Early Season Freshman Fever

Jed Tai December 13, 2023 @ 05:09 PM

There's a special group of freshman this season as a number of them are not only on the varsity squads but some are even starting and playing major roles with their teams. Here's a look at some of the first year high school players and how they are making an impact early on in 2023-24.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026054' first='Isaac' last='Bongen'] (2027 Jesuit)   Bongen not only made the varsity squad at Jesuit - one of a select few to ever do so under head coach Gene Potter - but the freshman is starting and off to a fast start. The 6-foot-2 wing is the team's leading scorer at 17.5 points per game and has already notched a couple of 25-point games including his debut. Bongen is shooting it well from deep and also flashing some of the elite athleticism he's known for and it's wild to think his best basketball is still way ahead of him.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026057' first='Braylon' last='Gaines'] (2027 Nelson)   Gaines has stepped right into the starting point guard spot for Nelson, helping lead them to a 3-1 start. The Hawks are averaging 79 points per game and a lot of it has to do with the freshman directing the offense, as he's averaging over 8 assists per contest. Gaines has proven himself as a scorer as well, averaging over 20 points per contest.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026060' first='Jaydon' last='Schregardus'] (2027 Nelson)   Starting alongside Gaines in the backcourt is Schregardus, who has gotten the green light to fire away from the outside. He's knocked down 10 threes in four games so far and is averaging just under 14 points a game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026871' first='Darius' last='Andrews'] (2027 Centennial)   Starting from day one at the point guard spot, Andrews has made an impression with his ability to create for others and notched 10 assists in a big win over North Salem. The lefty's aggressive style of play has paid off on the defensive end as he's averaged over 4 steals a game so far this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026062' first='RJ' last='Barhoum'] (2027 Clackamas)   Another freshman who's gotten the chance to start right away, Barhoum is already establishing himself as a scoring threat. He opened up the season with a team-high 23 points and has done most of his damage firing away from beyond the arc. He's also a perfect 11-for-11 from the line so far.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026058' first='Elijah' last='Thompson'] (2027 Southridge)   Thompson comes off the bench for the Skyhawks but has gotten plenty of quality playing time - and has produced on both ends of the floor. In fact, in Southridge's recent drubbing of South Eugene the freshman led the team in scoring with 24 points, sinking all four 3-pt attempts and hitting 10-for-13 shos total.   Some other freshmen who are playing varsity include:   Avery Houston (2027 Cascade Christian) - 26 points in season-opening blowout win (106 points!) vs. Rogue River [player_tooltip player_id='2026061' first='Junior' last='Vialva'] (2027 West Linn) - 14 points in season-opener against West Salem [player_tooltip player_id='2026486' first='Keion' last='Gates'] (2027 Grant) [player_tooltip player_id='2026056' first='Varryk' last='Hardges'] (2027 Grant) [player_tooltip player_id='2026086' first='Alonzo' last='Reyes'] (2027 Churchill)

There's a special group of freshman this season as a number of them are not only on the varsity squads but some are even starting and playing major roles with their teams. Here's a look at some of the first year high school players and how they are making an impact early on in 2023-24.