Early Season Notebook: Impact Freshmen

<p>We're nearly halfway through December and it seems like the season is flying by. Let's take a moment to look back at what we've learned over the first few weeks. Here is a closer look at 15 freshmen who are already playing important roles for their respective teams. </p> <h5><strong>ZANE ADNAN | 6'2 G | BULLIS</strong></h5> <p>Adnan has quickly earned a spot in Coach Bruce Kelley's rotation and has contributed consistently so far this season. He is a skilled guard who can score from all three levels and make plays with the ball in his hands. Adnan also attacks the glass and competes defensively. </p> <h5><strong>JOHN AWOKE | 6'3 G | ANNANDALE</strong></h5> <p>Awoke initially stood out at <a href="https://prephoops.com/2019/10/prospect-spotlight-john-awoke-2023/"><strong>the South County Fall Team Camp</strong></a> and has carried that momentum with him into this season. He brings good size to the point guard position and has an impressive feel for the game. Awoke has been flirting with triple-doubles on a nightly basis and he is still just scratching the surface of his true potential. </p> <h5><strong>SAMARTINE BOGUES | 5'5 PG | CALVERT HALL</strong></h5> <p>Bogues is already looking like one of the best on-ball defenders in Baltimore regardless of class. He plays with commendable effort and is a menace on the defensive end. Bogues will only continue to improve as he gains experience and becomes a reliable decision-maker.</p> <h5><strong>KWAME EVANS | 6'7 F | BALTIMORE POLY</strong></h5> <p>Evans is already playing a key role for the three-time defending state champs. At 6-foot-7 he can grab a rebound in traffic and put the ball on the deck to initiate the fast break. It will certainly be a lot of fun to watch Evans grow over the next four years.</p> <h5><strong>MARCEL GARDNER | 6'8 C | ST. ANDREW'S</strong></h5> <p>Gardner brings size to the Lions front line and that's a valuable asset considering the plethora of perimeter players on their squad. He's still a ways away from becoming a consistent producer but has worked his way into Coach Kevin Jones' rotation.</p> <h5><strong>CAM GILLUS | 5'7 PG | SIDWELL FRIENDS</strong></h5> <p>Gillus has exceeded the expectations of many early into his high school career. He's started every game so far for the 9-0 Quakers and is doing a nice job running the team as the point guard. It will be interesting to see how his role evolves as <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/afamdi-achufusi/"><strong>Afamdi Achufusi</strong></a> is integrated back into the team.</p> <h5><strong>AMANI HANSBERRY | 6'5 F | ST. JOHN'S</strong></h5> <p>Hansberry has quickly established himself as a reliable scorer in the post but is also patient enough to recognize when he's doubled and can quickly find the open man. He's been good defensively as well. Hansberry is a good communicator who is active on the boards and can protect the rim.</p> <h5><strong>DESHAWN HARRIS-SMITH | 6'3 G | PAUL VI</strong></h5> <p>Like clockwork, seemingly every year there is one freshman who makes an immediate impact at Paul VI. DeShawn Harris-Smith has been that guy so far this year. The southpaw guard has earned a rotation spot while making plays on both ends and showing some moxie.</p> <h5><strong>MATHANI PAUL-SWINSON | 5'11 PG | MCDONOGH</strong></h5> <p><strong>Mathani Paul-Swinson</strong> has <a href="https://prephoops.com/2019/11/prospect-spotlight-mathani-paul-swinson-2023/"><strong>stepped in nicely into his role as the starting point guard at McDonogh</strong></a>. His ability to handle the ball and make smart decisions has paid dividends thus far and will continue to be a barometer for the success of this young team moving forward.</p> <h5><strong>JAYDEN ROSS | 6'0 G | OSBOURN PARK</strong></h5> <p>We probably won't see Ross fully unleashed until next year after <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ethan-wilson/"><strong>Ethan Wilson</strong></a> graduates, but he is already a key rotation player for the Yellow Jackets. Ross is a strong competitor with a good skill set and a lanky frame that will fill out over time. </p> <h5><strong>MASON SO | 6'0 G | BISHOP O'CONNELL</strong></h5> <p>With all the recent changes at O'Connell, <strong>Mason So</strong> has adopted a major role from day 1. The skilled lefty guard has shown promise as a reliable scorer but is still learning how to cope with the physicality of the WCAC on the fly. So still has a positive outlook moving forward and will be one to remember.</p> <h5><strong>NAS STURDIVANT | 5'8 PG | SEVERN</strong></h5> <p>Sturdivant is being put through the fire early in his high school career as Severn's starting PG. He's a good ball-handler who knows how to change speeds and create shots for himself or others. Sturdivant will only improve as he gains experience and understands the value of each possession. </p> <h5><strong>RAYMOND WATTS | 6'2 G | BISHOP MCNAMARA</strong></h5> <p>Watts has quietly been playing well for the Mustangs in the early part of the season and has seen a boost in usage since the injury to <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/david-brown-iii/"><strong>David Brown</strong></a>. He is a good mid-range shooter off one or two dribbles and competes defensively. </p> <h5><strong>BEN WOODWARD | 6'4 SF | GEORGETOWN PREP</strong></h5> <p>As documented earlier this week, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2019/12/prospect-spotlight-ben-woodward-2023/"><strong>Woodward is off to a fast start at Prep</strong></a>. The 6-foot-4 wing has been surprisingly good defensively, which is rare for a young player. Considering the premium that has been put on shooting the ball, Woodward will likely become one of the more highly recruited 2023 wings locally.</p> <h5><strong>KHALIL WILLIAMS | 6'2 G | POTOMAC SCHOOL</strong></h5> <p>Williams is a key role player for Coach Levi Franklin as a floor spacer. The lefty guard shoots it well and can wreck a gameplan if he's not accounted for.</p>