A who’s who of potential freshman phenoms

Word has been slowly trickling out about high school freshmen who could be major varsity contributors this season.

Fans get excited because a freshman on the varsity means the future is bright. Coaches get nervous because it can be tricky starting a freshman over a senior. Sportswriters get pumped because they think they could be watching the next big star.

It’s wise to be appreciative, but stay calm as these members from the class of 2014 begin to emerge. They’re going to be fun to watch, but starting on varsity as a freshman is no guarantee of a college scholarship. The athlete has to keep improving, maturing and developing.

But because everyone likes to hear about potential freshman phenoms, here are some names to track:

Coltin Gerhart, Norco. Football is the toughest sport for a freshman to make an impact because it’s so physical, but Gerhart is starting at quarterback on varsity and more than holding his own. He repeated the eighth grade and just turned 16, which gives him an advantage over many freshmen. He has learned how to handle pressure from watching his famous siblings (including Toby Gerhart, now with the Minnesota Vikings). He’s a terrific student who’s also going to play basketball and baseball.

Malik Cyphers, Harbor City Narbonne. A cornerback and A student with exceptional speed, Cyphers is headed for a memorable four-year varsity career. “He’s only going to get better,” Coach Manual Douglas said.

Tyrone Faanono, Oxnard. Faanono is a 6-foot-1, 210-pound fullback who, at 14, has been opening holes for tailback Terrell Watson. Imagine what he’s going to be like when he’s a senior.

Parker Cartwright, Los Angeles Loyola. As point guards go, Cartwright starts out as the consensus No. 1 player. He’s going to have to overcome a lack of great size — he’s 5-foot-9 — but everyone agrees he has an instinctive feel for basketball and he doesn’t miss free throws or open shots.

Shaqquan Aaron, Santa Ana Mater Dei. If there’s a better shooter as a freshman, please step forward. Aaron has the scoring talent and versatility to make Coach Gary McKnight act calm on the bench — and that’s even after McKnight gets mad at an official’s call.

Stanley Johnson, Mater Dei. There was a reason McKnight didn’t seem worried after losing three seniors who graduated and ended up at California, UCLA and Arizona State. He’ll have two elite freshmen on varsity. The 6-5 Johnson is a strong rebounder with a fearless demeanor on the court.

Ajon Efferson, Woodland Hills Taft. When a freshman is telling seniors what to do, coaches smile, look up and say, “Thank you.” Efferson is a 5-11 point guard with “ Jordan Farmar-type leadership qualities,” Coach Derrick Taylor said.

Brian Alberts, Chatsworth Sierra Canyon. The 6-4 Alberts played for Sylmar over the summer, and Spartans Coach Bort Escoto called him the best freshman basketball player in California.

Daniel Hamilton, Los Angeles Crenshaw. The younger brother of Crenshaw standout Isaac Hamilton is a 6-4 guard with good shooting skills who’s still developing into his body.

Davion Williams, Los Angeles Manual Arts. First-year Coach Dwayne Polee thinks the 6-4 Williams is going to be the point guard who helps lead the Toilers back to respectability.

Javon Gentle, Los Angeles Fremont. The 6-1 wing player has thrust himself into the starting lineup after a strong fall performance.

Tra Holder, Brentwood. The 6-foot guard has already convinced his coach he’s going to be a future college player.

Nicky Valaika, Newhall Hart. The last of the Valaika brothers could be the best in baseball. He’s an infielder with speed and hitting skills. Brother Chris plays for the Cincinnati Reds. Brother Matt is in the minors. And brother Patrick is at UCLA.

Matthew Campbell, Simi Valley. A three-sport athlete, the 6-4 Campbell is best known for his pitching in baseball. Coach Matt LaBelle can’t say whether Campbell will play on varsity because he hasn’t seen him yet, but those who saw Campbell pitch in youth baseball rave about his skills. And his size alone commands respect.

Jack Flaherty, North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake. Freshmen don’t start on varsity in the tough Mission League, but Flaherty is a shortstop-pitcher ready to do just that.

Jordin Canada, Los Angeles Windward. A point guard in girls’ basketball, Canada has been called phenomenal by several coaches. “She’s that good,” Windward Coach Steve Smith said.

Frankie Shebby, Mater Dei. USC and UCLA have already taken notice of this girls’ volleyball player who had 26 kills in a match.

Madeline Jelenicki, Valencia. She hasn’t played in a single high school softball game, and yet Arizona and UCLA have offered scholarships to Jelenicki, a catcher who has been a standout in club softball. “She’s definitely an impact player,” Coach Donna Lee said.

Sarah Baxter, Simi Valley. Baxter has been setting school records in cross country and just might win an individual title in her rookie season.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

twitter.com/LATsondheimer