Category Archives: Analysis

Analysis, GHSA Basketball

Georgia Cup IV/Summer Shootout notes Pt. 1

Unsigned Seniors Update

Roscoe Spruill
Roscoe Spruill

17U Justus League rolled with the experienced backcourt of 2018s 5-11 PG Nayari Dampier (North Cobb) and 5-8 PG Roscoe Spruill (South Cobb). The two-headed monster led Justus League to a 79-49 romp of the Georgia Stunners. Dampier drilled four threes on his way to 14 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Spruill, a stout speed merchant, posted 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Spruill thrived in transition, outracing the defense and making the right decision on whether to take it himself or find shooters. Both guards have been in the weight room and have the muscle to help out which ever programs pick them up.

Tough Guards

Chandler Minton
Chandler Minton

2020 5-11 CG Chandler Minton (Mt. Pisgah) and 2019 6-1 SG Cameron Gwyn (Chestatee) went at it in 17U Team Recruit’s 69-49 win over Inspire Atlanta. Though he was on the short end of the scoreboard, Minton did everything he could to keep Inspire Atlanta competitive. Built like a running back, Minton poured in 29 points (3 threes) and grabbed 6 rebounds. He was the only player that could consistently create his own shot, getting it from beyond the arc and when putting his head down an attacking, finishing 6-of-7 from the foul line. Minton averaged 10.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game as third fiddle at Mt. Pisgah.

Cameron Gwyn
Cameron Gwyn
Photo: @HoopSeenGA

Gwyn got Team Recruit off to a hot start, knocking down four threes over the first three quarters of play. He finished his day with 21 points. When left open, Gwyn often made Inspire Atlanta pay. He was a Region 7-AAAA Honorable Mention selection this year and should be asked to carry the load his senior season after the Class of 2018 graduates eight members.

Myles Todd
Myles Todd
Photo: @HoopSeenGA

2019 6-0 PG Myles Todd (Pace Academy) is taking all the steps this offseason to have a breakout year at the helm of the Knights. Todd has been a habitual producer with the Ballin Blazers so far, running the show at point guard and showcasing his scoring and his ability to run a team. Todd put up 11 points, 5 assists and 3 steals in a win over Sports Academy South and controlled the game. His quickness allowed him to get to the rim in a hurry. Todd has no other choice but to step up his senior year. With Pace Academy currently devoid of any D-I names, Todd has to be a consistent leader. He has shown flashes in years past, but also showed a tendency to take a backseat role in some bigger games while freshman Josh Mininberg took some minutes. As the only returning senior from last year’s roster, its Todd’s time to shine.

Sleeper Alert

Jahleel Roundtree
Jahleel Roundtree

He didn’t have the sexiest stat line and he may never reach his potential, but 17U Sports Academy South’s Jahleel Roundtree (Burke County) has the raw tools to become a college recruit. At 6-foot-6, the 2019 wing can wreak havoc with his long arms and athleticism. He tallied 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks against the Ballin Blazers, pretty much right at his season average this high school season with Burke County where he averaged 7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks per game. Roundtree can get you the occasional highlight dunk, but he must get more aggressive on offense and do some more individual skill training. Right now, he is more of a versatile glue-guy with a focus on defense, using his frame and energy to make an impact. From the game I saw, he is still far off from becoming a go-to-guy on offense and is more of a passive slasher and a guy who can clean up some misses around the rim. Burke County graduates their top three scorers ahead of Roundtree, so he should have every opportunity to showcase his all-around game his senior season. If he can develop a jump shot (attempted 0 threes; 44% FT shooter), he could turn into a talented late bloomer in Waynesboro. If not, his ceiling will be however far his defense can take him.

Kalib Clinton
Kalib Clinton

2021 6-4 G Kalib Clinton (Jackson County) has only played two years of organized basketball, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by the way he plays. Clinton was a major stock riser this weekend as he brought the energy to 16U BCB. Playing up didn’t affect Clinton’s ability to be productive. After averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman, Clinton was right back at it, tallying 14 points and 9 rebounds. Clinton is a smooth athlete with bounce that can get to where he needs to go on the floor. He is more of a slasher right now, but he showed he can hit some tough mid-range jumpers in traffic. When he put his head down and got to the basket, if he was met with resistance he made the right play of kicking it out instead of forcing it. His lateral quickness projects him to become a lockdown defender. Clinton has a high ceiling and with year-round coaching, he is heading in the right direction.

