Phenom Hoops continues to expand its viewing, as we went out to California for the Pangos Best of SoCal Showcase, which allowed juniors and seniors to square off and showcase their talent. First off, we start with the juniors, as there was some talent to be found and new names to learn. Here are some of the players that captured our eyes at the event.
Top 20 Junior Game
2026 6’8 Tajh Ariza (Westchester, CA)
Ariza came in as one of the premier prospects at the event and he was able to give you those flashes that showed why he is being recruited by so many programs. At 6’8, Ariza can really showcase versatility on the court. Creating for himself, getting to his spots from all levels, running the floor and finishing at the rim, and being able to move/guard multiple positions make him so intriguing as a prospect.
2026 6’2 Jaden Bailes (St. Augustine, CA)
I liked what I saw from Bailes throughout the event. He is a strong and dependable guard who was able to not only knock down shots off the catch or dribble, but one can see he is a smart creator off the bounce. He was comfortable from the perimeter on several occasions, can knock down threes, and was able to make strong plays throughout without forcing much. Bailes looked strong and a college-worthy prospect.
Article: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/62-jaden-bailes-elevating-his-play-as-a-sophomore/
2026 6’0 Justice Griffith (St. Monica, CA)
There was something about Griffith’s game that I just really liked. He played with an edge and attacked where he could but also made good decisions for his teammates. He plays with a lot of energy and is relentless, finding ways to make plays for his teammates or creating for himself. Griffith was a strong finisher on drives but also knocked down tough shots.
2026 6’10 Josh Irving (Pasadena, CA)
Irving is one that I can’t help but notice with his long frame and fluidity, but it is also the potential that we have seen in this young man. With his mixture of height, length, and potential, Irving has been catching the eyes of college programs and has a chance to be a tremendous snag down the road. He impacts the game around the basket, alters shots, moves well for his size, and runs the floor but again, he is just scratching the surface of what he could ultimately be.
Article: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/under-the-radar-no-more-time-to-watch-now-2026-610-josh-irving/
2026 6’2 Jeremiah Hunt (Millikan, CA)
Hunt gave us some flashes that had to capture your eyes. The 6’2 point guard made some terrific passes and showcased his ability to see the floor on several occasions. Created off the dribble, was crafty, and was able to find his teammates well. Liked overall what I saw as a point guard and his ability to distribute.
2026 6’9 Jonas Oware (Poly, CA)
Oware was another big that was able to give you flashes in his game and could be a developing big man to learn more about. Really liked his activity around the basket, was able to rebound strong and finish with a soft touch, competed in the paint, and even knocked down mid-range shots along with finishing at the rim. Just learning about his game, he could be a sneaky prospect to watch more of.
Top 40 Junior Game
2026 5’10 Jaylen Brooks (Knight HS, CA)
Brooks showed flashes of his ability to create off the dribble. He has good speed with his handles, creates and finds ways to get by defenders, and did a nice job creating with his pace change. Really liked his ability to create off the bounce, get by defenders, and showcase his vision in facilitating to open teammates.
2026 6’1 Brenden Banks-Speed (Paragon Academy, NV)
Banks impressed with his energy level on both ends. You could see that he played hard both offensively and defensively, being scrappy and active on the defensive end but also making plays offensively for his team.
2026 6’3 Amare Larane (Knight HS, CA)
Larane was very intriguing to watch. The 6’3 prospect has a long frame and wingspan to go with good athleticism. On several occasions, he impressed with his ability to break down defenders, penetrate and get inside, and find ways to finish near or at the rim.
2026 6’2 Kameron Young (St. John Bosco)
Young grabbed my attention with just how smoothly he operated on the court. He made good decisions, didn’t force much on the court, and was able to knock down shots off the catch but also create for himself and others.