2022 6-5 SG Mekhi Mawdesley – BCB – Newnan
A known marksman shooter, Mekhi Mawdesley’s shot is far from orthodox, but he’s got a quick release and is accurate from deep. He had 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block while nailing 2 threes. Possessing great size at the guard position, Mawdesley is an interesting player. He has some limitations athletically compared to some peers, but it doesn’t hinder his effectiveness. He’s a smart player that understands how to use his body to keep defenses off balance. A good example was when he got inside and nudged into his defender’s chest with his shoulder to create just enough separation to finish over him. Crafty nuances like that are what give Mawdesley an edge. If he can tighten up his handle and create more consistently off the dribble, he could be a sneaky good stock riser in due time. Mekhi has bounced around in his career following his dad Aric Mawdesley who has coached at Berrien and North Cobb Christian. This upcoming season, Mawdesley will be associate head coach at Newnan. Last season in Class A-Private, Mekhi averaged 12.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block while drilling 92-245 (38%) from three.
2023 6-1 G Jadon Yeh – BCB – White County
Playing up at the 17U level, Jadon Yeh had no problem imposing his will in Friday’s 70-38 beatdown of the Georgia Trendsetters. Yeh’s big second half sparked a 42-15 frame that blew the game open. He finished with 14 points and 2 rebounds. Yeh has a calculated first step that he uses to angle his way past defenders and put them in the rearview. Jadon is a skilled finisher equipped with a reliable floater. The son of Truett McConnell head coach Jon Yeh, Jadon has a bright future ahead of him. He’s one of the best rising sophomores in North Georgia.
2021 6-6 PF Deandre Smart – AC Georgia – New Hampstead
I knew who Deandre Smart was heading into this offseason, but I had never had the chance to see him play in person. Now that the summer is nearing its close, I’ve been able to watch Smart multiple times and I have seen enough. Smart is undoubtably one of the best rebounders in Georgia. At this point, it comes as a shock if he’s unable to corral double-digit boards. Smart, a 16-year old senior with a 3.5 GPA, is load to handle inside. He has great strength and soft hands that allow him to carve out space and capture every loose ball. Offensively, he can occasionally take his man off the dribble from the perimeter, but all offseason his bread has been buttered on the low block, cleaning up misses and powering through contact. He went for 11 points, 11 rebounds and 1 assist in a win over the Georgia Express. He should be on every D-II’s radar at this point.
2021 6-5 W Rashad King – AC Georgia – Evans
Since joining AC Georgia, Rashad King has seen his stock rise, recently earning an offer from Clayton State. King is a strong wing that can score inside and out. He plays with toughness and energy, able to affect games in different ways on both ends of the floor. King hits the glass hard. He can score on drives and clean up opportunities up close. He’s shown that he can sink the open three as well. King’s shown a tendency to stuff the stat sheet. He went for 11 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 1 block vs. the Georgia Express. I like King’s defensive presence. With his strength and quality foot speed, I think he provides value with his versatility, able to guard multiple spots on the floor.
2021 6-10 C Isaiah Nelson-Ododa – AC Georgia – Winder-Barrow
Isaiah Nelson-Ododa is flirting with reaching his potential. He has made strides yearly and on Friday, he did major damage as he displayed his entire repertoire. Nelson-Ododa posted 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks, burying 3 threes in the process. While he has a bit of a funky shot, Nelson-Ododa is a legit threat from the three-point line and mid-range. He can use his soft touch in the low post where he likes to turnaround and shoot overtop of defenders. Isaiah has a ton of offensive tools to work with and he’s already a solid shot blocker. Added muscle and another strong year may lead him to some bigger D-I offers. Mid-Majors and possibly even High Majors will take a flyer on the blossoming big.