2022 Fresh Face

Sedrick O'Neal
Sedrick O’Neal

Although I wasn’t able to catch his entire game, I fell in love with 14U Eightball Elite’s 6-2 C Sedrick O’Neal (Maynard Jackson). O’Neal will be heading into his freshman year and should be able to make an immediate impact for Coach Travis Williams. O’Neal was an absolute monster in Eightball Elite’s run to the championship. He dumped in 21 points in a statement win over the Georgia Kings and followed up with 26 points in the title game. O’Neal checks all the boxes for a big man. He is physical and strong with great hands. He knows how to use his body and can score around the rim with a variety of drop steps. He was a double-double machine, gobbling up every rebound and even showed that he can handle the ball enough to ignite his own fast breaks. He has an easy, yet explosive elevation that reminds me of ELCA’s Jamaine Mann’s, that helps him rise above the rest and alter/block countless shots. O’Neal was a man amongst boys. If he is able to grow a few more inches, watch out. With Maynard Jackson graduating their top three scoring options, I wouldn’t be surprised to see O’Neal grab major minutes from Day 1 alongside 2020 post 6-foot-5 Timpia Ogoun. The two could form one of the best defensive front courts in the area and could blossom together.

Analysis

Atlanta Jam notes

HoopSeen’s Atlanta Jam provided the stage for unsigned seniors to make their final impression on college coaches and for rising high school standouts to emblazon a name for themselves. 

Unsigned Seniors Update

Eli Lawrence

I’m not sure what the delay is, but colleges are still moving slowly on recruiting Class 6A First Team All-State selection 6-foot-5 SG Eli Lawrence (Tri-Cities). Running with the 17U South Fulton Lions, Lawrence continued to show why he is the best available wing in the state (outside of Tye Fagan who announces on Monday) and should be a priority for Low Majors/D-II. Lawrence finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals in a 63-59 win over Chattanooga Elite. Lawrence is an above-average athlete with a knack for rebounding. He averaged 21.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 3.1 steals playing in the Classification’s toughest region, where he saw the likes of Virginia Tech-signee Landers Nolley. Lawrence can knock down the deep ball and glides to the basket. The southpaw reminds me of a taller version of Fagan, but not quite as polished with his all-around game. Nonetheless, Lawrence is a D-I level player, but the clock is ticking and time is running out for programs to realize it.

Kam Miller

A long time favorite of mine, Kam Miller (Sandy Creek) strapped them up this weekend. Standing only 5-foot-7, Miller brings so much more to the table than the typical little man. Of course, he does exactly what you want from a diminutive guard: acting as a pest all over the floor and priding himself on his defense. Knowing that he is overmatched in size each time he steps on the floor, Miller makes it a point to outwork his competition with his tenacity and water bug quickness. What you don’t see from most guards his size, is his ability to rebound. Miller uses his small frame to sneak through cracks of the defense to earn his team second-chance opportunities on the glass. He put up 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in a win with the 17U South Fulton Lions. Miller will provide effort and energy wherever he ends up.

Nick Edwards

17U Atlanta All-Stars 6-foot PG Nick Edwards (Grayson) took full advantage of the Atlanta Jam stage with one of Georgia’s best non-shoe company programs. Graded as one of the better lead guards still available, Big Game Nick put up 10 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in a romp of the Carolina Wolves and picked up his second offer, this time from Andrew College. Edwards truly flourished his senior season, stepping out of the shadow of Travis Anderson (Charleston Southern) and shining, averaging 14.7 points, 3 assists and 2 steals per game as the Rams returned to the Class 7A Final Four. While Anderson battled injuries his senior year, Edwards picked up the slack and turned in big performances in big spots, highlighted by Edwards’ orchestration of an 18-point comeback to beat Langston Hughes 65-64, Edwards scoring 24 points including the game-winner with one second left at the BCB Showcase. Edwards isn’t overly flashy or the most elite shooter or the most electric athlete, but he is a player that knows how to produce.

Stock Risers

Devin Butts

Word on the street this spring has been about the emergence of 17U Team Georgia Magic 2019 6-foot-5 CG Devin Butts. I got my first look at him since last summer and boy did he not disappoint. The Stratford Academy guard buried seven three-pointers en route to a smooth 27 points, tickling the bottom of the net with misses few and far between. Colleges like knock down shooters. Knock down shooters with size and handles? That’s something schools love. Butts showed the ability to drive and convert tough finishes, proving he’s more than just a one-trick pony. Heading into a 2018-19 season with many unknowns as to who will assert themselves among the state’s best, Butts has an early claim to being in the discussion of becoming one of Georgia’s elite 2019 players.

