2024 Fresh Faces: Freshman Who Can Make Immediate Impact
Each season, one of the ways high school basketball teams offset the loss of graduating seniors is by the addition of incoming freshmen. Most team rotations consist of seniors, juniors, and sophomores, but occasionally you do get impact freshmen who…
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Continue ReadingEach season, one of the ways high school basketball teams offset the loss of graduating seniors is by the addition of incoming freshmen. Most team rotations consist of seniors, juniors, and sophomores, but occasionally you do get impact freshmen who make their mark from the get-go.
Here’s a quick look at some of the SoCal freshmen who could have an immediate impact for their teams once the high school basketball season gets underway.
1. Tajianna Avant-Roberts – La Jolla Country Day
LJCD has been one of the top teams in the state for the past couple of seasons, and they’re getting a big boost with Avant-Roberts who is considered one of the top players in the nation for the class of 2024. She’s a lethal scorer who can score from all three levels. Comfortable with the ball in her hands and making plays. Shifty player who is comfortable finishing at the rim. Can step out and shoot too.
2. Me’arah O’Neal – Crossroads
O’Neal is a very versatile player with high upside. One of the things that stands out to me the most is her defensive ability. She uses her length and size to contest shots in the paint and act as a defensive anchor. She’s already 6’3 as a freshman. She can handle the ball and does well against defensive pressure. She’ll be going up against bigger players than in middle school and should be able to use her quickness to counter their size.
3. Brooklyn Shamblin – Oaks Christian
Shamblin is a shooting guard who can play a little point guard as well. She can be a lights out shooter, especially from three-point range. She’s a strong ballhandler who looks comfortable directing the offense. She has good court vision; really sees the floor and can read the defense. Knows when to pass and when to look to score.
4. Serenity Johnson Serenity Johnson 5'8" | SG Corona Centennial | 2024 State CA – Windward
When I first saw Johnson play, she was just entering eighth grade and was competing against players already in high school. She can act as a team’s primary ball-handler. When running the break, she is constantly looking for her teammates and looking to make the right play. One of the major strengths of her game is three-point shooting. She’s a knockdown shooter especially when a defender is in her face.