The Future Is Bright: Underclassmen Who'll Be Back

USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   The playoff journey may have ended, but for many underclassmen across the state, this is only the beginning. From poised point guards to emerging frontcourt anchors, several young standouts showed they belong on the big stage. With another offseason to grow, expect these names to return even stronger and ready to chase deeper March runs.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    [player_tooltip player_id='2624989' first='Christopher' last='McClenic'] leads off this list of underclassmen who have an exciting future. He was a bright spot in a difficult season for the Vikings and had a few nice performances against some elite region competition. One such performance was an 18-point game the second time around against Ridge View, where he led his team while shooting 7-8 from the field. Along with putting a team-high 11.6 points per game, McClenic was also Spring Valley's most productive rebounder at 8.0 rebounds per game. He showed some flashes of other improved skills in his sophomore season, but two areas for him to work on in the summer would be three-point shooting and shot blocking.     Another sophomore forward who suffered from a first-round defeat in the playoffs is Armani. Like McClenic, Jones led his team in points per game and rebounds per game this season. He also happens to be one of the highest-flyers in the CSRA, capable of making some ridiculous, highlight-reel plays at the rim on both ends of the floor. Armani plays bigger than his listed 6'3" size because of a reported 6'6" wingspan, a solid frame, and that elite athleticism. Jones showed some promise on the perimeter as he doubled his made threes total from a year ago, but that, along with ball-handling, are skills that he still needs some development with.     It was a difficult season over in Lexington, but underclassmen like JT provide some hope going forward for the Gators. Brodowski proved to be a bright offensive hub when given the chance because he is a knockdown perimeter shooter and fearless driver. Because of his smaller stature, JT needs to become a near-flawless decision maker, but he is capable of making all the passes necessary to run an offense. River Bluff will be in the market for a new leader this offseason, but look for Brodowski to take big steps toward being a 10+ PPG and 4+ APG guy in his 2026-27.     Satrel will be back and hopefully fully healthy next season. He suffered from an injury that kept him out most of his sophomore year, but there was a noticeable difference with the Wildcats when he was on the floor. Fuller is at his best when he is getting downhill, using his explosive quickness and vertical ability to challenge the paint. He looked just as explosive and confident after he returned from the injury, so there should be no lingering concerns as he turns toward the grassroots season. Woodmont will lose a lot of senior production from this season, so Fuller might have to be the guy who steps into the #1 role next year.     It isn't just sophomores who made an impact this season, there are also a couple of freshmen who showcased some things to be excited about in the future. Northwestern has a few players who fit that category, including Holley. He is a multi-sport athlete for the Trojans, also playing a key role for their State-Championship-winning football team. On the basketball court, however, Dash plays with excellent bounce and intensity, doing his best to control both sides of the glass and guard multiple positions. He will also be used as a passer in some actions offensively, so there could be even more untapped potential available if he tightens up the handle.     Rounding out this list of underclassmen with bright futures is [player_tooltip player_id='2985344' first='Caden' last='Bass']. Bass was a new name that I learned this season after he burst onto the scene with an excellent freshman season. He led North Myrtle Beach at 11.3 points per game, including three games with 20 or more points. He shot double-digit free throws in all three of those games, displaying an excellent feel for putting pressure on a defense and getting to the line. That is rare for a young player, as are many other attributes to Caden's game. The Chiefs' second leading scorer was also a freshman, so keep an eye on this young core to lead North Myrtle Beach for some time to come.

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