2026 X-factors in LA County Pt. 2

The junior class is loaded with athletes who are indispensable for their respective programs. They give their team a chance regardless of the opposition. Featured in this article are select individuals from the deep 2026 prospect pool in LA County. Not only do they have the talent to play at the next level, but are in the midst of creating unforgettable high school legacies.    Alexa combines good size on the perimeter with a great all-around game. Solid scorer who can get it going from distance. Very tough cover due to her playmaking ability. Alexa went for 13 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks in Esperanza's season opener victory. There are games when she dominates as a scorer, and there are games when she's equally dominate as a facilitator and defender. Alexa can play any role at the next level given her size and skillset.     Ashantee is an elite 2-way scorer and should be on your radar immediately. At nearly 23ppg on the year, Ashantee has nice touch around the rim and plays with great pace. She is a capable shooter with a quick release. Ashantee is a nightmare for opposing guards bringing the ball up the court. Her quick-twitch nature causes turnovers and fast break opportunities. She is an aggressive defender who changes the momentum of games. Ashantee has gone for 30+ points five times this season. Two 38 point performances on the year vs. Highland, one of which she went 17/23 from the field!     Saint Joseph is now a powerhouse, which would not be possible without Bella's arrival and consistent production. She is a triple double threat anytime she steps on the court. Her size and natural guard skills make her impossible to guard at the high school level. The defender does not know whether she will score (19ppg) or facilitate (8apg). Not to mention, she is a menace on the defensive end. Bella's ability in literally every aspect of the game will make her an immediate impact player at the next level.     Saint Joseph's new dynamic duo includes Alana White, who was Bella's teammate at Buena Park High School. She is a force to reckon with inside. Uses her body well for positioning and establishing a post presence. Defensively, Alana makes bigs uncomfortable in the paint. Her ability to get several deflections at her size is unreal. 5 or more steals in her first four games this year! Alana dominates the boards (15.3rpg) and puts up huge scoring numbers when she is engaged. Very solid passer as well due to her ability to read double-teams and kick the ball out.     Sage Hill is ranked top 25 for all of California, in large part because of [player_tooltip player_id='574407' first='Amalia' last='Holguin']. Team leader in points, assists, and steals. Pure point guard with a great understanding of when to score and facilitate. Sage Hill has had a competitive schedule this year, and Amalia has stepped up to the plate. Her basketball IQ makes her an impact player in so many ways. She can play with and without the ball. Sage Hill won 11 of their last 12 games to close out the regular season. Amalia is the catalyst and a must-see talent in the competitive Southern Section Open Division playoff.     Elizabeth has shown to be a devastating scorer at times. She has in-the-gym range and scores off-the-dribble and off-the-catch. Her competitive fire is contagious for the rest of the team. She is the epitome of an X-factor due to her confidence and ability to score in bunches. Elizabeth leads Apple Valley in points, steals, and is 2nd in assists. Very productive player across the board.     3-sport standout (volleyball, softball), Katelyn Mikkelson, is a natural athlete and her game reflects that on the court. She has led Valley Christian to a 11-1 league record on the year. Her production as an efficient scorer, playmaker, rebounder, and defender allows her to be an asset regardless of her role. Katelyn went for a near triple double with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 steals in a victory against Cuyama High. She understands what it takes to make winning plays and improve her team's chances.     Nyomi is a smooth lefty with a sweet stroke. Averages of nearly 18 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game on the year. Great guard rebounder. As team captain, she is the clear leader and very dependable. Her ability to get hot from long-range is one of her many assets. Defensively, she reads passing lanes very well and is a tough finisher inside with either hand. Nyomi brings a lot to the table.     Ronnie has great stature as a natural shooting guard. Her ability to dominate a game as a scorer (15.3ppg) or playmaker (4.5apg) is special. She makes the right play every time, making it hard to figure her out from a defender's perspective. Ronnie's willingness and effectiveness to guard smaller guards and bigger forwards says a lot about her mentality. She is fearless and a true X-factor, no doubt about it.     Kayla has put up huge scoring numbers after a somewhat slow start to the season. Eight 30pt games on the year, all after the Christmas holiday! Kayla does most of her damage in the paint. She is far from one-dimensional. Solid playmaker who also creates havoc defensively. Several games with 5 or more assists, while averaging 5 steals per game.     Sophia has given her heart and soul to Loara High since her arrival as a freshman. Rarely do you see a 5'6 guard who dominates the boards on a nightly basis. 23 games of double digit rebounds on the year, including 22 rebounds vs. Garden Grove and 25 rebounds vs. Estancia! Sophia's hustle and production at that size is unheard of. She also gives you plenty as a scorer (17.8ppg). Special competitor out of the Anaheim area.

The junior class is loaded with athletes who are indispensable for their respective programs. They give their team a chance regardless of the opposition. Featured in this article are select individuals from the deep 2026 prospect pool in LA County. Not only do they have the talent to play at the next level, but are in the midst of creating unforgettable high school legacies.