Here is a rundown of some transfers I have heard through the grapevine and a summary of what the additions mean. If you know of any more or any that are incorrect, please shoot me a tweet @KyleSandy355, leave a comment or email [email protected]
Thanks!
Class AAAAAAA
SR Hasahnn Reynolds – 6’4” 155 lbs – (Immokalee, FL to Discovery)
SR Jalyn Hickman – 6’0″ 150 lbs – (Gaitlinburg-Pittman, TN to Duluth)
JR Sean-Pierre Akers-Kennedy – 6’6″ 215 lbs – (Lindbergh, MO to Mountain View)
SR Elijah Wilson – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Collins Hill to Mountain View)
JR Sam Hines – 6’6″ 185 lbs – (St. Francis to Wheeler)
SR Damian Dunn – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Kinston, NC to Meadowcreek)
SR Devin Evans – 6’7″ 200 lbs – (Richard Hardy Memorial, TN to Duluth)
SR Isaac Martin – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Wheeler to Norcross)
SR Casey Flanigan – 6’1″ 175 lbs – (King’s Ridge Christian to West Forsyth)
SR David Banks – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Cambridge to Milton)
JR Andrew Thomas-Brown – 6’5″ 170 lbs – (Whitefield Academy to Campbell)
SR Jevon Tatum – 6’1” 170 lbs – (Tucker to Grayson)
SR Charles Smith IV – 6’5” 180 lbs – (McEachern to Wheeler)
SO Jaden Harris – 6’3” 170 lbs – (Stratford Academy to Norcross)
JR T’andre Reels – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (Shiloh to South Gwinnett)
SR Devin Gordon – 6’5″ 200 lbs – (McEachern to Pebblebrook)
SR Jerriah Love – 5’9″ 155 lbs – (Science Hill, TN to Berkmar)
SR Cam Rowland – 6’1″ 170 lbs – (North Gwinnett to Mountain View)
SR Malachi Rhodes – 6’7” 215 lbs – (ELCA to Wheeler)
SO James Webster – 5’10” 150 lbs – (Ben Davis, IN to Duluth)
JR Josh Smith – 6’4″ 185 lbs – (Holy Innocents’ to Grayson)
JR Carson Pickens – 5’11” 195 lbs – (Cherokee to Woodstock)
SR Dawit Cridland – 6’1″ 170 lbs – (Meadowcreek to Collins Hill)
SR Jalen Benjamin – 5’11” 155 lbs – (Leesville Road, NC to Meadowcreek)
SR Truitt Spencer – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Shiloh to Berkmar)
JR Jabiri Smith – 6’4” 180 lbs – (Mt. Pisgah to Collins Hill)
JR Nicholas Cain – 6’3′” 165 lbs – (Meadowcreek to Collins Hill)
JR Jaimonnie Watkins – 6’6″ 190 lbs – (North Clayton to Meadowcreek)
SR Xavier Ayres – 6’3” 190 lbs – (Greensboro Day, NC to Grayson)
SO Ashton Malone – 5’10” 165 lbs – (Norcross to Grayson)
SR Daniel Ramsey – 6’8″ 220 lbs – (Deerfield-Windsor to Norcross)
Class AAAAAA
SO Omarion Smith – 6’4” 190 lbs – (Lithia Springs to Douglas County)
SR Cornelius Hawkins – 6’4” 170 lbs – (Flowers, MD to Alexander)
JR Chris Lango – 5’9” 145 lbs – (Abraham Clark, NJ to Mundy’s Mill)
SR Dajuante Williams – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (Josey to Evans)
JR Chavez Trask – 6’5″ 200 lbs – (Greenbrier to Evans)
JR Jarontez Garrett – 5’7″ 150 lbs – (Jamestown, VA to North Atlanta)
SO Malachi Chipp – 5’8″ 135 lbs – (King’s Ridge to Alpharetta)
SR Malik Battle – 6’2″ 160 lbs – (Douglas County to Alexander)
JR Austin Gusaeff – 6’9” 235 lbs – (Hebron Christian to Johns Creek)
SO Davon Cottle – 6’1″ 165 lbs – (Westlake to Tri-Cities)
