All posts by KyleSandy

GHSA Basketball, NBA

Is post play a dying breed?

Harken back to the 90’s when big men roamed the paint. Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning. Playing down low wasn’t just a thankless job it was a right and a privilege. It wasn’t for the faint of heart. You knew if you were going inside and playing on the block, you were going to end the night with a couple scrapes, bruises and if you’re lucky enough, maybe a black eye or a broken nose from an elbow.

Fast forward to today’s game. The amount of three-point attempts across each level of play seemingly increases each year. That thin line arcing around the paint has slowly changed the way basketball is played. Just like a meteor coming to wipe out the dinosaurs, the three-point line has methodically pushed the interior play of big men into extinction.

As generations come and go, the athletes continue to get stronger, quicker and more aerodynamic, able to soar through the air for acrobatic dunks never before thought to be possible. As highlight reel slams and launching threes from 35-feet out become more popular and sexier to the common fan and the young player growing up, the yeomen’s work of battling at the pivot position drifts into obscurity.

With more and more tall players focusing more on their ball handling skills and standing at the three-point line to become the next Kevin Durant, the harder it is becoming to find true back-to-the-basket big men that can score and rebound. To find a forward or center in the high school ranks with footwork and technique is like finding a leprechaun with a pot of gold; it rarely happens but if you do find one, he’s a gem.

It looks like today’s game a lot of big guys get away with their size and athleticism. When you ask them to slow it down and show you a post move or a counter move, they freeze and can’t think of what to do. Being bigger, stronger and taller than everyone growing up can work for only so long until you reach the elite level of high school and beyond where you start matching up against players your own size.

The undersized big man who may thrive in high school at 6-foot-4 or the Mid-Major stud (see Jameel Warney of Stony Brook) that isn’t quite tall enough to really pound away at true 6-10 or 7-footers, eventually must rely on technique and footwork to hone their craft and survive. They can’t tower over others for easy hoops instead they have to play the angles, use pump fakes and bait defenders in by outsmarting them and leave them wondering how a smaller guy just hung 20 on them.

Smaller, less athletic players that want to be true post players understand that everything they do must be calculated. Ball fake middle, go baseline. Up & under. Sky hook. Face up or fade away, every trick in the book has to be utilized when going up against size or an elite shot blocker.

If that mindset of every movement matters was instilled into players with hard to teach size, imagine the possibilities. Veterans like Pau and Marc Gasol, Tim Duncan and Brook Lopez by no means are the athletes like DeAndre Jordan, Andre Drummond or Dwight Howard, but they are cerebral players that take their time on the block when they aren’t hitting shots from the mid-range.

I write this just to remind post players embrace the fact that you are a post player. Take pride in your craft and try to perfect the little things. Feel with your back to the basket is something that can’t be taken for granted. Bigs don’t have to score every time they touch the ball, but they should be rewarded every few trips down to keep the defense honest. Good things happen when the ball goes inside. It’s a post move and a score, a foul, or a kick out to an open shooter. Trust your big men and reward them for battling for position. Nothing is more frustrating to a player than having his man sealed off underneath the basket but instead seeing a 25-foot three launched. Big men can do more than just rebound and block shots. They can score as well if they take the time to polish their game.

 

GHSA Basketball

Unsigned Seniors Shine at HoopSeen Senior Showcase

Suwanee Sports Academy was the scene for some of the state’s top unsigned seniors to make a name for themselves one last time before deciding on where to further their educations and careers at.

A few quick takeaways from the camp include the Grayson Rams having a strong showing with Alphonso Willis, Austin Dukes and Hafeez Anifowoshe all playing well. Willis was one of the brightest stars at camp with his explosion to the hoop and ability to levitate and finish over defenders.

Chris Curlett of Norcross was one of the better athletes at the camp. His jump shot is a true jump shot, getting great elevation before knocking down perimeter looks.  Kiyani Anderson of Lovejoy turned a couple heads with his vicious dunks and erasing blocks.

Aidan Saunders from Miller Grove looked free, smooth and loose on the court, getting to the bucket or pulling up on a dime for a mid-range J.  Jordan Gaines out of Tri-Cities showed mobility while working the low block and has nice length for the next level.

For more in-depth coverage of the event with full player analysis, check back later this week on HoopSeen.com for expert insight and opinions with college interest and offers noted.

GHSA, Girls Basketball

Top 10 girls performances in Macon

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1. Tatyana Davis, Morgan County, Jr.

