Preseason Nor Cal Freshman Standouts
I’m always interested in seeing freshman prospects who play at the varsity level. I get the opportunity to evaluate and see how their game develops over the course of the season. Nor Cal has some up and coming freshman prospects…
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Continue ReadingI’m always interested in seeing freshman prospects who play at the varsity level. I get the opportunity to evaluate and see how their game develops over the course of the season. Nor Cal has some up and coming freshman prospects who have done well in the preseason and have made solid contributions to the teams they play on at this level. One noticeable trait all these players have is they don’t seem to be rattled by the heat of the moment. Here are five freshman who I think have performed well for their teams.
Devin Day 6’2 guard 2022, Modesto Christian: A consistent and accurate shooter from 3pt. range. An excellent shooter when given space, he doesn’t force shots, he’s a good passer. He knows where he should be on the court most of the time. Devin has come into the game and made big shots for this team. He’s been a solid contributor for this Modesto team.
Aidan Burke 6’2 guard, Archbishop Mitty: Good solid all around floor game. Runs the lanes on the break, sets himself up well to get the ball and be effective whether passing or shot attempt. He has a good baseline drive to the basket, he has good handles and doesn’t turn the ball over. Aidan has good lift on his mid range shot and capable of knocking down a 3.
Jaylen Thompson 6’4 forward 2022, St Joseph Notre Dame: This long slender freshman will grow and get stronger, but the starter from this small division school definitely caught my attention with his play. A solid contributor who doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, has improving foot work, works hard at defending older and stronger players. He’s a solid rebounder for this team and he gets out and runs the floor in transition, he has a nice inside game, and showed he’s capable of working his way outside to knock down the mid range shot.
Aidan Mahaney 6’1 guard 2022, Campolindo: A starter and plays alongside older brother Carter Mahaney 6’2 2020. Aidan stepped right into his position on Day one, looking like a prospect who was groomed for this spot. A confident prospect with a good skill set to compete at this level. He plays both guard positions, he brings the ball up under pressure and gets into his set offense. He moves well without the ball and can come off screens and spot up, he has good shooting form and can shoot from 3.
Austin Johnson 6’2 guard 2022 Salesian College Prep: Has a solid body coming off the bench and playing on one of the top teams in Nor Cal. There’s not a lot of room for error with this freshman. He understands and knows when he enters the game to do what he does best, shoot the basketball and play solid defense. He has good shooting form and a smooth release. He moves well without the ball and is always ready to shoot if the opportunity arises. He’s more than capable of down 3’s.
Noah Clifford 6’5 forward 2022, De La Salle: I went to see freshman Jeremiah Dargan a 6’4 guard who also plays varsity for this team. Noah impressed me with his let’s go do this attitude. He’s an exceptional passer with good court vision, he consistently found cutters from various angles going to the basket. He plays the high post area well. This big bodied freshman moves without the ball, screening and rolling to the basket. He’s aggressive, has good footwork, posts up well and can finish in traffic. He loves to bang, he rebounds well and a good help defender.