We are looking at some players in the 2023 class who are going to make some more noise as sophomores.
Rich Barron (6-4 SG, St. Ignatius)
A bruising wing, Barron has exceptional strength for a player his age at that position. He drags defenders with him on drives to the rim, where he has a good handle and the touch to finish. Barron is more than a downhill driver, showing a compact shot from three. He is only going to unlock more explosiveness with time. Barron looks ready to have a breakout sophomore season.
Grant Fridley (6-0 PG, Trenton Wesclin)
Fridley is a smart lead guard that can really shoot it from three. He gets his feet set well off the ball and doesn’t hesitate from a few feet behind the arc. Fridley has solid burst off the dribble, able to change gears to beat defenders. It looks like he is still growing, but he has the vision and ball skills to play the point as he grows.
Cooper LePage (6-1 PG, Crystal Lake South)
LePage is a strong guard with ideal instincts and toughness. He looks most comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations, showing great arc on his shot. While shooting is a big asset for LePage, he does a nice job of creating shots for teammates. LePage has a frame that will allow him to absorb contact in the paint, a skill that should elevate his game to another level going forward.
Bryce Shoto (5-4 PG, Plainfield South)
Shoto is a quick, shifty playmaker that doesn’t let his height restrict his impact. He has good feel as a passer, setting up teammates off the bounce with precision. Already possessing good three-point range, Shoto will be able to pull-up behind screens with regularity as he matures. While he grows, Shoto will continue to be an exiting undersized guard to watch.