Fab Freshman turned Sophomore Sensations
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Three sophomores looking to takeover. Brant Byers Brant Byers 6'8" | PF Newman School | 2024 NLG – Chambersburg High School, Class of 2023 This 6-foot-4 Center/PF showed much promise during his freshman year for the Chambersburg Trojans.…
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Continue ReadingThis 6-foot-4 Center/PF showed much promise during his freshman year for the Chambersburg Trojans. His height, obviously, is the first thing that stands out when analyzing Byers’ game. There’s no telling if the newly sophomore big man is done growing, however, he is already a major threat on the offensive end.
He keeps the ball high when retrieving rebounds and maintains a rare patience under the rim for future putbacks. Byers moves swiftly from block to block and possess a floor general-type I.Q. which creates great floor spacing for his teammates to ensure a bucket. When he does receive a pass he is not afraid to take that power dribble and attack the rim with tenacity and strength. The big man doesn’t set out to shoot the long ball, however, don’t sleep on him if he catches an open pass in the corner. He has a corner specialist ability and can knock down the three-pointer if need be.
Duce Jackson Duce Jackson 6'6" | SF Collegium Charter | 2023 State PA – Collegium Charter School, Class of 2023
This kid might have one of the best right hook shots in the Keystone state that I’ve ever seen. Even after watching just one minute of his highlight tapes, I bet you would easily say the same. The accuracy that his shot entails is ideal for any future college looking for that stretch four player. Jacksons continued effort in the paint makes him a threat to any second chance point opportunity and he has shown that he will not give up that easily on a missed shot.
When a younger player misses a shot it’s not uncommon for them to beat themselves up about it. Which then would most likely end up in another mistake at the other end of the floor. But not in Jacksons case. Missed shots seem to motivate him even more to secure a basket and he has shown during his freshman year that he can hang with the best of them down low.
The 6-foot-3 power forward has strength that is eye-catching and a right hand that has developed beautifully in his first year for Collegium. Once Jackson can perform this type of play with both his right and left hand, opposing teams beware and colleges get your popcorn ready. Because this kid is looking like a rising star.
Keondre DeShields Keondre DeShields 6'3" | CG Laurel Highlands | 2023 State PA – Uniontown High School, Class of 2023
Two words. Pickpocket machine.
Deshields is a 6-foot guard who has magnificent defensive awareness and easily averages at least one steal per contest, if not more. He is a pesky defender and runs the fast break with grace and aggressiveness following his steals. Making him a duel threat on both ends.
He has a quick release on his shot and his hot zones on the floor are just about everywhere. He doesn’t favor one spot on the court when lining up a jump shot which makes him extremely versatile and difficult to guard. His freshman year left us with a glimpse of what could be a great player for the next level of play and he still has three more seasons to further prove his worth.
If you ask me, he should be on all college scouts’ radar for his defensive mindset and unbiased jump shooting