San Joaquin Memorial’s Sajjin Sidhu is The Fresno Bee boys basketball Player of the Year
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- Sajjin Sidhu led San Joaquin Memorial to a CIF Division II state championship.
- Sidhu earned The Fresno Bee boys basketball Player of the Year honors for his senior year.
- Sidhu served as point guard and primary leader, delivering clutch performances postseason.
For Sajjin Sidhu, the dream was never just about winning.
It was about representing something bigger.
“Growing up in Fresno … putting on for the city,” Sidhu said. “We play a lot of tournaments out of town, and just getting recognition for the Valley is always super important. We don’t get as much love as we deserve.”
This season, Sidhu made sure that changed.
The San Joaquin Memorial senior guard capped a remarkable year by leading the Panthers to a CIF Division II state championship, earning The Fresno Bee Player of the Year honors and cementing his place among the Central Valley’s elite.
When told of the award, Sidhu admitted the moment felt surreal.
“That’s been like a dream,” he said. “It means everything. … It’s such an honor and a blessing.”
Memorial’s path to a state title wasn’t without adversity. A disappointing showing in the section playoffs could have defined the Panthers’ season, but instead, it fueled them.
Sidhu’s mindset never wavered.
“My mentality is always to win, just do whatever it takes for our team to win,” he said. “Our guys were really bought in this year. Our chemistry was amazing. Off the court, we’re all best friends.”
That bond became the foundation of a championship run.
With a senior-heavy core and a roster that embraced accountability, the Panthers found their rhythm when it mattered most — in the state playoffs.
“We always said we’re our brother’s keeper,” Sidhu said. “That just means having each other’s back.”
In crucial moments, it was often Sidhu with the ball, and the responsibility.
Whether calming teammates during tense stretches or delivering in clutch situations, he embraced the pressure.
“I love it,” Sidhu said. “I love big games. I want the ball in close situations because I feel like I’m effective there. That’s what I’ve worked for.”
Basketball has been part of his life since he was 4 years old, shaped by family roots and long hours in the gym.
“My dad would take me to his games, and I’d be on the side doing drills,” Sidhu said. “It’s just something we’ve always done.”
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At 6-foot-4, with a polished all-around game and a reputation for thriving under pressure, Sidhu now turns his attention to the next level. College programs have taken notice, and he’s carefully weighing his options.
“I’m just being patient,” he said.
Coach of the Year: Mark Hatton, Tulare Union
Mark Hatton has long been a pillar of success for the Tribe.
Whether teaching his players how to create scoring opportunities or emphasizing tough, disciplined defense, his teams consistently buy into his system.
That standard has become synonymous with Tulare Union basketball.
Year after year, his players respond with results on the court.
In December, Hatton became the all-time winningest high school boys basketball coach, according to section historian Bob Barnett. The milestone added to an already remarkable season, as the Tribe went on to capture a section title.
His players punctuated the year with a championship performance that reflected the culture he has built.
Large School Player of the Year: Des Patton, Sr., PG, Buchanan
Patton was the steady force behind the Bears’ success all season long. Showcasing both leadership and skill, he guided Buchanan to another Tri-River Athletic Conference title.
Although the Bears fell short of a section championship, Patton consistently demonstrated control and composure on the court, delivering standout performances throughout the year.
Buchanan finished with an impressive 27-5 overall record and a 9-1 mark in TRAC play.
For his efforts, Patton was named TRAC Player of the Year.
Medium School Player of the Year: Brayden Stevenson, G, Sr., Tulare Union
Several key contributors made the Tribe’s season memorable, and Stevenson stood out among them. His performance came as no surprise to his teammates — it was expected.
Stevenson displayed toughness on both ends of the floor, averaging 18.1 points and 3.4 assists per game. His resilience defined his season, as he battled through injuries and continued to compete at a high level.
He broke the school’s all-time scoring record and helped lead Tulare Union to the Central Section Division III championship, cementing his place in the program’s history.
Small School Player of the Year: Daymen Tamayo, G, Sr., Coalinga
Following Coalinga’s Central Section Division V title, Horned Toads coach Jason McFarlin couldn’t say enough about his senior guard — and for good reason. Tamayo delivered clutch performances all season long.
He proved it once again in the section championship, scoring 26 points in a 63-62 victory over Santa Maria.
Tamayo finished the season averaging 26.1 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, leading Coalinga with consistency, production, and poise.
The Bee’s All-Stars
Kai Alfa, G, Sr., Fresno
McKae Amundsen, G, Sr., Clovis North
Justin Armbrister, G., Sr., Sanger West
Jayden Bergman, G., Soph., Central Valley Christian
Von Bibioff, G/F, Jr., Kerman
Keyvon Burcher, G, Sr., McLane
Cruz Campos, G., Sr., Granite Hills
Gabriel Carbajal, G., Sr., Monache
Ja’Vance Coleman, G, Sr., Bullard
Michael Corrales, G, Sr., Orosi
Isaiah Colunga, G., Sr., Strathmore
Elias Gish, G., Sr., Clovis North
Micah Fox, F, Sr., Lemoore
Brayden Harris, C, Sr., Buchanan
Michael Harris, F, Sr., Hoover
Landen Haynes, G, Sr., Porterville
Jensen Hirschkorn, F, Sr., Kingsburg
Jace Kellogg, G, Sr., Clovis West
Lucas Lucero, G, Sr., Sanger
Leon Madec, G/F, Sr., Fresno Christian
Giovanni Navarro, G, Sr., Mendota
Pamir Olivier, G, Jr., Hoover
Kharon Parks, G. Jr., Sanger West
Josiah Perry, G, Soph., Buchanan
Ayden Plyman, G., Sr., Exeter
Cobi Posas, F., Jr., Roosevelt
Demaje Riley, G, Sr., Tulare Union
Jordan Ruffin, F/C, Jr., Sanger West
Ty Schalk, G, Jr., San Joaquin Memorial
Demetrius Simon, G., Sr., McLane
Shawn Smith, G., Sr., Summit Charter
Anthony Smith, G., Soph., Clovis
Parker Spees, G/F, Sr., San Joaquin Memorial
Rhead Sweeney, G/F, Soph., Buchanan
Josiah Wilson, G, Soph., Garza
