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With summer halfway over, Kyle looks at some of the most notable moves across the GHSA thus far.
Category Archives: GHSA Basketball
Summer Explosion Series notes
Duluth
Known for always having a plethora of talented players, Duluth did not disappoint. The guard play of seniors Lorin Taylor and Hector Rosario paced the Wildcats in a 48-41 win over Parkview. 6-foot-7 senior Devin Evans showed flashes of having a breakout season. He is long and mobile with the ability to play minutes at the wing when he isn’t playing in the post. Evans is a threat from the mid-range offensively. The Richard Hardy Memorial School transfer started at Rockdale County.
Parkview
With the transfer of Ahmir Langlais, the Panthers are in search of an identity after a 5-20 season. Senior point guard Jamiel Wright is crafty with the ball and create for his teammates. Cutting down on turnovers and making sure not to do too much will be the next step in his maturation as a player. Parkview lacks a true go-to guy or star power in the unforgiving Class AAAAAAA, but the Panthers play hard. 6-foot-5 sophomore Seth Cushenberry has some promise down low. He is a big body with post moves. He will need to improve his finishing through contact. Senior guard Greg Blackwell can carve out a niche as a three-point shooter, drilling three in the first half against Duluth.
South Cobb
Coach Greg Moultrie described his group as a bunch of blue collar guys. I would agree with that assessment. South Cobb doesn’t wow you with any elite size, but their non-stop energy at the guard position makes it hard for opponents to ever find a rhythm. Without returning leading scorer Markeith Browning who is still recovering from a finger injury, it was cat-quick senior point guard Raejon Jones’ turn to step up. One of the smallest players on the floor at about 5-foot-9, Jones’ jitterbug quickness caused problems for Duluth. He finished with 17 points and 4 steals, proving to be the catalyst in an impressive 60-39 win. Fellow 2019 backcourt members Demetrius Bowen and Jaiden Diamond sparkled as well. Bowen finished with 12 points while Diamond shined on defense. The elite athlete posted 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks.
North Atlanta
North Atlanta has looked like a team ready to take the next step all summer long and they continued their impressive play with a 46-42 win over defending Class AAAAAA state champs Langston Hughes. Coming off of an Elite Eight run, the Warriors are led by dynamo senior point guard Messiah Thompson. Thompson has wowed every time he has stepped on the floor. The only knock on Thompson is his height at 5-foot-8, but make no mistake, he has a D-I skill set. His court vision is uncanny and he has no problem snaking his way into the lane. He had 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. Thompson has help in the form of 2019 athletes Josh Johnson, Jaylen Bates and Andrew Robinson, who all attack the glass and play above the rim. Johnson had 11 points and 6 rebounds while Robinson collected 6 points and 3 blocks and Bates added 5 points and 4 rebounds.
Langston Hughes
2020 6-4 SG Patrick Carter Jr. was red-hot for the defending champs, burying four threes for 19 points while adding 4 rebounds. Carter is a smooth scorer with all the makings of a D-I guard that can find points at all three levels. He along with 2019 6-4 SG Tyrel Morgan will be asked to carry the Panthers. Morgan has shades of a poor man’s Derrick Cook. He has the build, the look and the ability to stuff stat sheets, but he’s not much of a shooter or a playmaker with the ball. Morgan is a very good rebounder however and he can affect games without scoring. He finished with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.
Mountain View
2019 6-4 SG Nahiem Allenye poured in 26 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in Mountain View’s 56-47 win over Starr’s Mill. The Panthers had no answer for the tough shot maker. Allenye can score in the half court, transition and in isolation. He knows how to shake free and hit contested shots. He drilled three deep balls. With Elijah Wilson sidelined, 2019 6-5 F Eric Jones played some of his best ball. The combo forward showed that he can step up and score when needed, pumping in 23 points to go with his 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. Jones knocked down three threes. His versatility was impressive. He is a solid well-rounded player with upside.
Starr’s Mill
2019 6-7 C Nate Allison is a sturdy post player that finished with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block, but he hardly ever went to the low block, negating his physical size advantage. Allison spent way too much time on the perimeter attempting long twos and threes. He showed that he could put the ball on the floor and drive to the hoop, but he needs to play inside to really impact games, especially against smaller teams. All in all, Allison does have a nice skillset and he should draw some attention during recruitment.
