2027 class: Fred Martin looks to impress at Harding Academy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2283269' first='Fred' last='Martin'] wants to lead the Lions in 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's going to get his opportunity, because he's going to be the starting point guard for Harding Academy this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the TSSAA Division II Class A West District 6, First Assembly Christian School will be heavy favorites to win the league because of its loaded roster. It will be an opportunity for Martin to go up against solid competition to see where he's at mentally and skill-wise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not turning the basketball over will be key to Martin's success as a floor general this season. Communicating on both ends of the floor will need to be seen. Most importantly, Martin, under second-year head coach Cedric Anderson, will need to guard 94-feet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson's teams of the past - most notably at Tipton-Rosemark Academy - forced teams into turnovers and scored points when they were needed. Doing the small things as a freshman on varsity is a start for Martin's growth at the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Just mentally knowing it's on me as the point guard. I have to have control of the game,” Martin said following Thursday's open gym session. “Coach (Anderson) is putting his trust in me. I got trust in myself to lead this team.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a small sample size, Martin knocked down shots from 17-feet out, which is something that was seen over the summer playing for [program_tooltip program_id='2078772' first='Team' last='Thad'] 14U. He knows how to finish at the rim. When it came to passing, Martin had a handful of smart reads, but this is preseason. The 6-foot-0 prospect will have to do all of these things once the game clock is running, referees are on the floor, and spectators are in the stands. Those are going to be the moments Martin will remember the most, especially if his production helps the Lions win games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some freshmen have to wait a season or two to get an opportunity to start on varsity. Martin is out in the forefront with fellow freshman point guard <strong>Justin</strong> <strong>Frison</strong>, who's the starting point guard at Houston. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I want to get better as a player,” Martin said. “Of course, my accolades are to be a top five guard in the country and the No. 1 guard in the state as a freshman.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Early on, Martin, Frison, and Briarcrest's <strong>Greg</strong> <strong>Spight</strong> have been the most talked guards in Memphis in the class. Now, it's time to see who can stand out amongst the pack. Martin has the opportunity to accomplish what he's set out to do. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->