LADERA RANCH, CALIFORNIA — The CaliLive 2025 basketball event, held from June 27-29 in Southern California, has once again proven to be a pivotal stage for high school basketball players to showcase their talents. Unlike AAU tournaments, where the concentration of talent is high, events like CaliLive offer players the chance to compete within their high school programs, providing a more structured environment for college scouts to evaluate potential recruits.
The event saw a number of standout performances and emerging talents, with key games highlighting the competitive spirit of the participating teams. St. John Bosco, led by Christian Collins, emerged victorious in the Aussie Basketball Travelers bracket, while Salesian narrowly defeated Notre Dame Sherman Oaks in the Kangaroo bracket. Harvard-Westlake and JSerra also claimed wins in their respective brackets, showcasing their strength and depth.
Top Performers and Rising Stars
Stock Riser: Damarian Landry of Oak Hills
Damarian Landry has been a name on the rise, and his performance at CaliLive only amplified the buzz surrounding him. The 6-foot-6 junior impressed with his athleticism and ability to play above the rim. While his jump shot mechanics still need refinement, Landry demonstrated his capability to score from the perimeter, both off the catch and the dribble. With two more years of high school basketball ahead, Landry is poised to become a significant prospect.
Performer: Jason Crowe Jr. of Inglewood
Jason Crowe Jr. lived up to expectations, delivering an outstanding performance by averaging 37 points per game over four games. His 47-point game in an overtime win against Eastvale Roosevelt was a highlight, solidifying his reputation as a prolific scorer. Despite Inglewood’s eventual loss to Harvard-Westlake, Crowe Jr.’s impact was undeniable.
Takeaway: Expected CIF-SS Open Programs Deliver
The CaliLive event provided a glimpse into the potential contenders for the CIF Southern Section Open Division. Teams like Harvard-Westlake, St. John Bosco, and JSerra, all of which won their brackets, are expected to be strong competitors. Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks, Santa Margarita, and Redondo Union also made significant impressions, indicating a competitive season ahead.
Performer: JSerra’s New Addition, Jaden Bailes
JSerra’s acquisition of Jaden Bailes from St. Augustine has significantly bolstered their lineup. Bailes’ high-energy play, coupled with his ability to score from long range, makes him a valuable asset. His performance at CaliLive earned him an offer from Cal Berkeley, highlighting his potential at the collegiate level.
Emerging Talents and Team Developments
Stock Riser: Jasiah Williams of Crespi
Despite Crespi’s narrow loss to St. John Bosco, Jasiah Williams emerged as a key player. The 6-foot-4 junior provided a scoring boost from the perimeter, showcasing his confidence and dynamic play. Williams’ performance is indicative of his potential as an All-Mission League-caliber player.
Stock Riser: Kyle Sanders of Campbell Hall
Kyle Sanders, a 6-foot-10 center, has transferred to Campbell Hall, bringing with him offers from Stanford and USC. While his skills are still developing, his size and presence on the court make him a formidable player. Campbell Hall’s lineup, including sparkplug guards Duece Newt and Christian Rogers, looks promising for the upcoming season.
Stock Riser: Josiah Johnson of Mayfair
Josiah Johnson’s late bloom has caught the attention of college scouts, with offers from Long Beach State and UC Santa Barbara. His average of 27 points per game at CaliLive underscores his scoring ability and potential for further growth.
Performer: Freshman Will Conroy Jr. of Village Christian
Will Conroy Jr., an incoming freshman, has already made a significant impact at CaliLive. Averaging 31.3 points per game, Conroy Jr. is set to be a player to watch in the class of 2029, leading Village Christian to a strong 3-1 record during the event.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Takeaway: La Mirada’s New Additions
Following a historic season, La Mirada is looking to build on its success with new additions to the team. Coach Randy Oronoz has brought in players like 6-foot-7 forward Jordyn Houston and Westchester transfer Gary Ferguson to support star junior Gene Roebuck. These changes aim to ensure the team’s continued competitiveness in the Open Division playoffs.
Takeaway: Cleveland’s Title Contention
With key players like Alijah Arenas and Tajh Ariza having moved on, the LA City Section Open Division title is up for grabs. Cleveland High School, with its strong trio of TJ Wansa, Charlie Adams, and Serigne Deme, is positioning itself as a serious contender. The team’s depth and talent could make them a formidable force in the upcoming season.
The CaliLive 2025 event has not only highlighted individual talents but also provided insights into team dynamics and future prospects. As these young athletes continue to develop, the high school basketball landscape in California promises to be as competitive and exciting as ever.
