6 Freshmen to Watch this Season in the 517
Ashton Callan – PG | 6’2″ | Lumen Christi Visit Player Profile
Ashton Callan was a top standout at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase this past summer in Grand Rapids, MI. In a showcase that began with 3v3 games and then transitioned to 5v5; Callan carried his team to an undefeated day of hoops. He controlled the tempo in each game with his fast paced transition style of play. Callan calmly handled the ball under pressure, easily splitting defenders in transition and during half court play. In transition Callan had a half dozen advancement passes that seemed to defy physics with their spin and accuracy, splitting multiple defenders resulting in a number of valuable transition buckets.
Through 3 games, Callan averaged 19 pts, 5.5 rebs, 3 assist and 2 steals a game while shooting 75% from behind the arc on 13 attempts. Headed into his freshman season, Callan is a varsity caliber athlete who will have to learn to be a vocal leader much sooner than most. He did well finishing in the paint, but will need to focus on gaining size if he is to play meaningful minutes at a varsity level this season.
Callan is a true freshman with the potential to be a top prospect in the region. At 6’2” and a 6’6” wingspan, Callan is varsity ready. Expect to see him contribute major minutes to a talented Lumen Christi varsity team this season. As one of the top freshmen in the state, Ashton Callan is not only a freshman who can play on any varsity team in the state, but he has the IQ, talent and size to start for the majority of them.
Tre Burton – PG/SG | 5’8″ | Lansing Waverly Visit Player Profile
Tre Burton made his high school debut as the Waverly JV hosted Detroit Catholic Central in their season opener. Burton took the helm for the young Warriors squad and did not disappoint. As a freshman Burton looks very comfortable bringing the ball up the court and steering the offense. He is a vocal leader, who has quickly earned the respect of his teammates. Offensively he showed the ability to get to the hoop with ease. He facilitates the ball and puts his teammates in high percentage situations to score. Burton disrupted the Shamrocks transition offense, forcing a number of turnovers with his speed and basketball IQ. In the half court he was one step ahead of his opponent making it very difficult for them to operate their offense.
Flat out Burton is an athlete who will excel at every sport he plays in high school. With a loaded Waverly team, it’s hard to say whether he will see any minutes on Varsity this season. However, like others on this list, he is varsity ready and would contribute major minutes to the majority of varsity teams in the state.
Zion Mathis – PG | 5’9″ | Lansing Sexton Visit Player Profile
Zion Mathis is a 5’9” Freshman Guard for Lansing Sexton. Mathis is a skilled scorer with an impressive offensive game. He can stop quickly and hit mid-range shots with precision, making him a reliable threat. His effective crossover move helps him create space from defenders, giving him more scoring chances. When driving to the basket, Mathis shows great control, finishing through traffic with his dominant hand. Defensively Mathis is a lock down defender, scraping the entire length of the court.
Zion Mathis has seen some solid minutes on varsity so far this season. Lansing Sexton is a guard heavy team that plays at a very fast pace. Mathis will be able to sharpen his skills in practice and in the games, meaning his development will come quickly. With a number of talented junior guards in front of him, it’s hard to say how much court time he will see this season, regardless Zion Mathis is a name that will be printed more and more over the next four years.
Broden Burgess – PG/SG | 5’11” | Lumen Christi Visit Player Profile
We saw Broden Burgess in action at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase this past summer in Grand Rapids, MI. Burgess is an explosive guard with a fast first step, who got to the hoop at will. He’s aggressive when he attacks the rim and has a hang time that allows him to get creative in the air while drawing the hard foul. On a number of occasions he pulled up from deep, hitting crucial threes for his team. Burgess is a very physical athlete whose strength allows him to compete with the bigs down low. On a number of occasions he made some remarkable moves inches from the rim, but was unable to put the ball in the hoop. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes more comfortable in the air, and develops a softer touch at the glass.
Just wrapping up a Division 6 State Football Championship win, the Titans have yet to play a game this season. It’s not clear what level Burgess will be playing this season, with Lumen Christi having a very talented Varsity squad, but Burgess is equipped and skilled enough to bring value to the majority of varsity squads in the state.
Nolan Chard – SG | 6’0″ | Union City Visit Player Profile
Nolan Chard is a 6’0” freshman shooting guard for the Union City Chargers. He manages the game’s pace and flow with great skill. His shooting from beyond the arc is outstanding, making him a reliable catch-and-shoot guard. Nolan’s ability to both create plays and score efficiently makes him a key player. His well-rounded skills help his team perform better on both offense and defense.
As a freshman Nolan has 2 starts under his belt and is contributing major minutes early in the season for his veteran Union City varsity squad. With a full season still ahead, we expect to see a lot of growth from Chard this season.
Kylin Davis – SG/SF | 5’10” | Jackson High Visit Player Profile
Kylin Davis is a 5’10” shooting guard/small forward for Jackson High. Davis is a multi-sports varsity athlete who has earned varsity spots on his school’s football and basketball teams. He excels on both offense and defense all 94 feet. His offensive game is smooth, making him a valuable player. On defense, he is a real challenge for opponents with his help defense, off-ball awareness, and left to right speed. Davis is phenomenally athletic and mirrors a young Ja Morant with his ability to get air born in a number of ways. His scoring touch, combined with his defensive impact, gives him the potential to be an effective 4 year varsity athlete.
We saw Davis make his varsity debut vs Lansing Catholic in their season opener. Jackson High carries a heavy roster and circulates all their players. As the Vikings get deeper into the season, expect Davis to work his way into a larger role on varsity and possibly a starting spot.