Welcome to the Big Leagues: The PrepHoops Freshman Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PrepHoops Freshman Showcase is less than 24 hours away, and the stage is set for our players to make their introduction to high school. The accomplishments and accolades of elementary and middle school glory are now a distant memory, and the true test of your growth will have to be proven against those that are older, bigger, stronger, faster, and more mature. They move from the big men on campus to the little brothers we have all watched and boasted about their potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our notable freshmen from this past season include the electric [player_tooltip player_id='3564671' first='Corey' last='Blake Jr.'], the young freshman that led arguably the toughest team in the state to a state title. [player_tooltip player_id='2257910' first='Landon' last='Tinsley'], a virtual man-child with a mature IQ and physical attributes, carried his eighth-grade varsity experience to a new school and continued to prove his name. [player_tooltip player_id='2897970' first='Cash' last='Peek'] is another notable freshman that stepped right in and provided production at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The list goes on to [player_tooltip player_id='3722364' first='TJ' last='Beaulieu'], the phenom guard that took his game to every Louisiana community and earned his reputation as one of the most skilled guards in the state regardless of class. [player_tooltip player_id='3564674' first='Rhys' last='Diley'] is another notable freshman that played his role at a high level and was instrumental in a second Country Day championship. Phanuel Greer produced at a high level as one of the most productive freshmen in the state, along with Braylon Kinsley at Northshore and [player_tooltip player_id='2933206' first='Kaleb' last='Maxwell'] at Quitman. Those are just a few of the names, but now it is time to make way for the next wave of Louisiana hoopers that have an opportunity to impact the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players like Baxton Bohanon, a well-known Bossier City player, is already known for his ability to knock down shots. [player_tooltip player_id='3669696' first='Price' last='Hsu'] is a skilled and hardworking player who competes with a chip on his shoulder. [player_tooltip player_id='3703783' first='Braedon' last='Wallace'] is a 6'6" freshman with unlimited upside and a big frame. [player_tooltip player_id='2958179' first='Isaiah' last='Johnson'] from Grambling, Louisiana, is a skilled and poised point guard that has already led his team to a State Championship and is known as one of the best in North Louisiana. [player_tooltip player_id='2947525' first='Chance' last='Foster'] is a rising freshman with a defensive energy that you don't see in most underclassmen, and a role player on a State Championship team. Khadyn Shelvin is an early favorite for top player in the state, known for his competitive demeanor, size, explosiveness, and visible talents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This will be the time for us to meet players like Martino Cruz, [player_tooltip player_id='3686736' first='Jeremiah' last='Peeler'], Hagen Lacombe, Fredrick Nedd, [player_tooltip player_id='3695735' first='Nick' last='Petikas'], Jarvon Carley, [player_tooltip player_id='3007534' first='Armaine' last='Smith'], and [player_tooltip player_id='3674058' first='Elijah' last='Harper']. Each of these players is known in their regions and communities as the torch carriers for their basketball communities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Makhari Johnson is well-known in the Monroe area and attends Wossman High School, and has already established his name in the twin cities by accomplishing a 1,000-point middle school career. There are plenty more names that are known around the state to include [player_tooltip player_id='3722708' first='Jo'Koree' last='Mitchell'] from Zwolle, who has already grown to 6'3". [player_tooltip player_id='3723149' first='Jahkaree' last='Miller'] from Minden High School is known for his ability to facilitate at a high level. [player_tooltip player_id='3723124' first='Romero' last='Lewis Jr']. from Archbishop Shaw was impressive all summer in the absence of some key pieces for summer ball. [player_tooltip player_id='3722316' first='Braylyn' last='Williams'] is a savvy, undersized post that plays big and can control the paint with his physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are plenty more to consider, but all will be on full display this weekend in Baton Rouge. Who will emerge as the top player, and which players will establish themselves on the radar? The rankings are not about what you hear; it is about what you do. Make no mistake about it. This is the first of the high school tests. Congratulations on an amazing middle school journey, but welcome to the big leagues. It is high school competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->