The Best Performances We Saw This Weekend in SoCal

Across Southern California, several showcases took place as teams hit their mid-season stride. While we couldn't be everywhere, there were truly standout performances across the region, highlighting some of the area's top talent.    In what may have been the game of the year, Kaleena delivered a jaw-dropping 50-point performance in a double-overtime thriller against Archbishop Mitty. She started slowly, but it was clear she was determined to impose her will as the game wore on. A steady diet of step-back jumpers, transition finishes, and savvy pick-and-roll manipulation allowed her to find her rhythm as opposing guards struggled to contain her. When her shot wasn't falling early, defenders sagged off just enough for her to find her rhythm; once they pressed up, she attacked decisively, beating defenders off the bounce and finishing through contact for a series of tough and-1s at the rim. It was a truly special performance—one that is still being talked about long after the final buzzer.     In the classic showdown against Ontario Christian, McKenna put her full skill set on display. She dominated inside and out, finishing with 25 points and 15 rebounds while consistently impacting the game on both ends. A relentless presence on the glass, she battled for multiple offensive rebounds and created crucial extra possessions in a back-and-forth contest. McKenna was poised and efficient in the post, showcasing a soft touch around the rim while also stretching the defense with her range out to the three-point line. When double teams arrived, she remained composed, delivering timely passes to open shooters and cutters with advanced reads that nearly swung the game in her team's favor. It was a complete performance that highlighted her polished game and underscored her readiness to make an early impact at Iowa.     [player_tooltip player_id='1277700' first='Kayla' last='Watanabe'] delivered an outstanding performance for Orange Lutheran against Rolling Hills Prep this weekend, showcasing her length, speed, and athleticism as defenders struggled to contain her complete game. She knocked down shots efficiently from deep early, forcing defenders to extend well beyond the arc. From there, she attacked late closeouts with confidence and physicality, absorbing contact and finishing tough plays at the rim. Kayla was equally effective operating in traffic inside the three-point line, keeping her dribble alive to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. On the defensive end, she was just as disruptive—blowing up actions in both the half court and transition while applying consistent on-ball pressure that made every possession difficult for Rolling Hills Prep.     [player_tooltip player_id='1360417' first='Charis' last='Rainey'] continues to show how her relentless work ethic has expanded and refined her game. The big guard out of Windward poured in 31 points this weekend against Clayton Valley Charter, consistently creating problems for the opposing defense. She thrives in transition, where her blend of speed and strength allows her to run through contact, blow past defenders, and finish at the rim while drawing fouls. Defensively, she is just as impactful—capable of staying in front of smaller guards while also holding her own against wings and post players in switch situations. With Windward shorthanded, Rainey carried a heavy load, and her motor and competitiveness were evident throughout. Those traits continue to elevate her game and point to an increasingly high ceiling.     This 2029 guard continues to showcase her two-way impact for Cathedral Catholic. Early on, she projects at least as a strong 3-and-D prospect. Her shooting mechanics are smooth and repeatable, featuring a quick, confident release that she can get off even under pressure. Defensively, she is willing to pick up full court, competing against quick guards and consistently keeping opponents in front without conceding space. As a driver, she shows a developing array of secondary moves, using well-timed spins and step-throughs to navigate traffic and finish through contact. Addison also displays strong court awareness, understanding when to cut and how to work off screens—traits that should continue to pay dividends as she progresses through her high school career.

Across Southern California, several showcases took place as teams hit their mid-season stride. While we couldn't be everywhere, there were truly standout performances across the region, highlighting some of the area's top talent.