All posts by KyleSandy

Georgia Cup IV/Summer Shootout notes Pt. 1

Unsigned Seniors Update

Roscoe Spruill
Roscoe Spruill

17U Justus League rolled with the experienced backcourt of 2018s 5-11 PG Nayari Dampier (North Cobb) and 5-8 PG Roscoe Spruill (South Cobb). The two-headed monster led Justus League to a 79-49 romp of the Georgia Stunners. Dampier drilled four threes on his way to 14 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Spruill, a stout speed merchant, posted 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Spruill thrived in transition, outracing the defense and making the right decision on whether to take it himself or find shooters. Both guards have been in the weight room and have the muscle to help out which ever programs pick them up.

Tough Guards

Chandler Minton
Chandler Minton

2020 5-11 CG Chandler Minton (Mt. Pisgah) and 2019 6-1 SG Cameron Gwyn (Chestatee) went at it in 17U Team Recruit’s 69-49 win over Inspire Atlanta. Though he was on the short end of the scoreboard, Minton did everything he could to keep Inspire Atlanta competitive. Built like a running back, Minton poured in 29 points (3 threes) and grabbed 6 rebounds. He was the only player that could consistently create his own shot, getting it from beyond the arc and when putting his head down an attacking, finishing 6-of-7 from the foul line. Minton averaged 10.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game as third fiddle at Mt. Pisgah.

Cameron Gwyn
Cameron Gwyn
Photo: @HoopSeenGA

Gwyn got Team Recruit off to a hot start, knocking down four threes over the first three quarters of play. He finished his day with 21 points. When left open, Gwyn often made Inspire Atlanta pay. He was a Region 7-AAAA Honorable Mention selection this year and should be asked to carry the load his senior season after the Class of 2018 graduates eight members.

Myles Todd
Myles Todd
Photo: @HoopSeenGA

2019 6-0 PG Myles Todd (Pace Academy) is taking all the steps this offseason to have a breakout year at the helm of the Knights. Todd has been a habitual producer with the Ballin Blazers so far, running the show at point guard and showcasing his scoring and his ability to run a team. Todd put up 11 points, 5 assists and 3 steals in a win over Sports Academy South and controlled the game. His quickness allowed him to get to the rim in a hurry. Todd has no other choice but to step up his senior year. With Pace Academy currently devoid of any D-I names, Todd has to be a consistent leader. He has shown flashes in years past, but also showed a tendency to take a backseat role in some bigger games while freshman Josh Mininberg took some minutes. As the only returning senior from last year’s roster, its Todd’s time to shine.

Sleeper Alert

Jahleel Roundtree
Jahleel Roundtree

He didn’t have the sexiest stat line and he may never reach his potential, but 17U Sports Academy South’s Jahleel Roundtree (Burke County) has the raw tools to become a college recruit. At 6-foot-6, the 2019 wing can wreak havoc with his long arms and athleticism. He tallied 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks against the Ballin Blazers, pretty much right at his season average this high school season with Burke County where he averaged 7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks per game. Roundtree can get you the occasional highlight dunk, but he must get more aggressive on offense and do some more individual skill training. Right now, he is more of a versatile glue-guy with a focus on defense, using his frame and energy to make an impact. From the game I saw, he is still far off from becoming a go-to-guy on offense and is more of a passive slasher and a guy who can clean up some misses around the rim. Burke County graduates their top three scorers ahead of Roundtree, so he should have every opportunity to showcase his all-around game his senior season. If he can develop a jump shot (attempted 0 threes; 44% FT shooter), he could turn into a talented late bloomer in Waynesboro. If not, his ceiling will be however far his defense can take him.

Kalib Clinton
Kalib Clinton

2021 6-4 G Kalib Clinton (Jackson County) has only played two years of organized basketball, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by the way he plays. Clinton was a major stock riser this weekend as he brought the energy to 16U BCB. Playing up didn’t affect Clinton’s ability to be productive. After averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman, Clinton was right back at it, tallying 14 points and 9 rebounds. Clinton is a smooth athlete with bounce that can get to where he needs to go on the floor. He is more of a slasher right now, but he showed he can hit some tough mid-range jumpers in traffic. When he put his head down and got to the basket, if he was met with resistance he made the right play of kicking it out instead of forcing it. His lateral quickness projects him to become a lockdown defender. Clinton has a high ceiling and with year-round coaching, he is heading in the right direction.

2022 Fresh Face

Sedrick O'Neal
Sedrick O’Neal

Although I wasn’t able to catch his entire game, I fell in love with 14U Eightball Elite’s 6-2 C Sedrick O’Neal (Maynard Jackson). O’Neal will be heading into his freshman year and should be able to make an immediate impact for Coach Travis Williams. O’Neal was an absolute monster in Eightball Elite’s run to the championship. He dumped in 21 points in a statement win over the Georgia Kings and followed up with 26 points in the title game. O’Neal checks all the boxes for a big man. He is physical and strong with great hands. He knows how to use his body and can score around the rim with a variety of drop steps. He was a double-double machine, gobbling up every rebound and even showed that he can handle the ball enough to ignite his own fast breaks. He has an easy, yet explosive elevation that reminds me of ELCA’s Jamaine Mann’s, that helps him rise above the rest and alter/block countless shots. O’Neal was a man amongst boys. If he is able to grow a few more inches, watch out. With Maynard Jackson graduating their top three scoring options, I wouldn’t be surprised to see O’Neal grab major minutes from Day 1 alongside 2020 post 6-foot-5 Timpia Ogoun. The two could form one of the best defensive front courts in the area and could blossom together.

2018-19 GHSA Girls Basketball Transfer List

Here is a rundown of some transfers I have heard through the grapevine and a summary of what the additions mean. If you know of anymore or any that are incorrect, please shoot me a tweet @KyleSandy355, leave a comment or email [email protected]

Thanks!

Class AAAAAAA

SR Alea Spears – 5’6″ – (Mountain View to Brookwood)
JR Malia Grace – 6’2″ – (Brookwood to Grayson)
JR Jalyn Bell – 5’8″ – (Brookwood to Parkview)
SR Kennedy Powell – 5’10” – (St. Francis to Roswell)
SO Makala Torrence – 5’6″ – (South Gwinnett to Roswell)
SR Diamond Swift – 5’4” – (Newton to Rockdale County)

Class AAAAAA

SR Markiema Lancaster – 5’10” – (Johns Creek to Northview)
SR Meghan Schneller – 5’6” – (Christian Heritage to Dalton)
SR Kelsey Schneller – 5’6” – (Christian Heritage to Dalton)
SR Destiny Thomas – 6’3″ – (Tri-Cities to Forest Park)

Class AAAAA

Class AAAA

SO Logan Wiggins – 6’1″ – (North Forsyth to Chestatee)
JR Ansley Hall – 5’6″ – (Prince Avenue Christian to North Oconee)
SR Paris Mullins – 6’3″ – (Westlake to Henry County)

Class AAA

SR Maddie Thomas – 5’11” – (Banks County to Cherokee Bluff)
JR Madi Phillips – 6’1″ – (White County to Cherokee Bluff)
SR Brooklynn Talton – 5’7″ – (Westside-Macon to Central-Macon)
JR Antalazia Baker – 5’9″ – (Woodville-Tompkins to Johnson-Savannah)

