Mid-Season Freshman Impressions Pt. 1
As the shortened high school season reaches the halfway point, I take a look back at some of the 2024 prospects that I’ve been able to watch at both the varsity and JV levels. Andy Stefonowicz (6′ 2024 G, Minnetonka)- Had…
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Continue ReadingAs the shortened high school season reaches the halfway point, I take a look back at some of the 2024 prospects that I’ve been able to watch at both the varsity and JV levels.
Andy Stefonowicz (6′ 2024 G, Minnetonka)- Had the chance to see Andy play for the first time over the weekend, and he exploded from beyond the arc for 26 points. Although Minnetonka lost in a heartbreaker, there was a lot to like about what Andy brought to the floor. His three point shot is what stands out most, as he’s a high percentage shooter as a freshman, but he’s able to make plays off the dribble using a shot fake to open up lanes to get to the rim. Andy showcased a soft touching floater to score over length and he also contends defensively against bigger players. Has been a key player for Minnetonka averaging 11.9 ppg this season.
Chiang Ring (6’8 2024 F, Minneapolis South)- There’s so much to like about the both the present and the future for Chiang. He’s a two-way contributor already who does a great of blocking and contesting shots without fouling due to his length and timing. On the offensive end he gets off the ground quickly and looks to dunk everything in the paint, but also has a soft touch when needed. Chiang does a great job of going up balanced, and is also a capable shooter when left open. As he continues to work on his perimeter skillset and grow physically, Chiang’s potential is very high. Chiang is scoring 8.8 ppg as a freshman.
Daniel Freitag (6’1 2024 CG, Bloomington Jefferson)- One of the most athletic players in the 2024 class from what I’ve seen, Daniel combines that explosiveness with a promising skillset. He’s a really good passer capable of making smart reads and also playing with a little flair and having the rare ability to find openings through tight windows. Defensively he can sit low in a stance and defend opposing ball handlers or on the wing, and can create offense out of his defense in the form of transition buckets. Daniel adds in explosiveness leaping ability around the rim that could make him a constant highlight threat down the road. Currently averaging 5.9 ppg for Jefferson.
Jaden Morgan (6’2 2024 W, Henry Sibley)- Another promising sharpshooter in the 2024 class, Jaden shot the lights out in a close game against Mahtomedi earlier this season. He’s a long and lanky wing that can handle the ball and utilize his length to guard multiple spots defensively. Jaden is a dangerous shooter off the catch with deep range beyond the arc and the capability to knock down shots with a hand in his face. Also showed promise getting to his spot off the dribble and pulling up from mid-range. He leads his team in scoring at 9.9 ppg.
Seth Newbern (6’1 2024 G, Robbinsdale Armstrong)- Seth is another one of those players who instantly stands out with his frame and athleticism. In terms of strength he’s built more like an upperclassman, and was doing windmill and reverse dunks during warmups. Although he didn’t get the chance to throw down any dunks against Minnetonka, he made his presence felt with a few nice slashes to the basket leading to finishes. Seth had a smooth Euro-step to glide through defenders, and showed no fear going up to finish in traffic. Defensively he did well to slide over and stand his ground to take a couple of charges. Has been a solid player for Armstrong averaging 5.3 ppg.
Casmir Chavis (6’2 2024 G, DeLaSalle)- It’s rare to see a freshman step in and contribute right away for DeLaSalle, but Casmir has been doing just that. Chavis is so smooth with the ball in his hands, blending positional size, fluid athleticism, and a mature feel for the game that makes him a threat to score in transition and in the half-court. He’s capable of weaving in and out of defenders to go coast-to-coast to score, and is really good attacking from the wing. Defensively he has that Islander toughness, and his size allows him to defend multiple spots on the perimeter. Scoring 6.3 a night for DeLaSalle.
Jordan Cain (6’2 2024 G, Minnetonka)- Playing mostly JV for Minnetonka this year, Jordan makes his presence felt on both ends of the floor. His defensive intensity allows him to force loose balls and turnovers consistently, as his long arms disrupt passing lanes, and he has a high work rate. Jordan showed some shot creation ability, able to get to the rim and score with finesse or strength, and shoot off the dribble from beyond the arc. During the second half he did a great job of getting into gaps in the defense and kicking it out to open teammates for clean looks.