Freshman level guard Phillip Reed Jr. of Palisades entered highschool able to sink or swim going towards varsity gamers who have been stronger and extra skilled.
“I needed to leap into the water head first,” he stated.
His progress is just like that of different freshmen given alternatives to provide instantly. The early days of adjustment and uncertainty have been left behind. With every sport confidence grows and indicators of actual potential could be seen just like the solar rising within the morning.
“Stress is a privilege. That’s how I take a look at it,” Reed stated. “It’s not likely strain. It’s a problem.”
He’s been making ready for this second since he was 4. He lives in Compton and takes on-line lessons to attend Palisades, utilizing additional time through the day to work out together with his father, a former highschool soccer participant at Inglewood. His mom additionally was an athlete at West Virginia Tech.
Within the early video games for Palisades, Reed noticed the challenges. “All people is just about stronger than me, so it was utilizing my IQ,” he stated. “It’s a bit extra bodily.”
The 6-foot-3 Reed can do every little thing some extent guard is predicted to do — dribble, make photographs from anyplace on the courtroom, be a distributor when wanted. He’s averaging 16 factors and 10 rebounds.
The Southland is full of promising freshman guards, and so they know one another, having performed with or towards one another for years.
“All people on this freshman class is pushing one another to be higher,” Reed stated.
Another freshman guards making a direct affect:
Freshman guard Will Conroy Jr. of Village Christian.
(Craig Weston)
Will Conroy Jr., Village Christian: He’s had a excessive sport of 41 factors. His father is an assistant at USC, so he’s had teaching and loads of examples on the way to transfer ahead. He got here into Friday averaging 27 factors. He’s in all probability the No. 1 freshman in California.
Conroy delivered a victory over Crespi early within the season by calmly sinking a shot within the remaining seconds. His potential to deal with strain has been spectacular.
Freshman guard Quali Giran of Lengthy Seaside Millikan.
(Steve Galluzzo)
Quali Giran, Lengthy Seaside Millikan: From the very first sport he has lived as much as the hype of a freshman able to contribute instantly. He’s averaging 24 factors.
Zach Arnold, San Gabriel Academy: On a crew with a 6-11 heart, it has been Arnold’s contributions towards high opponents which have been most spectacular. He helped his crew beat No. 2-ranked Redondo Union.
Tariq Johnson, Servite: There was no hesitation handing the ball to Johnson from the primary apply and making him the chief on the courtroom. He’s averaging 17 factors.
Darrellreon Morris, St. Pius X-St. Matthias: Simply watch him exhibit his maturity establishing star guard Kayleb Kearse for photographs.
Braylon Sherwood, Chaminade: The 6-6 Sherwood is averaging 13 factors and helped Chaminade win 18 of its first 19 video games.
Travis Walton Jr., Eastvale Roosevelt: Coming off the bench, Walton has had a number of spectacular video games and nonetheless is adjusting to the physicality of enjoying towards high opponents. He’s the son of a former Michigan State standout and a fitness center rat who coach Johnny Dukes stated “can be a heck of a participant when it’s all stated and executed.”’
JoJo Mariless, Damien: He’s moved into the beginning lineup for 17-4 Damien. He can shoot and is displaying unselfishness together with his passing expertise.