Mundy’s Mill
The pieces are in place for Mundy’s Mill to return to the state playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. The dynamic duo of seniors 6-foot-7 Jordan Black and 6-foot-5 Rayquan Brown is as long as it gets. Black missed the majority of the first half in a 64-40 win over Lakeside-DeKalb due to a college visit, but he still managed to finish with 13 points and 4 rebounds. Black can play from the wing or face up from the mid-range in. His quickness and long stride make him able to get to the basket in a hurry. Brown might have the most upside. He is uber bouncy and a nightmare to score on with his wingspan. He finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Brown knocked down two three-pointers and did damage on the glass. One question may be his motor. Sometimes he looks like he is coasting or can hang his head after a miss. It could just be his gangly nature, but I would like to see him play with a little more fire. If he can keep his motor running, Brown really has a chance to bust out as a D-I prospect. 6-foot-4 senior post Demarcus Fannin is going to be a huge help inside for the Tigers. The big man is physical and can score with his back to the basket. He rolls hard on screens and can bury opponents under the basket when he seals. Fannin finished with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 1 block. 2020 6-4 SF Mason Pierre caught my eye as well. He has a nice frame and brings some glue-guy intangibles to the table. He is an active slasher that can help on the glass.
Alexander play date notes
Alexander
Hillgrove: 53-33 (W)
South Atlanta: 76-62 (W)
Southwest DeKalb: 49-42 (L)
Through their three games on Saturday, Alexander looked like a team ready to make a run in Class AAAAAA. If they are able to navigate Region 5, the Cougars could be in good shape to take a deep march in the state playoffs. Two key additions will make an immediate impact.
2019 6-3 SG Malik Battle was brilliant throughout the day. The transfer from Douglas County made it obvious why he was First Team All-Region and an All-State Honorable Mention selection last year. Battle was unstoppable at times, averaging 20.3 points over the three games while drilling eight threes. He is a silky-smooth shooter but is good at getting to the rim. Outside of his knack for scoring, it was his mean streak that stood out. Battle is talker on the floor and his mouth is what ignited the final match-up of the day with Southwest DeKalb into feeling like a state playoff game with the intensity and high level of play. Battle is a no-brainer No. 1 option for the Cougars and he played like a legitimate D-I prospect this weekend.
2019 6-5 SF CJ Hawkins will fit an important role with the Cougars this season. The transfer from Maryland provides a little bit of everything. His toughness on the glass will help out Brady Spence immensely. Hawkins was consistent on the day, averaging 8.3 points, 4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals. Hawkins knocked down three three-pointers and provided energy. He had the highlight of the day when he went hard to the hoop and threw down a one-handed hammer dunk on two 6-foot-6 Southwest DeKalb defenders. Hawkins is a dangerous player that will do what he’s asked, but if needed, can be the second scoring option and give 10-12 points a night.
South Atlanta
Alexander: 76-62 (L)
Only one starter from last season and five players suited up for Coach Michael Reddick, but that did not stop the proud program from competing. With no subs to turn to, the onus was on the five to make the most out of their opportunity.
2020 6-3 SG Ja’Quavian Florence will return with a good chunk of experience to a South Atlanta team that loses two of their winningest players in recent years, Dondre Barnes and Jalen Stegall. Florence looks ready to take over the mantle as being the next tough guard in the Hornet backcourt. Florence had a nice flow to his game. He not only dropped in 23 points, hitting three threes, but he led the short-handed Hornets with his overall floor game, collecting 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Florence didn’t force the issue and played within himself even though the bulk of the offense had to run through him. Florence has a nice jump shot that works best when he plays off the ball. Having a large ball handling role in the offense on Saturday should help him down the stretch to round out his offensive game.
2021 5-11 SG David Hollis stepped up in a major way, banging home five three-pointers en route to a team-high 25 points. The lefty is a tough player. His three-point shot is his best weapon but he still found chances to attack the hole. If he is able to grow some more, he will be better suited for his 2-guard position. He’s not quite ready to run an offense at the point guard position. If he can’t squeeze out any more inches, working on his ball-handling and ability to finish in the lane would be to area to improve on. Defensively, he has the athletic and strong frame to be able to frustrate weaker guards. Overall, it was a big step forward for the D-Favors Celtic.
