Postseason Takeaways: Freshman Phenoms on our Radar

The 2029 class has proven to be one of the most talented freshman classes in recent memory. The star power and depth exceeded expectations to say the least! Now is the time to highlight the best of the best. The athletes below imposed their will on CA high school basketball all-year-long. They will be a force to reckon with going forward, no doubt about it!    Dylan showed up when it mattered most for the 25-3 Rams. 17 points in the Sac-Joaquin Section final to lead St. Mary's over McClatchy. The shot creation and 3-level scoring ability was on full display. 16 points in the state playoffs vs. Clovis West. Despite the loss, Dylan put up a valiant effort and gave her team hope throughout. She is a primetime performer who stepped up to the plate against top-tier competition. The length, confidence, and all-around skillset is impressive. Dylan attacks the glass with purpose. Effortless scorer who is a threat on and off-the-ball. Willing passer who sees the floor well. Competitive defender who is not afraid to guard 1-5. With offers from the likes of Utah and the University of Pacific, expect her recruiting to heat up this summer.     The length, versatility, shooting touch, and fluidity all stand out. Kennedy had a productive freshman year for 26-8 Woodcreek, showing flashes of a high upside. She is fundamentally sound with the modern position-less type of game you are looking for. She can play exclusively on the wing at the next level. Kennedy can handle the ball in the open floor. She can create her own shot. She makes tough shots. She showcases good athleticism and instincts on both ends. Over 2 steals per game. Over 2 blocks per game. Kennedy checks all the boxes. She will have a huge club season on the Puma Pro 16 circuit. One of the highest ceilings in the nation for the class of 2029.     Sawyer was the X-factor for Carondelet this year. Her stellar play throughout the playoffs resulted in a North Coast Section Open Division championship. How does she get it done? The versatile forward is a reliable finisher inside. Sawyer finishes through contact and plays with a chip on her shoulder. Very few bigs can keep up with her from a mobility standpoint. Sawyer runs the floor and moves very well off-the-ball. She makes open shots with range out to the 3pt line. Defensively, she has quick-twitch instincts, allowing her to alter shots around the rim. One of the top up-and-coming forwards to watch in NorCal.     Kate is arguably the top shot blocker in the freshman class. 18 games on the year with 5+ blocks, including back-to-back 8 block performances! Kate imposes her will inside on both ends. She keeps the ball high and shows good patience on the low block. She has unbelievable recovery and is able to alter shots that are no where near her. Kate understands how to wall up in the paint and stay vertical as a rim protector. She can be flat out unstoppable on the glass when she is engaged. 17 rebounds on two separate occasions this year. Very few freshman have the size and defensive potential that Kate has displayed thus far in her high school career.     Tenaya is an emerging combo guard with a high basketball IQ. She is able to get downhill and make things happen with the ball in her hands. She can be lethal on the wing as a catch-and-shoot specialist. Tenaya understands when to score and when to pass. Her feel for the game is impressive on both ends. She has a nifty finishing package in transition. Tenaya played quality minutes as a freshman for a powerhouse program with one of the toughest schedules in the country. She didn't just play, she consistently made an impact and was the deciding factor in many close games. Keep an eye on her development moving forward.     Tasina is an up-and-coming combo guard with unrivaled confidence. She showed potential as an elite scorer on multiple occasions throughout the year (three 20pt games). Tasina has a lethal go-to euro step in the lane. When her jump shot is falling, good luck to the opposition! Her sweet lefty stroke was on full display vs. Montgomery earlier this year, making 6/12 threes. She will pull it from the volleyball line with no hesitation! Defensively, Tasina is an in-your-face defender with long arms. She can handle the ball and has the versatility you're looking for in a legit combo guard. Expect her to make a jump and put up huge numbers as a sophomore.     Gia was a 2nd-team All-Channel-League selection as a freshman! The 2029 standout came to play in the playoffs. Oxnard reached the Southern Section Division 3A Semifinals for the first time since 2017, and Gia had a lot to do with that! She had 23 points on 63% shooting in their sectional quarterfinal matchup vs. Trabuco Hills. Gia plays with heart, IQ, and skill. Defensively, she is a ball thief with exceptional anticipation. Her potential as a scorer and facilitator is intriguing for Oxnard basketball going forward. Keep an eye on her this summer and beyond.     Brighton is a dynamic scorer who can get buckets on all three levels. 20ppg as a freshman is VERY rare! She had a season-high 36 points in late January, showcasing her ability to catch fire and put the team on her back. Brighton was consistent all-season-long. She is able to slash and sliver her way into the paint at will. She can come off screens and light it up from long-range. Brighton can stop on a dime and hit the mid-range jumper. She can create her own shot. She is a threat in transition. The scoring ability is miles beyond her peers as she continues to sharpen and solidify her all-around game.

The 2029 class has proven to be one of the most talented freshman classes in recent memory. The star power and depth exceeded expectations to say the least! Now is the time to highlight the best of the best. The athletes below imposed their will on CA high school basketball all-year-long. They will be a force to reckon with going forward, no doubt about it!