32 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 7 steals

2. Khayla Pointer, Holy Innocents’, Jr.

33 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

3. Erica Gibbons, Jackson-Atlanta, Sr.

26 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steals

4. Maya Dodson, St. Francis, Jr.

22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals

5. A’tyanna Golden, Americus-Sumter, Sr.

16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals

6. Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Winder-Barrow, So.

13 points, 19 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block

7. Mylashia Yancey, Turner County, Sr.

21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists

8. Jala Jordan, St. Francis, So.

14 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals

9. Que Morrison, McEachern, Sr.

14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal

10. Chioma Nnamani, Greenforest, So.

17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Top Five Performances In Macon

1. Wendell Carter Jr., Pace Academy, Jr.

30 points (10-11 FG), 20 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal

Domination. One word that has been synonymous with Wendell Carter Jr. throughout his career. Against a smaller yet physical frontline of Manchester, the five-star junior center wrecked the Blue Devils and led the Knights to their first ever title. He even went 3-for-3 from deep, proving he can do it all on the floor. Carter was named Class AA Player of the Year along with numerous superlatives and was named Sandy’s Spiel Mr. Basketball.

2. Jailyn Ingram, Morgan County, Sr.

28 points (8-11 FT), 9 rebounds, 1 assist

Florida Atlantic is getting a big time player in Jailyn Ingram, who has successfully stepped out of the shadows cast by Tookie Brown last year. The 6-foot-7 forward used his quickness and size inside to get the best of a smaller Jenkins team while capturing his second state championship and getting revenge after a 62-60 loss to the Warriors in the title game a year ago. Ingram used nifty footwork while facing up on the low block to spin to the cup and finish with authority. He is a Class AAA First-Team All-State selection.

3. John Ogwuche, Greenforest, Sr.

27 points (14-23 FT), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals

The New Hampshire signee went out on top as Greenforest knocked off St. Francis, ending the Knights’ two-year run and getting payback from last year’s 96-81 loss in the state championship. John Ogwuche was relentless on his attack of the rim, living at the line while punishing the Knights’ guards trying to check him. He also helped hold Kobi Simmons (8-25 FG) in check to preserve the victory. Coach Larry Thompson praised Ogwuche for his efforts after the game saying he “willed us to victory.” The grizzled veteran was selected to the 1A-Private All-State Second-Team.

4. Jamie Lewis, Westlake, So.

21 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal

Only a sophomore, the sky is the limit for Jamie Lewis. With Westlake on the ropes in the third quarter down 11 to Pebblebrook, Lewis took over and scored 12 of his game-high 21 points in the period to claw the Lions back into the game. Lewis was battle-tested all year long coming out of Region 3 and taking the toughest road to the final by having to beat Norcross, Shiloh and Newton just to get to Macon. On the biggest stage, he shined the brightest whether he was tossing alley-oops or getting buckets. Lewis’ performance will not be forgotten in a wild Class AAAAAA final. He is an All-State Honorable Mention selection.

5. Richard LeCounte, Liberty County, Jr.

20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals

Sometimes you take the good with the bad. LeCounte missed his first three shots in wild and ugly fashion but eventually settled in. He had a whopping 10 turnovers, but his fearless style of play consisting of flying all over the floor and smacking bodies with opponents for loose balls was the difference in helping Liberty County to its first-ever state championship while avenging last year’s 71-43 season ending loss to Jonesboro and snapping the Cardinals’ attempt at a three-peat. The five-star UGA football commit showed off his uber-athleticism from the opening tip, stealing the jump ball in impressive fashion. LeCounte was aggressive all night long and wasn’t afraid to make mistakes. He drilled three big threes in the Panthers’ 58-52 Class AAAA championship victory. LeCounte was named Second-Team All-State.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Honors

Sandy’s Spiel 2015-16 All-State Teams

Sandy’s Spiel Mr. Basketball: Wendell Carter Jr., Pace Academy, Jr.

Class AAAAAA

Coach of the Year: Rick Rasmussen, Newton (26-5, Final Four, two seniors)
Player of the Year: Collin Sexton, Pebblebrook, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Ashton Hagans, Newton
Best Scorer: Collin Sexton, Pebblebrook, Jr.
Best Rebounder: Connor Mannion, Lambert, Sr.
Best Passer: Mike Olmert, Campbell, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: TJ Massenburg, Shiloh, Jr.
Most Underrated: Micah Kinsey, Brookwood, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Johns Creek 24-5 (School-Record in wins, Improved from 14-15)
Most Improved: Brandon Robinson, Douglas County, Sr. (Improved from 9.4 ppg/3.8 rpg/2.2 apg to 23 ppg/5.3 rpg/3.8 apg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Jared Harper, Pebblebrook, Sr.
G – Collin Sexton, Pebblebrook, Jr.
G – Brandon Robinson, Douglas County, Sr.
F – Rayshaun Hammonds, Norcross, Jr.
F – Chuma Okeke, Westlake, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – JD Notae, Newton, Jr.
G – Alex O’Connell, Milton, Jr.
F – Josh Okogie, Shiloh, Sr.
F – Connor Mannion, Lambert, Sr.
F – Romello White, Wheeler, Sr.