Class AA

JR Heather Vaughan – 5’5″ – (Habersham Central to Banks County)
SO Atta Diop – 6’2″ – (SACA to KIPP Atlanta)
SR Jakiyah Parker – 5’8″ – (Richmond Academy to Josey)
JR Amani Jones – 5’6″ – (Cross Creek to Josey)

Class A

SR India Bellamy – 6’1” – (Dutchtown to ELCA)
SO Keslynn Oxendine – 5’7″ – (Woodland-Stockbridge to ELCA)
JR Taylor Greene – 5’7″ – (Taylor County to Marion County)
SO Ali Rumpel – 6’0″ – (Starr’s Mill to Athens Academy)
JR Alanni Brown – 5’9″ – (North Gwinnett to Wesleyan)
JR Savannah Samuel – 6’1″ – (River Ridge to St. Francis)
JR Eliza Snyder – 5’10” – (St. Francis to Lakeview Academy)
SR Jazmin Grayson – 5’7″ – (Oak Grove, MS to Woodville-Tompkins)

Out-of-GHSA

JR Kemia Ward – 6’1 – (McEachern to Holy Spirit Prep)

Class 7A

Alea Spears brings help at the guard position for Brookwood, coming in from Mountain View where she was a Region 6-AAAAAAA Second Team selection. The 5-foot-6 ball handler averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

6-foot-2 junior Malia Grace transfers from Brookwood to Grayson.  Grace is an imposing figure inside with a physical frame. She averaged 9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game with the Broncos.

2020 5-foot-8 point guard Jalyn Bell departs Brookwood for bitter rival Parkview. Bell, an athletic defensive specialist, will look to provide ball handler and some scoring in the backcourt for a Parkview team with a young and talented front court. As a sophomore, Bell averaged 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

Class 6A

The addition of Second Team All-Region selection Markiema Lancaster from Johns Creek to reigning Region 7 champion and back-to-back state semifinalist Northview gives the Titans one of the best starting fives on paper in the classification. At 5-foot-10, Lancaster brings a much needed extra ball handler to the roster. A versatile piece with the length and quickness reminiscent to that of former Northview star and current Mercer Bear Shannon Titus, Lancaster can ignite her own fast breaks off the glass and will chip in defensively. Lancaster needs to keep her head up while dribbling. She can tend to have her eyes down when pushing the ball up the court, but once her focus is in front, she has a nice passing touch.

Class 5A

Class 4A

All-State point guard Ansley Hall heads to North Oconee after leading Prince Avenue to their best season in school history. The stat sheet stuffer provides the Titans with a dynamic ball handler that makes her teammates better.

Class 3A

New program Cherokee Bluff will look to build a tradition with the help of Maddie Thomas, a big time winner while at Banks County where she was an All-Region Honorable Mention selection. Thomas will provide outside shooting and length on defense for the Bears.

Brooklynn Talton makes the move from Westside to Central-Macon for her senior season. With the Seminoles, Talton was a rebounding machine, pulling down 11.6 per game. She also added 5.9 points and 2.4 steals per contest.

Class 2A

Heather Vaughan leaves Habersham Central for Banks County after averaging 15 points per game as a sophomore. The 5-foot-5 guard was Region 8-AAAAAA Honorable Mention. She also made the All-Region Tournament Team. She will provide shooting and ball handling for a Banks County team coming off a 25-win season.

Class 1A

India Bellamy returns to ELCA after spending a year at Dutchtown where she earned Class 5A All-State Second Team Honors after averaging 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3 steals per game. She now joins forces with international sensation Weronika Hipp, who averaged over 24 points per game as a freshman. The duo should become one of the best inside-out punches in the state and instantly boost ELCA into becoming a legit Final Four contender.

Taylor Greene provides some much needed outside shooting to Marion County. Greene should see good looks throughout the season as defenses key in on stopping the Eagles’ dominant post play.

Sophomore Ali Rumpel will provide a physical low block presence that can score around the rim and protect the paint at Athens Academy. Rumpel, 6-foot, was named Region 3-AAAAA Freshman of the Year at Starr’s Mill after averaging 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. She will pair up with fellow 2021 forward 5-foot-10 Rose Bone to form a strong, talented, bruising frontcourt.

Wesleyan’s annual reload starts with Alanni Brown of North Gwinnett. Brown, 5-foot-9, was a Region 6-AAAAAAA Honorable Mention selection her sophomore season after averaging 12 points per game.

After breaking out as a Class AAAAAA All-State star at her home school River Ridge, the well traveled 6-foot-1 junior Savannah Samuel bounces to her third school in three years joining St. Francis. Samuel averaged 20.1 points and 5.7 rebounds as a versatile inside-out wing. Samuel picked up a Virginia Tech offer in July but to keep her recruitment momentum she will now have to fit into a much different role at St. Francis.

Out-of-GHSA

The transfer market bites McEachern for once as 6-foot-1 post Kemia Ward transfers to Holy Spirit Prep. Ward will head to the GISA with freshman sister Kaela. Kemia reclasses to 2020 after seeing her season end short with an injury. Ward is a physical and athletic rim protector which will be sorely missed at McEachern.

2018-19 GHSA Basketball Transfer List

Here is a rundown of some transfers I have heard through the grapevine and a summary of what the additions mean. If you know of any more or any that are incorrect, please shoot me a tweet @KyleSandy355, leave a comment or email [email protected]

Thanks!

Class AAAAAAA

SR Hasahnn Reynolds – 6’4” 155 lbs – (Immokalee, FL to Discovery)
SR Jalyn Hickman – 6’0″ 150 lbs – (Gaitlinburg-Pittman, TN to Duluth)
JR Sean-Pierre Akers-Kennedy – 6’6″ 215 lbs – (Lindbergh, MO to Mountain View)
SR Elijah Wilson – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Collins Hill to Mountain View)
JR Sam Hines – 6’6″ 185 lbs – (St. Francis to Wheeler)
SR Damian Dunn – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Kinston, NC to Meadowcreek)
SR Devin Evans – 6’7″ 200 lbs – (Richard Hardy Memorial, TN to Duluth)
SR Isaac Martin – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Wheeler to Norcross)
SR Casey Flanigan – 6’1″ 175 lbs – (King’s Ridge Christian to West Forsyth)
SR David Banks – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Cambridge to Milton)
JR Andrew Thomas-Brown – 6’5″ 170 lbs – (Whitefield Academy to Campbell)
SR Jevon Tatum – 6’1” 170 lbs – (Tucker to Grayson)
SR Charles Smith IV – 6’5” 180 lbs – (McEachern to Wheeler)
SO Jaden Harris – 6’3” 170 lbs – (Stratford Academy to Norcross)
JR T’andre Reels – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (Shiloh to South Gwinnett)
SR Devin Gordon – 6’5″ 200 lbs – (McEachern to Pebblebrook)
SR Jerriah Love – 5’9″ 155 lbs – (Science Hill, TN to Berkmar)
SR Cam Rowland – 6’1″ 170 lbs – (North Gwinnett to Mountain View)
SR Malachi Rhodes – 6’7” 215 lbs – (ELCA to Wheeler)
SO James Webster – 5’10” 150 lbs – (Ben Davis, IN to Duluth)
JR Josh Smith – 6’4″ 185 lbs – (Holy Innocents’ to Grayson)
JR Carson Pickens – 5’11” 195 lbs  – (Cherokee to Woodstock)
SR Dawit Cridland – 6’1″ 170 lbs – (Meadowcreek to Collins Hill)
SR Jalen Benjamin – 5’11” 155 lbs – (Leesville Road, NC to Meadowcreek)
SR Truitt Spencer – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Shiloh to Berkmar)
JR Jabiri Smith – 6’4” 180 lbs – (Mt. Pisgah to Collins Hill)
JR Nicholas Cain – 6’3′” 165 lbs – (Meadowcreek to Collins Hill)
JR Jaimonnie Watkins – 6’6″ 190 lbs – (North Clayton to Meadowcreek)
SR Xavier Ayres – 6’3” 190 lbs – (Greensboro Day, NC to Grayson)
SO Ashton Malone – 5’10” 165 lbs – (Norcross to Grayson)
SR Daniel Ramsey – 6’8″ 220 lbs – (Deerfield-Windsor to Norcross)