Southwest DeKalb
Alexander: 49-42 (W)
The starting five of Southwest DeKalb is intimidating walking off the bus, going 6-1, 6-4, 6-6, 6-7, 6-7. The Panthers will need to get production out of 6-foot-7’s 2021 Rion White and transfer from Florida 2019 Jalen Pittman. If the two bigs can control the paint and do the dirty work, Southwest DeKalb will be a scary proposition with the big three already in place.
2020 6-1 PG KD Johnson to no surprise, was the difference maker in a trash talk, highlight filled Saturday finale with Alexander. Johnson applies pressure on defenses from the second he steps foot on the court. He is in attack mode for the entire game and wears down his opponents. After scoring eight points in the first half, Johnson finished with a game-high 25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. He buried three three-pointers and picked up 10 points from the foul line. Locked up with Jaylon Brown, a steady 2020 PG prospect in his own right, Johnson showed Brown what a D-I guard right now looks like. Defensively, Johnson rarely ever gives up on plays and notched one of his trademark chase-down blocks that stirred the crowd. His physicality can really bug guards that aren’t used to his in-your-face defending. His fire was lit after Malik Battle started jawing with him and the Southwest DeKalb bench. Bad idea. A player like Johnson doesn’t need any extra motivation, especially in a summer league game.
2019 6-6 PF James Glisson III can sometimes get lost in the shuffle with the high-flying escapades of KD Johnson and the sharpshooting of 2020 6-4 SG Eugene Brown III, but Glisson is uber-important to the success of the Panthers. A big body, Glisson still has the skills to play minutes on the wing, even though I feel he is at his best with his back to the basket. Glisson had 9 points (1 three), 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. He will have games this year where he will carry the Panthers with his offensive rebounding and inside scoring. I view Glisson as one of the top 2019 power forwards in the state.
Carrollton summer camp notes
Carrollton
South Paulding: 66-53 (W)
Coming off of a 15-11 season with an 8-8 record in Region 7-AAAAA, there is great reason for optimism for a young Carrollton program that loses just two seniors. In their 13-point win over South Paulding, two rising juniors proved to be the best players on the floor.
2020 6-4 SG Marcellious Lockett is a household name in West Georgia for good reason. Lockett should see his name seep deeper into Metro Atlanta and statewide as one of the tougher covers in the junior class. Lockett poured in 24 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. He exploded for 15 points in the second half, part of a stretch of three three-pointers in succession. Lockett can slash to the basket and even showed a nice baseline spin out of the post.
2020 6-6 F Melvin Edwards drips with intrigue at the combo forward position. It was eye-opening seeing his touch from the outside as he nailed three trifectas en route to 19 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 3 blocks. Edwards floats around from the post to the wing, doing most of his damage working his way from the outside. He caught two lobs, throwing one down with authority on the fast break. While I wouldn’t call him an elite rim protector, Edwards did use his bounce to swat away three shots. His ability to play inside-out paired with the versatile scoring of Marcellious Lockett makes the Trojans look like a future playoff team.
South Paulding
Carrollton: 66-53 (L)
2019 6-1 G Sha’mi Shields never seems to disappoint with his energy. While others’ legs were tired, Shields was the energizer bunny, crashing the glass despite his average height and winning 50/50 balls for the Spartans. Shields finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block. The offense will never run through Shields and he may not average double-digits his senior season, but instead, he is a willing glue-guy that will do a little bit of everything — not needing to be asked – to make plays that win games.
2019 5-10 PG Shane Gibson performed well in the South Paulding backcourt, serving as one of the Spartans’ most reliable ball handlers against an aggressive trapping Carrollton defense. Gibson calmed down the offense and was able to initiate their sets. The lefty netted a team-high 13 points to go with his 2 assists and 2 steals.
Douglas County
Troup County: 46-44 (W/OT)
Sandy Creek: 61-45 (L)
Graduation and the offseason transfer of Malik Battle has left Douglas County searching for a new go-to guy.
2019 6-5 F Jeremiah Smith was the Tigers’ most consistent player on Thursday, finishing with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist in Game 1 against Troup County before posting 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block in a loss to Sandy Creek. Smith is a tweener forward that likes to play on the wing more than on the block. He has good physical tools, but he seems more valuable as a power forward that drifts out to the wing on occasion instead of a small forward that rarely goes to the post. Either way, Smith is an athlete that will compete on the glass and provide a strong presence that opponents will have to account for.
