With the 2020-2021 March Madness tournament beginning Thursday March 18th let's take a look at former Northern California High School basketball players who get their chance to submit their legacy in the month of March.

Keshad Johnson - San Leandro High School -San Diego State University - Sophomore

This year's San Diego State Aztec team has a chance to make a run. Keshad Johnson brings an electric feel off the bench with his highlight dunks, ability to score the ball when asked, and his ability to rebound the ball. Johnson will be asked to come off the bench and try and score on an always tough Syracuse 2-3 defense. As a Sophomore Johnson is a two-time Mountain West Champion and looks to help San Diego State win its first March Madness game since 2015.

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Coleman Hawkins - Prolific Prep - Illinois - Freshman

As a freshman Coleman Hawkins had played consistent minutes for one of the top teams in the nation. At Illinois, Hawkins has come off of the bench for the fighting Illini giving them 6.2 minutes per game. When given minutes Hawkins has not disappointed, in 14 minutes against Penn State Hawkins scored five points and even had three big time blocks. Hawkins will be able to come off of the bench and provide Illinois a balanced attack on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. In the month of March stars can be born and given the opportunity Hawkins will be up for the task on the biggest stage in college basketball.

Amadou Sow - Prolific Prep (Napa) - UCSB - Junior

The third leading scorer for the UCSB Gauchos Amadou Sow has the ability to score inside and grab rebounds. In the Big West conference championship game against UC Irvine Sow scored 13 points, snagged 11 rebounds, and shot 57% from the field. Sow’s greatest ability for the UCSB team who makes The Big Dance for the first time since 2012 will be to get to the free throw line. In the Big West Conference Tournament Semi-Final, Sow scored 23 points while knocking down nine of ten free throws. Although not a good three-point shooter Sow is surprisingly able to shoot from the free throw line at 82%. If the Gauchos want to beat Creighton Sow will need to attack and get to the free throw line as much as possible.

Chance McMillan - Golden State Prep - Grand Canyon University - Freshman

As a freshman Chance McMillan has played consistent minutes for a surprising Grand Canyon University. McMillan has shown flashes in his freshman year shooting 41% from deep and will be looked to for scoring against an efficient three point shooting Iowa team, ranked number two in the West region. Grand Canyon University will struggle to outscore Iowa but during any given game a Cinderella story could be written.



Oscar Frayer - Moreau Catholic High School - Grand Canyon University - Senior

Oscar Frayer is a senior who is going to give it his all in what could possibly be his last college game. Frayer averaged 6.5 points per game this season making him the fourth leading scorer on his team. Frayer’s best scoring game came against San Francisco where he scored 14 points. If Frayer is able to score above his season average of 6.5 points Grand Canyon may pull off the upset of the tournament. Frayer gives Grand Canyon a well balanced offensive game and will need to give it his all on the defensive end against a well rounded Iowa offense.

Other Notable Norcal High School Basketball Alumni Playing in March Madness
Jared Walbrun - Palo Alto High School - Purdue - Junior
Cade Alger - Ripon Christian High School - San Diego State University - Freshman
Javon Blacksher Jr - Oakland, CA - Grand Canyon University - Sophomore
Eddy Ionescu - Miramonte High School - University of Oregon - Senior
Mawot Mag - Prolific Prep - Rutgers University - Freshman
Sekou Toure - Prolific Prep (Napa) - UCSB - Sophomore
Jay Nagle - Will C Wood - UCSB - Junior
Joey Potts - Petaluma High School - Oregon State - Junior
Blake Henry - Menlo-Atherton High School - Colgate - Junior
Xavion Brown - Sheldon High School - Appalachian State - Freshman