Class AAAAAA

SO Omarion Smith – 6’4” 190 lbs – (Lithia Springs to Douglas County)
SR Cornelius Hawkins – 6’4” 170 lbs – (Flowers, MD to Alexander)
JR Chris Lango – 5’9” 145 lbs – (Abraham Clark, NJ to Mundy’s Mill)
SR Dajuante Williams – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (Josey to Evans)
JR Chavez Trask – 6’5″ 200 lbs – (Greenbrier to Evans)
JR Jarontez Garrett – 5’7″ 150 lbs – (Jamestown, VA to North Atlanta)
SO Malachi Chipp – 5’8″ 135 lbs  – (King’s Ridge to Alpharetta)
SR Malik Battle – 6’2″ 160 lbs – (Douglas County to Alexander)
JR Austin Gusaeff – 6’9” 235 lbs – (Hebron Christian to Johns Creek)
SO Davon Cottle – 6’1″ 165 lbs – (Westlake to Tri-Cities)
JR Daminion Jenkins – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (South Atlanta to Mays)
JR Owen Campbell – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (Allatoona to Harrison)
SR Demarcus Fannin – 6’4″ 215 lbs – (Lanier, AL to Mundy’s Mill)
JR Dee Buffington – 6’0″ 158 lbs – (West Hall to Gainesville)
JR Benjamin Raspberry – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Douglas County to New Manchester)
JR Jermontae Hill – 6’5″ 185 lbs – (Grady to Tucker)
SO Ayden Watson – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (Holy Spirit Prep to Sequoyah)
JR Johnathon Moliere – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (Westlake to Creekside)
SR Devin Bell – 5’7″ 135 lbs – (Pebblebrook to Creekside)
JR Demetrius Rives – 6’4″ 172 lbs – (Drew to Tri-Cities)
SR Jorden Wiggins – 5’10” 150 lbs – (Columbia to Heritage-Conyers)
SR Scott Avery – 6’5″ 225 lbs – (Eastside to Heritage-Conyers)
SR Koby Isaac – 6’2″ 175 lbs – (Westlake to Creekside)
JR Ronnie Faison – 5’10” 150 lbs – (Langston Hughes to Tri-Cities)
JR Christian Davis – 5’10” 155 lbs – (Newton to Heritage-Conyers)
SR Isaiah Scott – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Bradwell Institute to Richmond Hill)
SR Andrew Burden – 6’3″ 195 lbs – (Griffin Christian to Mundy’s Mill)
JR Jaquari Wiggles – 6’4″ 240 lbs – (Pace Academy to Mays)
SO Franklin Almonte – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Heritage-Catoosa to Dalton)
SR Josh Anderson – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Northgate to Mundy’s Mill)
SR Ryan Rockwell – 5’11” 145 lbs – (Berkmar to Stephenson)
SO Justin Hall – 6’6″ 170 lbs – (Whitefield Academy to Langston Hughes)
JR Dylan Pritchett – 6’0” 160 lbs – (Greenforest to Tucker)
JR Braelon Seals – 6’2” 165 lbs – (Wagner, TX to Tucker)

Class AAAAA

SR Eric Coleman Jr. – 6’6” 215 lbs – (King’s Ridge Christian to Buford)
SR John Cook – 6’5″ 195 lbs – (South Paulding to Paulding County)
SR Brice Martin – 6’6″ 170 lbs – (Mt. Zion-Jonesboro to Jonesboro)
SO Jermaine Smoak 
– 6’2″ 160 lbs – (Langston Hughes to Chapel Hill)
JR Kirshon Thrash – 6’3″ 210 lbs – (Mundy’s Mill to Eagle’s Landing)
SR Mitchell Evans – 5’7″ 152 lbs – (Greenforest to Stockbridge)
SR Jacorey Harper – 5’8″ 165 lbs – (KIPP Atlanta to Maynard Jackson)
JR Dajon Dancil – 6’5″ 195 lbs – (Clarkston to Southwest DeKalb)
SR Lance Franklin – 5’11” 165 lbs – (Tattnall Square to Warner Robins)
JR Kameron Hobbs – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (Eagle’s Landing to Dutchtown)
SR Avante Lederer – 6’6″ 195 lbs – (Salem to Walnut Grove)
SR N’Kyzie Hawkins – 5’10” 155 lbs – (Arabia Mountain to Lithonia)
SR Jalon Pittman – 6’6″ 185 lbs – (Keystone Prep, FL to Southwest DeKalb)
JR Jamaine Mann – 6’5″ 210 lbs – (ELCA to Starr’s Mill)
JR Mohamad Diallo – 6’8″ 190 lbs – (Arabia Mountain to Southwest DeKalb)
SR Maurice Harvey – 6’3″ 170 lbs – (Miller Grove to Southwest DeKalb)
JR Terrence Edwards – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Miller Grove to Southwest DeKalb)
JR Dykese King – 5’8″ 160 lbs – (Laney to Lakeside-Evans)

Class AAAA

SR AJ Jackson – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Father Lopez, FL to Westover)
SO Sutton Smith – 5’9″ 145 lbs – (King’s Ridge to Denmark)
JR Tray Mitchell – 5’8″ 160 lbs – (Greenville to Troup County)
JR Adonnis Easton-Tolbert – 6’6″ 205 lbs – (Griffin to Denmark)
SR Eli Smith – 6’6″ 175 lbs – (New Faith Christian to Luella)
JR Keith Williams III – 6’2″ 175 lbs – (Newnan to Sandy Creek)
SR Greg Jones – 6’5″ 190 lbs – (Eastern Wayne, NC to Sandy Creek)

