Way Too Early Season Preview – Top Incoming Freshmen

<p>Now that July is over, it's time to start looking ahead to the new season - and what better to start with than some of the new players that will be suiting up in 2019-20? There are some talented players from the Class of 2023 entering high school this year and a few of them will likely even be seeing major minutes on varsity. Here's a look at some of them.</p> <p><strong>Marquis Cook, Jefferson</strong> - Cook's debut is long awaited at the high school level as he has been considered one of the top players in his class in the country. Already 6-foot-5 and possibly growing even more, the young freshman best known as "Mookie" is extremely athletic and talented. He handles and passes the ball like a point guard but can also score and shoot it as well. Jefferson head coach Pat Strickland is excited about the possibilities with Cook - who already holds a scholarship offer from Washington State - and expect the youngster to battle for a starting spot right away.</p> <p><strong>Jackson Shelstad, West Linn</strong> - Shelstad is another incoming freshman who's debut has been long awaited as the 5-foot-10 point guard has been a star guard on the Rose City Rebels the past couple of AAU seasons. He's very skilled and plays with a maturity and feel for the game well beyond his years, and like Cook he already has a Division I scholarship offer from Eastern Washington.</p> <p><strong>Esyah Pippa-White, Gresham</strong> - Along with Shelstad, the Class of 2023 has some point guard talent as Pippa-White will also be making his varsity debut. The 5-foot-11 floor leader has a solid all-around floor game as he continues to mature physically. Pippa-White will also be making a transition of sorts as he will be suiting up at Gresham after having attended middle school at Columbia Christian.</p> <p><strong>Donald Stephens Jr, Grant</strong> - The guard spots at Grant are wide open with the graduation of Aaron Deloney and Ty Rankin, and one guy who will certainly battle for a starting spot is the young freshman who's already best known as "Chili". Stephens is already blessed with a strong, mature body that will be able to battle against older guys and he's a power guard who can explode to the basket and finish.</p> <p><strong>Kavon Bradford, Benson</strong> - Bradford may not have as much publicity as some of the other guys coming in but based on what he accomplished during the summer, the 6-foot-1 combo guard should be an impact performer at Benson. The freshman combo guard is athletic and can score in a variety of ways, and put up some big numbers playing with the Techmen in June.</p>