Brady Spence

2019 6-foot-8 C Brady Spence (Alexander) controlled the paint for 17U Atlanta All-Stars. I have tracked the growth of Spence from his freshman year to now likely his final season of travel basketball, and the thought process of “big men develop later” has never been truer. Spence was a gangly youngster still filling into his body when I first saw him. He learned how to alter shots around the rim without fouling as a sophomore, but his hands still weren’t where they needed to be. His junior season he needed to get stronger, but the production was starting to become apparent and hard to deny. Fast forward to present day, and the pieces are getting closer and closer to assembling a finished product. Spence scored 7 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, handed out 2 assists and blocked 2 shots in a win over the Carolina Wolves. Spence continues to trend in the right direction and is picking up steam with D-I schools. He does a nice job of keeping rebounds high and with more time in the weight room, his rebounding and defensive dominance at the high school level will convert more easily to the college ranks. Spence can score around the rim with some spins to the baseline and some drop steps, but he is still more of a defensive anchor than a back-to-the-basket go-to-guy on offense. Playing against elite competition week-in and week-out, Spence should have major momentum heading into his senior season.

Jayvion Rucker

17U Atlanta All-Stars always have bevy of high academic D-I/D-II recruits with a few late blooming sleepers along the way. This year’s “who’s that?” guy looks to be 2019 6-foot-6 F Jayvion Rucker. Out of East Hall, Rucker is a name that the entire state will have to be cognizant of come Fall. All arms and legs, “lanky” probably doesn’t do Rucker justice. He can cover ground like a gazelle offensively and defensively. He had 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in a win. He drilled three corner threes. With his ability to knock down the open long ball coupled with his length and athleticism, Rucker looks like a stretch-four. If he improves his ball-handling and playmaking, he could provide quality minutes at the three as well. His progress will be interesting to track as he heads back into the high school season with plenty of experience under his belt.

2019 6-foot-8 F Sammy Mike (Northside-Warner Robins) played well for 17U AC Georgia. Mike was a name we heard about a few years ago, but never really saw him blossom into a big-time high school player. It’s now or never heading into his senior season and he took a big step on Saturday in becoming a name that sticks. The svelte stretch-big collected 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks against the Tennessee Bobcats. Mike knocked down two 15-footers and drilled a three. He is very mobile and moves well, even putting the ball on the deck. There is a lot to be intrigued about with his skill set, now it’s up to him to bring it all to fruition.

Bucket Getters

DaMarcus Johnson
DaMarcus Johnson

Two human microwaves did what they do best on Saturday: score. In Class 6A, two 2019 guards are instant offense in 6-foot-2 Kalen Williams (Lakeside-Evans) and 6-foot Da’Marcus Johnson (Tri-Cities). With 17U Team Power, Williams dumped in 17 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Williams has grown his game each year since first bursting onto the scene with the Georgia Bulls. He has a knack for scoring the ball and a mean-streak on the floor. He has a little bit of a funky release, but Williams can burn you from deep. He is continuing to improve as a passer and someone who makes his teammates better. He has some deceptive bounce that helps him play above the rim and earn some chase down blocks. At Lakeside-Evans, Williams averaged 22.8 points, 6 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

Johnson is a pure shooter that can get in the lane as well. He provides strong on-ball defense, bringing effort on both sides of the floor. Johnson finished with 19 points (3 threes), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for 17U South Fulton Lions. The lefty has played against the best of the best at Tri-Cities and averaged 15 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals.  It will be interesting to see how he plays now that Eli Lawrence has graduated. He will now garner the lion’s share of the attention that defenses throw at the Bulldogs.

Analysis, GHSA Basketball

HoopSeen Tip-Off notes

Meet BJ

BJ Wright - Perry High School
BJ Wright

Walking out of the gym on Sunday afternoon after a fun day at the HoopSeen Tip-Off, something caught my eye on Court 4. That something was 6-foot-7 2021 forward BJ Wright of Perry High School. Playing with the 16U Middle Georgia Ballers, who don plain all-red uniforms, Wright’s strong build caught my eye and when I found out he was only a freshman this season, I knew I had to stay.