Class AAA

JR Griffin Neville – 6’1″ 150 lbs – (Gainesville to Cherokee Bluff)
JR Michael Crowe – 5’11” 150 lbs – (White County to Cherokee Bluff)
JR Landon Hubbard – 6’2″ 140 lbs – (White County to Cherokee Bluff)
JR Jasper Gibson – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Jefferson to Dawson County)
SR Ahmad Kamara – 6’0″ 205 lbs – (Dawson Christian Academy to Dawson County
SR Luke Chism – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Dawson Christian Academy to Dawson County)
JR Eli Burruss – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Dawson Christian Academy to Dawson County)
JR Bosko Norman – 5’10” 160 lbs – (Banks County to Cherokee Bluff)
SO LaMarr Randolph – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (Arabia Mountain to GAC)
JR Brandon Harris – 6’6″ 185 lbs – (Beach to Johnson-Savannah)
SR Lamont Sams – 6’8″ 210 lbs – (Jenkins to Johnson-Savannah)
SR Javon Ruben – 5’10” 155 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to Stone Mountain)
SR Samari Moore – 6’4″ 200 lbs – (Tucker to Stone Mountain)
SO Madison Durr – 6’3″ 165 lbs  – (St. Francis to Pace Academy)
SO Jalen DeLoach – 6’7″ 170 lbs – (Islands to Johnson-Savannah)
SR Nolan Causwell – 6’8” 190 lbs – (Northview to Morgan County)
SR Malik Crawford – 6’6” 210 lbs – (Monticello to Morgan County)

Class AA

Class A

SO Chance Moore – 6’4″ 160 lbs – (Chamblee to Holy Innocents’)
SO Zabriel Boozer – 6’5″ 170 lbs – (Josey to Aquinas)
JR Cameron Brown – 6’4” 190 lbs – (Clarke Central to Athens Christian)
SO Jayce Harrison – 5’9″ 150 lbs – (Fellowship Christian to Mt. Bethel)
JR Christian Fussell – 6’10” 190 lbs – (Holy Spirit Prep to Greenforest)
JR Lamar Oden – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (SACA to Greenforest)
SO RJ Noord – 6’2″ 170 lbs – (Columbia to Greenforest)
SO Shad Dabney – 5’11” 165 lbs – (Gainesville to Riverside Military)
SO Kevin Taylor – 6’0″ 150 lbs – (Allatoona to North Cobb Christian)
JR Jonathan Taylor  – 5’10” 175 lbs – (Laney to Aquinas)
SO Corey Trotter – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Cross Creek to Aquinas)
JR Chris Moss – 5’9″ 160 lbs – (Westside-Augusta to Aquinas)
JR Izzy Momodu – 6’7″ 200 lbs – (London to ELCA)

Out-of-GHSA

JR Deandre Brown – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Therrell to Holy Spirit Prep)
SR Khalil Shaheed – 6’3″ 200 lbs – (Kennesaw Mountain to Superior Collegiate Academy, FL)
SR Ahmir Langlais – 6’8″ 200 lbs – (Parkview to Holy Spirit Prep)
SO Khalil Brantley – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (Rocky River, NC to Holy Spirit Prep)
SR Ike Ugonna – 6’2″ 170 lbs – (Lithia Springs to Cumberland Christian)
SR Donovan Grant – 6’5″ 185 lbs – (Campbell to The-Skill-Factory)
SR Jaelin Simpson – 6’0″ 170 lbs – (Arabia Mountain to Brandon Hall)
JR Kory Isaac – 5’10” 165 lbs – (Westlake to Cumberland Christian)
JR Chance Hausman – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Westminster )to Cherry Creek, CO)
SR Kendall Norrington – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (Mt. Zion-Jonesboro to New Creation)
JR Alec Oglesby  – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Collins Hill to The Rock School, FL)
SR Ibrahima Jarjou – 6’8″ 215 lbs – (Greenforest to Holy Spirit Prep)
JR TJ Tampa – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (St. Francis to Lakewood, FL)
JR Christian Wright – 6’2” 180 lbs – (Milton to The-Skill-Factory)
SR Jalyn McCreary – 6’7″ 195 lbs – (Kennesaw Mountain to Legacy Charter, SC)
SR Ahmet Kanter – 6’5″ 200 lbs – (Turkey to Fulton Science Academy)
JR Connor Thompson – 6’3″ 175 lbs – (Maynard Jackson to The Heritage School)
SR Rodney Howard – 6’10” 230 lbs – (Centennial to Legacy Charter, SC)
JR Josh Taylor – 6’8″ 195 lbs – (Columbia to Greensboro Day, NC)
SR Dontavius King – 6’7″ 240 lbs – (Dutchtown to Potter’s House Christian, FL)
JR Dylan Cardwell – 6’9″ 225 lbs – (Evans to Oak Hill Academy, VA)
SR Jelal Williams – 6’6″ 170 lbs  – (East Paulding to Oldsmar Christian, FL)
SO Franklyn Anselem – 6’10” 210 lbs – (Westlake to Lincoln Prep)
SR Solomon Ray – 6’8″ 220 lbs – (Grayson to CBA)
JR Myson Lowe – 5’8″ 140 lbs – (North Cobb Christian to Whitefield Academy to Cumberland Christian)
SR Markeith Browning – 6’3″ 170 lbs – (South Cobb to Ypsilanti, MI)

Class 7A

A wiry wing, Hasahnn Reynolds will try to replicate the success he saw in Florida at Immokalee, a school with over 1,800 students, the equivalent of a 6A school in Georgia. Reynolds averaged 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game as a junior. Reynolds can knock down the open three, hitting 45-of-138 attempts (33%). Reynolds has the length to defend the perimeter and help out on the glass. Having a knack for scoring, as a sophomore Reynolds netted 19.2 points per game. He suites up with 17U AC Georgia.

With a potent 2018 class gone, Duluth will benefit from the addition of 6-foot point guard Jalyn Hickman. The senior ball handler broke out his junior season at Gaitlinburg-Pittman, TN where he averaged 22.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Hickman should be a plug-and-play guard for Coach Cabral Huff, who now welcomes in a 1,000-point scorer.

6-foot-4 wing Elijah “Malik” Wilson and 6-foot-6 post Sean-Pierre Akers-Kennedy move into Mountain View. Wilson comes in from Collins Hill. He has nice length and a good looking jump shot. He can tend to fall in love with the three-ball while hunting his shot. Wilson brings over some perimeter defense to pair with his solid offensive game. Akers-Kennedy is a banger from Lindbergh, MO. At the very worst, he is a physical space eater. Akers-Kennedy has enough touch to knock down the 15-foot baseline jumper.

With the urge to play on the perimeter, 6-foot-6 Sam Hines transfers to Wheeler after helping St. Francis to the Class A-Private title game last season. As a sophomore, Hines averaged 12.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals as the Knights’ top post option. Hines will try to find a new redefined role with a rebuilding Wheeler roster.

Norcross adds 6-foot-5 senior shooting guard Isaac Martin. A highly touted freshman that started at McEachern, Martin spent the past two seasons as a role player at Wheeler. He has enviable size and a nice shooting stroke, but Martin hasn’t blossomed into a star yet. He will be an important piece for Norcross on the perimeter as a floor spacer and a lengthy defender.

Stackhouse Elite has been very kind to Meadowcreek over the past few seasons and now another player finds their way into Mustang territory as 4-star guard Damian Dunn will try to help the reigning Class AAAAAAA champs repeat. A 6-foot-4 senior, Dunn averaged 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals at Kinston, NC. Dunn will provide a scoring presence on the perimeter that can take the load off Jamir Chaplin.

After starting out at Rockdale County and subsequently moving to Richard Hardy Memorial School in Tennessee, 6-foot-7 senior Devin Evans is back in Georgia for his final season at Duluth. Evans posted 22 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block per game in Tennessee and has garnered interest from Georgia Southern and Georgia State. His versatility will play a key role in Duluth’s success this year as an inside-outside combo forward.

