Five Standout Freshmen “Stock On the Rise”
While it's way too early for Phenom Hoops to calculate our North Carolina 2024 rankings, but let's take a closer look at five standout freshmen that is making an early season impression. Be sure to check out Part 2 https://phenomhoopreport.com/five-standout-frosh-part-2-on-the-rise/
6'8 '24 Jarin Stevenson (Northwood HS)
Jarin Stevenson is trending as the No. 1 prospect in the North Carolina 2024 class. He is averaging 12.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG and 2.0 APG. Stevenson has the complete package. He has a unique blend of size, length, athleticism, plus a matching skill set that will make him one of the most coveted players in his class. Our own Colby Lewis watched him in our Open Gym Tour and has personally watched him play this season stated the following. 'His skill level is what sets him apart. He has the ability to handle the basketball and create off of the bounce. Once he had the ball on the right wing, broke his defender down, drove it right, and finished with a floater off the glass. He can shoot the perimeter jumper with consistency in pick and pop situations. What impressed me the most was his ability to use either hand in the post. He was comfortable turning over either shoulder and using both his right and left hand for hook shots. This is something that a lot of college players are unable to do, and he is already doing it at a young age.'
6'5 '24 Drake Powell (Northwood HS)
It's not often you find two of the top prospects in the state playing on the same team. We first got a chance to observe Powell our 2020 Fall Evaluation camp. He is the team's leading scorer averaging 12.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, and 2.8 SPG. Colby Lewis wrote the following. 'Drake Powell is a long, athletic, versatile guard prospect. For someone with his length and athleticism, he handles the ball well. He will be relied on to help with some of the ball handling responsibilities. There were times during practice where he had to run the point, and it was something that he looked comfortable doing. He showed poise both initiating the offense and getting others involved. He is a willing passer. He really excels in the open court where he can utilize his athleticism and attack the basket. For a freshman, he plays under control. There was one play in transition that really stuck out to me. He stole the ball and it was a one-on-one break. The defender tried to take a charge, but Powell played off two feet and knocked down the floater under control. Many players would charge into their opponent or try a euro-step and either turn the ball over or miss the shot. What impressed me the most, wasn't his talent, but was his willingness to learn and ask questions. He is coachable and wants to get better. Not many players want to be the one to ask questions in front of the entire group of their peers, but Powell does. That eagerness to learn and want to become the best he can be will help him.'
6'2 '24 Zion Walker (The Burlington School)
First of all, Zion Walker has been battle tested as The Burlington School has played one of the state's most difficult schedule. He has produced against high level competition and has shown poise and maturity beyond his years. He is currently averaging 8.8 PPG and 5.6 RPG for one of the state's top teams. Walker has gained an early reputation for bringing consistent effort and energy each and every contest. Our own Patrick O'Brien stated, ''He's a big, strong, athletic, all-around wing/forward prospect with a high motor, team-first approach, and the ability to truly control the game on both ends on the floor. Walker handles and passes the ball extremely well for his size while scoring efficiently from all three levels. He's nearly impossible to stop from entering the paint and has the poise and craftiness to finish nearly anything he attempts. Next in his development process is working on his vision, as it would make him even more uncontainable on the offensive end.'
6'5 '24 Bishop Boswell (South Mecklenburg HS)
We first got a chance to watch Bishop Boswell this summer playing for Team Hope. He impressed us then and has continued to do so over the course of the summer, fall and into the basketball season. We're talking about a strong, athletic, fundamentally sound IQ point guard. He can play each guard positions and has tremendous court vision and timely passes, but more importantly rebounds extremely well and is a willing defender. His game is somewhat reminiscence of another outstanding guard prospect in Jalen Hood-Schifino. Boswell has already picked up an offer from nationally ranked University of Houston. With his size, strength, athleticism and basketball IQ, Boswell's game will easily translate to the collegiate level.
6'6 '24 Maurio Hanson (Vance HS)
First, there was Daniel Ransom (Western Carolina) then Daniel Sanford and now we have Maurio Hanson, who figures to be a combination between Ransom and Sanford. We first got a chance to observe Hanson at our Hoop State Fall League where he quickly grabbed our attention. Our own Kahalil Shakir stated, '6'6 Maurio Hanson ’24 of Cougars 704 has a chance to be a great player. As a freshman now, he already has a college ready frame and body to go along with strength and athleticism. His ability to get great positions in the post allows him to show off his touch and footwork. He also possesses the necessary skills to operate well when facing up. He has a knack for rebounding the ball and getting easy buckets; he has great hands that allow him to catch everything.' Hanson is averaging 8.7 PPG and 6.7 RPG.
