Freshman of the Year Dimitrius "DJ" Dudley headlines the Full-Time Hoops All-Freshman Team
Freshmen didn't play as big of a role in this year's basketball storyline as in recent years. But a handful of first-year players did make an impact for their respective teams.
Dimitrius "DJ" Dudley, a 6-2 freshman guard, arguably had the biggest impact on his team. The Cougars leading scorer at 24.8 points per game was also the region's leading scorer based on programs that posted their statistics on Maxpreps. He also averaged 8.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, and had several huge games en route to a Division 3 quarterfinals appearance, including a 40-point game against league rival Sweetwater. He was named to the All San Diego Section 2nd team by coaches and media.
Dudley wasn't alone, though, as San Marcos Freshman Devon Arlington and La Jolla Country Day twin brothers John and James Hapgood had major seasons (against arguably tougher schedules), but Dudley's dominance earns him the Full-Time Hoops Freshman of the Year honors.
Full-Time Hoops All Freshman 1st Team
DJ Dudley, 6-2 G, San Ysidro - Led the County in scoring (per stats reported on Maxpreps) and led his team to a Division 3 quarterfinals appearance.
Devon Arlington, 6-2 G, San Marcos - Emerged as the second leading scorer on the Open Division Knights squad, averaging 12.9 points per game.
Alexis Marmolejos, 6-1 G, Army Navy Academy - Averaged 17 points per game in the Coastal League, arguably the section's toughest league, for the Warriors.
John Hapgood, 6-2 G, La Jolla Country Day - A starter from Day 1 for the Torreys, has had huge games down the stretch during the team's deep run in the CIF State playoffs.
James Hapgood, 6-2 G, La Jolla Country Day - Emerged as a starter along with his brother, and has contributed as a scorer, rebounder and defender for the Torreys.
Vinny Ferrari, 5-10 G, Francis Parker - Broke into the starting lineup halfway through the season and became the Lancers' fourth leading scorer at 8.1 points per game.
Vinny Signorelli, 5-9 G, Christian - The sharpshooter proved a valuable piece for the Patriots, averaging 8.3 points while shooting 41 percent from three.
Nick Payne, 6-2 W, Escondido - The Cougars freshman started from Day 1 and averaged 9.6 points per game for the Valley League champions.
Justin White, 6-3 W, Mission Hills - A part-time starter for the Grizzlies as a freshman, White provided energy and defense during his solid freshman campaign.
Jaden LeBel, 6-2 G, Foothills Christian - Emerged as a team's sixth man during its playoff run, averaging 3.6 points on a team that was the top seed in the Open Division playoffs.
Max Raulston, 6-2 F, La Jolla - Big time rebounder and energy guy for the Vikings, which translated to earning player of the game honors at the Battle at the Bay in February.
Cameron Marshall, 6-1 G, Mater Dei Catholic - Had a solid season as a reserve and made some big shots down the stretch for the Crusaders.
All Freshman 2nd Team
Kenny Gonzalez, 5-11 G, Mater Dei Catholic - Started on JV, but worked his way into the Crusaders rotation by season's end.
Tristan Hernandez, 5-10 G, Escondido Charter - All Ocean League second teamer was a reliable playmaker all season for the White Tigers.
Camden McCormick, 6-2 G, Francis Parker - Played sparingly for the Lancers, but showed flashes of what is to come next season.
Mike Davis, 6-1 G, Army Navy - A high-energy guard who averaged 5.8 points per game for the Warriors, and was arguably the best defensive player in the freshman class.
Damian Monge, Hilltop - Emerged as the starting point guard and face of the future of the Lancers program.
Jayden Barnett, El Camino - Defensive-minded and energy guard became a solid rotation player for the Wildcats.
Ajay Borja, Southwest SD - A starter on the Division 4 championship Raiders team, Borja has been a reliable shooter and playmaker.
Julian Beltran, Calexico - The best freshman in Imperial County averaged 14.3 points per game.
Jaysten Ramos, Mission Bay - Part-time varsity player stepped in for critical minutes during Boogie Ellis' absence.
Michael Rayner, Patrick Henry -Played solid minutes as a freshman and paired with Dexter Stratton to form one of the county's better young front courts.
Tate Smith, La Jolla Country Day - Showed flashes of his sharpshooting in some varsity games down the stretch.
Isaiah Givens, Steele Canyon - Nice athletic slasher and spot-up shooter, and a very good on-ball defender for the Cougars.
Jeremiah "Bear" Cherry, Steele Canyon - The younger brother of ASU player Taeshon Cherry had flashes of solid post play for the Cougars.
John Woodworth, The Rock Academy - Sharpshooting playmaking guard averaged 19.8 points per game for a suddenly relevant Rock Academy squad.
Marcel Kalasho, Valhalla - Played good minutes for the hot-shooting Norseman.
Kanta Thomas, San Diego - Solid on-ball defender and motor guy for the Cavers had some good moments off the bench.
Jadon Green, San Diego - Emerged during the Cavers' playoff run as a reserve and part of the future core of the team.