Honorable Mention:
G – Mike Olmert, Campbell, Sr.
G – Jamie Lewis, Westlake, So.
G – TeShaun Hightower, Collins Hill, Sr.
G – Darius Perry, Wheeler, Jr.
G – Austin Dukes, Grayson, Sr.
F – Kevon Tucker, Dacula, Sr.
G – Derek St. Hilaire, Dacula, Sr.
F – Evan Cole, South Forsyth, Jr.
G – Tyrie Jackson, Tift County, Sr.
F – Chris Lewis, Milton, Sr.
G – Al Durham, Berkmar, Jr.


Class AAAAA

Coach of the Year: Markus Hood, Allatoona (31-1, State Runner-Up, 75-straight region wins, one current D-1 prospect)
Player of the Year: Kamar Baldwin, Apalachee, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Kalen Williams, Lakeside-Evans
Best Scorer: D’Marcus Simonds, Gainesville, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Dishon Lowery, McIntosh, Sr.
Best Passer: Will Washington, McIntosh, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Davion Thomas, Northside-Columbus, Sr.
Most Underrated: Jerrick Mitchell, Cedar Shoals, Sr.
Most Improved Team: Morrow 22-8 (Improved from 10-15)
Most Improved: Virgil Fields, Stockbridge, Sr. (Improved from 5.4 ppg to 19 ppg/11 rpg/7 apg) 

FIRST TEAM
G – Alterique Gilbert, Miller Grove, Sr.
G – Will Washington, McIntosh, Sr.
G – D’Marcus Simonds, Gainesville, Sr.
G – Kamar Baldwin, Apalachee, Sr.
F – Kohl Roberts, Riverwood, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Kane Williams, South Paulding, Jr.
G – Jordan Lyons, McIntosh, Sr.
G – Aaron Augustin, Miller Grove, Sr.
F – Dishon Lowery, McIntosh, Sr.
F – Davion Thomas, Northside-Columbus, Sr.

Honorable Mention:
G – Madison Williams, Richmond Academy, Sr.
G – Virgil Fields, Stockbridge, Sr.
G – Jadon Davis, Stockbridge, Sr.
G – Devin Wooten, Jones County, Sr.
F – Phlan Fleming, Cedar Shoals, Jr.
G – Rico Smith, LaGrange, Sr.
F – Keith Gilmore, Southwest DeKalb, Sr.
G – Ephraim Tshimanga, Allatoona, Sr.
C – Kymani Dunham, Brunswick, Jr.
F – Ja’Cori Wilson, South Paulding, Jr.
G – Marquez Callaway, Warner Robins, Sr.


Class AAAA

Coach of the Year: Brian Weeden, Grady (Improved from 14-15 to school-record 28-4, Final Four, R6 Champs, First region championship since 1993)
Player of the Year: Davion Mitchell, Liberty County, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Alex Kelehear, LaFayette
Best Scorer: Tyree Crump, Bainbridge, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Anfernee McLemore, Worth County, Sr.
Best Passer: Alex Jones, Buford, So.
Best Shot Blocker: Anfernee McLemore, Worth County, Sr.
Most Underrated: Tye Fagan, Upson-Lee, So.
Most Improved Team: Grady 28-4 (School-Record in wins, Improved from 14-15, Final Four, R6 Champs, First Region Championship since 1993)
Most Improved: Noah Gurley, Fayette County, Jr. (R5 POY, Improved from 2.1 ppg/2.6 rpg/0.7 bpg to 16.8 ppg/6.6 rpg/3.7 bpg) 

FIRST TEAM
G – Davion Mitchell, Liberty County, Jr.
G – Avi Toomer, Grady, Sr.
G – Tyree Crump, Bainbridge, Sr.
F – MJ Walker Jr., Jonesboro, Jr.
F – Anfernee McLemore, Worth County, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Christian Turner, Sandy Creek, Sr.
G – Richard LeCounte, Liberty County, Jr.
F – Elias Harden, Sandy Creek, Jr.
F – Brandon Moore, Worth County, Sr.
F – Jacara Cross, Lithonia, Sr. 

