Eye-Opening Eighth Graders
It is not very often we talk about 8th graders when it comes to high school basketball. However, there are exceptions to every rule. This year we have had a few 8th graders step-up and make an impact at the…
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Continue ReadingIt is not very often we talk about 8th graders when it comes to high school basketball. However, there are exceptions to every rule. This year we have had a few 8th graders step-up and make an impact at the next level. Their future is bright, look at these youngsters!
Alphabetically, here are the 8th Graders you need to see:
Carter Baasch (2025) |5-6 G| Maple Valley – He has a great feel for the game for a young guard. Carter has solid ball skills and is not afraid of bigger stronger defenders. I like his resilience as a ballhandler. He is a tough kid who does not back down. Carter can shoot it from 3-point range, and he has a nice jumper. He is a heady player that seems to always make the right move.
Jakob Starcevic (2025) |6-2 F| Thompson – He is an elite athlete as an 8th grader. Jakob has ridiculous anticipatory skills for his youthful age. He can run the floor with great speed and finish in traffic like a senior. Jakob blocks a surprising number of shots. I like how he competes as an underclassman and does not back down to a challenge. He can stretch the floor and put in the 3-ball.
Karter Peterson (2025) |6-2 G| Thompson – He has a long wingspan that leads to blocked shots. It is rare to see an 8th grader be a factor on the defensive end. Karter is an athlete who does not back down from older, bigger opponents. I like how level-headed he plays. Thompson is going to be a scary team in the near future.
Mason Klabo (2025) |5-11 G| Fargo Davies – It is rare for an 8th grader to play varsity basketball. You never see an 8th grader play varsity basketball in the EDC. Yet, that is what Mason is doing. He is a floor general that is mature beyond his years. Mason is ball strong and does not turn it over. He has great poise and can direct traffic. I like his fearlessness. Mason can score from all over and is a lethal shooter from long range.
Presley Peraza (2025) |6-3 F| Kindred – He is a strong mature athlete that is logging minutes for one of the best teams in the state. Presley is a gifted jumper. He excels in the post and is a strong finisher at the basket. Presley is a capable shooter from mid-range. It appears the Vikings have another standout forward in the program.
Walker Braaten (2025) |5’11 G| Westhope/Newburg – He played some varsity as a 7th grader, so he is no stranger to the big show. Walker is averaging 18.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg, and 3.6 spg. Those are bind blowing numbers for an 8th grader. He is a great shooter who can hit from beyond college range. Walker has a great understanding of the game with a high basketball IQ. Best of all, he is a competitor that lives in the gym.