changing it up every now and then will help you especially on local matches to keep them guessing.
usually, i go for ji2>f222. if it connects, i can do my full bnb which will do 44% and sets a good start for me.
sometimes, i open with a soul crush or singularity. the starting spots between the two characters are close enough to hit them with singularity. if they move back a bit, you will miss which is not really a big deal because they will far enough to do something about it or surprised enough to not react fast enough to punish. but if they do a jump in and you catch them with singularity, you can do MB>j3>f222>qcb2. That will do about 37% and again, will set a good start for you.
sometimes, just simply moving back isn't bad as well. if ever he does a projectile, you can easily block it and do a reversal with soul crush. you still get first hit which is always good.