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Analysis

#PRO: Spring Showdown Boys Top Performers

Ben Hodges2023 6-3 W Ben Hodges – Alcovy
It can be tough to standout in a camp with over 80 players, but Ben Hodges did just that with his hunger to compete. Hodges was a monster in the interior, a true workhorse that attacked every rebound and every loose ball. Hodges played with an elite motor and an uncanny nose for the ball. Listed at 6-foot-3, Hodges played bigger than his height as he used his activity and physicality to muscle his way to baskets in the paint. He showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket while also knocking down a handful of mid-range pull-ups. Ben’s effort had colleges buzzing.

Jabre Mills6-3 SG Jabre Mills – Middle Georgia Prep
A talented scorer that graduated from Collins Hill in 2021, Jabre Mills has taken full advantage of his prep season, adding muscle and new dimensions to his game. Mills shined as a playmaker off the dribble. He used a quick first step to get into the heart of the defense where he spoon-fed his big men and kicked out to open shooters. While Mills saw the entire floor, he especially had a connection with Corey Thomas, sitting him up for lobs and easy finishes. Mills has great size and length on the perimeter. His well-rounded offensive game has him in a good position moving forward.

Terin Wofford6-4 W Terin Wofford – Middle Georgia Prep
The athleticism and length of Terin Wofford are the first things that pop out at you. The 2021 ML King grad has all the physical tools to become something special, especially on defense. His quickness and wingspan allow him to defend all over the floor. Couple his physical traits with a high motor and you have yourself an impactful two-way player. Wofford is slithery slasher that elevates to finish in traffic. He’s a strong rebounder as well. If he can consistently hit open shots from the perimeter, which the lefty did from deep on Sunday, his stock will sky rocket.

Corey Thomas6-11 F Corey Thomas – Middle Georgia Prep
D-I schools have been tracking Corey Thomas since his days at Cherokee Bluff. He is a highly skilled big man with outstanding length. Thomas has the ability to anchor himself in the paint or step outside and serve as a stretch-forward. Thomas shoots the ball well from the three-point line and can attack off the dribble from time to time. While he still needs to add some more mass to his frame, Thomas does a good job mixing it up inside, collecting rebounds at their highest point and converting on second and third chances. On the block Corey implements a soft hook shot that is unreachable. Thomas doesn’t jump out of the gym but he’s a solid athlete that still manages to play above the rim and blocks shots at a high level. Now that Thomas has proven he can stay healthy and had a strong debut season at Middle Georgia Prep, expect D-I offers to start pouring in.

Milique Smith6-5 W Milique Smith – Middle Georgia Prep
Out of Upson-Lee in 2021, the former star running back has turned his sole attention to basketball. D-III schools were among those showing significant interest in the relentless do-everything swingman on Sunday. Smith is a big strong body that can play all over the floor. His leaping ability and overall strength help him gobble up rebounds and score on putbacks. Smith can play bully-ball on the low block and overpower defenders by burying them underneath the basket. Milique is an effective slasher and has a mid-range jumper that demands attention. His motor and willingness to work are attractive traits.

Tyrhell Branch2022 5-10 PG Tyrhell Branch – Social Circle
The battle-tested lead guard is as steady as a rock. Tyrhell Branch is a strong compact guard that dictates the flow of games. He has a strong handle and a low center of gravity which allows him to split traps and take care of the ball. Branch is a pass-first guard that loves to get others involved. Tyrhell uses his strength to get to his spots and score from the mid-range. Branch has proven over the course of his high school career to be a dangerous three-point shooter and a crafty finisher around the rim. Coastal Georgia and Daytona State have shown interest.

Jabarri Williams2025 5-9 PG Jabarri Williams – Valdosta
Excitement surrounds the future of Jabarri Williams. The playmaking freshman was named Region 1-6A Co-Newcomer of the Year. Williams is a smaller guard but has some muscle on his frame to make up for his lack of height. He sees the floor well and likes to push the ball with pace. Jabarri is shifty in the open floor as he weaves in and out of traffic and can stop on a dime with his pull-up. Staying in control and not getting too deep into the defense will help him keep turnovers low. Williams has a very productive three years ahead.

Raquan Myers2022 6-2 G Raquan Myers – Warren County
In what was a banner season for Warren County, Raquan Myers kept the good times rolling at the PRO Spring Showdown. The Warrenton native is a strong athlete with a multifaceted game. Myers is quick with the ball, able to shift directions and find creases in the defense. He finishes at the rim, absorbing contact while doing so. Myers is a good shooter with three-point range, but what really caught my eye was his ability to distribute, wrapping passes around defenders to find cutting teammates. With a good handful of college coaches in attendance, Myers certainly helped his stock.

