Southern California is home to the finest high school basketball talent in California, particularly within the CIF Southern Section, which encompasses five counties around Los Angeles, including Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.
Harvard-Westlake has claimed the CIF State Open Division title for two consecutive years. Prior to the Wolverines’ reign, the championship was held by Corona Centennial, followed by Sierra Canyon (’19, ’18), Bishop Montgomery (’17), and Chino Hills (’16) – all elite Southern Section programs that have reached the pinnacle of California’s top division.
While there are still a few talented players in the LA City Section, it doesn’t quite match its previous glory.
Below is a roundup of the Top 20 basketball duos across California, with most of them representing the Southern Section.
Top 20 High School Basketball Duos (+ Trios)
1. Brayden Burries + Issac Williamson, Roosevelt
Who makes it a trio? Speedy PG Myles Walker.
Brayden Burries, a 5-star recruit, is currently averaging 32 points per game while New Mexico commit Issac Williamson is contributing 16 points per contest.
2. Nik Khamenia + Joe Sterling, Harvard-Westlake
Nik Khamenia, who has committed to Duke, consistently approaches a triple-double each game. His new teammate Joe Sterling, a junior with impressive shooting skills, is also performing strongly.
3. Brandon McCoy + Elzie Harrington, St. John Bosco
Who makes it a trio? Christian Collins.
At St. John Bosco, the big three features Christian Collins, but McCoy and Harrington have played together for three seasons and secured a CIF State Division I championship last year, making them the standout duo.
4. Tyran Stokes + Lino Mark, Notre Dame/SO
Who makes it a trio? Junior wing Zach White.
Top junior Tyran Stokes has made a positive impact since returning for the season in December. Meanwhile, Rutgers commit Lino Mark is an electrifying guard who complements this dynamic duo.
5. Dillan Shaw + Tae Simmons, Heritage Christian
Dillan Shaw has committed to Saint Mary’s while Tae Simmons is heading to San Diego State. Shaw, at 6-foot-7, is a long and versatile wing, while Simmons brings strength and power to the rim. Together, they scored 60 points in a win over Corona Centennial during the Classic at Damien.
6. Tounde Yessoufou + Julius Price, Santa Maria St. Joseph
Yessoufou possesses remarkable physical attributes—being quick, strong, and skilled. Price, a savvy playmaker, complements Yessoufou, a Baylor commit who is on pace to potentially become California’s all-time leading scorer if his performance continues.
7. Jason Crowe Jr.+ Parker Jefferson, Inglewood
Crowe Jr. is nearing an impressive average of 40 points per game after scoring 55 in a highly competitive matchup against Alijah Arenas and Chatsworth. Minnesota commit Parker Jefferson adds depth as a skilled big man capable of both posting up and shooting from the perimeter.
8. Gene Roebuck + Julien Gomez, La Mirada
Roebuck is widely regarded as the top sophomore in California—combining strength, skill, and composure in high-stakes games. His senior teammate showcases a similar crafty style to that of a high school version of Manu Ginobili. Gomez, also left-handed, is destined for Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
9. Alijah Arenas + Taj Unuakhalu, Chatsworth
Who makes it a trio? Sophomore guard Tekeio Phillips.
Arenas stands out as one of the top 2025 prospects nationally. His teammate Taj Unuakhalu is an active forward adept at scoring but excels even more on the defensive end.
10. Gavin Hightower + Maximo Adams, Sierra Canyon
Who makes it a trio? Either Chris Nwuli or Bryce Cofield.
Two newcomers at Sierra Canyon, Gavin Hightower is a point guard adaptable to any role his team needs, whether as a playmaker or a scorer. Meanwhile, Adams is a dynamic forward known for his ability to shoot from mid-range and execute powerful dunks.
Hightower has committed to Iona.
11. Luke Barnett + DeMarcus Henry, Mater Dei
“Shooooterrrrr!” is a chant Luke Barnett hears in every gym he steps into. DeMarcus Henry serves as Mater Dei’s second leading scorer as a sophomore, known for his athleticism as a wing player.
Barnett is the one who shoots; Henry prefers to slash to the basket.
12. Kaiden Bailey + Dallas Washington, Santa Margarita
Who makes it a trio? Brayden Kyman or Drew Anderson.
Bailey is an accomplished scorer demonstrating that he can effectively manage a team as well. Dallas Washington is a lengthy, athletic forward who can influence the game on both ends of the court.
13. BJ Davis-Ray + Jarne Eyenga, JSerra
JSerra’s coach, Keith Wilkinson, compared BJ Davis-Ray to Paul George. Upon closer inspection, the comparison holds merit; Davis-Ray is long, athletic, and possesses guard-like skills from the perimeter. Eyenga, meanwhile, is an active face-up forward who operates effectively around the basket.
Davis-Ray is set to join SMU, while Eyenga will be heading to Charlotte.
14. Hudson Mayes + SJ Madison, Redondo Union
Who completes the trio? Sophomore Chris Sanders.
Mayes and Madison epitomize versatility as long, athletic perimeter wings. They excel defensively and exhibit remarkable power when attacking the rim. This dynamic duo has the potential to lead the Sea Hawks to a playoff spot in the 2025 Open Division.
15. Brandon Benjamin + Staf Yilmazturk, Anaheim/Canyon
Benjamin ranks as one of California’s premier high school scorers, averaging over 30 points per game. Yilmazturk continually complements Benjamin’s impressive statistics. Canyon stands at 9-2.
16. Joshua Palmer + Caleb Versher, St. Bernard
This duo represents an outstanding backcourt that boasts exceptional talent. Palmer and Versher are both long guards capable of scoring 30 points or more on any given night.
17. Peyton White + Isaiah Barnes, Crespi
Who completes the trio? Carter Barnes, twin brother of Isaiah – sons of former NBA player Matt Barnes.
Peyton White, a Nevada commit, leads the Celts, functioning as a double-double machine alongside the Barnes twins who each bring unique skills to the team.
18. Tajh Ariza + Khaeden Asher-Grady, Westchester
Tajh Ariza, son of former NBA player Trevor Ariza, is a 5-star prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, often relying on Asher-Grady to shoulder the scoring responsibilities in each game.
19. Isaiah Johnson + James Bass, Campbell Hall
Johnson, who has committed to Colorado, averaged an impressive 34 points per game at the Classic at Damien. Bass is a long and athletic forward committed to the University of Tennessee at Martin.
20. JJ Sanchez + Xair Mendez, San Diego Montgomery
Who completes the trio? Devin Hamilton.
Sanchez, Mendez, and Hamilton are averaging 18.5, 17.9, and 15.7 points per game, respectively, as Montgomery stands out as the top team in San Diego.
Other Duos Worth Mentioning
- Mason Hodges + Adam Aziz, San Juan Hills
- Kayleb Kearse + Douglas Langford, St. Pius
- Jeremiah Hampton + JJ Harris, Windward
- Jacob De Armas + Eneasi Piuleini, Mira Costa
- EJ Spillman + Logan Stewart, Pacifica Christian/OC
- Trent Minter + Wesley Trevino, Los Alamitos
- Aman Haynes + Jayshawn Kibble, St. Anthony
- Mateo Trujillo + Nick Welch, Rolling Hills Prep
- Aaron Glass + Mckel Shedrick, Rancho Cucamonga
- Hunter Caplan + Jacob Majok, Crean Lutheran
- Trystn Nguru + Semaj Carter, Rancho Verde