Andrew Thomas-Brown departs Whitefield Academy for Campbell where he has a chance to showcase his inside-out game. Thomas-Brown was a Second Team All-Region 6B-A selection as a sophomore after averaging 9.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. He picked up a North Florida offer in late June.

DeKalb County’s leading scorer, 6-foot-1 senior combo guard Jevon Tatum, is expected to attend Grayson according to family. Tatum averaged 18.3 points and 1.9 steals per game at Tucker as a savvy scoring-minded guard. Tatum excels at pushing the ball in transition but also is a talented scorer in the half court that shot 34% from deep. He will bring toughness, ball handling and the ability to get a bucket alongside athletic guards Deivon Smith and Reco Hallmon Jr.

Cal-commit Charles Smith IV joins his third school in 12 months after starting at La Lumiere in Indiana before gaining eligibility immediately at McEachern half way through the season. The Game Elite product departs Powder Springs for fellow Cobb County power Wheeler. At 6-foot-5, Smith is a jump shooter that works the three-point line and mid-range. He is athletic and quick enough to attack the rim as well. Smith provides a floor stretcher and a presumable go-to-guy after being a third option at McEachern.

Region 7-A West First Team selection Jaden Harris sets sails for Norcross after a successful freshman campaign at Stratford Academy. Rumors swirled about where Harris would attend his freshman season, but he ultimately stayed home. Harris is a big 6-foot-3 combo guard that should earn minutes right away as a part of a talented stable of backcourt members.

A big physical wing unable to break the starting rotation at McEachern, Devin Gordon transfers to Pebblebrook where he should see an opportunity for big minutes. Gordon is a good rebounder at 6-foot-5 that also possesses a skill set to score from the perimeter.

Sharpshooter Cam Rowland departs North Gwinnett for Mountain View to form one of the stronger backcourts in Gwinnett County with Nahiem Alleyne, Elijah Wilson and Jaws Razeq. Rowland, 6-foot-1, averaged a team-high 12.5 points per game last season and is known for his perimeter shooting.

6-foot-7 First Team All-State big man Malachi Rhodes marks the fourth transfer to Wheeler this offseason and the third from the Game Elite program. Rhodes averaged 14.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks as he helped lead Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy to their best record in school history and a Final 4 berth in Class A-Private. Rhodes will be forced to bounce from the block to the perimeter as he joins 6-foot-10 move-in Rodney Howard. On paper, Wheeler should have one of the best rosters in the entire state and an elite D-I frontcourt with Rhodes, Howard (Ole Miss) and McEachern Transfer Charles Smith IV (Cal).

Rising 6-foot-4 junior Josh Smith is on his third school in three years as he leaves Holy Innocents’ for Grayson. Smith averaged 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks for the Golden Bears en route to being named First Team All-Region 5-A.

Class 6A

Douglas County adds Class AAAAA Freshman of the Year and Best Shot Blocker Omarion Smith from Lithia Springs. The 6-foot-4 post has impeccable timing, swatting away 6.7 shots per game to go along with his 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds. If he is able to grow 2-3 more inches, we might be talking about a Division I defensive presence. He moves to Douglas County to play with his brother Jeremiah.

Cornelius Hawkins brings length, versatility and upside to the Alexander perimeter as a swingman. He has been described as a smooth scorer with a high IQ and good court vision. He could provide a nice running mate alongside rising junior guard Jaylon Brown and a defensive and rebounding presence with senior center Brady Spence. He runs with 17U AC Georgia.

Chris Lango moves in from Roselle, New Jersey where he started and averaged 12.2 points per game. He will have an opportunity to help out in the backcourt right away.

Evans adds some length and paint presence in 6-foot-6 senior Dajuante Williams (Josey) and 6-foot-5 junior forward Chevez Trask (Greenbrier).  Williams has started to gain some steam over the spring with his play with 17U Carolina Pressure. The long athlete has rebounded well and protected the rim while showing an improving offensive skill set. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 2.8 blocks at Josey. Trask provides some football toughness to the interior. His physicality allows him to carve out space under the basket, making him a threat on the offensive glass. At the very least he will provide effort and toughness in the post.

Hailing from Jamestown, VA, Jarontez Garrett moves down south to a North Atlanta program which suddenly has a lot of momentum after clawing their way to the Elite Eight. The 5-foot-7 point guard will team up with 5-foot-9 All-State Second Team selection Messiah Thompson to form one of the quickest backcourts in the classification. Garrett has played with SBC this offseason, growing a connection with fellow Warriors Sam Jennings and Jalen Bates. Garrett averaged 16 points per game in Virginia. He has a quick first step to get past defenders with a floater in his arsenal to finish. The Warriors should be a tough team to rattle with the ball handling addition of Garrett to Thompson.

Alexander gets a shot in the arm with the addition of former region rival Malik Battle. A former Douglas County standout that was All-Region First Team and All-State Honorable Mention brings over his 15-point-per-game average across the city. Battle is an efficient scorer at 6-foot-2 that drilled 40% (41-of-103) from the three-point line. His ability to score at all three levels bolsters an already talented Alexander backcourt.

Mundy’s Mill acquires bruising 6-foot-4 senior post Demarcus Fannin. Fannin will be an immediate impact maker in the paint for the Tigers. The strong wide body knows how to score around the basket. He has good footwork with his back to the basket and likes to use various up-and-unders to free himself. Fannin is adept at rolling to the hoop on screens and has good hands to catch and finish on the move.

Tucker sees 6-foot-5 junior wing Jermontae Hill transfer in from Grady. Hill earned Region 6-AAAAA Second Team honors after averaging 12.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Hill has garnered some major interest over the summer while playing with Team AJ Bouye and has picked up offers from Missouri, Kansas State and Texas Tech.

Ayden Watson leaves Holy Spirit Prep to return back to his home school Sequoyah. The 6-foot-4 sophomore will bring some much needed height and athleticism to the Chiefs front court. Watson can play multiple positions as a combo forward and provide energy.

6-foot-4 junior Demetrius Rives leaves Drew for Tri-Cities after being named Clayton County Underclassman of the Year, All-Clayton County First Team and Region 4-AAAAAA Third Team as a sophomore. The versatile wing averaged 15 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. With the graduation of Eli Lawrence, Rives will fit in alongside senior point guard DaMarcus Johnson and reigning Class 6A Freshman of the Year Peyton Daniels.

A true “OG” of the Sandy’s Spiel Transfer List, Koby Isaac completes the rare feat of playing for four different schools in four years. Norcross to Southwest Atlanta Christian to Westlake to Creekside. Isaac averaged 9 points per game for the Lions as a junior.

Isaiah Scott breaks up a nice stable of talent as he transfers from Bradwell Institute to Region 2-AAAAAA rival Richmond Hill. On his third school in three years, the 6-foot-4 wing is a smooth scorer that averaged 11 points and 4.2 rebounds in his first year in the GHSA.  Scott has a scoring touch from all three levels and some sneaky athleticism.