2021 6-5 C Omarion Smith is the spitting physical image of his older brother Jeremiah, both with an enviable frame complete with broad shoulders and long arms. The Lithia Springs transfer is one of the best rim protectors in his class, blocking over 6 shots per game last year. He blocked 4 shots total on the day and grabbed 7 rebounds against Sandy Creek. Smith still has work to do on offense. He needs to develop a go-to post move in order to become more than just a shot blocker. He has the length and explosion to elevate over and finish through defenders, he just has to put in the time to be able to do so.
Troup County
Douglas County: 46-44 (L/OT)
With seven varsity players out because of football, the young and physically immature Tigers had no business sticking with Douglas County, but the scrappy bunch fought tooth and nail and gained valuable experience for the future. Troup County was outsized at every single position, but that did not stop them from playing great team defense and clogging the lane whenever Douglas County attempted to beat their man off the dribble.
2019 5-10 PG Quevo McFarland provided veteran leadership and quick ball handling. The lefty finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. His speed kept Douglas County off balance and attacked in the right spots.
2019 5-11 PG Brandon Smith didn’t score much, but he controlled the tempo when he had the ball. Smith had the game-tying assist at the end of regulation after racing the ball up the floor. Smith has a sturdy build and uses his physicality well. He had 2 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals against Douglas County.
2020 6-2 SG Gabriel Cofield has to work on his handle and get stronger, but he flashed in a big way for Troup County, netting a game-high 14 points including drilling back-to-back threes to keep the Tigers in the game. Cofield has a confident jumper that could make an impact in spurts on the varsity level. As he grows into his body and gets more reps with the big boys, Cofield could develop into a nice high school player.
Sandy Creek
Douglas County: 61-45 (W)
2019 6-4 SG Julian Alexander looks primed for a breakout senior season similar to that of Jarred Godfrey. Alexander was smooth as silk against Douglas County, getting to the rim with finger rolls while also finding the time to drop in four three-pointers. He collected 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Alexander looks like the No. 2 option behind TJ Bickerstaff heading into the 2019 season. Sandy Creek will have plenty of youngsters play big minutes this upcoming year, but the veteran backcourt of Alexander and Bickerstaff will undoubtedly be the straws that stir the drink.
Lambert Summer Showcase (6-5)
Lambert
Mountain View: 55-54 (W)
Peachtree Ridge: 77-49 (L)
2020 6-6 SF Luke Champion was a marksman, hitting nine threes on the night. He hit three in Game 1 for 9 points while sitting in the corner and draining six in Game 2 for 18 points. Champion is a sizeable shooter which bodes well for his future with the current state of how the game is played. He should be a very valuable piece, stepping in for Austin Deckard (GCSU) as the Longhorns’ primary floor spacer. Like I say with all great shooters, Champion will have to prove he’s more than just a specialist and that he can create his own offense off the dribble.
2020 6-8 PF Colin Granger posted 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in Game 1 and had 8 points, 6 rebounds and 1 block in the night cap. Granger struggled to finish around the rim, using some great moves to get to the basket, but failing to convert. He had a few lapses of focus that got him in the doghouse in Game 2. Without Mitch Ganote in attendance, it was Granger’s team to carry last night. Even though it wasn’t his best day of work, Granger still contributed in the paint. He has a chance to develop into one of the state’s best big men with the continued refinement of his game.
2019 6-4 W Thomas Hickey had a nice night, finishing with 15 points and 2 blocks in Lambert’s 55-54 win over Mountain View, including the game-winning goaltended layup. Hickey is a steady role player that can get hot and provide good minutes. He has valuable size on the wing and is a hard worker on the floor. Overall it was a good showing for the wing who should see an elevated role his senior season.
2022 6-2 SG Chance Thacker was thrown into the fire as a rising freshman and held his own. His best game came against Mountain View when he posted 4 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Thacker has a good feel for the game. Defenses pressured the youngster when he got the ball, but he did a fine job of keeping his composure, even though his ball handling and overall experience at the varsity level is still in its infancy.