Alexander Hepburn2024 6-4 F Alexander Hepburn – Riverwood
Alexander Hepburn is a name to keep in the back of your mind moving forward. He’s a toolsy combo-forward that can play both inside and out. Hepburn is long and wiry. The lefty likes to shoot the three off the bounce and has upside a slasher. Hepburn holds value on defense with his length and mobility. If he continues to refine his game and play with a high motor, Hepburn could end up being a sneaky good prospect.

Robert Harford2024 6-1 SG Robert Harford – Columbus
Robert Harford quite possibly was the best shooter in camp. His lightning quick trigger and accurate three-point stroke lit up defenses. While his shot making was his biggest strength, Harford also showed creativity downhill when he was run off the three-point line.

Kendarrius Spear2023 5-10 G Kendarrius Spear – Alcovy
The aggressiveness and effort that Kendarrius Spear played with helped him stand out from many other guards. Colleges in attendance circled his name due to his demeanor on the floor. Spear wasn’t afraid to let it rip and compete on both sides of the ball. He liked to create separation on the perimeter and pull-up from deep. Defensively, Spear took away airspace and pressured the ball.

Carl Anderson2022 6-1 G Carl Anderson – Archer
Defense. Defense. Defense. When I looked at my packet to see who the tenacious on-ball defender I was watching was, it should have come as no surprise that it was Carl Anderson of Archer. A hallmark of Archer basketball, toughness and pressure defense, Anderson brought both to camp to stand out. Anderson has big game experience and is used to picking up full court. Offensively Carl gets the job done as well. He’s a smart passer and a reliable jump shooter. Anderson also likes to mix it up on the glass. Carl has a college-ready body and mindset.

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Analysis

Sandy’s Spiel Spring Showcase Boys Evaluations

40 players from across Georgia met at Chestatee High School for the Sandy’s Spiel Spring Showcase. With a handful of college coaches and media outlets in the gym, opportunity was ripe to get better and gain some exposure. Broken down into six teams, here are our player evaluations.

TEAM 1

Ty Jones2025 5-7 PG Ty Jones – Greenbrier – Team Power
Plays at a great pace. Lightning quick playmaker that is really good in transition. Sees the floor well. Has a sharp pull-up jumper. Implements bounce passes at the right time. Exciting future.

David Culbreath2025 5-11 PG David Culbreath-Martin – Duluth – TRIBE ATL
Pass-first playmaker that loves to break his man down off the dribble. Tight handle with combo moves. Changes speeds exceptionally well and gets downhill when he wants to. Has the offensive ability to score 20 a night if he so chooses. Talented finisher. Textbook compact outside shot with three-point range. Second Team All-Region 7-7A selection as a freshman.

Kairion Morrison2022 6-0 G Kairion Morrison – Stephens County – Youthlink
Energy supplier. Plays hard on both ends of the floor. Athletic and active defender that moves his feet well. Rebounds hard for his size and can finish at the basket. Gets to his left hand on drives.

Jarvis Weaver2023 6-3 W Jarvis Weaver – Chestatee
Does his best work playing within 15-feet. Likes to slash and use his energy and athleticism to get on the offensive glass. Solid post defender and has switchability. Has improved as a ball handler. Decision making is getting better. Range is extending to the three-point line.

David Batts2023 6-1 W David Batts – Oconee County
Wiry swingman. Has upside as a perimeter defender that can guard 1-3. Good athlete. Long. Knocks down corner threes and can also put his head down and get to the rim. Will see a much-increased role in the offense his senior season.

Zakhar Valasiuk2024 6-3 W Zakhar Valasiuk – Tallulah Falls
Belarus native. Strong body. Can play either inside or out. Has a mature game, using pump fakes, jab steps and pivots. Able to go on the block to score and defend. Has a nice jump shot and handles the ball well. Good motor.

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Connor Scott2024 6-1 SG Connor Scott – Cambridge – Georgia State Warriors
Strong build on the perimeter. Dangerous three-point shooter that gets hot quickly. Has a repeatable release. Adding creativity off the dribble will help him get to the basket more often. Serves as a physical defender.