Class 5A

After failing to record a .500 record last season at King’s Ridge and tallying a 40-40 mark in his three seasons on varsity with the Tigers, 6-foot-6 Class A-Private Second Team All-State selection Eric Coleman Jr. moves into Buford. The Wolves have two of the most versatile forwards in the class with Marcus Watson already in place. Both of them can play positions 2-5 at the high school level with the ability to steal minutes at multiple positions at the next level. Coleman has improved each season, diversifying his game from being a three-point shooter, into a slasher and even rounding out his game with some physicality in the paint and an ability to score with his back to the basket.

Jonesboro sees All-Region 4-AAAAAA Third Team selection 6-foot-6 wing Brice Martin transfer over from Mt. Zion. Martin averaged 12.3 points per game to go with his 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks. Martin joins a Cardinal roster that will undergo quite a bit of turnover with a large 2018 class out the door. He and senior guard Brandon Walker should be asked to provide a lion’s share of the offense and bring back the most experience.

Eagle’s Landing adds a versatile piece in 6-foot-3 junior Kirshon Thrash. Thrash posted 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game with his burly 210-pound frame. Thrash can play multiple positions in the backcourt and can keep defenses honest with his three-point shot. He should slot into a guard rotation that will be led by Christopher Hood.

Rising senior point guard Lance Franklin leaves Tattnall Square Academy for defending Class AAAAA state champs Warner Robins. Franklin was a First Team All-Region 7-A selection last season and will provide experience for a Warner Robins team that was hit hard by graduation.

After starting the summer with Greenforest, it looks like Avante Lederer will settle in at Walnut Grove. Lederer, a 6-foot-6 combo forward, heads to his third school for his senior season. Lederer started out at Heritage-Conyers before moving to Salem where he got hurt and missed all of last year. Lederer earned a D-I offer before getting hurt. He will try to resurface as a tweener forward that can handle the ball and score inside and out.

All-State 6-foot-5 junior forward Jamaine Mann leaves ELCA for Starr’s Mill, bolstering Coach Charlemagne Gibbons’ front court in his first year back in the GHSA. Mann was a powerhouse workhorse for the Chargers averaging 10.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks. Mann is a physical forward that does his best work from 15-feet and in. He can use his athleticism and quick burst to face up slower defenders and get to the basket. His addition will reshape the Region 3-AAAAA hierarchy.

Class 4A

Coming off of a season-ending injury at Father Lopez, FL, AJ Jackson looks ready to make an impact at Westover. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard is a freak athlete. Jackson should be in the discussion for one of the state’s bounciest players and best dunkers. Outside of his high-flying act, Jackson can play too. He averaged 13.2 points primarily as a downhill slasher. His rim-seeking mentality could mesh well with the outside shooting of Jordan Brown. Jackson will need to tighten up his handle and three-point shot to match his explosiveness and round out his offensive repertoire.

A crafty ball handler with advanced court vision, Sutton Smith departs King’s Ridge for first-year school Denmark. Smith has been praised for his feel for the game and his high IQ. He has a chance to be one of the founding fathers of Denmark basketball and give Coach Tyler Whitlock a reliable floor general.

Tray Mitchell makes the 26-minute move from Greenville to Troup County where he will provide an offensive spark in the backcourt. The 5-foot-8 speedster averaged 11.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

6-foot-6 Eli Smith leaves the Freelance League at New Faith Christian Academy and joins Luella. Smith averaged 13.4 points and hit 26-of-76 threes.

Keith Williams III bolsters the Sandy Creek backcourt as he transfers in from Newnan. The talented junior averaged 16 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game last season.

Class 3A

Three integral pieces fall into Dawson County’s lap thanks to a multitude of circumstances. Jasper Gibson comes to Dawson County after a breakout sophomore season at Jefferson where he averaged 18.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Gibson drilled 82-of-210 threes at a 39% clip. He comes to Dawson County after his father accepted the Athletic Director position in Dawsonville. Football standout Ahmad Kamara and 6-foot-5 wing Luke Chism transfer in since Dawson Christian Academy is expected to close its doors on their athletics program. Kamara should bring toughness and athleticism while Chism has long been a highly regarded prospect viewed as one of the best Georgians not playing in the GHSA. Chism will get a chance to prove himself his senior season. The trio will join Region 7 Honorable Mention selection Campbell Reed, who played a key role in the Tigers finishing 19-10 and taking a trip to the Sweet 16.

After blowing up with offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas State and a handful of others over the offseason, 6-foot-6 wing Brandon Harris leaves Beach for reloading Johnson-Savannah. Harris brings a versatile skill set and some scoring punch to an Atomsmasher team that returns just three players. The First Team All-Region 3-AAA standout will slot in next to All-State guard Shamar Jones and Emondre Bowles.

Johnson-Savannah picks up 6-foot-8 Lamont Sams from rival Jenkins after the Warriors saw Coach Bakari Bryant leave for Gwinnett County after a state championship loss. Sams marks the second huge in-city move for new head coach Rico Campbell. Sams averaged 6.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.

St. Francis loses their second key piece of their state runner-up team as 6-foot-3 sophomore point guard Madison Durr heads to Pace Academy. Durr made strides over the course of the season and started to come into his own over the summer as a sizable lead guard with a knack for playmaking. Durr has proven to be able to affect games with both his offense and defense and will give Coach Sharman White a long term solution at point guard, forming a dynamic 2021 inside-out duo with Cole Middleton.

Class 2A

Class 1A

Another talented young face is added to the mix at Holy Innocents’ as Chance Moore moves in from Chamblee. A 6-foot-4 wing that just picked up an offer from Rutgers, Moore is an active slasher that can pull-up from 15-feet. His energy makes him a quality defender that can guard both on the perimeter and pick up weak-side blocks. Moore will fit in nicely with fellow 2021 guard Garrison Powell and rising junior Josh Smith.

Mt. Bethel’s first season in the GHSA could end with a bang. Adding onto an already talented roster is 2021 point guard Jayce Harrison, who moves in from Fellowship Christian. Listed at 5-foot-9, Harrison made an immediate impact at the varsity level as a freshman, averaging 14.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.2 steals per game on his way to earning All-Region 6B Second Team honors. Harrison will provide outside shooting (47-of-129; 36% 3PT) along with another steady ball handler to pair with Coleman Boyd.

The revolving door known as Greenforest will have a completely new roster for the second consecutive season. This time, its 6-foot-6 First Team All-State 2020 shooting guard Lamar Oden who leads the plethora of transfers. Oden averaged 20.9 points and 7.3 rebounds at Southwest Atlanta Christian as one of the state’s brightest young talents. Following him is highly touted 2021 combo guard RJ Noord. Packed with athleticism and effort, Noord will bring energy and high upside after spending his freshman season at Columbia. The front court gets a face lift in the form of well traveled big Christian Fussell. Fussell, a 6-foot-10 junior, is already on his third school after Stockbridge and Holy Spirit Prep didn’t pan out.

Out-of-GHSA

Therrell goes from being a state title contender in Class AA to taking a step back with the loss of 6-foot-2 rising junior scoring guard Deandre Brown. The Second Team All-State selection led Therrell to the No. 1 ranking in the final regular season poll before the Panthers fell at home to Glenn Hill in the Elite Eight. Brown was one of the state’s biggest breakout stars, averaging 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game with a 36-point season-high outburst against Morgan County as his feather in the cap. The development of 2020 lead guard Roman Son now becomes crucial as to how far Therrell’s young cast will go in 2019.