It wasn’t the best litmus test, a 29-point blowout win, but the raw tools were too much to ignore. Wright scored 13 points on a bevy of highlight dunks. Wright plays more on the wing with some trips to the block, giving him elite size at his age and position. He had one nice assist on a pick-and-roll slip which provided a glimpse into what his potential might be.

With all young players, college ball is still in the distant future, but that future will come quick. Wright has the god given body and natural skills to become an interesting prospect. He will need to continue to work on his craft and more importantly, everything else away from basketball. If he can put school first with basketball a close second, it will be very fascinating to see what the narrative is surrounding Wright come 2021.

Henry County height

LayPonius Davis
LayPonius Davis

Coming off of an extremely successful 18-11 campaign with a state playoff berth in Year 1 under Coach BJ Thomas, the War Hawks have even more reason for optimism, and that’s not even taking into account that their top two scorers are set to return.  The 2020 class holds two potential breakout candidates on the varsity level in 16U Georgia Impact frontcourt mates 6-foot-6 LayPonius Davis and 6-foot-4 Jeqhuan Carter.

They might not set the world on fire, but they will be usable pieces for Coach Thomas. Davis is a long shot blocker that also posts up well. He will need to get stronger and work on keeping rebounds high, but his size and willingness to run the floor bode well. He had 4 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 3 blocks in a win.

Jeqhuan Carter
Jeqhuan Carter

Carter is the physical garbage man inside. What Davis might lack in bulk, Carter makes up for with his bullish presence in the paint, most notably on the glass. He collected 15 points and 13 rebounds. Though he doesn’t have the elite leaping ability right now, Carter could provide a similar skill set that ‘17 Kovi Tate brought to the table during Henry County’s 2017 Final 4 run.

Super Smash Bro Kirby

Ja'Queze Kirby
Ja’Queze Kirby

2020 6-foot-6 forward Ja’Queze Kirby isn’t pink and isn’t round, but he can float above the rim just like his video game predecessor. The Class AA First Team All-Stater has long been known for his electric athleticism, but this weekend with 16U Upward Stars SE he showed more than just his hops. Kirby piled in his customary 20 points but drilled four three-pointers in the process. Defensively he moved his feet well and came away with two blocks. Kirby is one of the state’s best prospects and the gem of South Georgia. It’s easy to see how he stuffs stat sheets on a nightly basis at Jeff Davis; it’s harder to understand how he hasn’t received a scholarship offer yet – that will change soon.

15U War Eagles Elite

Derek McDonald - Marist
Derek McDonald

Marist’s 2021 group has some talent moving up the pipeline in the form of 5-foot-11 point guard Luke Benson and 6-foot-2 forward Derek McDonald. Benson is a crafty ball handler with poise and a little cool swagger. He gets some nice elevation on his jump shot and can pull-and-pop from the mid-range. McDonald is the workhorse. Already physically strong and to no surprise a football player, McDonald plays a 3/4 role as one of the tallest players on the team. He uses his strength to his advantage to attack the glass and finish drives. He is a high effort player that likes to stick his nose into the action. He has range to the three-point line but will need to solidify the shot as he gets older to make it a true weapon in his arsenal. He scored 16 points in a 45-43 OT loss.

17U SBC Select impresses

Donell Nixon
Donell Nixon

Led by 2019 5-foot-9 point guard Donell Nixon (Buford), SBC Select finished their weekend at the HoopSeen Tip-Off 3-0. Nixon scorched nets all tournament, drilling three after three. He nailed five in a win over the Greater NE GA Warriors, where he finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. His passing may have gotten a little overshadowed playing with Lipscomb-signee Alex Jones the past two seasons, but make no mistake, the dynamic dynamo can dish it out. Wofford, East Tennessee State and Rutgers have all shown interest.

Teammate Grant Van Beveren will see an uptick in his recruitment heading into his senior year. The 6-foot-6 post from Chattahoochee is a sturdy big man that knows how to use his body. You can pencil him in for 10+ rebounds a night. Offensively, Van Beveren showed he can knock down the straightaway three and even pull up off the dribble.