Mountain View
Lambert: 55-54 (L)
St. Francis: 65-47 (L)
2019 6-4 SG Nahiem Alleyne was mightily impressive now that the offense runs through him. Quick and shifty with the ball, Alleyne was able to free himself consistently with a tight crossover. The lefty can score at all levels with a nice jumper, hitting six three-pointers on the night. In Game 1 he finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Game 2 saw Alleyne tally 17 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Alleyne will serve the role of playmaker with the ball in his hands, something Coach BJ Roy must feel good about after seeing his play on Tuesday night. Alleyne plans on reclassing to 2020, something to keep an eye on.
2019 6-4 SG Elijah “Malik” Wilson showed flashes of breakout potential at his new home. Coming in from Collins Hill, Wilson may mold into being the No. 2 option behind Alleyne. The two are similar in the fact that they love the outside jumper, but both must make sure they don’t fall in love with it to the point that it takes away from their opportunities to get to the rim. Wilson finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds against Lambert, knocking down 3 threes. In Game 2, his shot wasn’t on, ending with 6 points. Defensively, Wilson has the length to defend multiple positions on the perimeter and could fit a “3 & D” type niche with the Bears.
2019 6-5 F Eric Jones was effective against Lambert’s frontline of 6-8 Colin Granger and 6-6 Kedric Barrett. Jones collected 10 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal and 4 blocks. In Game 2, he had 5 points, 3 rebounds and 1 block. Jones isn’t an elite athlete or have the most non-stop motor, but he has a nose for the ball and effects plays. He has a quality outside shot which netted him three deep balls on the day. He might have a little more value at the small forward position, but his ball handling isn’t tight enough to consistently play on the wing. Jones broke his hand last season which put his development on hold. Jones has a chance to be an important player that can steal time at positions 3-5 for the Bears.
St. Francis
Mountain View: 65-47 (W)
Peachtree Ridge: 59-49 (W)
2020 6-1 PG Dwon Odom did what Dwon Odom does: Win. He had 14 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in Game 1 followed by 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 1 block in the nightcap. Odom’s three-point shot wasn’t that accurate, but he managed to sink three of them over the course of the day. I never seem to come away disappointed with Odom. He always finds a way to fill the stat sheet, even when he’s not at his best.
2022 6-0 CG Jordan Brown will play a huge role in the success of St. Francis this upcoming season. While the Knights still lack a true game-changing big man, another steady guard can’t hurt. The younger brother of former Northview standout Justin Brown, the baby Brown has big time skills for a freshman. He is like a right-handed version of 2019 sharpshooter CJ Riley, who had 18 and 7 points in his two games. Brown has a good looking outside shot like Riley, but he’s more of a point guard and more assertive attacking defenses. Brown hit from the three-point line (3 total), mid-range and finished all the way at the rim. In Game 1 he had 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. In Game 2 he went for 10 points and 1 steal. Brown logged good minutes last weekend at Georgia Tech as well, proving he’s here to stay. He may be next in the long line of talented young guards to come out of St. Francis.
Peachtree Ridge
St. Francis: 59-49 (L)
Lambert: 77-49 (W)
2019 6-11 C Richard Rivers is a big boy. He weighs in over 250 pounds and is the epitome of a space-eater. Rivers has an extremely soft touch which is important for a player that plays below the rim. His mobility is still an issue, but he gets up and down the floor. On the low block, Rivers is extremely methodical. His first instinct is to look to pass. Rivers has great court vision and uses his size to dump off assists to open cutters. When he does make a move to score, he has a gentle hook shot that should rarely get blocked, even though he doesn’t have much lift off the ground. He is a threat to knock down the three from the top of the key. Rivers’ limitations come from his lack of athleticism, but the skill is most definitely there offensively. Defensively, he is a stationary post defender that isn’t going to collect any weak side blocks, but if you go straight into him, he will have his hands up to alter any looks. In Game 1 Rivers finished with 8 points and 9 rebounds, while in Game 2 he put up 8 points (2 threes), 2 rebounds and 3 assists. Rivers should find himself on a college roster as long as both player and coach understand the role he best serves.
2019 5-11 PG Kamerron Oyala is a spunky lead guard that plays with pace. He will be asked to run the offense and provide a spark on both sides of the ball. Oyala had 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks in Game 1 before going for 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in a rout.
2020 6-3 SG Christian Williams drilled three three-pointers and finished with 15 points against Lambert. The lefty showed he could knock down shots and could provide some offense for a Lions team searching for a new leader after the graduation of Devin Vassell (FSU).