Mid-Season Freshman Impressions Pt. 2
With the regular season at the halfway point for most teams, I take a look at some of the top freshmen that I’ve seen play this winter. These seven 2024 prospects have all made an impact at the JV or…
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Continue ReadingWith the regular season at the halfway point for most teams, I take a look at some of the top freshmen that I’ve seen play this winter. These seven 2024 prospects have all made an impact at the JV or varsity levels!
Mercy Miller (6’3 2024 G, Minnehaha Academy)- With all of the tools to be one of the top 2024 prospects across the midwest, Mercy has made an impact jumping into the starting lineup for Minnehaha. He has the size, athleticism, feel for the game, and skillset to be a high level prospect, and has been scoring 9.9 points per game. Mercy has been a threat from beyond the arc, catching fire at times to hit multiple in a row. He also has composure in transition, able to elevate above the rim or score with finesse around a defender. Mercy handles the ball well under pressure, is able to create off the dribble, and has impressed with some highlight reel passes this season.
Jerome Williams Jr. (5’8 2024 PG, Minneapolis South)- Jerome has come into high school and has instantly been one of the most electric scorers in his class. A lightning fast guard with the ability to shoot from deep and create his own looks off the dribble, Jerome has been scoring 17.4 a game to start his freshman campaign. He has a nice motor defensively using his quickness to get up under opposing ball handlers and apply constant pressure. He’s also shown the ability to get in the lane and kick it out to a shooter or dump it off to one of his posts.
Tameron Ferguson (5’9 2024 PG, Osseo)- One of the go-to players on a talented Osseo JV team, Tameron has a promising point guard skill set. He works hard defensively using his quickness, and has long limps that allow him to get into passing lanes and create loose balls. On the offensive end he’s a secure ball handler, makes smart passes, and can thread the needle to create shots for his teammates. Tameron has a nice feel for the game and rarely forces things offensively.
Brayden Carlson (6’9 2024 PF/C, East Ridge)- The future continues to look bright for East Ridge, as they have a talented 2024 class including 6’9 Brayden Carlson. I was able to catch Brayden playing JV for the Raptors, and although he didn’t put up huge numbers, he showed a lot of potential. He has great hands receiving in the post, and gets off the ground well for a player his size. Brayden had two dunks, one receiving before taking one step into a two hander, and the other catching on the move off a pick & roll and going up in stride to finish above the rim. Brayden also knocked down a post fadeaway from along the baseline, and did well to move his feet defensively and slide over for a big block. Carlson has the passing vision to hit the open man when the double team comes, and he does well to get a body on a man and box-out after a shot goes up.
Randy McClendon Jr. (6’1 2024 G, DeLaSalle)- The other freshman seeing minutes for DeLaSalle this season, Randy is a smooth guard with a mature feel for the game. Offensively he plays with a calm demeanor, and can do a bit of everything on the court. He can glide to get to the rim and finish, has a solid outside shot, and is capable of creating off the dribble and getting to his spot on the floor. In transition he’s capable of weaving through defenders and getting to the rack, and on the defensive end he’s capable of providing ball pressure and creating problems with his long and lanky frame.
Camren Smith (6’3 2024 SG, Minneapolis South)- I really like the potential that Camren Smith has shown as a wing scorer for Minneapolis South. He has a long and lanky 6’3 frame, combined with some solid athleticism as a freshman. He’s capable of getting out in transition and finishing above the rim in the open floor, while also being able to remain calm and score with a defender chasing him to the rim. In the half court Camren is capable of stretching the floor with his shooting range, and can also take his man off the dribble and get to the lane to score with touch. He also has the potential to develop into a versatile defender due to his length and ability to move his feet on the perimeter. Averaging 7.7 ppg for South this season.
Jency Davis (5’7 2024 PG, Columbia Heights)- Jency has mostly been playing JV this season as a freshman, but sees time on varsity in certain situations. One of the top shooters I’ve seen in the class this season, Jency can stretch out opposing defenses with his ability to hit shots from well beyond the high school line. The shifty lefty is able to run off screens and get into space to shoot, or use his handle to create for himself. In key moments at the varsity level, Jency has come in due to his ability to handle the ball and consistently hit free throws under pressure.