Elberton’s Elite

AJ James - Elbert County
AJ James

Elbert County pieced together a 23-5 record and a trip to the Sweet 16 in Class AA. All-State Honorable Mention 6-foot-3 2019 forward AJ James played a massive role in the Blue Devils’ 9-win increase. James reminds me of current Piedmont Lion and former ’17 Lakeview Academy Lion, Josh Randolph. James is athletic and physical and plays all over the floor for his teams, usually positions 3-5. James bangs inside for the Blue Devils during the regular season, but his wing prowess was on display this weekend with the Greater NE GA Warriors. James posted 11 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

I love how he attacks rebounds. Maybe most impressive, is his fearless post defense. James is used to giving up size on a nightly basis and has had wars with 6-foot-7 North Georgia-signee Dylan Orr of Banks County. He had to tussle with big man Grant Van Beveren this weekend and give him fits with his blend of strength and quickness and ability to not foul when denying deep post position. James is a great glue guy that can help teams win on both sides of the ball at multiple positions.

Analysis, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Unsigned 2018 Seniors

A scouting report on some of the GHSA’s top remaining unsigned seniors

PG

  1. Jacolbey Owens (Warner Robins)
    + Elite level athlete that plays above the rim
    + Finishes through contact
    + Has improved his three-point shot tenfold from his junior season
    + Not afraid of the spotlight; Clutch in crunch time
    + High energy
    * Can continue to improve his point guard prowess
  1. Jarred Godfrey (Sandy Creek)
    + Elite size (6’4)
    + Scores over smaller defenders
    + Can score off the bounce
    + Soft mid-range touch
    + Patiently waited behind D-I guards
  1. Khalyn Weekley (Bradwell Institute)
    + Elite size (6’4)
    + Physically strong
    + Attacks downhill
    * Needs to solidify his outside shot
  1. Dwight Murray (Pebblebrook)
    + Shooter
    + Played against elite competition
    + Patiently waited behind D-I guards
    + Quick
    + Leader
    * Lacks size (5’11)
  1. Kris Gardner (Westover)
    + Playmaker
    + Scores at all three levels
    + Strong ball handler
    + Scoring-minded PG that also distributes
    + Quick hands on defense
    * Needs to make sure not to over dribble

Other Notables
Nick Edwards (Grayson); Kameron Pauldo (Dublin); Jah’Nile Hill (Manchester); Jay Jefferson (Troup County); Dalvin White (Norcross)

SG

  1. Tye Fagan (Upson-Lee)
    + Scores from all three levels
    + Improved consistency of three-point shot
    + Best post-up guard in class
    + Smooth athlete
    + Plays the passing lanes
    + Shot blocker
    + Can affect games without scoring
    + Court vision
    + Loyal
  1. Eli Lawrence (Tri-Cities)
    + Good size (6’5)
    + Tye Fagan-lite
    + Southpaw that can shoot the three & elevate to finish through traffic
    + Strong rebounder
    + Lets the game come to him
    * Can continue to improve his playmaking with the ball
  1. Brandon Younger (Wheeler)
    + Elite size (6’7)
    + High upside
    + Can play multiple positions
    * Streaky; good in many areas but not great
  1. Adam Flagler (Duluth)
    + Elite shooter
    + Mid-range
    + Decision making
    + Can create off the dribble for teammates
    * Average height (6’2)
  1. Daniel Parrish (Aquinas)
    + Good size (6’3)
    + Can play either 1 or 2
    + Court vision
    + Passing in traffic
    + Plays passing lanes
    + Willing rebounder with good hands
    * Can be a streaky three-point shooter; must stay aggressive

Other Notables
Grant Howard (Pebblebrook); Tim Williamson (Glenn Hills); Tre Gomillion (Aquinas); Adrian Martin (Lanier); Christian Jackson (Greenforest); Mandarius Dickerson (Collins Hill)

F

  1. KJ Buffen (Gainesville)
    + Versatile with size (6’7)
    + 7-foot wingspan
    + Plays with energy
    + Active on glass
    + Can put the ball on the floor when needed
    + High ceiling. Still maturing after missing bulk of junior season. Younger than most of his grade.
    * Will need to improve outside shot to play on perimeter
  1. Jamari Dean (Cedar Grove)
    + 6’6
    + Elite second leap on offensive glass
    + Workhorse inside
    + Finishes through heavy contact on low block
    + Mid-range game
    + Interior passing
    * Could be a tweener. Good enough shooter/slasher to steal minutes at the 3. Defensively can handle switches on multiple positions.
  1. Clarence Jackson (Dublin)
    + 6’7
    + Does the dirty work inside
    + Likes to rebound
    + Slasher
    + Versatile defender
    * Needs to improve outside shot
  1. Brandon Suggs (McEachern)
    + 6’7
    + Defensive-minded
    + Length
    + Played elite competition
  1. Cole Guenther (McIntosh)
    + 6’7
    + Three-point shooter
    + Shot-blocker
    + Has improved ball handling
    + Length
    * Struggled with consistency from three (29%)