JR Daminion Jenkins – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (South Atlanta to Mays)
JR Owen Campbell – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (Allatoona to Harrison)
SR Demarcus Fannin – 6’4″ 215 lbs – (Lanier, AL to Mundy’s Mill)
JR Dee Buffington – 6’0″ 158 lbs – (West Hall to Gainesville)
JR Benjamin Raspberry – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Douglas County to New Manchester)
JR Jermontae Hill – 6’5″ 185 lbs – (Grady to Tucker)
SO Ayden Watson – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (Holy Spirit Prep to Sequoyah)
JR Johnathon Moliere – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (Westlake to Creekside)
SR Devin Bell – 5’7″ 135 lbs – (Pebblebrook to Creekside)
JR Demetrius Rives – 6’4″ 172 lbs – (Drew to Tri-Cities)
SR Jorden Wiggins – 5’10” 150 lbs – (Columbia to Heritage-Conyers)
SR Scott Avery – 6’5″ 225 lbs – (Eastside to Heritage-Conyers)
SR Koby Isaac – 6’2″ 175 lbs – (Westlake to Creekside)
JR Ronnie Faison – 5’10” 150 lbs – (Langston Hughes to Tri-Cities)
JR Christian Davis – 5’10” 155 lbs – (Newton to Heritage-Conyers)
SR Isaiah Scott – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Bradwell Institute to Richmond Hill)
SR Andrew Burden – 6’3″ 195 lbs – (Griffin Christian to Mundy’s Mill)
JR Jaquari Wiggles – 6’4″ 240 lbs – (Pace Academy to Mays)
SO Franklin Almonte – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Heritage-Catoosa to Dalton)
SR Josh Anderson – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Northgate to Mundy’s Mill)
SR Ryan Rockwell – 5’11” 145 lbs – (Berkmar to Stephenson)
SO Justin Hall – 6’6″ 170 lbs – (Whitefield Academy to Langston Hughes)
JR Dylan Pritchett – 6’0” 160 lbs – (Greenforest to Tucker)
JR Braelon Seals – 6’2” 165 lbs – (Wagner, TX to Tucker)
Class AAAAA
SR Eric Coleman Jr. – 6’6” 215 lbs – (King’s Ridge Christian to Buford)
SR John Cook – 6’5″ 195 lbs – (South Paulding to Paulding County)
SR Brice Martin – 6’6″ 170 lbs – (Mt. Zion-Jonesboro to Jonesboro)
SO Jermaine Smoak – 6’2″ 160 lbs – (Langston Hughes to Chapel Hill)
JR Kirshon Thrash – 6’3″ 210 lbs – (Mundy’s Mill to Eagle’s Landing)
SR Mitchell Evans – 5’7″ 152 lbs – (Greenforest to Stockbridge)
SR Jacorey Harper – 5’8″ 165 lbs – (KIPP Atlanta to Maynard Jackson)
JR Dajon Dancil – 6’5″ 195 lbs – (Clarkston to Southwest DeKalb)
SR Lance Franklin – 5’11” 165 lbs – (Tattnall Square to Warner Robins)
JR Kameron Hobbs – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (Eagle’s Landing to Dutchtown)
SR Avante Lederer – 6’6″ 195 lbs – (Salem to Walnut Grove)
SR N’Kyzie Hawkins – 5’10” 155 lbs – (Arabia Mountain to Lithonia)
SR Jalon Pittman – 6’6″ 185 lbs – (Keystone Prep, FL to Southwest DeKalb)
JR Jamaine Mann – 6’5″ 210 lbs – (ELCA to Starr’s Mill)
JR Mohamad Diallo – 6’8″ 190 lbs – (Arabia Mountain to Southwest DeKalb)
SR Maurice Harvey – 6’3″ 170 lbs – (Miller Grove to Southwest DeKalb)
JR Terrence Edwards – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Miller Grove to Southwest DeKalb)
JR Dykese King – 5’8″ 160 lbs – (Laney to Lakeside-Evans)
Class AAAA
