Moreau Catholic was defeated handily in the CIF-State title game by Bishop Montgomery-Torrance, but it was hardly the end of the line for its two young stars.

The Mariners were led by sophomore Oscar Frayer and freshman Damari Milstead, who have been friends since boyhood. Frayer is the Prep2Prep North Coast Section Sophomore of the Year.

The 6-foot-5 forward had a splendid season, averaging 14.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, two assists, 2.3 steals and 3.7 blocks per game.

"I felt like I could have done better," Frayer said. "We got where we need to go, but we just didn't finish. It was exciting, but it was a little bit of a letdown at the end. I feel like we have a bright future if we work hard. Our (potential) is unlimited."

There was plenty to happy about for the Mariners in the 2013-2014 season. They finished second to Newark Memorial in the Mission Valley Athletic League, won the NorCal Division IV title and finished 27-7 overall. Frayer was a big reason why.

Frayer has plenty of strong points, even at his young age.

"I can play above the rim and I'm a good defensive player," he said. "I've done what my coaches have asked and it's paid off in the long run."

Wrote Joey Velazquez of midmajorhoopsreport.com and @hoopwhisperer fame of Frayer: “A very explosive athlete with solid ball handling skills and superb footwork." "

A big leaper, Frayer is also good on the break for a Moreau team that averaged more than 70 points per game. During the offseason, he also excels for the Oakland Soldiers AAU team.

Frayer has been at it since first suiting up as a fourth grader for St. Bede's in Hayward.

"I was not good at all," he said. "But I was around others that were better than me and it pushed me."

Behind him always has been his mother, Bionca Frayer, giving him a gentle nudge in all walks of life.

"She has pushed me with my school work and on the court too," Frayer said. "She's a good mom."

The subtle pressure has paid off. Not only is Frayer a prep basketball star at an age some aren't even driving, but he has a B average in school and recently picked up a basketball scholarship offer from Cal.

All things considered, the future does look bright for Moreau's talented 10th-grader.

Also considered: Brandon Lawrence, G, Moreau Catholic; Nikhil Peters, G, De La Salle; Kevin Warren, G, St. Mary's-Albany; Marcus Simon, G, Albany; Calvin Geraci, G, San Marin; Connor Rubattino, F, Cardinal Newman.

NOTE: We would like to thank our readers for all of the nominations you sent in for the season-ending NCS basketball awards. It is a daunting task to narrow down our selections to just the top few as we recognize there are lots of great players who make contributions on the court that are not necessarily well-documented but mean a great deal to the success of their teams. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of NCS basketball.