Uncommonly Masterful Freshmen: Chapter Four
November marked the debut for the 2024 class. Much has been made of the 2023’s. Who will be at the crest of the next wave of talent splashing down upon TSSAA?
Newcomers Part I
Newcomers Part II
Newcomers Part III
Ron Brisbon (USJ)
Ron is still adapting to the program though there are tangible contributions thus far. Brisbon is a stout guard with serviceable handle. Sure he can improve his shooting touch and perhaps develop the instinct to attack when given a bit of space. Right now RB is executing his portion of the offense as directed by USJ Head Coach Ryan Yeates and the execution is solid.
Kavien Jones (Battle Ground Academy)
Though limited in his basketball skills, Kavien is built like a 6-foot-4 junior lineman. His strength and size coupled with a decent touch around the rim suggest Kavien is going to be an enormous problem for the years to come. Jones plays football too for BGA.
Griffin Cooper (Columbia Academy)
The success of Griffin Cooper is a joy for the CA Bulldogs. Of all the freshman on this list Cooper is the most urgently needed by his program. Last spring Columbia Academy graduated Gary Smith Jr. Gary Smith Jr. 6'6" | SG Columbia Academy | 2020 State TN and lack size since Eli Hyle graduated.in 2019. Griffin is the answer to that problem. Cooper’s reactions around the rim are special. Standing 6-foot-5 Cooper lassos many errant shots with his long arms. Despite his varsity inexperience Cooper plays with excellent footwork and post technique. Cooper gives a strong first and second effort.
Joshua Heard (Cookeville)
Heard is the leading scorer for Cookeville High, early in his career, contributing just under 13 ppg. Heard’s father starred for Tennessee Tech years back and just this fall ascended to Cookeville Head Coach last June. Heard racked up 25 points in their early December win over Pickett County. Heard’s strengths include outside shooting and the ability to draw fouls. Most importantly, Heard is adept at punishing teams for those fouls on him. Right now he shoots 79% from the free throw line. In that Pickett County win, Heard made 11-13 from the stripe.
Jagger Goodall (Davidson Academy)
The dynamic guard, Jagger Goodall, really thrives thanks to two specific skills. Goodall dribbles better than most and his shot release is much, much quicker than most. Goodall is effective playing either guard position at the Division II high school level in Tennessee. He might be relegated to a small college point guard who just so happens to be an adept shooter simply because of his height. Jagger plays with tenacity on both ends of the floor. His reputation for playing with passion and speed is strong and repeatedly reinforced on the court. Goodall made PSB-Nashville 2024 last summer.
Peruse the complete 2023 rankings.
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