2024 Sandy's Spiel Tip-Off Classic Boys Top Performers
Analysis

Sandy’s Spiel Tip-Off Classic Boys Top Performers


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The 2024 Sandy’s Spiel Tip-Off Classic was sponsored by Redline Girls Basketball Club and Booster

Enzo Combs2025 6-1 G Enzo Combs – Habersham Central
What better way to celebrate a birthday than a game-winner in double overtime? Enzo Combs got off to a bit of a slow start but steadily heated up as the game went on, officially catching fire in the fourth quarter as he scored 10 points. Enzo netted three three-pointers over the course of the marathon 77-75 win over North Oconee and shot 6-12 from the foul line. Enzo attacked the rim, using great body control as he dragged his way into the chests of defenders to draw fouls. With his blend of quickness and strength, the birthday boy blew out the candles on North Oconee as he used a spin move in traffic to get to a lefty layup as time expired, finishing his night with 27 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists.

Josiah McCurry2025 6-8 PF Josiah McCurry – Habersham Central
Josiah had seven points through three quarters and was scoreless in the fourth. Everything changed in the overtime periods however as once he fouled out Banks Pourchier, McCurry dominated the interior scoring 15 points in overtime. The workhorse touched the ball every trip down. He used every move he had, implementing quick spins baseline, ball fakes and hook shots, either scoring or drawing a foul every post touch. Over the two overtimes, McCurry shot 7-10 from the foul line including sinking two free throws to force double overtime. While Josiah dominated with his offensive prowess, he also made a difference defensively, drawing two charges as he set up like a brick wall to protect the rim.  McCurry finished with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in a sterling effort. When it comes to post play in Georgia, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone with more polish.

Jake Mihalick
2026 6-10 F Jake Mihalick – Habersham Central
Coming off the bench, the stretchy forward provided an instant lift in the second quarter, sinking a pair of threes and hitting a post turnaround. Jake contributed 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. His length helped stymy North Oconee at times when playing atop the 1-3-1. Mihalick is such a unique player with his length and feathery soft shooting touch. His turnaround jumper is nearly unguardable while his three-point shot is tough to contest with his high release. Jake was an X-Factor heading into the season with his new team and Saturday’s effort highlighted that.

Justin Wise2027 6-4 CG Justin Wise – North Oconee
With Khamari Brooks missing due to football and the Titans already with a tight roster, Justin Wise answered the call to lead North Oconee. The super sophomore poured in 30 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block while sinking three threes and hitting 9-10 free throws before fouling out with 31.5 seconds left. Wise is so smooth as a scorer. He makes everything look easy with his effortless jump shot. He scored on pull-ups, catch-and-shoot threes and left-handed drives as points rained in from all three levels. While his offense will always get the headlines, Wise’s defense can’t go unnoticed. He’s a very good shot blocker for a guard and has the athleticism to secure rebounds in traffic. Auburn, Georgia and Cincinnati have all wisely offered.

Thrasher Wilkins
2025 6-0 G Thrasher Wilkins – North Oconee
I thought it was a huge performance for Thrasher Wilkins in his newfound key role. At one point, it felt like Wilkins was making every play, quicker than everyone else on the floor with his nose for the ball and IQ. Thrasher is a bouncy guard that explodes off two feet, sometimes possibly surprising the opposition with how well he elevates. He scored on three drives, converted an And-1, found a hoop on a cut and span back for a pull-up jumper on his way to finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists before fouling out in overtime with the game knotted at 55 with 3:28 left. Smaller schools should take a look at Wilkins. He can help a college program.

Matthew Clausen
2025 6-4 G Matthew Clausen – North Oconee
There’s a lot to like about Matthew Clausen’s game. Seeing major minutes his senior season, I fully expect Clausen to be a legit stock riser. Matthew has great length on the perimeter. He is long and active. He does a good job defending the ball and can shut down passing lanes with his reach. He was exceptional on the backboards, crashing in to eliminate second chance opportunities for Habersham Central. Matthew sacrificed himself for the team, drawing two charges. Offensively, Clausen has deep three-point range. He really opens up the floor with how far he can stroke it. One of the lone starters that didn’t foul out for the Titans, Clausen collected 13 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. I wouldn’t be surprised if some D-III, NAIA, NCCAA schools come check him out.

