Category Archives: Analysis

Analysis, GHSA Basketball

sportalSlam I notes

17U Georgia Man Up

2019 5-10 PG Josh Guilford (Heritage-Conyers) shined in Georgia Man Up’s 67-64 championship victory over Team Affect. He was tricky, using his experience to coax three fouls on three-point attempts. He finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Guilford has a good feel for the game and has momentum coming off of Heritage’s Final Four run in Class AAAAAA. He was the team’s third-leading scorer at 11.3 points per game and will bring with him some veteran savvy his senior season.

Khobe Comer

2019 6-2 SG Khobe Comer (Stockbridge) caught my eye with his pretty shooting stroke and nice size. He was a role player for the Tigers last season but should move up in the rotation. He was a crucial floor spacer for Georgia Man Up and hit three timely three-pointers down the stretch in the championship, hitting four for the game and finishing with 15 points and MVP honors.

2019 5-foot-10 PG Trillis Brown (Stockbridge) averaged 7.3 points during the high school season. He was a playmaker this weekend at sportalSlam I. He came in off the bench to affect the game in ways that don’t always show up on the scoresheet. He netted 6 points, but it was his defensive pressure and decision making with the ball that shined. He had two nice assists and knows how to set up his teammates.

17U Team Affect

Tabais Long

2018 6-5 SF Tabais Long (Salem) is a player that has long interested me. With such size, at first glance you would think the Scotland Prep bound swingman is more akin to playing the role of bruiser on the block, but instead it’s his mixture of skill and physicality that sets him apart. Long can handle the ball like a guard, but punish you on downhill assaults like LeBron James, using his body to absorb contact and finish at the rim. He posted 32 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block in a blowout win and showed all the tools that makes him a prospect to keep tabs on. In the championship game, he struggled with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, airballing two three-pointers. Over his senior season, Long averaged 11.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals while hitting 45% of his three-point attempts (25-of-55). He has the physical tools to be a productive college player.

Jalen Horton

2019 5-10 PG Jalen Horton (Rockdale County) showed some flashes of being able to carry the load offensively for the Bulldogs next season. After averaging 5 points and 3.6 assists, Horton will be asked to play a much more substantial role in the offense with Sayvon Traylor graduating his 21.9 points per game. Horton is a spark plug guard that likes to break his man down off the dribble. He has to be careful not to over dribble too much. The only time he might force the issue is when he tries to get into the paint. He didn’t take too many bad outside shots this weekend and moved the ball around. He had 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals in a 35-point win. In a championship loss, he finished with 6 points, 4 assists and 3 steals.

2018 6-5 SF Tehjuan Powell (Salem) is a rugged slasher that finishes with authority at the rim. He led the Seminoles in scoring his senior season at 13.3 points to go with his 5.2 rebounds per game. Everything was towards the basket. He reminded me of Central-Talbotton’s ZyTavian Hill, a physical specimen that imposes his will. Powell had 12 points and 4 rebounds in a rout and posted 16 points and 5 boards in the championship. He must develop an outside shot to keep defenses honest and round out his offensive game. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and isn’t afraid to talk during games.

2018 6-5 PF Jalen Reynolds (Salem) was a space eater inside. He used his wide frame well and showed some back-to-the-basket post moves. He has a strong drop step that freed him up consistently throughout the weekend. One he got his shoulders past the defender, he was strong enough to keep any would-be shot blockers from affecting him. His best game came in the championship with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

2020 5-11 CG Jeremiah Venson (Salem) rose his stock at sportalSlam. The lefty played sparingly this season, averaging 2.9 points per game, but that should change next year. Venson is a microwave from deep, that can get hot in a hurry. He is composed with the ball and can catch defenders off balance. Once his three-point shot is established, Venson can attack the paint and finish in traffic. He had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals against the Georgia Livin’ Legends and followed up with 14 points on 4 threes in the title game.

