November 2025
The Countdown to Tip-Off Starts Now
Orange County basketball is back and the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be one of the deepest, most talented years we’ve seen in a long time. From national recruits to breakout underclassmen, every corner of the county is loaded. The gyms are about to get loud, the rivalries are about to heat up,
Let’s dive into this year’s Scope Scouting Preseason Top 15, where star power, returning experience, and offseason momentum helped set the landscape.
1. Santa Margarita
The Eagles come into the season as OC’s team to beat. Georgia Tech commit Kaiden Bailey returns as one of the best senior guards on the West Coast, and he’s surrounded by firepower. Drew Anderson, an Oregon State commit, brings size and versatility up front, while Brayden Kyman, headed to Washington State, adds shot-making and length on the wing. This trio gives Santa Margarita one of the most complete lineups in California.
2. Mater Dei
You can never count out the Monarchs, and this year they enter with star power everywhere. Luke Barnett, a senior guard and Kansas commit, headlines a loaded rotation. Junior forward Zain Majeed, who holds a Florida State offer, provides matchup nightmares, and Richie Ramirez already with eight D1 offers gives MD another elite perimeter threat. Add in Malloy Smith, a crafty senior guard with three Division I offers, and Mater Dei is poised for another championship push.
3. Crean Lutheran
Crean’s trio of high-level talent locks them into the Top 3. Junior guard Hunter Caplan (10 offers) is one of the county’s most dynamic scorers. Jacob Majok, a UCR commit, brings motor and length on the wing, while Chadrack Mpoyi, committed to Minnesota, provides a physical interior presence. Expect Crean to be tough every night.
4. JSerra
The Lions sit comfortably inside the Top 5 thanks to two proven stars and one rising underclassman. Seattle U commit Jaiden Bailes returns to run the show, while sophomore forward Ryan Doane already with six offers is one of OC’s fastest-ascending prospects. Earl Bryson, a strong junior guard, gives JSerra another reliable two-way piece.
5. Fairmont Prep
Senior forward David Abisogun (Texas State commit) leads a gritty Fairmont squad that always finds a way to compete with the county’s best. With continuity and a clear identity, the Huskies are set for another strong season.
6. Pacifica Christian
PC has experience, shooting, and toughness a dangerous mix. Austin Brinker (Johns Hopkins), Charlie Hall (Grove City), and Donovan Hogan (Ottawa University) form a senior-heavy core, with Michael Noel adding reliability in the backcourt. Expect them to surprise some of the bigger programs.
7. Corona del Mar
Led by Case Western Reserve commit Oliver Nakra, the Sea Kings return one of their most balanced lineups in years. Senior guard Luke Mirhashemi brings leadership and scoring, while junior guard Maxwell Scott, who holds an offer from UCR, is poised for a breakout.
8. Los Alamitos
The Griffins carry a talented backcourt duo in Tyler Lopez and rising sophomore Isaiah Williamson. If their young talent takes a leap, Los Al could push into the Top 5 by midseason.
9. Cypress
A veteran Cypress group returns senior playmakers Ryan Gov and Gavin Kroll, giving the Centurions a strong foundation and plenty of late-game reliability.
10. San Clemente
The Tritons boast one of the best inside-outside combos in the lower half of the rankings with junior guard Braeden Braggs and senior forward Desi Gutierrez. Their toughness keeps them in every game.
11. Foothill
Foothill enters with intriguing size and versatility. Marlee Stone provides a matchup problem on the wing, while Braeden Davidson gives the Knights another long, athletic perimeter threat.
12. Servite
The Friars are young, but talented. Senior wing Jake Schutt leads the group, with juniors Marcus Gragg-Buchanan and Hugh Hannan providing support. Freshman guard Tariq Johnson is a name to know his growth will shape Servite’s ceiling.
13. Canyon
Canyon returns a deep roster highlighted by senior guards Rami Awad and Mohammed El Baba, along with sophomore guard Jonah Kim. Pierce Haugen adds needed size and physicality inside.
14. Orange Lutheran
The Lancers’ backcourt will dictate their season. Seniors Ethan McCoy and Josh King bring experience, while sophomore Noah Zeola gives OLu a young guard with upside.
15. Edison
Rounding out the Top 15, Edison leans on senior guard Derick Johnson, who will shoulder a heavy scoring load and give the Chargers a chance every night.
Receiving Votes:
La Habra, Aliso Niguel, Sonora, Tesoro, Newport Harbor