Honorable Mention:
F – Kerney Lane, St. Pius, Sr.
G – Isaiah Miller, Eastside, Jr.
G – Ty Pendley, Southeast Whitfield, Sr.
G – Damion Bagley, Perry, Sr.
G – O’Qualon Harris, Upson-Lee, Sr.
G – Rodney Chatman, Lithonia, Sr.
G – Oronte’Anderson, New Hampstead, Jr.
F – Noah Gurley, Fayette County, Jr.
G – Allec Williams, Westover, Sr.
G – Emeshaun Offord, Monroe, Sr.
G – Damion Rosser, Henry County, Jr.


Class AAA

Coach of the Year: Chuck Butler, Jackson County (18-12, Sweet 16, 4-22 last year, first state playoff berth in 14 years, first playoff win in 51 years)
Player of the Year: Christian Keeling, Laney, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Alec Woodard, Morgan County
Best Scorer: Drue Drinnon, East Jackson, So.
Best Rebounder: Justin Slocum, Southwest-Macon, Sr.
Best Passer: Zep Jasper, Laney, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: JaQuavius Hayes, Jackson-Atlanta, Jr.
Most Underrated: Chapin Rierson, Calhoun, Jr.
Most Improved Team: Jackson County 18-12 (Sweet 16, 4-22 last year, first state playoff berth in 14 years, first playoff win in 51 years)
Most Improved: JaQuavius Hayes, Jackson-Atlanta, Jr. (21.9 ppg/13 rpg/4 bpg)

FIRST TEAM
G – Christian Keeling, Laney, Sr.
G – Drue Drinnon, East Jackson, So.
F – Justin Slocum, Southwest-Macon, Sr.
F – Trevion Lamar, Jenkins, Jr.
F – Jailyn Ingram, Morgan County, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Zep Jasper, Laney, Sr.
G – Zez Steeple, Banks County, Sr.
F – Khavon Moore, Westside-Macon, So.
F – JaQuavius Hayes, Jackson-Atlanta, Jr.
C – Kentravious Jones, Central-Macon, Jr.

Honorable Mention:
G – Derrick Evans Jr., Central-Macon, Sr.
G – Anterious McCoy, Central-Macon, Jr.
G – Jireh Wilson, Calhoun, Sr.
F – Kaelan Riley, Calhoun, Sr.
F – Will Benson, Westminster, Sr.
G – Nick Hargrove, Southwest-Macon, Jr.
G – Travis Anderson, East Jackson, So.
F – Ahsan Asadullah, North Clayton, Jr.
G – Justin Cave, Islands, Jr.
G – Alex Fisher, Coahulla Creek, Sr.
G – DeVorious Brown, Morgan County, Sr.


Class AA

Coach of the Year: Demetrius Smith, Pace Academy (20-10, State Champs, R6 Champs, started year 2-8)
Player of the Year: Wendell Carter Jr., Pace Academy, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Ryan Greer, Lovett
Best Scorer: Jordan Harris, Seminole County, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Wendell Carter Jr., Pace Academy, Jr.
Best Passer: Anfernee King, Seminole County, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Wendell Carter Jr., Pace Academy, Jr.
Most Underrated: Hunter McIntosh, GAC, Fr.
Most Improved Team: Long County 20-8 (Improved from 6-22, R2 Champs)
Most Improved: Jules Erving, Holy Innocents’, Jr. (Improved from 4.5 ppg/3.6 rpg/0.4 apg to 12 ppg/9 rpg/3 apg

FIRST TEAM
G – Jordan Harris, Seminole County, Sr.
G – Jordan Willis, Thomasville, Sr.
F – William Jarrell, Crawford County, Sr.
F – Marcal Knolton, Crawford County, Jr.
C – Wendell Carter Jr., Pace Academy, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
G – Anfernee King, Seminole County, Sr.
G – Demarcus Addie, Manchester, Sr.
F – Tracey Beacham, Early County, Sr.
F – Isaiah Kelly, Pace Academy, So.
F – Reggie Perry, Thomasville, So.

Honorable Mention:
G – Henry Richardson, Lovett, Sr.
G – Kameron Pauldo, Dublin, So.
F – Octavius Meadows, Bowdon, Jr.
F – Marquell Wiggins, Macon County, Sr.
F – Jules Erving, Holy Innocents’, Jr.
G – Cole Smith, Holy Innocents’, Jr.
F – De’Miria Glover, Monticello, Sr.
F – Zack Kaminsky, Pace Academy, Sr.
G – Deion Head, Social Circle, Jr.
G – Monkeize Moore, Crawford County, Sr.
F – Deandre Harris, Washington-Wilkes, Sr.