16U Georgia Grizzlies

Kedric Barrett

2020 6-6 C Kedric Barrett (Lambert) was so impressive throughout sportalSlam, capping his excellence with MVP honors after wrecking the Smyrna Stars for 25 points and 15 rebounds. Barrett is a big boy and uses his size to his advantage. He is a throw back post that knows how to score around the rim. He loves to turn over his left shoulder to get to his baby hook which he kissed off the glass consistently. The Grizzlies high-lowed teams to death this weekend, using duck-ins to get Barrett free. He has a nice touch that can extend to 15-feet and was money from the line, going 9-of-10 in the championship. Barrett can sometimes incite altercations with his play inside, but when he is locked in and doesn’t get involved with any head games, Barrett is a solid foundation player. Currently, he is stuck behind fellow sophomore 6-foot-8 Colin Granger on the Lambert depth chart.

Franklin Bailey

2020 5-11 SG Franklin Bailey (Chattahoochee) was money from deep. Bailey overall may have been the Grizzlies’ most consistent scorer. He drilled 13 threes in the three games I watched, posting 20, 20 and 11 points. Bailey can’t be left open from deep or he will burn you. He can get his shot off the bounce when needed, but he’s at his best when he keeps his dribble to a minimum. He can be a plug-and-play three-point specialist in a pinch for a young Chattahoochee team.

2020 6-6 F Javani Brown (Johns Creek) has outstanding bloodlines, the son of former 15-year NBA veteran PJ Brown and coaching maestro Dee Brown. Javani is long and lean and has his best ball ahead of him. He can knock down the three, hitting six in a three-game span. He came on strong in the championship game, sinking three deep balls en route to 12 points. Right now he is a bit of a tweener at forward. I’d like to see him work on his post up game to really make him a three-level threat.

16U Smyrna Stars

Sean Rutledge

2020 6-5 PF Sean Rutledge (East Paulding) is a workhorse post with ball skills that will play a big role in new coach JW Cantrell’s offense. I fell in love with Rutledge’s toughness and agility. He is a big bruiser inside but he can ignite his own fast breaks with the dribble. He handles the ball well but is definitely at his best when anchored on the block. He is a bully on the boards with soft hands. He had 11 points and 13 rebounds in the title game. Rutledge has an up-and-under along with some ball fakes in his post arsenal. He plays the angles well and understands how to use his shoulders to score in defenders’ chests. Playing in a more traditional offense will suit his style of play well.

2020 6-2 PG Jordan Jefferson (Hiram) has length at the lead guard position. He possesses a nice three-point stroke as well, hitting four threes on his way to 14 points in the championship game. To no surprise, Jefferson uses his long arms to help out on the boards, corralling 5 rebounds and earning 3 steals. Jefferson could be a useful rotational piece his junior season.

16U Dynasty Elite

2020 6-5 SF Sterling Johnson (King’s Ridge) is a well-built swingman with a dangerous outside shot. He can slash effectively and makes him a threat to score from all three levels. Johnson has the makings of becoming a breakout candidate his junior season considering that Eric Coleman Jr. has transferred to Buford. It should be Johnson’s team at King’s Ridge. It will be interesting to see how new head coach Bob Martin uses Johnson in his offense.

Chase McKey

2020 6-6 F Chase McKey (Mt. Pisgah) is a long forward that is transferring from Johns Creek. He will need to get stronger, but McKey can score inside and out. He can knock down the three-point shot while also using a soft touch around the rim. He should be a quality piece at Mt. Pisah and provide help on both ends of the floor.

15U D-Favors Celtics

Marcus Samuel

2021 5-11 CG Marcus Samuel (Langston Hughes) is physically cable to handle the rigors of the varsity level. He already has one state championship ring as a role player off the bench for the Panthers. Samuel is a bowling ball powerful guard that put defenders to sleep once he got his shoulders by them. He turns the corner, he has a variety of nifty finishes at the rim. He piled in 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks in a blow out win. Samuel knows how to get two feet in the paint. The next part of his game that needs to develop is a three-point shot.

2021 5-9 PG KJ Webb (Langston Hughes) is a lengthy playmaker that gets after it on both sides. He can disrupt offenses with his on-ball defense which leads to opportunities on offense. He stuffed the stat sheet with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. Webb is a tough guard that should be a valuable piece at the varsity level in due time.