Other Notables
ZyTavian Hill (Central-Talbotton); Drew Hudson (Starr’s Mill); Greg Holloway (Westside-Macon); Jarred Rosser (Gainesville); Jarrel Rosser (Gainesville); Kerry Richardson (Elite Scholars)

Post

  1. EJ Montgomery (Wheeler)
    + 6’10 All-American
    + Length to rebound anything in his area
    + Post scoring
    + Outside shot
    + Can handle the ball
    + Consistent
    * Improved his toughness. Can always get stronger mentally and physically.
  1. Timmy Sellers (Glenn Hills)
    + 6’8
    + Athletic
    + Handles the ball; can create own fast break
    + Euro step
    + Shot blocker
    + Still improving
    * Not an overly elite rebounder. A little unorthodox. Needs to stay aggressive.
  1. Carlos Curry (Dougherty)
    + 7’0
    + Rebounding
    + Willingness to shoot from the outside
    + Mobile
    * Still raw. Can be timid around the rim. Can shy away from contact. Hasn’t seen D-I competition during high school career at Dougherty.
  1. Kevin Paige (Miller Grove)
    + 6’8
    + College body
    + Rebounder
    + Shot blocker
    + Has improved steadily over career
    + Decent footwork around the rim
    * Physical space eater whose defense is ahead of his offense.
  1. Alex Johnson (Lowndes)
    + 6’8
    + Late bloomer
    + Can handle the ball on the perimeter
    + Range stretches out to three-point line
    + Post defense
    * Will continue to improve as he gets stronger. Best basketball ahead.

Other Notables
De’Undra Singleton (Stephens County); Bryce Brown (Archer); Tylan Grable (Wilkinson County); Tyler Culbreth (Lee County); Jermon Clark (Miller Grove); Ja’Quez Hicks (Heritage-Conyers); Kennedy Willis (St. Pius X); Ta’San King (South Gwinnett); Brandon Favors (Westlake); Julian Baldwin (Etowah)

Analysis, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

2018 GACA All-Star Games

Junior (2019) Girls Game

STATS
MVP: Deasia Merrill – 20p 6r 1a 1s 1b
Deasia Merrill

MVP: India Bellamy – 23p 8r 5bIndia Bellamy

North2018 GACA Junior Girls North All-Star Team
Nekiyah Thompson – 5p 3a 2s
Torrion Starks – 6p 5a 2s
Tomiyah Alford – 7p 3r 3s
Georgia Stockton – 2p 3r 2s 1b
Kaylee Sticker – 13p 7r 2a 1b
Sydney Rosant – 13p 3r 2b
Amari Robinson – 8p 3r 2s 1b
Jordan Bailey – 9p 6r 2s 2b
Ashlee Austin – 8p 8r 2b
Chellia Watson – 7p 5r 4a
Morgan Robinson-Nwagwu – 6p 4r 2a 3s

South
2018 GACA Junior Girls South All-Star Team
Zamiya Passmore – 3p
Mataea Boyd – 4p 4r
Kianni Westbrook – 2p 6r
Jada Claude – 5p 3r 2s
Nia Allen – 2p 6r 2a 2s 2b
Destanee Wright – 8p 3r 4a 1b
Janya Love-Hill – 17p 3r 2a 2b
Kayla Garrett – 6p 5r 1b
Jailyn Shaw – 7p 4r 2s
Jasmine Blevins – 10p 2r 2a 1b
Paris Mullins – 0p 3r