Demetrius Brown2026 6-0 G Demetrius Brown – Calvary Day
Meech might be flying under the radar as one of Savannah’s better guards. He showed out for the 912 in Calvary Day’s 67-62 win over Union County, pouring in 22 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. Listed at 6-foot, Brown looks and plays bigger. He’s physically strong, a powerful downhill attacker that plays through contact. Demetrius netted a pair of threes and went 2-4 from the foul line. He stayed aggressive throughout the game but did so without forcing anything. Only a junior, we could be hearing even more about Brown in the future, a fixture in the backcourt of a coming-of-age Calvary Day roster with serious talent.

Kuol Deng2026 6-10 F Kuol Deng – Calvary Day
Some foul trouble limited Kuol’s effectiveness early on but he came out aggressive in the second half, showcasing his sky-high ceiling. At 6-foot-10, Deng isn’t your typical big man. He has completely remodeled his game in just 12 months, becoming more than an anchored to the block big, but now a dynamic forward that can create and score on the perimeter. Kuol has a soft touch. He netted a mid-range jumper and hit a tough post turnaround. Deng is very mobile. He threw home a pair of dunks, one on a drive and the other a breakaway in transition. Kuol double-doubled with 14 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. Florida State has already offered the stock rising forward. If Deng can continue to grow his game at the rate its expanding, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to view him as a Top 10 player in Georgia’s 2026 class when all is said and done.

Houston Henry2025 6-0 PG Houston Henry – Union County
Another game, another near triple-double as the heart and soul of the Panthers nearly willed Union County to a victory over the towering Calvary Day Cavaliers. Henry recorded 18 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. The do-everything playmaker was his typical crafty, tough-nosed self. He attacked the rim and waited for defenders to collapse before kicking out to open shooters. When he went to score, he knew how to draw contact and get to the line, shooting 8-12 from the stripe.  Houston buried a pair of threes to diversify his scoring attack. Henry is a must-have guard at the D-III level, Piedmont and Berry already offering. If he gets enough eyes on him his senior season, I wouldn’t be shocked if a D-II program pulls the trigger as well.

Brent Bell
2026 6-5 SG Brent Bell – Darlington
Brent Bell wanted it more. He played with a burning purpose, especially in the first quarter of a 66-49 win over Banks County. Bell outhustled the Leopards on the offensive glass swooping in for putbacks, scoring four times over the course of the game, once running the length of the floor to clean up a miss in transition, not taking the play for granted. Brent did it inside and outside. He drilled three three-pointers and netted a mid-range jumper. Known for his physicality when getting to the hoop, Bell started his day with an And-1 off a steal. Brent plays big boy basketball from his wing position. With how well he shoots it and his methodical way of getting to the hoop, he is tough to guard and will only get better with a full year left to develop. Brent went for 22 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. D-II programs need to get familiar ASAP.

Trustin Mercer
2025 6-2 G Trustin Mercer – Darlington
If Brent Bell was the opener, Trustin Mercer was the closer. 13 of Mercer’s 17 points came in the second half to pair with his 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals. Trustin found points from all levels but was at his best around the rim. He scored using a pro hop in traffic. Mercer carried over his success from the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League, converting a tough And-1 off a drive, something he has mastered when taking it to the rim. Trustin mixed in a mid-range pull-up, scored on a putback, ran the floor in transition and swooshed a corner three while also shooting 4-5 from the foul line. Mercer is coming on strong in his elevated role his senior season.

Kolby Watson2025 6-3 W Kolby Watson – Banks County
Kolby was a workhorse for Banks County, collecting the 1,000th point of his career as he finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal against Darlington. Listed at 6-foot-3, Watson plays much bigger than his size. He has shades of Carl Cleveland with how he is able to score inside and out. Kolby uses his body exceptionally well when scoring in the paint. He bumps defenders off balance and finishes with both hands. The three-level scorer drained three three-pointers and netted a mid-range pull-up for his first bucket of the day. Watson shows great toughness and physicality when attacking offensive rebounds. His well-balanced game and savvy understanding of how to beat bigger opponents and exploit mismatches should afford him multiple opportunities to play at the next level.