Season Rewind: Standout Freshman

<p>The 2021-22 Texas high school basketball season is officially in the books. That makes this the perfect time to take a quick look back at some of the most impressive prospects that I had the privilege of seeing this past year.</p> <p>It’s always noteworthy when a first-year player can make an impact. These young prospects are far from finished products, which only adds to the intrigue of how much better than can become, especially since they are already contributing at the varsity level. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at some the best freshman from this past season:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1267170" first="Cameron" last="Carroll"] | 2025 | 6’2’’ Point Guard | South Grand Prairie HS</strong> - Carroll is an excellent ball handler who plays with great pace. He was great about getting himself into scoring position and showed a variety of ways to score. The South Grand Prairie floor general can consistently score in isolation, and the fact that he was trusted to do so speaks to his ability. Additionally, he has a great feel as a passer when penetrating off the dribble.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1225319" first="Ja’Cobe" last="Coleman"] | 2025 | 6’2’’ Shooting Guard | Frisco Liberty HS</strong> - I don’t think anyone told Coleman that he was a freshman, because this kid asserts himself like polished senior. He aggressively hunts for his shots and has no fear when attacking and finishing vs. size as a slasher. His mid-range game is solid too. The 2025 prospect was also one of the better rebounding guards I saw this season. He is the type of guy to go right at the opponent’s best defender time after time. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1222242" first="Hudson" last="Greer"] | 2025 | 6’8’’ Small Forward/Power Forward | Lake Travis HS</strong> - One of the few non-DFW guys that I got to see this season; Greer really impressed me at the Allen In-N-Out Holiday Invitational. He is a crafty scorer near the basket with a laundry list of ways to finish at the rim, including elevating to finish above the rim with some power. The Lake Travis combo forward possesses good fluidity for his size and a soft touch at the hoop when posting up or attacking off the dribble. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1225686" first="T.J." last="Hobbs"] | 2025 | 6’3’’ Shooting Guard/Small Forward | Nolan Catholic HS</strong> - Some freshman struggle to find that niche that will earn them playing time despite being inexperienced. Hobbs did not. His motor and intensity got him on the floor and allowed him to impact games. He plays hard on defense and turns the other team over, as well as contributes on the glass at both ends. Furthermore, he can knock down the three and will likely let you know about it immediately afterword. I love this kid's fire. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1225568" first="Parker" last="Jefferson"] | 2025 | 6’8’’ Power Forward | Waxahachie HS</strong> - Jefferson had a terrific freshman season, earning himself All-District honors. The Waxahachie forward does a nice job of utilizing his height to protect the rim and impact the game on the boards. He was also an effective screener in both the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop, showcasing his ability to score down low after diving or knock down the three from the catch. He is going to be really scary to play against if he continues to further refine his game. </p> <p><strong>Paul Dalcour | 2025 | Point Guard | Parish Episcopal School</strong> - Dalcour navigates the floor beautifully and does so comfortably at high speed. He is shifty with the ball and can effortlessly change speed and direction. He displayed solid playmaking ability when I saw him, anticipating well and delivering the ball with accuracy. The lead guard from Parish Episcopal is capable of knocking down spot up threes too. He should only improve as his on-court responsibilities increase. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1225324" first="Gabriel" last="Jones"] | 2025 | 6’9’’ Power Forward | Frisco HS</strong> - I really liked what I saw from Jones in a limited role with Frisco. He displayed some advanced footwork as well as multiple ways to score in the paint, both when posting up and when attacking the basket off the dribble. He is deceptively good off the dribble for his size and has good touch down low. Don’t be surprised if he begins to rise in everybody’s rankings this summer, because he has that magnetic combination of size and skill that every college scout is looking for. </p>