2024 Class: Central Texas freshmen making an impact
It’s tough enough as it is to make the varsity roster as a Freshmen, let alone to make a true impact on the court in the first season with your respective team. In the Austin-San Antonio Metroplex, a skilled group…
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Continue ReadingIt’s tough enough as it is to make the varsity roster as a Freshmen, let alone to make a true impact on the court in the first season with your respective team. In the Austin-San Antonio Metroplex, a skilled group of ballers from the 2024 class are doing just that as they have impressed with their play so far in the 2020-21 season and are emerging as playmakers to keep an eye on moving forward.
Here are the Central Texas Freshmen that are making an impact this season:
Cameron Jackson | C | Pflugerville Weiss
A towering 6’8″ post who is a load to handle in the paint, Jackson is a bully around the basket for Weiss averaging nearly a double-double with 10.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest in his first 8 games played. Jackson has been a consistent force for the Wolves since returning from injury, and he’s made a huge impact on the boards and as a rim protector on defense. Jackson’s top performances so far on the season came in 20 points and 13 rebounds versus Bastrop, and 12 points and 15 rebounds against Pflugerville Connally.
Trap Johnson | SG | Belton
A 6’2″ shooting guard who can really score, Johnson is making a sizable impact for Belton by providing a consistent scoring option alongside his brother TJ Johnson TJ Johnson 6'6" | SF Belton | 2022 State TX . Throughout the season Johnson has been putting up double-figure scoring performances on the regular thanks to his shooting ability, especially from beyond-the-arc. Two of his more impressive performances came in an 18 points outing versus a tough Leander Glenn team and another 18 points against state-ranked Killeen Ellison.
Amarie Haywood | SF | Leander Rouse
Haywood is a key piece of the youth movement that has led Rouse to an 8-9 record this season while starting 4-4 in district play. The 6’3″ forward is averaging 8.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Raiders and has provided the team a boost of energy on the boards and with his defensive effort. Haywood is very active on defense, showing good anticipation on his steals and particularly on blocking shots. On offense, Haywood is doing a good job of contributing by knocking down open shots from three-point range.
Devin McCloud | CG | Veterans Memorial
McCloud has made a noticeable impact for Veterans Memorial this season averaging 7.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in 15 games played. The 6’1″ combo-guard has a strong and athletic build and is fluid at the point of attack where he has done a good job of finishing around the basket. He’s done a great job of contributing in multiple areas on the court and looks to have a good feel for the game. McCloud’s highest-scoring output so far this season came in a 20 point performance against Seguin earlier in January.
John’Avahn Jackson | SF | Seguin
Jackson jumped out to a great start to his Freshmen campaign at Seguin with back-to-back 19 point performances against Brackenridge and Taft to begin the season. Since then the Matadors wing has averaged 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in their 17 games played. Jackson shows good athleticism in his hudl tapes and can make plays all over the court, whether it’s with steals and finishes on the fast break or knocking down shots in the paint and also in the three-point territory.
2024 Watch List
PG Emmanuel Robinson (San Antonio Wagner)
PG Jaxson Vandegarde (Buda Johnson)
SG Josiah McDonald (San Antonio Stevens)
C Cameron Walker (San Antonio Brennan)
PF Greg Williams (San Antonio Wagner)
SG Trent Medearis (Hays)
SF Kailand Johnson (Manor)