14U Cherokee Legacy

DJ Potts-Heard

2022 5-10 SG DJ Potts-Heard is a floor spacer and a varsity ready three-point shooter. He nailed 5 threes in his 25-point outburst to open sportalSlam. When his feet are set, Potts-Heard can carry a team from deep. He has some nice moves when getting to the basket as well. He is wired to score at this stage of his career. Once he develops more of a floor game as a playmaker, Potts-Heard could really become a big-time player. Either way, he is a sought-after freshman that will need to decide whether to play in Cherokee County or to venture out to private school. Depending on which route he chooses, he could make an impact as a rotational player right away.

2022 6-0 F Robbie Roper (Woodstock) provides energy as a garbage guy. He can do a little bit of everything out on the floor and has a good IQ that often puts him in a position to succeed. He sparked the Legacy in their opening game, springing the eventual champions to life with 6 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.

2022 6-1 F Ezra Milton (Cherokee) is a physically mature forward that can knock down the three and use his athleticism to score inside. Milton is a banger that has skill offensively. He is another quality player that will be a part of Cherokee’s youth movement.

14U Georgia Grizzlies

2022 5-10 G Maestro Shadburn was aggressive getting to the basket all week. He is a true downhill slasher that does all his work around the rim. He can finish with both hands. Shadburn is a bundle of energy. He posted 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals against the Cherokee Legacy. Developing an outside shot will be the next step in his offensive development.

14U Team MTXE

Grant Rowe

2022 5-7 SG Grant Rowe (St. Pius X) is a money shooter. Rowe has the clutch gene, drilling a deep two off a head fake as time expired to advance onto the championship game. He may be little, but Rowe has a good feel for the game and can get red-hot from deep.

2022 5-10 G Cam Wingo (St. Pius X) was non-stop effort this weekend for Team MTXE. He embodies what being a future Golden Lion is all about: Mental toughness, Extra effort. Wingo is built like a football player and plays like it on the court with a controlled aggression. He is a leader on the floor and will do whatever it takes to win. He reminds me of 2019 6-3 F Zach Ranson, a Wake Forest football-commit, who played an integral part in St. Pius making back-to-back state championship appearances.

Analysis, GHSA Basketball

2018 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions notes

Friday night of the 2018 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions supplied a look at some of Georgia’s top players. Though the majority of the games were blowouts in the first round of bracket play, there was still valuable intel collected at Suwanee Sports Academy.

Atlanta Celtics 82, Palm Beach Bulls 30

Alec Woodard
Alec Woodard

The Atlanta Celtics overwhelmed a smaller Palm Beach Bulls team. The Celtics were sparked off the bench by Morgan County 2019 standouts 6-foot-3 Alec Woodard and 6-foot-4 Tyrin Lawrence. Woodard played centerfielder in the Celtics’ full court press and nearly posted a triple-double thanks to his quick instincts. The three-point marksman showed his entire skill set finishing with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists and 9 steals.  Lawrence, who holds offers from College of Charleston and Robert Morris, collected 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 1 block.

2019 6-foot-7 forward Armani Harris (Newton) played well inside. He provided physical play with some nice offensive footwork, able to attack from the foul line and spin his way to the cup. He had 9 points and 8 rebounds.

Ole Miss-commit 6-foot-10 Rodney Howard (Centennial) continues to improve. He did the majority of his damage on rim runs, finding and sealing his defender deep underneath the basket for easy finishes. He used his size to his advantage and was unstoppable against the smaller Bulls when he got good position. Howard is still a little mechanical and stiff in his movements however. He has a high arcing release on his jump shot and a nice touch on it, but it can be a slow developing stroke that might not be as effective against taller defenders. Overall, Howard dominated like an SEC big man should against a small 6-foot-4 front line, finishing with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block.

