Sac-Joaquin Section Emerging Stars

What are Emerging Stars?

Every year new talent steps into the spotlight, and there are plenty of players ready to make that leap from solid contributors to must-watch standouts. Being an emerging star isn’t just about scoring more points, it’s about taking on a bigger role, impacting wins, and putting themselves on the radar for coaches and scouts. Here are the players we’ll be watching closely this season as potential emerging stars in the Sac-Joaquin Section.

Emerging Stars

1. Tre Simmons - 6'4 | 2028 | PG | Lincoln (Stockton)

Tre Simmons is coming into his sophomore season at Lincoln (Stockton) with a major opportunity in front of him. With both of last year’s starting guards — Donez Lindsey (Minnesota Crookston, D2) and Anthony Moore (Weber State, D1) — moving on, the floor is wide open for Simmons to take control of the backcourt. At 6’4, he’s a big point guard with the ability to run the offense, set the tone, and take on more responsibility as a leader. His size and versatility make him a switchable piece defensively while giving the offense different looks, whether he’s initiating at the point or sliding to the wing. He plays with poise beyond his years, rarely forcing the game, and his strong feel for when and where to attack makes him a reliable decision maker.

What sets Simmons apart is his blend of strength, patience, and skill. As a freshman, he averaged 7.1 points, 1.1 assists, and 5.5 rebounds (per MaxPreps). His numbers will undoubtedly increase this year as he becomes the focal point of the offense. Though not the most athletic guard, Simmons relies on his high IQ, craftiness, and pace to get around defenders and create scoring opportunities. He’s a methodical driver who uses his body to create angles and finish, has a reliable floater, and while his mid-range game is polished, he’s developed into a legitimate three-point threat, making him much tougher to guard. Simmons rebounds at a high level for a guard and often turns boards into transition opportunities. On top of that, he brings a unique post up game for his position, where his strength allows him to punish smaller defenders on the block. If he continues to look for his own scoring opportunities more aggressively while maintaining his natural playmaking instincts, he has all the tools to become one of the biggest breakout names in the Sac-Joaquin Section this season.

2. Baron Sabir - 6'5 | 2027 | SG | Sheldon

Baron Sabir is entering his junior season at Sheldon ready to build on his sophomore performance. As the only returning player from last year’s top five scorers, he’s poised to carry a significant offensive load after finishing as the team’s third leading scorer as only a sophomore. At 6’5, Sabir is a natural scoring guard with extremely deep range, a tight handle, and the ability to make smart reads. While he isn’t the most physical player, he attacks bigger defenders and uses his quickness to create separation, giving him multiple ways to score.

The thing that makes Sabir so dangerous is his scoring versatility. As a sophomore, he shot 43% from three on 117 attempts (per MaxPreps), showing he can knock down shots from anywhere on the floor. He’s a sniper who can shoot off the catch, off the dribble, and in movement. As well, his ability to stretch the defense opens lanes for him to develop as a driver. While adding strength will help him finish more consistently against bigger defenders, his quickness, craftiness, and shooting ability already make him a matchup nightmare for opponents. If he continues to grow as a complete scorer, Sabir has the tools to be one of the standout players in the Sac-Joaquin Section this season.

3. Templeton Fountaine V - 6'3 | 2027 | CG | Vanden

Templeton Fontaine V comes into his junior season at Vanden with momentum after a strong summer that elevated his stock with winning the 16u 3SSB championship with Team Lillard. As a sophomore, he averaged 5.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game (per MaxPreps), showing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor and make an impact defensively. At 6’3, Fontaine is a talented athlete who thrives attacking downhill, finishing above the rim, and using his quick first step to put pressure on defenses. He’s also developing into a consistent shot creator with a smooth pull up mid range game that gives him a reliable option when defenders cut off the drive.

The way Fontaine stands out is the way he impacts both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s still progressing as a perimeter shooter after shooting just 25% from three last season (per MaxPreps), but he’s shown flashes that point to growth in that area. His ability to break down defenders and create for teammates already makes him a tough cover. On the defensive side, Fontaine embraces challenges, using his energy, toughness, and athleticism to make life difficult for opposing guards. With Division I offers already in hand from Weber State, Montana, and USF, Fontaine’s mix of athleticism, IQ, and competitiveness makes him one of the top breakout candidates in the Sac-Joaquin Section this season.