Ron Garren Summer League Top Performers
Analysis

Ron Garren Summer League Top Performers

Lamarius Jackson2023 6-0 G Lamarius Jackson – Social Circle
With multiple starters missing, it was Lamarius Jackson who kept Social Circle competitive, playing the best basketball of his career in two lights out performances. Jackson, known for his hustle and energy, has taken the next step offensively, looking like an All-State candidate ready to burst out his senior season. Lamarius hit nine threes over his two games, finishing with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals against Winder-Barrow before catching fire on a grueling back-to-back, dropping 31 points on 7 threes, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal against rival Monroe Area. Jackson has improved his creativity with the ball, but it’s his three-point shot that has elevated his ceiling. LJ drained pull-up threes and got downhill with his floater. The lefty found points all over the floor and would go on scoring sprees in the blink of an eye. If Jackson is able to play anywhere near the level he did on Wednesday once the Redskins are at full strength, Social Circle could be in line for another deep state playoff runs. Non-D-I schools will want to check out Lamarius; he keeps getting better.

Quindarius Jackson2023 6-0 G Quindarius Jackson – Social Circle
Twin Quin had a great day of basketball as well. Jackson had 17 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists in Game 1, followed by 25 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in Game 2. Quindarius did his damage more so inside the arc, although he did make three threes on the day. Jackson scored on drives to the basket, converting three And-1s. He’s an active rebounder that plays bigger than his size with his leaping ability. Jackson passed the ball well, hitting the slip out of screens. Quin is a bundle of energy who looks much more consistent scoring the ball this summer.

Jeremiah Holloway2023 6-1 G Jeremiah Holloway – Winder-Barrow
Trading bucket for bucket with Lamarius Jackson in Game 1, Jeremiah Holloway’s strong offseason continued as he led the homestanding Bulldoggs to a 58-53 win, piling in 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Listed at 6-foot-1, Holloway feels bigger with his strong upper body and the work he’s put in the weight room. He opened Wednesday evening on fire, drilling three quick threes off the dribble. Holloway would net five threes in total. Jeremiah wasn’t one dimensional on offense however, the smooth scorer has a burst downhill and can finish through contact when elevating. He’s a strong athlete that catches lobs and will use his physicality to post up smaller guards. What impressed me about Holloway other than his firepower was his playmaking. He was able to get into the paint and calmly dissect the defense, kicking the ball opposite to open shooters. Jeremiah does a little bit of everything for his team. He’s a well-rounded guard with a mature game that should have D-II and D-I coaches tracking closely.

Jeremy Anderson2023 6-3 W Jeremy Anderson – Monroe Area
Little Man is the perfect fit playing alongside the Newell boys. Anderson has a sixth sense about where to be on the floor. He can set up from the dunker spot and crash in whenever Vonte or Dre drive and dish. Anderson has good hands to collect dump off passes and has enough balance and athleticism to gather himself and go up quickly for layups. Jeremy might not have the highest overall skill level on his team, but may have the best motor. He plays very hard and is a competitive rebounder that holds his own against bigger opponents. The wide receiver posted 28 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal against Social Circle and had 6 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks against Grayson. While Jeremy is primarily a threat within the paint, he can hit the open three on occasion and is shifty enough to slash to the basket when on the perimeter.

Josh Middlebrooks2023 6-4 W Josh Middlebrooks – Grayson
Say hello to Josh Middlebrooks, a new move-in from Miami that brings with him a Stetson offer. At first glance, Middlebrooks is a bit unassuming. He has nice size on the wing, but nothing breathtaking as he isn’t busting out of his jersey with muscle, but once on the floor, you can quickly see that Middlebrooks is just a steady ball player. The lanky swingman is a dangerous three-point shooter and a good athlete. He nailed four threes against Monroe Area, serving as the X-Factor in a 61-41 win, producing 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. He followed up with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals against Gainesville, once against showcasing a reliable outside shot and the ability to finish above the rim. Middlebrooks looks like he can fit a 3&D role for Grayson. With other teammates getting the spotlight, I could see Middlebrooks playing a key role in a handful of wins this upcoming season.

Cade Simmons2023 6-0 G Cade Simmons – Gainesville
In from Cherokee Bluff, Cade Simmons was unconscious in the second half against Grayson, dumping in 22 of his 30 points in the stanza. Known for his three-point shooting, Simmons hit four threes over the course of the game. It was Cade’s ability to score off the dribble which set the gym on fire. Simmons hit tough shot after tough shot. He scored on And-1 drives, drained contested mid-range pull-ups and improbable floaters with defenders draped all over him. When Simmons gets raging hot like he did against Gainesville, the only way to cool him off is by keeping the ball out of his hands. It was a wild scoring output that was fun to watch.

2024 6-3 W Octavian Demory – Gainesville
With an influx of transfers, talented holdovers and some exciting young players, there is reason to be optimistic about Gainesville. Bop caught my eye right away. The lefty immediately reminded me of Xavier Bledson with his look and sturdy body type. Demory is a bouncy athlete that has a smooth lift when getting into his shots or elevating for rebounds. Octavian can play multiple spots across the floor. He scored on a post-up, hit a three and was able to create off the dribble and finish with a pro hop in the lane. Demory tallied 9 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Bop has a ton of natural talent. His best basketball likely looms in college – he is a very intriguing long-term prospect.