Brenden Tucker (Dacula; 15), Kamar Robertson (Cambridge; 12) and Reco Hallmon (Grayson; 9) combined for 36 points in the lopsided blowout. Tucker had three breakaway dunks. Hallmon added 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

Atlanta Xpress 80, HESE Wolverines 20

No Anthony Edwards, no problem for the Xpress on Friday night. 2019 6-foot-3 CG Chase Hunter (Westlake) was electric with his trademark tenacity. Hunter is the epitome of a two-way player, a guy who will hound you on one end and dunk on you on the other. Hunter is much more than just a YouTube sensation with his aerial assaults on the rim. He has deep range, knocking down two threes with a handful of pull-up jumpers from the mid-range as well. Couple that with his quick first step that lets him get to the basket and its easy to see why High Major offers have been pouring in this spring. He had 22 points, 5 steals and 1 block.

6-foot-8, 215-pound 2019 PF Ibrahima Jarjou tallied 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and 3 blocks. The Greenforest big man follows in the school’s tradition of finding mature built forwards. He is an active rebounder that is rounding into form offensively. He knocked down a jumper and showed the ability to put the ball on the floor on some straight-line drives to the rim.

2019 6-foot-8 F Ahmir Langlais (Parkview) picked up 7 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Langlais is very young and very skilled for his age. Reclassifying is not completely out of the realm of possibility. With that being said, Langlais can sometimes fall in love with his finesse side. He can tend to do a little too much and be too flashy with the ball when showing his ball-handling and passing. In a closer, more structured game I think Langlais is a tough cover on the block with his lefty hook and spins inside. He just has to bring that same focus and toughness whether it’s a blowout or a close game and avoid drifting too far away from the paint.

Game Elite 77, ALLBALL 56

Before he even played a varsity game, I tagged 2019 6-foot-7 F Jalyn McCreary (Kennesaw Mountain) as a potential big-time difference maker in the state of Georgia. So far, McCreary has lived up to the billing and is getting even more traction with nine offers in hand. The lefty can score from all three levels. He plays above the rim, rebounds, handles the ball and can block shots. McCreary is a one-man fast break when he gets the ball off the backboard. He posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. With his size and versatility, McCreary should be destined to become a High Major signee when all is said and done. As long as he stays focused and doesn’t get too high or too low during the flow of the game, McCreary should be the best player on the floor in almost every game he plays his senior season.

2019 5-foot-9 Jaire Eastmond (Wheeler) hooked up with McCreary for three alley-oops. Eastmond has a nice touch on his lob passes. He finished with 7 assists. He must improve defensively and make up for his small stature. He was able to come away with three steals and does good work in transition.

Georgia South 59, Manzer Black 54

AJ Watts
AJ Watts

5-foot-10 scoring dynamo AJ Watts (Carver-Columbus) netted nine of his 11 points in the first half. The 2019 guard is a competitor. He uses a nice crossover to get free and attack the paint. Defensively, Watts has active hands, swiping at the ball-handler. He produced 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block.

Westover’s 2019 trio of Jordan Brown, AJ Jackson and Mike Todd Isler combined for 28 points, doing it in different ways. Brown, 5-foot-9, struggled with his outside shot, going 2-of-8 from three. He finished with 7 points. Like all great shooters, Brown must ask himself how can he positively affect the game if his shots not falling? He had one nice finish at the rim in transition. I think getting into the paint should be a priority for him when his shot isn’t on.

Jackson, fresh from Father Lopez, FL, is an absolute jumping jack at 6-foot-2. He is an explosive athlete that will supply plenty of highlights. His downhill attack should couple nicely with Brown’s outside shooting. Jackson had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Isler is might be the least skilled out of the trio but brings maximum effort to cover up for any shortcomings. He is a 6-foot-4 combo forward that is a garbage guy. The lefty finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. You will never have to worry about asking Isler to play hard from what I saw on Friday.

Analysis, GHSA Basketball

Summer Shootout notes Pt. 2

Cherokee County?