Re-class Khalil Shaheed leaves Kennesaw Mountain for Superior Collegiate Academy in Florida and moves into the 2020 class. The physical 6-foot-3 off guard is a bull when attacking the basket. Shaheed is explosive and strong enough to shake off most defenders. The loss hurts Kennesaw Mountain and their fire power around All-State forward Jalyn McCreary.

Holy Spirit Prep’s “superteam” moniker gets more and more justifiable by the day as 6-foot-8 Ahmir Langlais heads to the GISA. Langlais, one of Georgia’s most skilled 2019 big men if he chooses not to reclassify, was a Class 7A All-State Honorable Mention selection after averaging 15.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.

Coming off an Elite Eight appearance in Class AAAAAAA with everyone set to return, Campbell instead loses second-leading scorer Donovan Grant to The-Skill-Factory where he plans to reclass into 2020. Grant averaged 16.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game as one of the county’s premier three-point shooters, hitting 74-of-213 attempts. The Spartans still have Terrell Burden and Brandon Deravine in place which will keep Campbell in the hunt for another state playoff run.

Holy Spirit Prep snatches another GHSA standout in Greenforest’s 6-foot-8 senior Ibrahima Jarjou. Jarjou made strides with the Atlanta Xpress program this summer and joins Anthony Edwards, Deandre Brown and Ahmir Langlais who all played with the Xpress; the latter two transferring to Holy Spirit Prep this summer as well. Jarjou averaged 8.7 points and 1 block per game as a junior at Greenforest.

All-State 2020 PG Christian Wright elects to forgo his final two years of high school at Milton to play prep ball at The-Skill-Factory. Wright was the face of a young Milton team on the verge of making noise at the statewide level. Wright was named Region 5-AAAAAAA Player of the Year after averaging 22.3 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

Columbia has been a revolving door since Dr. Phil McCrary returned to the sidelines. While the Doc has won games, the Eagles have lost a handful of players, this time star 2020 forward Josh Taylor, who transfers to Greensboro Day, NC. The Eagles will be hard-pressed to replace Taylor’s 12 points, DeKalb County-best 12.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

Atlanta Jam notes

HoopSeen’s Atlanta Jam provided the stage for unsigned seniors to make their final impression on college coaches and for rising high school standouts to emblazon a name for themselves. 

Unsigned Seniors Update

Eli Lawrence

I’m not sure what the delay is, but colleges are still moving slowly on recruiting Class 6A First Team All-State selection 6-foot-5 SG Eli Lawrence (Tri-Cities). Running with the 17U South Fulton Lions, Lawrence continued to show why he is the best available wing in the state (outside of Tye Fagan who announces on Monday) and should be a priority for Low Majors/D-II. Lawrence finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals in a 63-59 win over Chattanooga Elite. Lawrence is an above-average athlete with a knack for rebounding. He averaged 21.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 3.1 steals playing in the Classification’s toughest region, where he saw the likes of Virginia Tech-signee Landers Nolley. Lawrence can knock down the deep ball and glides to the basket. The southpaw reminds me of a taller version of Fagan, but not quite as polished with his all-around game. Nonetheless, Lawrence is a D-I level player, but the clock is ticking and time is running out for programs to realize it.

Kam Miller

A long time favorite of mine, Kam Miller (Sandy Creek) strapped them up this weekend. Standing only 5-foot-7, Miller brings so much more to the table than the typical little man. Of course, he does exactly what you want from a diminutive guard: acting as a pest all over the floor and priding himself on his defense. Knowing that he is overmatched in size each time he steps on the floor, Miller makes it a point to outwork his competition with his tenacity and water bug quickness. What you don’t see from most guards his size, is his ability to rebound. Miller uses his small frame to sneak through cracks of the defense to earn his team second-chance opportunities on the glass. He put up 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in a win with the 17U South Fulton Lions. Miller will provide effort and energy wherever he ends up.

Nick Edwards

17U Atlanta All-Stars 6-foot PG Nick Edwards (Grayson) took full advantage of the Atlanta Jam stage with one of Georgia’s best non-shoe company programs. Graded as one of the better lead guards still available, Big Game Nick put up 10 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in a romp of the Carolina Wolves and picked up his second offer, this time from Andrew College. Edwards truly flourished his senior season, stepping out of the shadow of Travis Anderson (Charleston Southern) and shining, averaging 14.7 points, 3 assists and 2 steals per game as the Rams returned to the Class 7A Final Four. While Anderson battled injuries his senior year, Edwards picked up the slack and turned in big performances in big spots, highlighted by Edwards’ orchestration of an 18-point comeback to beat Langston Hughes 65-64, Edwards scoring 24 points including the game-winner with one second left at the BCB Showcase. Edwards isn’t overly flashy or the most elite shooter or the most electric athlete, but he is a player that knows how to produce.

Stock Risers

Devin Butts

Word on the street this spring has been about the emergence of 17U Team Georgia Magic 2019 6-foot-5 CG Devin Butts. I got my first look at him since last summer and boy did he not disappoint. The Stratford Academy guard buried seven three-pointers en route to a smooth 27 points, tickling the bottom of the net with misses few and far between. Colleges like knock down shooters. Knock down shooters with size and handles? That’s something schools love. Butts showed the ability to drive and convert tough finishes, proving he’s more than just a one-trick pony. Heading into a 2018-19 season with many unknowns as to who will assert themselves among the state’s best, Butts has an early claim to being in the discussion of becoming one of Georgia’s elite 2019 players.

Brady Spence

2019 6-foot-8 C Brady Spence (Alexander) controlled the paint for 17U Atlanta All-Stars. I have tracked the growth of Spence from his freshman year to now likely his final season of travel basketball, and the thought process of “big men develop later” has never been truer. Spence was a gangly youngster still filling into his body when I first saw him. He learned how to alter shots around the rim without fouling as a sophomore, but his hands still weren’t where they needed to be. His junior season he needed to get stronger, but the production was starting to become apparent and hard to deny. Fast forward to present day, and the pieces are getting closer and closer to assembling a finished product. Spence scored 7 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, handed out 2 assists and blocked 2 shots in a win over the Carolina Wolves. Spence continues to trend in the right direction and is picking up steam with D-I schools. He does a nice job of keeping rebounds high and with more time in the weight room, his rebounding and defensive dominance at the high school level will convert more easily to the college ranks. Spence can score around the rim with some spins to the baseline and some drop steps, but he is still more of a defensive anchor than a back-to-the-basket go-to-guy on offense. Playing against elite competition week-in and week-out, Spence should have major momentum heading into his senior season.

Jayvion Rucker

17U Atlanta All-Stars always have bevy of high academic D-I/D-II recruits with a few late blooming sleepers along the way. This year’s “who’s that?” guy looks to be 2019 6-foot-6 F Jayvion Rucker. Out of East Hall, Rucker is a name that the entire state will have to be cognizant of come Fall. All arms and legs, “lanky” probably doesn’t do Rucker justice. He can cover ground like a gazelle offensively and defensively. He had 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in a win. He drilled three corner threes. With his ability to knock down the open long ball coupled with his length and athleticism, Rucker looks like a stretch-four. If he improves his ball-handling and playmaking, he could provide quality minutes at the three as well. His progress will be interesting to track as he heads back into the high school season with plenty of experience under his belt.

