Talent from across the southeast arrived in Fulton and Gwinnett County to showcase their skills, but of course I had my eyes on current and future GHSA standouts. I tried to stay cognizant of all the Georgia talent in the tournament while still doing my duty of covering the entire event. I managed to takeaway a few things from this weekend’s Atlanta Jam.
Turn on the AC
17U AC Georgia Phoenix was another team loaded with GHSA standouts. Phlan Fleming (Cedar Shoals), Elijah Jenkins (Riverwood), Clint Bentley (New Manchester), Phillip Cirillo (Cherokee) and Jaden Stanley (Discovery) highlighted the group.
The Phoenix lost in the 17U Gray Division final but still put forth a solid showing. Jaden Stanley stood out in their win against the Savannah Terps, who were powered by the Islands backcourt of Trae Broadnax and Justin Cave. Stanley, a 6-6 forward that moved to Georgia last year from Montana, had a nice touch from the perimeter and finished well through contact. Clint Bentley played the role of a sturdy lead guard well and led the Phoenix along with Stanley with 19 points against the Terps. Phillip Cirillo will be asked to carry Cherokee once again this upcoming season from the perimeter and is a popular name amongst low to mid-major schools.
Douglas Brothers Elite
17U Douglas Brothers Elite lost to the Tennessee Tigers in the White Division title game. Isaiah Hart (Whitefield Academy) injured his foot and was unable to go. In his absence, unsigned senior guard Tariq Jenkins (Jonesboro) lived at the foul line and finished with 16 points and three steals. Another senior looking for a home was Cedric Labat (Our Lady of Mercy). The 5-11 guard shot well from beyond the arc when in rhythm. Dwayne Wilson of Johnson-Gainesville played a little out of position due to the height starved roster, but played well in the second half adding six points, five rebounds and a block. He should be the Knights’ go-to player under Coach Tim Slater next season.
Under the Radar
Calhoun County’s Rashun Williams may still be a little raw, but the 6-6 small forward played well for the 16U GA Stars in their romp to a Black Division championship. He’s most effective when attacking the rim, using his bounce. If he can add a consistent jumper to his arsenal, watch out.
The 16U Georgia Bulls boast an Augusta flavored lineup, peppered by Lakeside-Evans players who will be coached by new head man Jeff Williams. Kalen Williams, a high-scoring freshman guard, and Deon Berrien, a big-time rebounder, helped the Bulls to an upset over CP25 Southeast Elite.