Jared Russo
Jared Russo

Cherokee County a basketball county? It hasn’t been one for a longgg time. That is changing however. The cavalry is on the way in the form of the 14U Deep South Blue Devils and 16U Cherokee Legacy. The Deep South Blue Devils executed to precision. A program that has racked up the wins, its exciting to see what they can do at the high school level next year. 2022 6-4 C Jared Russo (River Ridge) shined in a 67-62 win over Pro One Select White. The big man finished with 22 points, showing a soft touch around the basket and even knocking down a three. Russo never seemed rushed in the post and showed some nice finishes, including a turnaround jumper. He already is in the weight room preparing his body for the rigors of high school competition. He will need to crash the glass harder and become more of a two-way player. Russo will likely see major minutes as a freshman for River Ridge, a program that hasn’t sniffed .500 since Nick Masterson’s graduation in 2014.

6-3 F Caleb Richardson looked good off the bench for the Blue Devils, putting up 13 points and 5 rebounds as a skilled stretch-four. He knocked down two threes.

A lot of the talent in Cherokee County is starting to accumulate at Cherokee, where Class 7A Freshman of the Year Tai Owens and 6-foot-6 center Johnny Sweeney already reside. The Deep South Blue Devils are set to send 6-3 G Brandon Drummer and 6-1 G AJ Swann to the Warriors while 16U Cherokee Legacy already has 6-5 F Zack Vickers and nearly the rest of their entire roster in place. Drummer is a big guard that can make plays going downhill. He had 10 points, 6 assists and 3 steals against Pro One. Swann, a rising QB prospect, can hit the three-ball and competes on defense. He had 11 points. Vickers, a Region 4-AAAAAAA Second Team selection, posted 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block in a 78-67 win over HypeSouth.

Maybe the best rising freshman in the county is 5-11 SG DJ Potts-Heard. Potts-Heard played up this week with 16U Cherokee Legacy and didn’t disappoint, providing his trademark three-point shooting. He has dominated in his own 14U division, most notably going for 24 points in the Atlanta Jam championship. He is a smooth scorer that has a bright future. Potts-Heard is currently undecided as to where he will attend high school, with private schools already in the mix.

16U Update

Bryson Wooten
Bryson Wooten

HypeSouth battled with just five men this week. Their top two players came from the backcourt. 2020 6-2 CG Bryson Wooten (Jones County) stuffed the stat sheet. He collected 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals in a 52-46 win over BCB followed by going for 20 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in a 78-67 loss to Cherokee Legacy after having to play the final 7:30 of the game with just four players. Wooten has a nice quick first step and explosion to the basket. He has a high motor and likes to put his finger prints all over games whether its defensively up top or creating offense on the other side. As good as Wooten was, his inability to finish drives haunted him this week. He missed at least five layups from point blank range that should have been finished. Call it fatigue or maybe just bad luck. Once he can convert those, Wooten has a chance to really pick up some steam. He averaged 6.9 points at Jones County as a sophomore and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him double that total next season.

2021 6-2 SG Kowacie Reeves Jr. (Westside-Macon) finished with 17 points and 20 points in the two games I saw, drilling 7 threes in the process. Reeves cashed in on his first offer yesterday, picking up a bid from Florida. When Reeves is hot, he can carry a team. When he’s not, he needs to find a way to still positively affect the game. The scouting report is already out on the freshman: Don’t let him get an open look from three. When teams start running him off the line, he must make them pay whether it be getting all the way to the basket for a layup or a floater or making the right drive-and-kick pass to the next open shooter. Defensively, Reeves has active hands that help him deflect passes and collect steals. It is easy to forget that he is only a freshman after already logging monster minutes with Westside-Macon and playing up this week. Having the lethal weapon of a three-point shot at his age is a major boon and once he gets stronger and more assertive on the dribble drive, Reeves will be in play as one of Middle Georgia’s brightest players.

Alphonso Meadows
Alphonso Meadows

16U Cherokee Legacy saw 5-11 PG Alphonso Meadows (Sprayberry) kick it into high gear against HypeSouth. Meadows played within the flow of the game and found the right spots to be aggressive. He finished with a game-high 23 points to go along with his 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. He was strong with the dribble and orchestrated the Cherokee Legacy offense. He hit some tough shots in the paint and hit two three-pointers. Meadows’ game wasn’t overly flashy, but it got the job done.

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.