NOTES

  • North: SG Tomiyah Alford (Lamar County) was impressive with her size (5-8) and athleticism. She posted 7 points and 3 steals. Her on-ball defense was suffocating at times, using her length to disrupt ball handlers. A three-sport athlete, as she improves her feel for the game Alford will continue to improve. She averaged 22.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 5.7 steals this season.
  • North: SG Kaylee Sticker (Dawson County) was active on the wing and crashed the glass, collecting 13 points and 7 rebounds. As a 6-foot swingman, Sticker showed that she could score at all three levels. Knocking down a three, hitting jumpers and cleaning up around the rim. The lean athlete averaged 17.6 points and 6 rebounds.
  • North: A streaky shooter, SG Sydney Rosant (Sequoyah) was locked in from the beginning.  She knocked down three trifectas and finished with 13 points and 2 blocks. Rosant likes crafty finishes when heading to the basket, using floaters and tear drops. Being able to get all the way to the rim consistently will strengthen her offensive game.
  • North: Class 7A Player of the Year PG Morgan Robinson-Nwagwu (Norcross) finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. Robinson is no stranger to filling up stat sheets, averaging 15.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 4.1 steals and 1.1 blocks. She was one of the smallest players on the floor at 5-foot-7, but the powerhouse guard was a playmaker, seeing the court and dropping passes in tight quarters to set up her teammates.
  • South: F India Bellamy (Dutchtown) took over down the stretch. The post presence showed that she could step out and knock down the open three and displayed enough agility to start her own fast breaks and finish in transition with either hand. She posted a game-high 23 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals.
  • South: C Kianna Westbrook (Burke County) didn’t score a field goal in the game, but at 6-foot-2, her ability to run the floor, rebound and alter shots shows that her best basketball is still ahead of her. She didn’t get too many low block opportunities, but if she can develop a go-to move in the post, she could have a bright future. She finished with 2 points and 6 rebounds.
  • South: G Janya Love-Hill (Carver-Columbus) is a microwave scorer on the perimeter. She isn’t afraid to pull the trigger from deep, but likes to attack the hoop. Love-Hill netted 17 points to go with her 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.
  • South: F Jailyn Shaw (Carver-Columbus) loves to throw her body around and attack the boards. She’s a physical player that can mix it up and sticks her nose in 50/50 balls. She is a high effort player. Shaw tacked on 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

Senior (2018) Girls Game

STATS
MVP: Tory Ozment – 13p 6r 2s 2bTory Ozment

MVP: Taylor Hosendove – 23p 15r 2a
Taylor Hosendove

North
2018 GACA Senior Girls North All-Star Team
Harper Vick – 12p 3r
Taylor Sutton – 8p 4a 3s
Lexii Chatman – 11p 7r
Kaila Hubbard – 14p 3r 4s
Amaya Register – 10p 3r 2a
Mya Jones – 8p 3r
Taniyah Worth – 4p 3r 2s 1b
Audrey Jordan – 5p 2r
Victaria Saxton – 4p 10r 3b
Devyn Wilson – 8p 6r 2a 1b

South
2018 GACA Senior Girls South All-Star Team
Jykiera Long – 0p 6r 3a
Brooke Moore – 10p
Jamesha Samuel – 8p 2s
Diamond Hall – 15p 7r 2a 2s
Za’Nautica Downs – 8p 2a 4s 1b
Ashley Foster – 8p
Brittany Davis – 13p 6r 2a 5s
Jewell Smalls – 11p 11r 2a

NOTES

  • South: G Jewel Smalls (McEachern) provided good work on the glass, grabbing 11 rebounds to go with her 11 points. She hit two first half threes. She often found herself in the right spot on the floor.
  • South: G/F Diamond Hall (Colquitt County) put up 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. She can provide minutes at positions 2-4 at the high school level but will need to find the right fit at the next level.

Junior (2019) Boys Game

STATS
MVP: Hunter McIntosh – 28p 5r 3a 2s
Hunter McIntosh

MVP: Jaxon Etter – 23p 3r 3a 3s
Jaxon Etter

North
2018 GACA Junior Boys North All-Star Team
Brenden Tucker – 15p 3r 4a 2s
Markeith Browning – 5p
TJ Bickerstaff – 8p 9r 4a
Tyrin Lawrence – 9p 7r 2a 2s
Malachi Rhodes – 3p 10r 2b
Alec Woodard – 15p 9r 2a 3s 1b
Nathan Presnell – 4p 6r 2s 2b
Ahmir Langlais – 8p 3a 1b
Jayvion Rucker – 9p
Jager Dickson – 2p 3r

South
2018 GACA Junior Boys South All-Star Team
Kalen Williams – 10p 7r 3a
Jordan Brown – 6p 3a
Quinton McElroy – 0p 2s
Dontavius King – 14p 9r 1b
Donovan Grant – 0p 4r 2a
Joshua Lusane – 11p 15r 5b
Mackenzie McFatten – 8p 5r
Jevon Tatum – 14p 7r 2a
Shamar Jones – 19p
Jayce Moore – 13p 3r

