Battle For Georgia
Analysis

Battle For Georgia: 16U Standouts Pt. 1

AJ Barnes2022 6-5 W AJ Barnes – Quiet Storm – Eagle’s Landing
AJ Barnes is ready to step out of the shadows. Blessed with great size and athleticism, Barnes has a ton of tools to breakout his junior season. He’s a big wing that can handle the basketball. He pushes the ball up the floor in the blink of an eye and has some intriguing zip on his passes, giving him upside as a playmaker. He’s got a playable outside shot that can keep the defense honest from distance. When he decides to get to the rim, he can do so without letting bumps knock him off balance. Barnes uses his size to his advantage on the glass, able to rebound at a high level. He finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in a 70-60 win over the Deep South Blue Devils. Barnes is definitely a player I want to see more of this summer. College coaches, take note.

2022 6-8 PF Kendall Campbell – TSF Mack 2022 – Milton
Named 16U MVP, Kendall Campbell was a revelation in his utter dominance throughout the tournament. In an anticipated matchup with the Atlanta Celtics, Campbell destroyed the ballyhooed front line, posting 21 points and 4 rebounds, scoring 17 points in the first half as TSF led 56-25 before settling for a 71-50 decision. In the title game against another strong set of forwards belonging to the Atlanta Xpress, Campbell finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks.  Kendall had everything working throughout the day. The physical specimen played bully ball inside when needed, but showed off so much skill and diversity as well. He hit 2 threes over the two games, scored out of the low post on face-up opportunities and attacked the rim deftly, spinning his way to the cup and finishing with both hands. Campbell has a good motor and isn’t afraid to go in for the kill when he sees the opposition on the ropes. It was a scary first impression of Milton’s newest addition. Ole Miss and Alabama offered at the conclusion of the tournament.

2022 6-7 F RJ Godfrey – Atlanta Xpress – North Gwinnett
RJ Godfrey had good moments throughout Battle For Georgia making it clear to see why High Major schools are hot on his trail. He’s got a college-ready body that’s adept at banging and a developing skill set that is getting better and better. Godfrey is a beast in the paint as a rebounder and rim protector, but he’s got some ball skills as well and could see time on the perimeter in college. On the low block, Godfrey had some nice patient footwork when scoring inside. He had 8 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks vs. D-Favors Celtics and then posted 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block in the championship game.

2022 6-7 F Daniel Pounds – Atlanta Xpress – Forest Park
The continued rise of Daniel Pounds showed no signs of slowing at Battle For Georgia. Playing on a 6-win team during the high school season, Pounds certainly wasn’t on my radar at the immediate conclusion of the season, but as his stock has grown and I’ve gotten a chance to see him numerous times, it would be hard to fathom Forest Park not being able to at the very least double their win output this upcoming season. Pounds plays with a lot of energy and is a motor guy. He’s effective when attacking offensive rebounds and is getting better offensively. RJ Godfrey handles the ball better than Pounds right now, but what Daniel did showcase this weekend was his soft touch from the perimeter, sinking 3 threes over two games. He had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks vs. D-Favors before adding 10 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists vs. TSF. Pounds is far from reaching his ceiling, which is a scary thought.

2022 6-2 SG Anthony Arrington – D-Favors Celtics – Galloway
Anthony Arrington was excellent in a tough loss to the Atlanta Xpress. Arrington has a mature feel for the game and knows how to get to his spots. He was money from the mid-range, pulling up and sinking basket after basket. Arrington showed some toughness when attacking the basket and did a terrific job rebounding, playing much bigger than his size. He went for 23 points, 9 rebounds and 1 steal. College coaches have started to heat up Arrington’s phone this summer. Expect that trend to continue.

2022 6-6 PF Mason Lockhart – D-Favors Celtics – Carver-Atlanta
Saddled with foul trouble in the first half against Atlanta Xpress, Mason Lockhart came out strong in the second half and found ways to score inside against length. He had 13 points, 7 rebounds and 1 assist. Lockhart understands how to play with his back to the basket and does a good job of getting physical and fighting for position inside. He’s got an array of moves on the block including a hook shot. With just two points in the first half, Lockhart easily could have let the rough first 16 minutes affect his final 16, but instead he put his head down and got to work. He’s a solid post presence and a college bound player.