The Rise of Brandon Benjamin: Orange County’s 2024-25 Player of the Year
In the world of high school basketball, standout performances and stellar achievements often define a player’s legacy. This year’s crowning jewel of Orange County high school basketball is none other than Brandon Benjamin, a senior from Canyon High School. Averaging a remarkable 30 points per game and shooting an impressive 57% from the field, Benjamin proved to be a formidable force on the court. Recognized as the Orange County Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, he consistently showcased an unstoppable performance that left fans, coaches, and opponents alike in awe.
Brandon Benjamin’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Standing 6-foot-5, he began the season with an explosive 34-point game in a tournament against Sunny Hills and concluded with 30 points in a CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoff loss to Santa Barbara. His offensive skills set him apart—despite facing double and triple teams almost every game, he scored no fewer than 19 points during league play and had multiple games exceeding 30 points. In addition to his scoring prowess, Benjamin contributed to his team by averaging 12 rebounds and 4 assists per game, solidifying his status as a well-rounded player.
Canyon’s head coach, Nate Harrison, praised Benjamin’s dominance, stating, "We’ve never had a more dominant player in my time here.” Benjamin’s unique combination of striking footwork, versatility in playing both inside and outside, and physical presence on the court have made him a throwback in the game. Additionally, he holds the title of Canyon’s all-time leading scorer with 2,362 points, alongside being the school’s all-time rebounding leader. After transferring to Mater Dei for a year, where he earned All-County honors, he returned to Canyon for his senior year, reaffirming his commitment to the school.
Benjamin’s remarkable accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed by college scouts; he recently signed with the University of San Diego, joining a team that boasts new coaching talent, including former NBA star Earl Watson. Benjamin is eager to adapt his game for the collegiate level, demonstrating a willingness to learn and evolve. Coach Harrison’s confidence in him is evident: "Brandon plays the right way… he’s just a winner.” As he embarks on his journey beyond high school basketball, Benjamin’s future looks exceedingly bright.
Coach Nathan Berger: A Catalyst for Success
While Brandon Benjamin captured headlines as the player of the year, the role of coaching cannot be overstated. Nathan Berger, head coach at Los Alamitos High School, was honored as Coach of the Year after leading the Griffins to success in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship game. Under Berger’s direction, the team achieved a flawless 12-0 record in league play and concluded their season with a 26-9 overall performance. Their championship victory against Mira Costa was a significant milestone, bringing Los Alamitos their third CIF title in basketball history.
Berger’s approach to coaching, which emphasizes chemistry and teamwork, has been integral to the Griffins’ success. Many of the players have been part of the program since their freshman year, creating synergy on the court that translated to success during games. Berger noted, “Maybe that’s because they played together for a long time. They knew how to read and react with each other.” His ability to foster this environment illustrates his understanding of developing young talent and building cohesive teams.
The All-County First Team: Stellar Performances Across the Board
Brandon Benjamin leading the way, the All-County First Team features an array of exceptional talents that have made their mark on this season. Junior David Abisogun from Fairmont Prep displayed his skills with an impressive average of 21 points and 14 rebounds per game, leading his team to a CIF-SS Division 2AA championship. Kaiden Bailey of Santa Margarita excelled as a Trinity League player of the year, consistently performing in high-stakes situations.
Mater Dei’s Luke Barnett also made the cut as a standout shooter, boasting an average of 21 points and an astounding 94 three-pointers made throughout the season. Meanwhile, Liam Gray of Los Alamitos was pivotal in their championship run, contributing 12 points and 5 assists per game. Mason Hodges from San Juan Hills and Trent Minter from Los Alamitos rounded out the elite roster with their impressive statistics, each showcasing their talents throughout the league.
The talent on the All-County First Team speaks volumes about the caliber of high school basketball in Orange County. Each player brought their unique strengths to the court, contributing to thrilling games and unforgettable moments throughout the season.
Second and Third Teams: Emerging Stars
As impressive as the First Team may be, the All-County Second and Third Teams also highlighted emerging talent across the region. Players such as Christian Fernandez from San Clemente and Ryan Gov from Cypress added depth with their unique skills and contributions to their respective teams. The emerging stars demonstrate the vitality of high school basketball in Orange County, with younger players stepping up to carry on the tradition of excellence.
The second team featured Samori Guyness, a promising player from Los Alamitos, and Acen Jimenez from La Habra, both of whom had notable impacts in their games. The third team included players like Jack Berry from Newport Harbor and Blake Davidson from Mater Dei, who showcased their potential for a bright future in basketball. This level of competition fosters an environment of growth and improvement, ensuring that Orange County basketball will remain a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
The Future of Orange County Basketball
As the season comes to a close, the legacy of the 2024-25 high school basketball year in Orange County is one of prowess, determination, and triumph. The achievements of Brandon Benjamin and the accomplishments under Coach Nathan Berger stand as testaments to the incredible talent in this region. The All-County selections not only highlight individual excellence but emphasize the collaborative spirit of high school basketball that unites players, coaches, and fans.
With Benjamin heading off to play at the collegiate level and others poised to follow in his footsteps, the future looks promising for Orange County basketball. There’s no denying that the growth of these young athletes and their shared experiences on the court build character and set the foundation for their future endeavors, both in sports and life.
The 2024-25 season may be behind us, but the memories and stories created will resonate for years to come, inspiring the next generation of basketball players in Orange County. Each player, coach, and fan contributes to the rich tapestry of high school sports, highlighting the value of hard work, perseverance, and the undeniable joy of the game.