NOTES

  • North: PG Hunter McIntosh (GAC) put on his cape in the second half and nearly carried the North back from a 19-point halftime deficit. The heady guard drilled three of his five three-pointers in succession. He dumped in 28 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. McIntosh is among Georgia’s elite at the point guard position.
  • North: Coaches want players that have more than just one skill set and game-by-game, SG Alec Woodard (Morgan County) proves he’s more than just a great shooter. Woodard did his damage attacking the basket, finishing with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. He is a producer that relies on substance more than flash.
  • North: F Jayvion Rucker (East Hall) is a blossoming 6-foot-5 wiry athlete. If he can pack on some muscle to his frame, he could turn into one of North Georgia’s best big men. He had 9 points and held his own against bigger names.
  • South: It’s easy to see how F Dontavius King turned Dutchtown’s season around. The 6-foot-7 post is a physical presence with a big body. He has very good hands and is a pain to keep off the glass. He tacked on 14 points, 9 rebounds and 1 block. King is already one of the best back-to-the basket scorers in the class. He is more of a positional defender than a shot blocker.
  • South: F Joshua Lusane (Americus-Sumter) quietly did everything you want from a post player. At 6-foot-7, Lusane finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks. He cleaned up the trash around the basket and defended without fouling.
  • South: G Shamar Jones (Johnson-Savannah) is a free scoring guard. He likes to pull up from the mid-range, working the key and the baseline well. He will have to prove that he is more than just a scorer.
  • South: G Jevon Tatum (Tucker) is a steady scorer. He is strong enough to get into the paint and finish through contact, but also has a nice jump shot. He netted 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
  • South: G Jaxon Etter (Etowah) might be the state’s hottest prospect. A true winner that rises to the occasion, Etter knocked down four threes, dove on loose balls and powered his team to a win, earning MVP honors with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Etter will suit up with the Atlanta All-Stars this off-season, marking just his second year of AAU basketball.

Senior (2018) Boys Game

STATS
MVP: Landers Nolley – 20p 6r 6a 2s
Landers Nolley

MVP: Kris Gardner – 27p 6r 5a 3s
Kris Gardner

North
2018 GACA Senior Boys North All-Star Team
 Travis Anderson – 8p 4r 4a 2s
Nick Edwards – 9p 2r 7a 3s
Adam Flagler – 9p 4r
JoJo Toppin – 15p 5r
Spencer Rodgers – 15p 3r 2s
Dre Butler – 16p 4r
Devin Vassell – 17p 2r 2a 2s
Isaiah Kelly – 29p 3r
Christian Koneman – 4p 5r 2a

South
2018 GACA Senior Boys South All-Star Team
Tahj Jones – 11p
Dwight Murray – 15p 5r 2s
Timmy Sellers – 8p 2r 2s
Grant Howard – 6p
Kylan Hill – 10p 6r 3a
Amanze Ngumezi – 30p 3r 2s
Rashun Williams – 26p 3r 2a
Carlos Curry – 6p 3r
Adrian Cohen – 8p 3a

NOTES

  • North: G Nick Edwards (Grayson) is a quality guard that comes up big when it matters most. He should be in the discussion at the LM/D2 level. He needs to add some weight to his frame, but the 6-foot-1 guard is battle-tested and improved by leaps and bounds his senior season. Edwards finished his night with 9 points, 7 assists and 3 steals.
  • North: G Adam Flagler (Duluth) is an elite shooter left on the board. He canned three threes to finish with 9 points. He will add a great floor spacer to whichever team nabs him.
  • South: PG Kris Gardner (Westover) has the ball on a string. He is a precise dribbler that creates opportunities for his teammates off the bounce. When his jump shot is locked in, he is tough to slow down. He led the South to a 144-142 win, collecting 27 points (5 threes), 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.
  • South: G Kylan Hill (Central-Macon) has transformed his game from being more of a forward and rebounder into being a strong guard on the wing. Outside of one lapse in judgement, Hill took the All-Star setting seriously and produced 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists while drilling two threes.
  • South: The biggest knock on PG Dwight Murray’s (Pebblebrook) game is something out of his control: his size. Murray is quick with the ball and a dangerous threat from deep. He will make a program happy with his ability to lead. He had 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.