Rising Freshmen Poised to Shine from Day One

With a new season on the horizon, several freshmen across the state are stepping into high school basketball ready to contribute immediately. This year's incoming class is loaded with talent—players who bring advanced skill, confidence, and maturity well beyond their age. Whether it's scoring, rebounding, defense, or all-around playmaking, these newcomers are expected to make their presence felt from the opening tip. Here's a look at some first-year standouts who could become key impact players right away.    Taylor wasted no time making her presence felt, bursting onto the scene with a standout debut in which she poured in a team-high 17 points. Her smooth shooting stroke was on full display, knocking down shots with confidence and precision from the moment she stepped on the floor. Beyond her scoring, Taylor plays with poise and purpose, showing the kind of offensive feel rarely seen in a first-year player. With her ability to stretch the floor and step up in big moments, she's already proving she'll be a major difference-maker for her team this season.     Gabby enters her freshman season at Buchanan with the tools to make an instant impact and quickly establish herself as one of the area's top young forwards. Standing tall with excellent coordination and balance, she uses her footwork to create high-percentage looks in the paint and finishes with a smooth, controlled touch. Her presence on the boards is just as impressive, as she consistently cleans up misses and extends possessions with her strength and timing. Gabby's combination of size, skill, and natural feel for the game gives her the potential to be a major force right away—and a player whose long-term ceiling is sky high.     OJ is set to make her varsity debut for Bay City Western, and she already looks like a future star in the making. With her blend of size, fluid athleticism, and advanced feel for the game, she brings a skill set well beyond what you typically see in a first-year guard. Her quick first step, smooth movements, and natural control of her body allow her to create advantages all over the floor, while her instincts and decision-making give her a maturity rare for a freshman. OJ has consistently held her own against elite competition, and she enters the season as a legitimate candidate for SVL honors right away—poised to make an immediate impact from the moment she steps on the court.     Avery enters her freshman year at Tecumseh with the kind of versatility that makes her valuable anywhere on the court. She's comfortable handling the ball, reads the game well, and has the range to knock down shots from deep with ease. Whether she's driving to the basket or creating space for a smooth mid-range look, her offensive polish is already impressive for a first-year player. With the ability to step into multiple roles and help replace the production her sister Alli provided, Avery is poised to make an immediate and meaningful impact for Tecumseh this season.     Saamyia arrives at East Kentwood ready to contribute from day one, bringing a spark that's hard to miss. She's a dynamic freshman guard with the quickness to shake defenders and the toughness to finish through contact at the rim. Her shooting touch is already advanced — she can step into a three, knock down a pull-up, or create space with sharp footwork. Defensively, she's just as impactful, flying into passing lanes, pressuring the ball, and turning hustle plays into easy points. With her energy, instincts, and confidence, Saamyia is poised to be an immediate difference-maker for the Falcons.

With a new season on the horizon, several freshmen across the state are stepping into high school basketball ready to contribute immediately. This year's incoming class is loaded with talent—players who bring advanced skill, confidence, and maturity well beyond their age. Whether it's scoring, rebounding, defense, or all-around playmaking, these newcomers are expected to make their presence felt from the opening tip. Here's a look at some first-year standouts who could become key impact players right away.