Landon Norton2022 6-4 F Landon Norton – Fannin County
Glue guy that helps out in a variety of ways. Good size. Active defender that helped guard 3-5. Stretch-forward that will bury the open three. Gets on the glass and competes hard.

TEAM 2

Tyrece Mackie2022 5-10 G Tyrece Mackie – Stephens County – Currahee Defenders
Bouncy high energy unsigned senior. Cat-like quickness. Gets into the lane and elevates to finish above the defense. Cashes in transition opportunities. Has a mid-range jumper in his arsenal. Hounds opposing guards with his aggressive on-ball defense.

Cade Williams2022 5-7 PG Cade Williams – Chestatee
Speedy and shifty playmaker that isn’t afraid to roll the dice. Gets into the lane and spoon feeds tough passes. Great court vision. Will thread the needle through the defense. Finishes in traffic with difficult layups and can hit the open three. Sparkplug.

https://twitter.com/KyleSandy355/status/1505640078860853256

 

Kobe Brown2022 5-9 PG Kobe Brown – Burke County
Lefty received rave reviews for his tenacious defense and lead guard skills. Athletic speed merchant that can score at all three levels. Uses his crossover to get downhill. Great motor.

Devin Hutcherson2026 6-3 W Devin Hutcherson – Johns Creek – Aim High
High upside rising freshman. Great size on the wing. Long and has some mass to him. Smooth eurostep helps him get to the rim. Solid athlete that finishes with both hands. Has respectable three-point range. Has the tools to become a high-level college prospect.

Noah Hutchinson2023 6-6 F Noah Hutchinson – Oconee County – Classic City Ballers
Enjoyed a coming out party in front of college coaches and media in attendance. Lights out shooter from all over the floor. Soft touch. Shined in the one-on-one station by hitting tough leaners over smaller defenders. Stretch-four was automatic from the three-point line in gameplay. Knocked down turnaround jumpers out of the post. Impressed with his outlet passing. Huge performance and easily a top performer at camp.

TEAM 3

Jaheim Crayton2023 5-11 PG Jaheim Crayton – Georgia Cyber Academy
Splits defenders with a tight handle. Has been in the weight room with cut arms and overall above average strength. Gets into the teeth of the defense consistently and makes plays for others. Perimeter scorer with a good jumper. Plays tough defense and has a desire to get better.

MJ Marable2024 5-11 G MJ Marable – George Walton Academy – Flame 2024
Has a soft touch and is deceptively good at getting to his spots. Pretty three-point stroke. Changes speeds well with a quick first step. High sense of awareness and understands the game both offensively and defensively.

Mason Smith2023 5-11 G Mason Smith – Duluth – IBA
Quick burst to the basket. Can stop on a dime with mid-range pull-up. Quick release. Mentally tough. Handles well against pressure. Sits down and defends.

Keyni Crawford2023 6-3 SG Keyni Crawford – Putnam County – JC Ducks
One of the best all-around scorers in camp. Smooth approach. Slithers his way to the rim and covers ground with a long eurostep. Peppers defenses with his pull-up jumper. Wiry build. Handles the ball well and creates his own offense. Can develop into an impactful perimeter defender.

Eli Parlier2023 6-1 F Eli Parlier – Chestatee
Rugged defender that does the dirty work. Sets good screens and rolls hard to the basket. Willing to post up inside and can kick out to open shooters. Plays hard and understands his role. Confident.

Cooper Welch2024 6-2 SG Cooper Welch – Rabun County
Sturdy off-guard with a streaky three-point shot. Will pull-up from deep off the dribble or set up in the corners for catch-and-shoot chances. Showed glimpses of using his strength to get to the rim. Capable rebounder. Coachable.

Dantavian Allen2022 6-5 F Dantavian Allen – Burke County – BC Pride
Long and athletic defensive anchor. Protects the rim and rebounds. Mobile enough to defend multiple positions. Can hold his own when switched onto guards. Good defensive instincts. Likes to attack off the dribble from the high post. Can play above the rim.

TEAM 4

Jackson Morris2023 5-10 PG Jackson Morris – Commerce
Potent scorer that uses a quick crossover to get to the basket and utilizes the pull-up three off the bounce. Solid skill level and used to having to carry the load on offense. Has quick hands defensively. Was named Class A-Public Most Improved Player after upping his averages to 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.3 steals.

