Freshman Contributors: Small School Bigs
It’s rare that a freshman is good enough to make a contribution to the varsity team. Whether it’s that they aren’t physically up to the size and speed of the action, or that their skills are not fully developed, most…
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Continue ReadingIt’s rare that a freshman is good enough to make a contribution to the varsity team. Whether it’s that they aren’t physically up to the size and speed of the action, or that their skills are not fully developed, most ninth graders just aren’t able to beat out the older guys for playing time.
Of course there is the rare exception, like T.J. Williams, already an all-state honorable mention performer at Wichita Heights. Williams was a team leader for the Falcons, pitching in 8.3 points and 3.0 boards.
But there are occasionally other ninth graders who are pressed into duty for a depleted team, or who are physically up to the task and are ready to be challenged.
Here are a few 2024 bigs who were contributors to their varsity teams last year (alphabetical order):
Bryce Beisner, 6-foot-4 forward, 2024, Beloit:
A long, lanky big who is now testing his mettle for SSA Hoops Elite, Beisner is a polished worker both in the post and drifting in the midrange. He runs the floor and defends. He was a force for Beloit as a freshman, scoring 7.2 points and corralling 5.2 rebounds per game. He is an adept shot blocker too, swatting 1.4 per contest.
Gage Burk, 6-foot-3 center, 2024, Lacrosse:
Burk was a nice contributor to a good veteran Lacrosse squad. He chipped in 6.2 points and 3.7 rebounds for the Leopards. A developing big man, Burck also produced 0.9 steals a game.
Roman Hauser, 6-foot-3 forward, 2024 Norton:
For a deep and successful Blue Jay team, Hauser made an important contribution last year. The freshman added 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds, as well as 1.6 assists. Hauser should find more playing time next year, but Horton will be very deep and talented again.
Gus Hawkins, 6-foot-5 forward, 2024, Scott City:
The rebuilding Beavers called upon the 6-foot-5 Hawkins, and he responded as a team leader. One of the tallest ninth graders in the small school ranks last year, Hawkins gave Scott City 5.4 points and 4 rebounds last year.
Eli Lawson, 6-foot-6 center, 2024, Bennington:
One of several freshmen who played for the rebuilding Bulldogs, Lawson was a power as just a ninth grader. He blasted Marion with 31 points and had double figures in most games. He averaged 12.8 points and shot an impressive 52% from the field. He added 6.7 rebounds. On defense, he averaged 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks a game.