Battle For Georgia
Analysis

Battle For Georgia: 15U Top Performers Pt. 2

Tayden Owens2023 5-9 PG Tayden Owens – Atlanta All-Stars – Cherokee
Tayden Owens carried the load in the first half against eventual champion TSF Mack, scoring 11 of the All-Stars’ 18 points. He would finish with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. Owens is a smooth scorer that can float in tough runners in the lane and knock down perimeter looks. Dealing with Kanaan Carlyle, Owens did as good a job as possible handling his pressure. Owens are Carlyle will see a lot of each other over the next three seasons in the newly formed Region 5-7A. Tayden feels ready to log important minutes at Cherokee this season and give Coach Roger Kvam another scoring option at guard. It will be fun to see how he develops over the course of his career.

Mason Etter2023 6-4 W Mason Etter – Atlanta All-Stars – Etowah
Only Tayden Owens and Mason Etter could create their own shot in a 55-38 loss to TSF Mack, the duo combining for 32 of the All-Stars’ points. Etter finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists. He hit 3 threes and probably took a couple more bad shots than he would have liked, but when only two players were scoring it was understandable. Etter competed at a high level and led all players in rebounds, an impressive feat considering he battled the likes of 6-foot-7 Tahj Johnson, 6-foot-7 Brandon Gardner, 6-foot-7 Cade Phillips and 6-foot-5 wrecking ball LT Overton. Etter brings consistency and toughness to the table every game. Just like older brother Jaxon, no matter who the opposition is, Mason finds a way to get the job done.

2023 6-0 PG Chase Clemmons – GA Stars – Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
Chase Clemmons showed his explosive scoring prowess, going for 38 points and 20 points at Battle For Georgia. He didn’t have as much success in the title game, but Clemmons made a strong first impression. He’s got jitterbug quickness with the ball in his hands and he’s capable of shooting from all over the floor. He can sometimes take off balance shots, something he may need to work on, but he’s such a good shooter that it doesn’t effect him much. Clemmons has deep range with a rapid trigger but also creativity with the ball, able to shift past defenders and get into the heart of the defense where he’s able to fire bullet passes to open teammates. Locked in a tough new region, I expect Mt. Vernon Presbyterian to be a player in Class A-Private in due time beyond the play of Clemmons.

2023 6-8 C Keith Williams – GA Stars – Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
The big fella that is moving in from McEachern could make an immediate difference in Class A-Private. Keith Williams didn’t get enough playing time or touches for my liking in some of the earlier games I saw, but in the championship, he showed that if he gets the ball good things happen. He had 9 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks. He’s a big boy that moves really well for his size. Williams has soft hands and can rebound in a crowd. He’s skilled on the low block, able to score and facilitate. With his size, mobility and skill, Williams could be a game-changer for the Mustangs.

2023 6-2 PG Kanaan Carlyle – TSF Mack 2023 – Milton
Hot shot prospect Kanaan Carlyle did not disappoint in the two games I saw. He had 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in an opening round win over the Atlanta All-Stars and later turned it up a few notches, going for 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block in the title game in a win over the Georgia Stars. Aside from his smooth scoring, it was his tremendous on-ball defense that left a lasting impression. Carlyle moved laterally so easily, keeping ball handlers in front at all times. He showed off elite hands, able to pick pockets and earn deflections. A true two-way player, its easy to see why Carlyle already has a slew of High Major offers.

2023 6-7 F Kelvin Hunter – TSF Mack 2023 – Chapel Hill
Kelvin Hunter showed flashes of his potential on both ends of the floor. The long-armed shot blocker proved that he is more than just a rim protector and rebounder. He stepped outside and knocked down a pair of threes from the top of the key. Expanding his offensive repertoire will help raise his ceiling. At this point, he looks like he could develop into a stretch-four at the next level. Hunter should take a leap his second season at Chapel Hill. He’s a player to track.