2019 6-foot-8 F Sammy Mike (Northside-Warner Robins) played well for 17U AC Georgia. Mike was a name we heard about a few years ago, but never really saw him blossom into a big-time high school player. It’s now or never heading into his senior season and he took a big step on Saturday in becoming a name that sticks. The svelte stretch-big collected 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks against the Tennessee Bobcats. Mike knocked down two 15-footers and drilled a three. He is very mobile and moves well, even putting the ball on the deck. There is a lot to be intrigued about with his skill set, now it’s up to him to bring it all to fruition.

Bucket Getters

DaMarcus Johnson
DaMarcus Johnson

Two human microwaves did what they do best on Saturday: score. In Class 6A, two 2019 guards are instant offense in 6-foot-2 Kalen Williams (Lakeside-Evans) and 6-foot Da’Marcus Johnson (Tri-Cities). With 17U Team Power, Williams dumped in 17 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Williams has grown his game each year since first bursting onto the scene with the Georgia Bulls. He has a knack for scoring the ball and a mean-streak on the floor. He has a little bit of a funky release, but Williams can burn you from deep. He is continuing to improve as a passer and someone who makes his teammates better. He has some deceptive bounce that helps him play above the rim and earn some chase down blocks. At Lakeside-Evans, Williams averaged 22.8 points, 6 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

Johnson is a pure shooter that can get in the lane as well. He provides strong on-ball defense, bringing effort on both sides of the floor. Johnson finished with 19 points (3 threes), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for 17U South Fulton Lions. The lefty has played against the best of the best at Tri-Cities and averaged 15 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals.  It will be interesting to see how he plays now that Eli Lawrence has graduated. He will now garner the lion’s share of the attention that defenses throw at the Bulldogs.

HoopSeen Tip-Off notes

Meet BJ

BJ Wright - Perry High School
BJ Wright

Walking out of the gym on Sunday afternoon after a fun day at the HoopSeen Tip-Off, something caught my eye on Court 4. That something was 6-foot-7 2021 forward BJ Wright of Perry High School. Playing with the 16U Middle Georgia Ballers, who don plain all-red uniforms, Wright’s strong build caught my eye and when I found out he was only a freshman this season, I knew I had to stay.

It wasn’t the best litmus test, a 29-point blowout win, but the raw tools were too much to ignore. Wright scored 13 points on a bevy of highlight dunks. Wright plays more on the wing with some trips to the block, giving him elite size at his age and position. He had one nice assist on a pick-and-roll slip which provided a glimpse into what his potential might be.

With all young players, college ball is still in the distant future, but that future will come quick. Wright has the god given body and natural skills to become an interesting prospect. He will need to continue to work on his craft and more importantly, everything else away from basketball. If he can put school first with basketball a close second, it will be very fascinating to see what the narrative is surrounding Wright come 2021.

Henry County height

LayPonius Davis
LayPonius Davis

Coming off of an extremely successful 18-11 campaign with a state playoff berth in Year 1 under Coach BJ Thomas, the War Hawks have even more reason for optimism, and that’s not even taking into account that their top two scorers are set to return.  The 2020 class holds two potential breakout candidates on the varsity level in 16U Georgia Impact frontcourt mates 6-foot-6 LayPonius Davis and 6-foot-4 Jeqhuan Carter.

They might not set the world on fire, but they will be usable pieces for Coach Thomas. Davis is a long shot blocker that also posts up well. He will need to get stronger and work on keeping rebounds high, but his size and willingness to run the floor bode well. He had 4 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 3 blocks in a win.

Jeqhuan Carter
Jeqhuan Carter

Carter is the physical garbage man inside. What Davis might lack in bulk, Carter makes up for with his bullish presence in the paint, most notably on the glass. He collected 15 points and 13 rebounds. Though he doesn’t have the elite leaping ability right now, Carter could provide a similar skill set that ‘17 Kovi Tate brought to the table during Henry County’s 2017 Final 4 run.

Super Smash Bro Kirby

Ja'Queze Kirby
Ja’Queze Kirby

2020 6-foot-6 forward Ja’Queze Kirby isn’t pink and isn’t round, but he can float above the rim just like his video game predecessor. The Class AA First Team All-Stater has long been known for his electric athleticism, but this weekend with 16U Upward Stars SE he showed more than just his hops. Kirby piled in his customary 20 points but drilled four three-pointers in the process. Defensively he moved his feet well and came away with two blocks. Kirby is one of the state’s best prospects and the gem of South Georgia. It’s easy to see how he stuffs stat sheets on a nightly basis at Jeff Davis; it’s harder to understand how he hasn’t received a scholarship offer yet – that will change soon.

15U War Eagles Elite

Derek McDonald - Marist
Derek McDonald

Marist’s 2021 group has some talent moving up the pipeline in the form of 5-foot-11 point guard Luke Benson and 6-foot-2 forward Derek McDonald. Benson is a crafty ball handler with poise and a little cool swagger. He gets some nice elevation on his jump shot and can pull-and-pop from the mid-range. McDonald is the workhorse. Already physically strong and to no surprise a football player, McDonald plays a 3/4 role as one of the tallest players on the team. He uses his strength to his advantage to attack the glass and finish drives. He is a high effort player that likes to stick his nose into the action. He has range to the three-point line but will need to solidify the shot as he gets older to make it a true weapon in his arsenal. He scored 16 points in a 45-43 OT loss.

17U SBC Select impresses

Donell Nixon
Donell Nixon

Led by 2019 5-foot-9 point guard Donell Nixon (Buford), SBC Select finished their weekend at the HoopSeen Tip-Off 3-0. Nixon scorched nets all tournament, drilling three after three. He nailed five in a win over the Greater NE GA Warriors, where he finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. His passing may have gotten a little overshadowed playing with Lipscomb-signee Alex Jones the past two seasons, but make no mistake, the dynamic dynamo can dish it out. Wofford, East Tennessee State and Rutgers have all shown interest.

Teammate Grant Van Beveren will see an uptick in his recruitment heading into his senior year. The 6-foot-6 post from Chattahoochee is a sturdy big man that knows how to use his body. You can pencil him in for 10+ rebounds a night. Offensively, Van Beveren showed he can knock down the straightaway three and even pull up off the dribble.

Elberton’s Elite

AJ James - Elbert County
AJ James

Elbert County pieced together a 23-5 record and a trip to the Sweet 16 in Class AA. All-State Honorable Mention 6-foot-3 2019 forward AJ James played a massive role in the Blue Devils’ 9-win increase. James reminds me of current Piedmont Lion and former ’17 Lakeview Academy Lion, Josh Randolph. James is athletic and physical and plays all over the floor for his teams, usually positions 3-5. James bangs inside for the Blue Devils during the regular season, but his wing prowess was on display this weekend with the Greater NE GA Warriors. James posted 11 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

I love how he attacks rebounds. Maybe most impressive, is his fearless post defense. James is used to giving up size on a nightly basis and has had wars with 6-foot-7 North Georgia-signee Dylan Orr of Banks County. He had to tussle with big man Grant Van Beveren this weekend and give him fits with his blend of strength and quickness and ability to not foul when denying deep post position. James is a great glue guy that can help teams win on both sides of the ball at multiple positions.