Sean Stoddard2023 5-8 PG Sean Stoddard – Calvary Day – Coastal Bulls
True point guard that sees the floor and looks to distribute first. Makes touch passes to find open man. Good finisher inside that uses the rim to shield his layups from shot blockers on reverses. Has the quickness to frustrate opposing ball handlers.

Avian Allen2022 5-10 G Avian Allen – Burke County – BC Pride
Defensive-minded on-ball stopper. Not afraid to play up tight and make other guards uncomfortable. Sees the floor well in transition. Will become more dangerous on offense as his left hand improves.

Payton Ellison2023 6-3 W Payton Ellison – Putnam County
Wiry scoring guard that can get to his step-back jumper. Was tough to stop in our one-on-one station. Has a high IQ and understands how to attack defenses. Uses his quickness and length to slash to the hoop. Gets to his spots in the mid-range.

Miles Hawkins2024 5-10 G Miles Hawkins – Union Grove
Physical young guard that uses his size to bang inside. Gets on the glass as a rebounder. Can start his own fastbreaks. Absorbs contact on drives. Soft touch from the short-range.

Jason Isaac2024 6-4 W Jason Isaac – Georgia Jayhawks
Great upside and a potential breakout candidate next season. Long and strong wing. Athletic with good foot speed and leaping ability to convert at the rim. Smart player that doesn’t force the issue. Plays under control and can score at all three levels. Strong rebounder and a sneaky good playmaker.

Jalen Carr2022 6-4 F Jalen Carr – Rockdale County – GAA
Unsigned senior that brings toughness to the interior. Physical rebounder and tough-nosed rim protector. Cleans up misses inside and finishes very well. Knows where his strengths are and plays to them. Good motor.

TEAM 5

Louie Koulouvaris2025 5-9 G Louie Koulouvaris – East Forsyth – Tier 2 Elite
Confident ball handler that loves to create enough separation to launch threes. Has deep range and will fill it up if not guarded. Looks to facilitate when he attacks downhill. Adding strength will allow him to score more effectively on drives.

Davon Drane2024 6-0 PG Davon Drane – Camp Jewell House
Cuts well without the ball. Plays very hard. Served primarily as point guard but can also play off the ball. Aggressive minded. Attacks in transition and uses his speed to get all the way to the rim. Plays with some flair. Has a reliable pull-up jumper. Brings energy as an on-ball defender.

Alexander Barnes2024 6-1 W Alexander Barnes – Union Grove
Good length. Showed an ability to get on the offensive glass and convert with his left hand. Needs to keep his motor running and impact games on defense. Has the physical tools to develop into a solid player.

Drew Cail2025 6-1 SG Drew Cail – Calvary Day
Played hard. Was able to display his offensive game in one-on-one station, getting to a step-back jumper. Will quicken his moves with more experience. Could find a niche as a 3&D guy that provides consistent effort.

Drew Snyder2025 6-2 W Drew Snyder – Dalton
Strong body that can bang with bigger players. Has a soft floater in the lane and can finish through contact. Versatile with a high motor. Effective rebounder. Will be a key role in Dalton rebuild.

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Austin Bater2022 6-4 F Austin Bater – Chestatee
Enforcer in the paint that rebounds and scores on dump offs. Gets a head of steam on drives from the high post and can barrel his way to the rim. Sound post defender that bodies up and plays physical. Garbage guy mentality.

TEAM 6

AJ Russell2023 5-8 PG AJ Russell – Stephens County – Currahee Defenders
Small guard that finishes well around the rim. Dangerous three-point shooter from the corners. Vocal leader that has a high IQ from the lead guard position.

Isidro Hernandez2022 5-9 G Isidro Hernandez – Cross Keys
Plays hard and uses a crossover dribble to beat pressure. Likes to get to the hoop and finish with scoop layups. Has a soft touch from within 15-feet. Adding consistent range will help him long term. Willing on-ball defender.

Jeremy Sams2022 6-2 W Jeremy Sams – Veterans – Georgia Rebels
Impressive athlete that looks the part. Versatile swingman that contributes across the board. Hits the glass hard, is a good slasher and can laser in tough passes to open teammates. Pushes the ball in transition and finishes with both hands. Capable three-point shooter. Can guard nearly any position on the floor.

Matthew Simpson2023 5-11 G Matthew Simpson – Commerce – Classic City Ballers
Gritty tough-nosed player. One you love to play with but hate to play against. Makes winning plays. Took 42 charges on the season and drew some at camp. Talks constantly. Does the dirty work but can also knock down open jumpers. Makes smart cuts without the ball and uses his physicality to get on the glass.