Class A-Private

Coach of the Year: Larry Thompson, Greenforest (30-2, State Champs, School-record in wins)
Player of the Year: Kobi Simmons, St. Francis, Sr.
Freshman of the Year: Quinn Richey, Mt. Pisgah
Best Scorer: Kobi Simmons, St. Francis, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Robert Baker, Walker, Sr.
Best Passer: Armon Prophet, St. Anne-Pacelli, Sr.
Best Shot Blocker: Ikey Obiagu, Greenforest, Jr.
Most Underrated: Tre Gomillion, Aquinas, So.
Most Improved Team: Christian Heritage 19-7 (Improved from 11-13)
Most Improved: Isaiah Hart, Whitefield Academy, Jr. (Improved from 11.4 ppg/4.1 apg to 20.1 ppg/4.9 apg) 

FIRST TEAM
G – Kobi Simmons, St. Francis, Sr.
G – De’Andre Ballard, SWAC, Jr.
G – Justin Forrest, Greenforest, Jr.
F – Brendon Myles, Whitefield Academy, Sr.
C – Robert Baker, Walker, Sr. 

SECOND TEAM
G – Isaiah Hart, Whitefield Academy, Jr.
G – Quintez Cephus, Stratford Academy, Sr.
G – John Ogwuche, Greenforest, Sr.
F – Demiere Brown, North Cobb Christian, Jr.
C – Ikey Obiagu, Greenforest, Jr. 

Honorable Mention:
G – Calvin Slaughter, Tattnall Square, Jr.
F – Chance Anderson, St. Francis, Sr.
G – Tre Sudberry, St. Anne-Pacelli, Sr.
G – Armon Prophet, St. Anne-Pacelli, Sr.
G – Triston Wells, St. Anne-Pacelli, Sr.
F – Zack Allen, Landmark Christian, Sr.
G – Cedric Labat, Our Lady of Mercy, Sr.
G – O’Showen Williams, Stratford Academy, Sr.
F – Nate Brooks, Stratford Academy, Jr.
G – Darius Thrower, Excel Christian, Sr.
F – Will Crumly, North Cobb Christian, Jr.

Class A-Public

Coach of the Year: Dr. Aaron Geter, Jr., Wilkinson County (26-6, State Champs, 8th state title, beat Hancock Central by 13 in championship after splitting season series)
Player of the Year: Ahmad Rand, Lincoln County, Jr.
Freshman of the Year: Josh Rodgers, Marion County
Best Scorer: Lorenzo Smothers, Marion County, Sr.
Best Rebounder: Greg Couson, Wilkinson County, Jr.
Best Passer: Zuri Brown, Twiggs County, Jr.
Best Shot Blocker: Ahmad Rand, Lincoln County, Jr.
Most Underrated: Ronald Williams, Portal, So.
Most Improved Team: Atkinson County 18-8 (Improved from 7-16 last year)
Most Improved: Luke Lawson, Georgia Military, Sr. (Improved from 11.8 ppg/2.5 rpg to 23.9 ppg/4.7 rpg) 

FIRST TEAM
G – Lorenzo Smothers, Marion County, Sr.
G – Alex Brooks, Hancock Central, Sr.
G – Luke Lawson, Georgia Military, Sr.
F – Tamarrion Terry, Turner County, Sr.
F – Ahmad Rand, Lincoln County, Jr. 

SECOND TEAM
G – Clarence Jackson, Wilkinson County, So.
G – Zach Crite, Lincoln County, Sr.
G – Elijah Johnson, Treutlen, Sr.
G – CJ Smith, Hawkinsville, Jr.
F – Greg Couson, Wilkinson County, Jr.

Honorable Mention:
G – Jerrod Jones, Clinch County, Jr.
F – Phillipe Scott, Hancock Central, Sr.
F – Jonathan Baehre, Wilkinson County, Sr.
F – Titus Benjamin, Treutlen, Sr.
G – Zuri Brown, Twiggs County, Jr.
G – De’Marcus Hardy, Webster County, So.
G – Edwaun Johnson, Woodville-Tompkins, Sr.
F – Alex Scott, Georgia Military, Sr.
G – Adrian Kenney, Dooly County, Sr.
F – Cody Brown, Randolph-Clay, Sr.
G – Jaquavius Smith, Central-Talbotton, So.