Fab Freshman Make Mark on Holiday Tournaments

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The holiday tournaments might be complete, but the coverage of them is definitely not here at Prep Hoops Illinois!&nbsp; During a nine day period I covered games from Jacobs, Elgin, Wheeling, Hinsdale Central, Jack Tosh, Collinsville, Pekin, Duster-Thomas, and Pontiac.&nbsp; What freshman made the biggest impression on us?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2767906' first='Ronald' last='Johnson'] (Mt. Carmel – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson made a statement that he might be the #1 freshman in the state in their first round game against Oak Lawn.&nbsp; He had 12 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.&nbsp; At 6'3” the lead guard already has plus positional size along with a very good feel for the game which was most evident in this particular game where time after time he made the right read for a pass to his teammate for the score or led to a bucket.&nbsp; As a scorer he is powerful and athletic attacking downhill with the ability to move the ball around at the rim.&nbsp; Banks in runners and can knock in a three.&nbsp; Elite rebounding guard and high level on ball defender.&nbsp; In the championship game he had 9 points and 6 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2915584' first='DK' last='Heard'] (Mt. Carmel – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heard had his breakout game in the semis at Pekin as the projectable and highly touted wing had a massive performance!&nbsp; He went for 19 points (7-8 FG) and grabbed 14 rebounds in a win.&nbsp; Also is starting to show some development as a passer in addition to his freakish athleticism around the hoop.&nbsp; He followed it up with another massive game in the championship against Richwoods as he had 20 points (6-12 FG) and 12 rebounds.&nbsp; This is the kind of eye opening couple days that should have his confidence soaring into the second half of the season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2767828' first='Dallas' last='Marshall'] (Bloomington – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall looks to be one of the better freshman prospects in the state.&nbsp; In our first eval of the 6'5” small forward he has excellent positional size and athleticism.&nbsp; Explosive first step attacking downhill where he can finish with either hand.&nbsp; Gets to the foul line.&nbsp; Spin move on post up, crashed the glass, and is a capable three point shooter.&nbsp; He had 14 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2405910' first='Denym' last='Wallace'] (New Trier – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wallace was thought to be the most productive high profile freshman coming into the season and that was apparent in their quarterfinal win against HF as the big man went for 21 points as he put his team on his back for the win.&nbsp; Great size, strength, and physicality around the hoop.&nbsp; Has the skill set too as he sealed, reverse layups, pounded the offensive boards, and finished out of dunker spot.&nbsp; Showed some flashes as a passer as well.&nbsp; Against DePaul Prep in the Pontiac semis he had 9 points and 7 rebounds banging in the paint against Porter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2918205' first='Keiwon' last='Gulley'] (Bloom – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gulley is a stocky guard that is super quick with the rock in his hands.&nbsp; Speed with it down hill as he can really turn the gears on!&nbsp; Speed end to end in transition and is a sound three point shooter.&nbsp; Showed some passing flair in their game against Plainfield North as he scored 12 points and had 3 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaden McClellan (Bloom – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McClellan is more the floor general of the Bloom duo.&nbsp; He came out firing from deep against Plainfield North pouring in the threes then went to work as a set up man netting 13 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2963993' first='Kaleb' last='Garcia'] (Collinsville – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First in person eval of Garcia and the tools are definitely there.&nbsp; Legit 6'7” with a nice frame.&nbsp; Showed touch on a mid-range shot, toughness on the glass, and the ability to impact defensively in the time he was in there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2369872' first='Cody' last='Rader'] (Geneva – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rader is a freshman point guard in our Top 40 watch list.&nbsp; Mostly was utilized as a spot up shooter in the game we saw as he did hit one along with getting a put back.&nbsp; Starting as a freshman with his basketball IQ is a great start at a young age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2798656' first='Zach' last='Newman'] (Deerfield – 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newman came off the bench impressing for Deerfield.&nbsp; The 6'6” freshman has a bright future with his length, fluidity, athleticism, and skill.&nbsp; He scored 10 points getting out in transition, knocking in 15 footers, and taking his man off the bounce from the mid-post.&nbsp; Brings projectability to continue to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->