Anthony Chirombo2023 5-10 G Anthony Chirombo – Riverside Military
Smaller guard does a great job of playing off two feet inside, using pump fakes and pivots to score. Plays bigger than his size. Challenges opponents with his on-ball defense. Developing range on his jump shot will open up more avenues to score. Has good vision and a savvy feel.

Dalen Gales2022 6-2 CG Dalen Gales – Jefferson – GA Trendsetters
Explosive guard that scores from all three levels. All-State selection has deep three-point range and can finish with either hand. Smooth slasher impressed with more than just his scoring prowess. Created for others in transition and made impact plays defensively including racking up chase down blocks. All-around possibly the best guard in camp and a very serviceable piece at the next level.

Analysis

Player Analysis: No. 3 Alexander 75, South Paulding 65


2022 6-3 G Zion Fruster – Alexander
There’s a lot to like about Zion Fruster’s game, a wiry guard with size that has started picking up serious interest, logging an offer from D-II UVA Wise just last week. Fruster is a consistent scorer on the perimeter. He gets great lift on his jumper, able to pull-up and elevate over defenders. He has an easy release and is good both off the catch and off the dribble. In the fourth quarter, he found his points at the rim, finishing in transition and through traffic. Fruster finished with 23 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. He’s one of the better stock risers in Georgia, as a versatile guard that can play either the 1 or 2.

2022 6-6 W Jah’Kim Payne – Alexander
Jah’Kim Payne is a smooth multidimensional player that can play 1-5 at the high school level. Payne is a Swiss Army Knife. He can initiate the offense with his ball handling and court vision, serve as a slasher on the wing or anchor himself in the high post and decide whether to attack or distribute. Payne glides to the rim, scoring on finger rolls as he slices through the defense with his long strides. He came up big in the fourth quarter with eight points, six via drives while also making plays on defense. His length and mobility help him defend all positions, giving him great switchability whenever screens come into play. Jah’Kim finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. His combination of length, size, versatility and skill should put him squarely on college radars, especially D-II programs.

2023 6-5 W Marvin McGhee – Alexander
McGhee provided some timely buckets when South Paulding was threatening. He helped keep the Spartans at bay with a pair of threes and a drive. McGhee isn’t as long or athletic as Payne, but he’s a serviceable combo-forward that can spend time playing inside or out. He was effective on the glass and made a huge block in the fourth quarter in transition that led to a four-point swing, making the game 61-54 instead of 59-56. Marvin tallied 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block.

2024 6-2 SG Andrew LaVigne – South Paulding
The growth and confidence of Andrew LaVigne is shining through more and more often. The sturdy shooter caught fire in the third quarter to bring the Spartans to within one after trailing by as many as 12 points. LaVigne poured in three threes in the frame and hit five for the game. Andrew plays with good balance and gets his feet set and shoulders squared quickly when locating the rim. He has a pretty shot and moved well without the ball on cuts to the basket. LaVigne netted a team-high 22 points. If he is able to maintain his consistency and continue to improve, he could be South Paulding’s most dangerous scorer next season, part of what will be a veteran backcourt with major experience.

2023 6-2 SG Randy Harris – South Paulding
Randy Harris opened the game passing the ball exceptionally well, hitting cutters with sharp bounce passes as the on-ball pressure of Alexander forced the Spartans to initiate their offense far from the basket. Harris was able to calmly survey the floor and fit the ball to teammates when they had a window to score. After a scoreless first half, Harris started to hunt his offense as the game wore on, getting downhill using his leaping ability to score at the rim. Harris scored 13 points, 10 in the fourth quarter as he implemented floaters and scored in transition. South Paulding needs Harris to stay aggressive. Sometimes he can fade into the flow of the game without being a factor, but when he’s looking to attack, the Spartans are at their best. Harris’ energy led to 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.

2023 6-2 CG Jeremiah Taylor – South Paulding
Coming off the bench as he recovers from an injury, Taylor provided a nice spark with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Typically South Paulding’s leading scorer and best player when healthy, Jeremiah was able to bring a change of pace as a sub. Going up against the length of Alexander was a tough task as Taylor’s offense primarily comes at the rim. He was able score all five of his field goals in the paint, but had to work extra hard to do so. Even while it wasn’t his best offensive production, Taylor was able to make positive contributions elsewhere, especially with his passing. Unlocking a consistent three-point shot is still the deciding factor as to how special Taylor can be.