3P Creme of the County: 2025 and 2026 standouts, Part 3
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For the first time since 2019, San Diego basketball player took the floor in the 3P Creme of the County, a one-day showcase aimed at giving players a chance to showcase their talents in front of a bevy of media…
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Continue ReadingFor the first time since 2019, San Diego basketball player took the floor in the 3P Creme of the County, a one-day showcase aimed at giving players a chance to showcase their talents in front of a bevy of media and scouts.
(Full Disclosure: it’s my event. No, seriously, it is)
It was great to be able to host the daylong event, and see so many of the region’s top players competing.
In our final series of dispatches, we look at the youngest players on hand, from the classes of 2025 and 2026, and discuss some of the standouts we saw. That list includes Gavin Guinn, Kevon Fitzpatrick and Jayden Wade, who were featured in earlier stories.
Final 2025 standouts
Xair Mendez, 6-1 2025 G, Montgomery
Wiry scoring guard gets into paint and can finish with floaters and a very advanced layup package. Right hand dominant playmaker.
Aaron Owens, 6-2.5 2025 F, Bonita Vista
Plays much bigger than his listed height and is very active on the offensive and defensive boards. Part of the reason might be that at 6-2 he has a 6-7 wingspan. Intriguing prospect.
Pablo Balderas, 6-4 2025 F, Mater Dei Catholic
Hard-working post prospect has an excellent motor and rebounds in and out of his area. Nice touch around the paint as well.
Miles Anderson, 5-6 2025 G, Olympian
Uber-quick lead guard is a flashy passer and ball handler who can get into the paint and make plays for himself and others. His court vision is very impressive.
Cody Shen, 6-0 2025 G, Torrey Pines
Scrappy combo guard has deep range on his shot and defends both on the ball and playing the passing lanes.
2026 standouts
Jaidyn Tanner 6-5 2026 F
Arguably a top 5 prospect regardless of grade, Tanner’s length, rim running, rebounding, rim protection and passing out of double teams are unique at this stage. If he continues to grow,
Jayden Gray, 6-0 G
Big-bodied guard prospect scored the game’s final six points to lead his team to a comeback win. A very steady guard who plays at his own pace, but his ability to get downhill and finish through contact makes him a tough cover at this stage.
Jaden Bailes, 5-10 G
An athletic, hard-nosed playmaker who can score it from three levels and is a solid on-ball defender.
Jeremiah Profit, 6-3 2027 G
One of the two best prospects in the game (based on upside), Profit already has excellent length, can shoot it from deep and can attack the basket going to his dominant hand.
Ty Ingram, 6-0 G
Son of San Diego legend Tyrone Shelley, Ingram is a very good scorer in his own right, and has a prototypical basketball build. Made a strong bid for Game MVP.
Isaiah Rogers, 5-10 G
Crafty, long and a very good pick-and-roll playmaker, Rogers uses change of speed and pace to get into the paint. His floater game is pretty impressive as well.
CJ Aldrich, 5-6 G
Aldrich, upon review of the game footage, was arguably the most creative scorer in the game. He knocked down shots from three levels and plays with a quiet confidence.
Fabian Ruiz, 5-11 SG
A potent catch-and-shoot threat who has a nice length and upside. Hit three threes in the first half of the game.
Jerry Stokes, 5-1 2027 G
Despite being the second smallest player on the floor, Stokes made a big first impression, scoring 8 points out the gate. Very quick point guard can create separation with his quick first step and handle.
Lincoln Grogan, 6-1 G
The big lefty wing was arguably the best midrange shooter in the 2026 game, hitting shots off the catch and off the dribble from 15-18 feet. He has nice size and although he has a negative wingspan, plays longer than you’d think. Solid on-ball defender.
Jason Black, 5-11 2026 G
Athletic slasher likes to get down hill and finish around the basket through contact and has an excellent motor. He is a tremendous offensive rebounder at the guard position.