Sondheimer: Freshmen making a big impact in

Freshman level guard Phillip Reed Jr. of Palisades entered high faculty prepared to sink or swim going against varsity gamers who had been stronger and more skilled.

“I wanted to jump into the water head first,” he said.

His progress is comparable to that of other freshmen given alternatives to produce immediately. The early days of adjustment and uncertainty have been left behind. With each recreation confidence grows and indicators of real potential will be seen just like the solar rising in the morning.

“Pressure is a privilege. That’s how I look at it,” Reed said. “It’s not really pressure. It’s a challenge.”

He’s been getting ready for this second since he was 4. He lives in Compton and takes online courses to attend Palisades, utilizing further time during the day to work out with his father, a former high faculty soccer participant at Inglewood. His mom also was an athlete at West Virginia Tech.

In the early video games for Palisades, Reed noticed the challenges. “Everybody is pretty much stronger than me, so it was using my IQ,” he said. “It’s a little more physical.”

The 6-foot-3 Reed can do all the pieces a level guard is anticipated to do — dribble, make pictures from anyplace on the court, be a distributor when needed. He’s averaging 16 factors and 10 rebounds.

The Southland is stuffed with promising freshman guards, and they know each other, having performed with or against each other for years.

“Everybody in this freshman class is pushing each other to be better,” Reed said.

Some other freshman guards making an fast impact:

Will Conroy Jr., Village Christian: He’s had a high recreation of 41 factors. His father is an assistant at USC, so he’s had teaching and a lot of examples on how to transfer ahead. He got here into Friday averaging 27 factors. He’s most likely the No. 1 freshman in California.

Conroy delivered a victory over Crespi early in the season by calmly sinking a shot in the ultimate seconds. His capacity to deal with strain has been spectacular.

Freshman guard Quali Giran of Long Beach Millikan.

(Steve Galluzzo)

Quali Giran, Long Beach Millikan: From the very first recreation he has lived up to the hype of a freshman prepared to contribute immediately. He’s averaging 24 factors.

Zach Arnold, San Gabriel Academy: On a crew with a 6-11 middle, it has been Arnold’s contributions against top opponents that 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 first follow and making him the chief on the court. He’s averaging 17 factors.

Darrellreon Morris, St. Pius X-St. Matthias: Just watch him show off his maturity setting up star guard Kayleb Kearse for pictures.

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 still is adjusting to the physicality of taking part in against top opponents. He’s the son of a former Michigan State standout and a health club rat who coach Johnny Dukes said “will be a heck of a player when it’s all said and done.”’

JoJo Mariless, Damien: He’s moved into the beginning lineup for 17-4 Damien. He can shoot and is exhibiting unselfishness with his passing expertise.