Freshman Frenzy: Impact Players To Watch For Class of 2030

Every year the state is introduced to a new batch of players as they enter high school. This rising freshman class is loaded with talent from all over the state. There were already quite a few who put the state on notice this summer in live sessions as well as on the AAU circuit. Let's discuss a handful that should be on your radar to watch in November and beyond.    Jason "Jace" Moore spent his 8th grade year not playing middle school basketball but was in the gym perfecting his craft all year. There was a bit of a mystique to Jace until the summer where he exploded on the scene for [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3']. Jace has excellent positional size, versatility, and two-way upside. He's a knockdown shooter from anywhere on the court but can also put the ball on the floor and put pressure on defenses by getting to the rim. Jace's footwork, off ball movement and IQ are incredible for a young player. During live sessions, he was a pivotal piece in the rotation, winning multiple game MVP's against some good teams. As he gets stronger and develops more into his body, the skillset will only get better. Jace has a chance to be one of the best prospects in the 2030 class.     Myles is no stranger to already producing on the highest level. As an 8th grader, he averaged 10.1 points per game for the Bulldogs. He is an explosive athlete that can consistently finish at and above the rim. With his outside shooting still developing, King does most of his damage from the free-throw line down. Contact doesn't bother him, in fact he often time initiates it first and turns them into three-point plays. Defensively, Myles is as dominant as any freshman in the state. His ability to protect the rim while also being a reliable defender on smaller guards is extremely valuable. Blending his motor, athleticism, and two-way ability makes Myles must see TV on either end of the floor.     After earning MVP Honors at Southern Alamance Middle, [player_tooltip player_id='3728673' first='Anthony' last='Mebane'] and his 6'2 frame will be a huge boost for Reagan this season. Mebane has the ability to play on or off the ball and be effective. When off the ball, he cuts to the basket hard and knocks down open shots. When on the ball, he utilizes his pace, quick first step, and elusiveness to constantly get by defenders. He has extremely long arms but keeps his handle clean and concise when breaking down defenders. Utilizing his length on defense helps create steals or deflections that lead to easy transition baskets. In an era where everyone wants to shoot threes, Anthony thrives in the mid range and does so at an efficient level. The smooth lefty has an array of step-backs and side steps to keep defenders guessing. After losing three of their top five players, Anthony should provide instant production for the Raiders this year.     When you lead your team in every statistical category but one as an 8th grader, that warrants some attention. Beau averaged a near double-double with 19 points and 9 rebounds this past season. Beau is a three level scorer who can thrive within the flow of an offense and not have to rely on a lot of isolation possessions. Being efficient in his effectiveness is a top priority, evident in his nearly 50% shooting this past year. These are not just empty stats either, Beau impacts winning at a high level. Last year, Coastal Brigade finished 6-15 but through his development and impact, he led them to a 16-8 record. Look out for an even bigger season from Beau this year as he's gotten bigger, faster, stronger in his development throughout the summer.     One of the best shooters in the class, Declan has the ability to rattle off four to five threes in a row within a blink of an eye. His mechanics are clean and the same with every shot. He's got a good ability to stay on balance with his shot even when coming off the many off ball actions that are run for him. Constantly moves without the ball and utilizes his shooting gravity to get teammates open looks or get himself to the rim off a nifty ball fake. Although the shooting is his superpower, he's capable of running an offense as the primary ball handler. Operating in pick and roll sets is something he has improved in year over year. That type of versatility allows Jacksonville to utilize him in a variety of ways. Be careful at just labeling him a shooter because he has some sneaky athleticism that can be surprising to defenders. He's been playing varsity since 7th grade and is coming off his 8th grade season averaging double figures for Living Water Christian. Now in an expanded role for the Cardinals, look for his production to potentially double.     When it comes to ball handling, shot creation and under the rim finishing, Jazz is among the best in the class. He has the ability to change speeds at a drop of a dime as well as changing directions which makes him a headache for defenders. Lightning quick first step and despite his wiry frame, can finish consistently through contact. The shot making is there, specifically off the dribble where he creates separation with his shiftiness and tight handles. Crafty below the rim finisher with either hand, and has shown some flashes of being able to finish above the rim. After a dominant career at Ranson Middle, Jazz heads over to the defending state champions, West Charlotte Mighty Lions. After the departure of two starters, the Lions will be looking for some scoring in their backcourt to compliment [player_tooltip player_id='2619645' first='Kaharri' last='Coleman']. Jazz has the potential to fill that void and then some with his ability to score the basketball.     [player_tooltip player_id='3664424' first='MJ' last='Bain'] has a high level skill set to match his positional size. Standing at 6'6, he has the ability to create mismatches all over the floor. Offensively he is best at getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim, but has the tools to also create for himself off the dribble. There is no wasted movements when he is handling the ball, he scores efficiently without the excess dribbling. The athleticism jumps off the page with his quick second jumps and ability to be a lob threat in the half court or in transition. Defensively there is not a position he can't guard. From weakside rim protection to picking up guards full court, MJ can do it all. As his outside shooting continues to develop, along with his frame and skillset, do not be surprised to see MJ on national radars soon.

Every year the state is introduced to a new batch of players as they enter high school. This rising freshman class is loaded with talent from all over the state. There were already quite a few who put the state on notice this summer in live sessions as well as on the AAU circuit. Let's discuss a handful that should be on your radar to watch in November and beyond.