Top Freshmen in North Idaho
Our class of 2023 rankings have gone live! It is always tough to rank a freshman class. Most freshmen in the state are playing JV, most haven’t finished their growth spurt, and all are working on the nuances in their…
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Continue ReadingOur class of 2023 rankings have gone live! It is always tough to rank a freshman class. Most freshmen in the state are playing JV, most haven’t finished their growth spurt, and all are working on the nuances in their game. This list will grow as more player emerge. Until then, let’s look at the top Freshmen playing basketball in North Idaho.
Blake Buchanan, 6’7 F, Moscow
Buchanan has the opportunity to be in the top 5 of the class of 2023 for next few years; he is just that talented. Able to run the fast break like a gazelle, Buchanan can finish with authority at the rim in such a fashion that would make Kevin Harlan stand up and clap. As time goes on and Buchanan expands his offensive game, Moscow will have the opportunity to make some noise in the state. Playing on a team with six guys 6’3” and taller, Buchanan’s talent stands out.
The Lake City Three:
It is surprising to see a single Freshman in a high school basketball starting lineup let alone three! 5A Lake City is building a scary team for the future as these three freshmen phenoms develop their skills
Zack Johnson, 6’3 F, Lake City
The tallest of the group is also the most versatile and the best prospect. Already, Johnson is able to stretch the court as a shooter and take shorter defenders into the post. The word that comes to mind while watching Johnson is “physical.” He is the type of player that initiates contact on both side of the court and embraces the physicality of the game.
Varick Meredith, 6’2 G, Lake City
Like Johnson, Meredith is a modern player in the idea of position-less basketball. He can attack the hoop, he can rebound, he can handle the ball, he can make an open shot and is a key cog in the balanced attack of Lake City. Meredith will be interesting to watch how he can distinguish himself sharing a front-court with Johnson and Class of 2021 #12 overall player, Jack Kiesbuy.
Kolton Mitchell, 5’11 G, Lake City
The freshman guard for Lake City gets his fair share of initiating the offense. With starting point guard, and Class of 2020 #64 player, Seth Hanson set to graduate this year, Mitchell has been learning the point guard ropes from a senior leader in preparation for what could be a very successful high school career as the lead ball handler for a big program.
Arie VanDenBerg, 5’11 G, Sandpoint
VanDenBerg has made a case that he is one of the top 3-point shooters in the class of 2023. The freshman shoots with confidence and converts with regularity. To already have a strong skill like that, VanDenBerg will be able to develop a good pump fake and be able to show his mid-range and in-the-paint game. With a couple of senior leaders leaving Sandpoint at the end of the year, look for VanDenBerg to show off a solid offensive repertoire.
Guys to keep an eye on:
Steven Burgess, 6’1 G, Genesis Prep
Vander Brown, 5’11 G, Lakeside
Braeden Blackmore, 6’2 F, Bonners Ferry
Be sure to check out Ben Telleria’s article about some of the freshmen who are starting to standout in the southern part of the state: https://prephoops.com/2020/01/idahos-freshman-radar/