LAGUNA NIGUEL – Riley Battin – whose adjustment to high school basketball wasn’t hampered by much in the way of “rough patches” – is the BurlisonOnBasketball 2014-15 Southern California High School Most Outstanding Player for the freshman class.
The 6-foot-7 Battin averaged 21.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game at Oak Park while closing his first season as a prep with a 25-point, 11-rebound effort in his team’s 93-89 loss to Millikan in a second-round CIF Southern Section 1AA playoff game.
Players from the CIF Southern, L.A. City and San Diego sections were eligible to be selected.
The players were chosen based upon their first-season accomplishments and not necessarily how extensively they are being recruited – or will be recruited – for their on-court potential in college.
The 15-player squad, including Battin (listed alphabetically):
Wayne Arnold (6-1/Compton Dominguez)
Riley Battin (6-7/Oak Park)/MOP
Jules Bernard (6-3/L.A. Windward)
Taeshon Cherry (6-7/San Diego St. Augustine)
Michael Feinberg (6-3/Chatsworth Sierra Canyon)
Spencer Freedman (6-0/Santa Monica)
Jordan Guest (6-7/Santa Margarita)
Miles Norris (6-7/Chula Vista Mater Dei)
Taurus Samuels (5-11/Vista)
Cameron Shelton (6-0/Chino Hills)
David Singleton (6-3/Torrance Bishop Montgomery)
Wesley Slajchert (6-3/Oak Park)
Scooter Smith (6-2/Bellflower)
Jordan Starr (6-5/El Cajon Foothills Christian)
Brandon Williams (5-10/Encino Crespi)
I know these lists are difficult to craft so thank you for your time and effort. In reviewing the list I believe there is a notable omission. At Alemany DJ McDonald was an impact player on a Mission League winning team that qualified for the Open division. I believe it’s important to keep in mind and factor in level of competition when accessing players. In the post season Alemany’s only losses came from Open division teams that are ranked #9 or higher in the LA Times final Boys Basketball Top 25 rankings.
Congratulations to the young men that were recognized.
I saw a player twice Austin Gallupo from West Ranch, guard who is 6 foot 4, has a great outside shot, can rebound and handle the ball – I think should be on this list.
I feel as if a freshman from La Mirada should be on this list, Rendwick Helaire. Kid is an absolute beast on the defensive end, always guarding the opposing teams best player.
Taeshon Cherry is the real deal-San Diego freshman of the year!
No Kehei Clark or Mike Meadows from Buckley ? Big mistake !
Great list. A lot of these kids are part of big club teams. There is a kid most likely the youngest of the bunch. Tibeius Ballard from a small school Calvary Christian. He made first team all league as a freshman on UT Preps. This kids is in the top 5 for San Diego. In the words of a coach he is like a Durant. 32 points against the D4 Cif Champion Pacific Ridge. He deserves to be on your list. Congrats to the all the kids and especially the kids from San Diego.