     [player_tooltip player_id='2059712' first='Jack' last='Shull'] – 6'4 | G | 2026 8 ppg last season A tough, steady guard who has a knack for scoring the ball. Shull is a slasher and has great anticipation of where the ball is going to end up.    Cornerstone Christian – Players to Watch    Cornerstone Christian – Players to Watch   [player_tooltip player_id='2137371' first='Benjamin' last='Lukacs'] – 6'3 | G | 2027 19 ppg, 3.3 ast last season One of the top junior guards in NorCal. Lukacs is a three-level scorer who thrives in ball screens and isn't afraid to take big shots. He has a high motor and Cornerstone will need him to be ultra aggressive.     [player_tooltip player_id='2977158' first='Amari' last='Woodard'] – 6'3 | G | 2027 Knows how to slide into open spots along the perimeter. Woodard is a streaky shooter who can get hot. He's an underrated perimeter defender that's still growing into his frame. Woodard gives Cornerstone much-needed physicality and shooting on the wing.     [player_tooltip player_id='2398419' first='James' last='Perry'] Jr – 6'7 | W | 2027 long athletic versatile wing. Perry is a matchup problem, he can handle the ball and play inside and outside. He has the ability to face up other bigs and get to the basket    Matchup Breakdown   Folsom brings shooting, and two dependable leaders in Weaver and Dulay. Cornerstone counters with a high-powered offense led by Lukacs, who has been one of the most consistent scorers in the region.   Two teams with playoff ambitions and talented perimeter players—this has the makings of one of the day's most competitive matchups.   2:00 PM — St. Ignatius vs Clayton Valley   St. Ignatius – Players to Watch    [player_tooltip player_id='2630498' first='Alex' last='Moore'] - 6'8 | PF | 2028   [player_tooltip player_id='2630498' first='Alex' last='Moore'] is a mobile frontcourt presence who changes the game with his ability to run the floor. At 6'9, he consistently beats opposing bigs in transition, creating early scoring opportunities and forcing defenses to collapse.   Moore's basketball IQ stands out. He reads help defenders well, anticipates double-teams, and makes the right pass out of pressure. He has a soft touch, and he catches almost everything thrown his way. Around the rim, he controls tip-ins, secures tough rebounds, and uses his body to finish.     [player_tooltip player_id='1703071' first='Raymond' last='Whitley'] — 6'3 G | St. Ignatius   [player_tooltip player_id='1703071' first='Raymond' last='Whitley'] is a herky-jerk southpaw guard who attacks with unpredictable pace and keeps defenders off balance. He gets downhill effortlessly and embraces contact, turning drives into frequent and-1 opportunities. Whitley also brings a throwback element to his game. He's comfortable posting up smaller guards, using strength, footwork, and touch to punish smaller guards scoring efficiently on the block.    Clayton Valley—Players to Watch:    [player_tooltip player_id='2136800' first='Zion' last='Grissom'] 6'5 | G/W | Clayton Valley    11.5ppg last season    Grissom had a terrific summer. He's always been an elite shooter but Zion has added on to his game. He effectively attacks the basket off the bounce, he's added a pull up off the dribble and he's an underrated passer. Grissom was also one of the best perimeter defenders on Team Lillard's National Championship team. Grissom gets a ton of deflections and is able to block jump shots.      10 ppg last season    Ellis is a lefty wing who can score the ball efficiently. He's an excellent slasher, penetrates well and finishes in the paint.     [player_tooltip player_id='2415945' first='Jett' last='Tran'] 6'1”| G | 2026   9.7 ppg last season   Transpaces out the floor with his ability to shot it from deep. He also has a quick release forcing defenders to be a stride farther away from helping. On Defense, Tran is an excellent on ball defender and defends opposing guards full court. Tran is a big part of what Clayton Valley's success.     A matchup of two disciplined programs. SI has shooters and structure around Whitley and Moore. While Clayton Valley rolls out a similar but smaller supporting cast around [player_tooltip player_id='2136800' first='Zion' last='Grissom'], one of the most intriguing long-term prospects on the floor. This could be one of the closest games of the showcase. Both teams are currently ranked in the Top 10.

Northern California's unofficial opening day is here. The NorCal Tip Off brings together elite programs, rising prospects, and some of the most exciting young talent on the West Coast. Here's what to watch for through the first 5 games in every matchup.