Preseason Awards: Byron’s Top 5 Freshmen To Watch

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">This freshman class is loaded with talent across the state, but not everyone will get the chance to fully showcase it in year one. Some teams still lean on their upperclassmen, while others are coming off strong seasons and may be hesitant to mess with their chemistry. Either way, making a big impact as a freshman isn't easy... especially when your minutes aren't entirely in your hands.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Here are the top 5 freshmen who I believe will have great seasons</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["884801"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ffdd136f80e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Nazareth is a program that will play players who can play regardless of class, and Gage is one of those players. Positions seem to be set, and the game plan will revolve around their all-conference players, but Gage will get the minutes to show why she could be a needle mover for this program in her first year. She's a different type of athlete, and she also brings a tad of aggression that the program will definitely benefit from. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["954119"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ffdd136f8a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Carmel has produced true D1 talent over the past couple of years, and Johnson's name will be etched in that as well. The roster is built to play tough, and one thing Johnson will bring besides the toughness is her confidence, which should rub off on the other players. At her age, she's been able to have strong games against some of the best competition in the state, and the offers that rolled in should be a clear sign that Johnson might be due for a record-breaking freshman season. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311034"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ffdd136f91a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>McDougall will be joining a team that went deep in the state finals last year and is bringing back their core 4. However, if the minutes swing her way, we could be seeing a freshman win numerous individual accolades. McDougall is a hell of a talent at her age, and could argue as being one of the best underclassmen in her area. She'll provide some scoring for this team, and they could come in bunches simply because this team is all about playing as one, regardless of your class. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1250132"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ffdd136f985"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Geneva has been a competitive program for numerous years, and even though rebuilding is the stage they're in now.. Adelyn could be in a position to implement herself as one of the best players in their conference and on the team. The kid's skill level is beyond her age, and she plays the game with purpose and a sense of sharpness that shows there is work being put in off the court. I wouldn't be surprised to see some big games out of her this year, as well as an all-conference type of season. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1257515"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ffdd136f9f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Fundamentally, Noble is in a class of her own among freshmen, and she's still nowhere near her peak. With Ignatius losing much of its core, she has a real chance to step into major minutes this season. If she does, don't be surprised to see her land on the all-conference list while helping bring in wins for the program.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->