More Notable December Performances (Pt. 2)

Dallas/Fort Worth high school basketball in December was all about the best facing the best and getting ready for district play. Guys put on their best performances to end this 2020 year on a high note. Here are just a few of the impressive games and performances throughout the month of December. Ranchview 64 vs L.G. Pinkston 71 <img class="size-medium wp-image-1108808 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/12/IMG_3785-300x192.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="192" />| [player_tooltip player_id="1047566" first="JoCorian" last="Freeman"] | Shooting Guard | Ranchview | 2021 | [player_tooltip player_id="1047566" first="JoCorian" last="Freeman"] was in the zone against Pinkston, tallying an efficient 36 points and 12 rebounds, just an absolute beast all game on both sides of the ball. Freeman muscled and out hustled everyone on the boards, consistently following shots to the basket, making him the first person to the ball whenever it came off the rim. His efforts on the glass resulted in multiple putbacks and second-chance shot opportunities. He Jumped with a lot of force and power. JoCorian put on a show, he kept attacking and putting up points at a high rate despite the score on the board. Freeman displayed outstanding footwork, ball skills, and scoring instincts. JoCorian’s euro steps and reverse layups were a thing of beauty, when attacking the basket he had clever ways of finishing that completely faked the defenders out. He even shot the ball well from beyond the arc, coming off of the dribble and making three-pointers when the defense gave him too much space. This unsigned prospect showed all the physical tools you could ask for, he looked like the strongest man on the court, he out leaped everyone, and showed the speed and quickness to get up and down the court or blow-by the defense. This was just another impressive performance by senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="1047566" first="JoCorian" last="Freeman"]. Denton Braswell 61 vs Euless Trinity 43 <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1108809" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/12/IMG_0085-300x189.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="189" />| [player_tooltip player_id="787344" first="R.J." last="Jones"] | Shooting Guard | Denton Braswell | 2023 | Nationally ranked Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="787344" first="R.J." last="Jones"] has been phenomenal this season, particularly in December. He’s a highly skilled and versatile player that can do it all. Jones is balling at a high level right now and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down one bit. The Braswell guard had it going from the jump, as soon as R.J. received the ball he broke his defender’s ankle with a mean hesitation pull-up jumper off of the left-wing. After that he took off and knocked down 3 first-half three-pointers, the first 2 three-point shots he made were a stop-and-shoot jump shot with a defender in his face, the next three-pointer he hit came from the corner where he was in a good position to shoot, perfectly squared with the basket for a quick catch-and-shoot opportunity. R.J.’s unpredictable style of play along with his ability to score from all three levels made him difficult to guard effectively. He looked very confident with the way he played, every shot he took and every move he made was extremely fluid and precise. Robert also showed that he didn’t always have to score to be a threat, he set his teammates up in transition and put them in positions to score in the half-court. [player_tooltip player_id="787344" first="R.J." last="Jones"] has been an incredibly reliable player for his team all season long and this game was no different, putting up a smooth and easy 17 point performance. Newman Smith 83 vs Crandall 75 <img class="wp-image-1108813 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/12/IMG_3398-300x266.jpg" alt="" width="251" height="222" />| Marlon Linton Jr. | Combo Guard | Crandall | 2024 | This freshman has been making his name known state-wide with the way he's been leading the Crandall Pirates this season. Marlon Linton went for a season-high 5-of-8 from deep along with 28 points against a senior filled Newman Smith squad. Linton Jr. was on fire from outside, he knew his spots and he went right to them anytime he had the chance. The lefty continuously found openings in the corner by staying on the move and running off of screens, and when he got the ball he made sure to make the most out of the opportunity. As usual, Marlon played with a great feel for the game, showing impressive poise and instincts, he never seems in a rush or flustered by anything happening on the floor. The young man exploited doubles teams and trap defenses by finding his open teammates and guys cutting to the basket. Marlon Linton Jr. has an abundance of potential and his basketball career looks like it is off to a smoking hot start.