Dallas Freshmen Takeover (Class of 2023 Analysis)
The nationwide class of 2023 is stacked with talent from top to bottom, but Dallas seems to get forgotten in that conversation. High school freshmen in Dallas, Texas have been balling out all 2019-2020 season. Several freshmen made substantial impacts…
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Continue ReadingThe nationwide class of 2023 is stacked with talent from top to bottom, but Dallas seems to get forgotten in that conversation. High school freshmen in Dallas, Texas have been balling out all 2019-2020 season. Several freshmen made substantial impacts on their teams and left notable impressions amongst coaches, teammates, and the city. Here are some of Dallas’s best freshmen that we all will be talking about in the near future.
Dean Balo Dean Balo 6'3" | SG J.J. Pearce | 2023 State TX – JJ Pearce High School – Shooting Guard: This 6’2 sixth man is a rising star. He comes off the bench and is an instant burst of energy for his team. Dean has supremely quick feet and a bag of moves that would break any defenders’ ankles. He’s an average shooter that will definitely get better, but he still does a great job of getting to his spots. If I were to describe him with one word it would be playmaker.
Luke Stiefel Luke Stiefel 6'4" | SF Grapevine Faith | 2023 State TX – Colleyville Covenant Christian Academy – Small Forward: 6’3 Stiefel has had such a fantastic freshmen year that he was awarded 4A 2nd Team All-District and 4A All-Tournament honors. Stiefel plays excellent team basketball and has a good feel for the game. He’s always in the right spot at the right time, which leads to a lot of knockdown spot-up jumpers. His defensive presence on the court constantly causes problems for the offense. This season he averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assist, 1.5 steals, and 1 block per game. He is the definition of a true small forward.
Ja'Kobe Walter – McKinney High School – Shooting Guard: 6’4 Ja'Kobe Walter is a baller on the court and in the classroom. Ja’Kobe earned an Academic All-District award to go along with his All-District Freshman of the year award. This guy is an automatic bucket, the slightest bit of space and he’s taking the shot. Walter has one of the purest pull-up jump shots you will see from a high schooler. There’s no spot on the court he can’t shoot from. The most special part of his game is his ability to take charges. Ja’Kobe has made an art out of taking charges and as a basketball fan it is a joy to watch.
Finley Bizjack Finley Bizjack 6'5" | CG Byron Nelson | 2023 State #131 Nation TX – Byron Nelson High School – Shooting Guard: 6’3 Bizjack is by far one of the most exciting players in Dallas. Bizjack was awarded this year’s 6A Newcomer of the Year award. He’s a crafty finisher with ridiculous handles for a freshman. His first step is a burst of speed that can get past anyone. Good luck stopping him from getting to the basket. Finley plays the game with a lot of emotion and you can see that he’s having the time of life when he’s on the floor.
Justin McBride Justin McBride 6'8" | PF Plano | 2023 State #126 Nation TX – South Garland High School – Power Forward: 6’5 Justin is a power forward that can play just about any position on the court. He has nice effective post moves, and finishes well at the basket with both hands. He has a good jump shot, somebody you don’t want to leave open. McBride plays really strong which allows him to get in the perfect position for a rebound. As a freshman, he is already posterizing defenders almost weekly. Justin McBride Justin McBride 6'8" | PF Plano | 2023 State #126 Nation TX was also granted the All-District New Comer of the Year award.
Honorable Mention
Sterling Butler Sterling Butler 5'8" | PG Mansfield | 2023 State TX – Mansfield High School – Point Guard: Sterling Butler Sterling Butler 5'8" | PG Mansfield | 2023 State TX may be 5’7 but he plays likes he’s 6’7. His instinct on defense is superior to other freshmen I’ve seen. He has quick hands and steals seem to come easy for him. Butler can consistently knockdown 3 point shots even over taller players. He has a hard shot to block, gets good lift on his jump shots, and has a nice form. Sterling Butler Sterling Butler 5'8" | PG Mansfield | 2023 State TX is someone to keep track of, this kid has a bright future.