Impact Freshmen

Austin Anderson

January 29, 2019 @ 05:24 PM

The 2022 class is just getting their feet wet in high school basketball. When you have a freshmen that can compete on varsity and sustain a role, that player becomes someone to watch for. AAU season leading into the 2022's sophomore campaign will show which players have improved and can handle more. There are several players that have turned heads early on.   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlKOgg9mMNc">Martavious Russell (Sipsey Valley)</a>: Russell has had an instant impact for Sipsey Valley. He's already 6'3 and can play both the 2 and the 3. Martavious is athletic and attacks the rim fearlessly. He rebounds at a high rate. Russell averages 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Defensively, Martavious chips in 2 steals and 1 block per game. Look for Martavious to have a big finish to the season. Michael McGraw (Faith Christian): McGraw is a 5'11 point guard with a very smooth jumper. Michael is a solid playmaker for his team and has very good defensive awareness. Right now, McGraw won't blow you away with his athleticism, but he knows how to play the game. Michael averages 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals per game. As McGraw continues to develop as a point guard, he will only get better. Antonio Kite (Anniston): Kite is a 6'0 combo guard who plays with flare. He can score from all three levels, but is at his best attacking the rim and making plays. Kite already is one of the best young guards attacking off ball screens. Kite is filled with potential. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/profile/11939250/Barry-Dunning/videos">Barry Dunning (McGill-Toolen)</a>: Barry is arguably the head of the 2022 class. With his size (6'6) and skill set, Dunning can play 2-4 right now. Barry fits in perfectly with the front court players on his team, and he has a skill set the others don't have. He is a gifted athlete, can play above the rim, understands how to rebound, and can create his own opportunity. Dunning is a star in the making, and we won't be surprised if he has a huge role in getting Toolen back to Birmingham. Zeke Griffin (Covenant Christian): The Griffin brothers have formed quite the backcourt for Covenant. Zeke is a 5'9 point guard. He shoots 40% from three. He's averaging 12-4-4. An underrated aspect of Griffin's game is his defensive awareness and timing. Zeke also averages 3 steals per game. Griffin can already shoot the skin off the ball and has solid playmaking ability. The next step for Zeke is just getting more games under his belt. <a href="http://wee.hudl.com/profile/10953981/Evan-Smith/videos">Evan Smith (Oak Mountain)</a>: Smith is a 5'11 point guard who has started for the Eagles in the second half of the season. Oak Mountain runs a system that relies on everyone playing their role. To have a freshmen point guard step in and take the reins.... speaks volumes to Smith's potential. Evan averages 5 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. Evan has a 3-1 assist to turnover ratio and leads the team in charges taken. Will Shaver (Oak Mountain): Shaver is a 6'8 forward. He has a very soft touch and has carved out a nice role with the Eagles. You can't teach height, and Will does things other Eagles can't. Will is the tallest player on the roster. Shaver is averaging 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. His rim protection will be critical for Oak Mountain's post season success. Jonathan Murray (Huffman): Murray is a role player right now for the Vikings, but the future is bright. Jonathan has gotten better every time he hits the floor. At 6'6, Murray is one of Huffman's only forwards. Jonathan averages 6 points, 4 rebounds, and almost 2 blocks per game. If Murray continues to get improve, he could play a big role going forward.