MIAA Mid-Season Freshmen Standouts
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We are now halfway through the MIAA A Conference schedule and will be taking a look at the prospects from the various classes who have stood out thus far. This freshmen class isn’t as deep from top to bottom as…
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Continue ReadingWe are now halfway through the MIAA A Conference schedule and will be taking a look at the prospects from the various classes who have stood out thus far. This freshmen class isn’t as deep from top to bottom as we’ve been used to, but there is no shortage of new faces that have quickly become impact players in their respective rotations. Let’s take a look at the list of names who have impressed.
Bryson Tucker Bryson Tucker 6'7" | CG IMG Academy | 2024 #15 Nation FL | 6’5 | Mount St. Joseph ’24
Tucker has caught the league by storm and is making a strong argument as being the top freshmen in the state of Maryland. A big reason for that argument to be true is his age. He’s 14 years old and still has room to grow. He’s wasted no time inserting himself into the Gaels’ starting lineup and producing at a rapid and efficient rate. Tucker is a three-level scorer who is also improving each game with his decision-making off the bounce. He’s a versatile defender and willing rebounder who has gained the instant respect of every teammate.
Derik Queen Derik Queen 6'9" | PF Montverde Academy | 2024 State #18 Nation FL | 6’8 | St. Frances ’24
While Tucker was the best kept secret, Queen has been asserting himself since the fall and proving to onlookers that he’s a unique prospect. At 6-foot-8, Queen can handle better than most guards. He has game inside playing with his back to the basket and has steadily become a shooter from the outside that defenses need to pay attention to. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Queen rack up his fair share of triple-doubles as his high school career progresses.
Andrew Dixon Andrew Dixon 6'1" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2024 State MD | 5’11 | Mt. Carmel
Dixon is another freshman in his team’s starting lineup that continues to adjust to the varsity level quickly. The Cougars are 7-0 and sit atop of the MIAA, which is something not many would’ve predicted before the season. Dixon has emerged as a gritty defender that makes ball-handlers uncomfortable with his ability to pressure the full length of the floor. He’s a capable shot-maker from three and has shown the skill to finish with craft around the rim.
Daquan Davis Daquan Davis 6'1" | PG Overtime Elite (GA) | 2024 #119 Nation GA | 5’11 | St. Frances
The Panthers’ other freshman is featured in the backcourt off the bench in Davis. Davis is a tough-nosed guard who gives maximum effort on both ends every second he’s on the floor. Defensively he’s an impact both on or off the ball and will instinctively dive on the floor for any loose ball. He doesn’t back down from any match up and is the type of player who spreads a winning effort throughout the roster. Offensively he’ll hit a shot from the outside every now and then, but he’s at his best in transition when he can straight-line drive towards the rim and embrace contact on his finishes.
Gabe Grant | 6’9 | McDonogh
Grant is one of the freshmen in the MIAA oozing with potential, but still remains an extremely raw prospect. The 6-foot-9 forward is being utilized as a sixth man given the quality and experienced frontcourt that the Eagles have, but in his minutes off the bench he’s been disruptive when challenging shots around the rim. In his 16 minutes per game, Grant is blocking two shots and pulling down four rebounds. They aren’t numbers that will make you fall out of your seat, but slow and steady progression is key for Grant as he continues to grow and adjust to his frame.