Five Breakout Freshmen from the Horatio Williams Tip Off

<div>In in its 11th year the Horatio Williams Foundation Tip Off Classic is one of premier early season events in Michigan. There was an abundance of underclassmen in this years field. Here are five freshmen who stood out.</div> <div> </div> <ol> <li><strong>RJ Taylor 5-11 2023 Grand Blanc</strong> After a standout summer playing up two age divisions, I expected Taylor to seamlessly blend into a loaded program in need of a true point guard. Boy was I wrong on the “blending” part. Taylor dominated the action with a team high 21 points allowing the Bobcats to pull out a huge 80-77 victory as super Sophomore <strong>Ty Rodgers</strong> battled through injuries. Beyond the scoring it was exceedingly impressive how Taylor stepped up his game both when Rodgers went down in the first half, and late in the contest to seal the win. Just makes so many “winning” basketball plays. Cleverly used the rim as shield on a breakaway layup. Showed deep range on his jump shot. Strung together a few consecutive bombs which had the gym buzzing. A deep heat check nearly went down which would have took the roof off the gym. Was a pest defensively all night with multiple steals. So much nuance to his game in how he uses picks and keeps teammates involved. You can always say a young player can get bigger and stronger, but I’m not really sure that really applies here. It would just be icing on the cake. He is simply that good already.</li> <li><strong>Monte Allen 6-0 2023 Grand Blanc</strong> Not to be out done Taylor’s 2023 backcourt partner came into the game much later but nevertheless had a huge impact on the outcome. Advanced the ball quickly and was not afraid of anything. A pit bull defensively who drew a critical offensive foul on Detroit Douglass standout<strong> Pierre Brooks</strong>. It was telling that he drew the assignment on the much bigger Brooks (29 points) in crunch time. Also went 4-for-4 at the line late in the close contest. Not very big but has a sturdy frame. Showed this by snagging two crucial offensive rebounds against the Hurricanes huge front line. Like Taylor, showing so many intangibles at such a young age bodes well for the future.</li> <li><strong>Caleb Renfroe 6-2 2023 Ferndale</strong> Impressive perimeter prospect who provided solid bench contributions for the Eagles. I think the program might be selling him a little short as he looked a little taller than his listed height. Plays in an upright manner which might aid him in looking a little bigger. Showed a smooth and efficient outside shot with little wasted motion. Good ball handler, especially considering his long term position is at the two. Long arms and he used them well defensively. Didn’t start for the Eagles but like the previous two players on this list played in crunch time which tells you something within this setting and opponent.</li> <li><strong>Robert Lee 6-2 2023 Flint Beecher</strong> The Bucs have a small front line and drew a difficult opponent in Ferndale. . Lee was up to the task and will be comforted to know he won’t face many opponents in high school with the speed power combination of <strong>Colin Golson</strong> (Siena). Not one bit of Lee looks like a Freshman. Wasn’t able to show much in this particular contest but competed very well. Will be interesting to see what his long term position will be. Out of necessity appears to be more a power forward right now. He is in one of the better developmental programs in the state so this is definitely a prospect to put on your radar.</li> <li><strong>Isaiah Wilson 6-2 2023 River Rogue</strong> A little projection here as Wilson did not see any game action Saturday. In talking to those close to the program they are expecting contributions from this young man. It’s easy to see why as he posses a compact well developed frame that is rarely seen in a 2023 prospect. I have no insight on his intentions but with his advanced physical profile, his biggest developmental impediment might be his participation with the newly minted Division 3 state championship football program. Once again I don’t know if he even plays football but he is that type of impressive athlete.</li> </ol>