SR AJ Jackson – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Father Lopez, FL to Westover)
SO Sutton Smith – 5’9″ 145 lbs – (King’s Ridge to Denmark)
JR Tray Mitchell – 5’8″ 160 lbs – (Greenville to Troup County)
JR Adonnis Easton-Tolbert – 6’6″ 205 lbs – (Griffin to Denmark)
SR Eli Smith – 6’6″ 175 lbs – (New Faith Christian to Luella)
JR Keith Williams III – 6’2″ 175 lbs – (Newnan to Sandy Creek)
SR Greg Jones – 6’5″ 190 lbs – (Eastern Wayne, NC to Sandy Creek)
Class AAA
JR Griffin Neville – 6’1″ 150 lbs – (Gainesville to Cherokee Bluff)
JR Michael Crowe – 5’11” 150 lbs – (White County to Cherokee Bluff)
JR Landon Hubbard – 6’2″ 140 lbs – (White County to Cherokee Bluff)
JR Jasper Gibson – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Jefferson to Dawson County)
SR Ahmad Kamara – 6’0″ 205 lbs – (Dawson Christian Academy to Dawson County
SR Luke Chism – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Dawson Christian Academy to Dawson County)
JR Eli Burruss – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Dawson Christian Academy to Dawson County)
JR Bosko Norman – 5’10” 160 lbs – (Banks County to Cherokee Bluff)
SO LaMarr Randolph – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (Arabia Mountain to GAC)
JR Brandon Harris – 6’6″ 185 lbs – (Beach to Johnson-Savannah)
SR Lamont Sams – 6’8″ 210 lbs – (Jenkins to Johnson-Savannah)
SR Javon Ruben – 5’10” 155 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to Stone Mountain)
SR Samari Moore – 6’4″ 200 lbs – (Tucker to Stone Mountain)
SO Madison Durr – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (St. Francis to Pace Academy)
SO Jalen DeLoach – 6’7″ 170 lbs – (Islands to Johnson-Savannah)
SR Nolan Causwell – 6’8” 190 lbs – (Northview to Morgan County)
SR Malik Crawford – 6’6” 210 lbs – (Monticello to Morgan County)
Class AA
Class A
SO Chance Moore – 6’4″ 160 lbs – (Chamblee to Holy Innocents’)
SO Zabriel Boozer – 6’5″ 170 lbs – (Josey to Aquinas)
JR Cameron Brown – 6’4” 190 lbs – (Clarke Central to Athens Christian)
SO Jayce Harrison – 5’9″ 150 lbs – (Fellowship Christian to Mt. Bethel)
JR Christian Fussell – 6’10” 190 lbs – (Holy Spirit Prep to Greenforest)
JR Lamar Oden – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (SACA to Greenforest)
SO RJ Noord – 6’2″ 170 lbs – (Columbia to Greenforest)
SO Shad Dabney – 5’11” 165 lbs – (Gainesville to Riverside Military)
SO Kevin Taylor – 6’0″ 150 lbs – (Allatoona to North Cobb Christian)
JR Jonathan Taylor – 5’10” 175 lbs – (Laney to Aquinas)
SO Corey Trotter – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Cross Creek to Aquinas)
JR Chris Moss – 5’9″ 160 lbs – (Westside-Augusta to Aquinas)
JR Izzy Momodu – 6’7″ 200 lbs – (London to ELCA)
Out-of-GHSA
JR Deandre Brown – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Therrell to Holy Spirit Prep)
SR Khalil Shaheed – 6’3″ 200 lbs – (Kennesaw Mountain to Superior Collegiate Academy, FL)
SR Ahmir Langlais – 6’8″ 200 lbs – (Parkview to Holy Spirit Prep)
SO Khalil Brantley – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (Rocky River, NC to Holy Spirit Prep)
SR Ike Ugonna – 6’2″ 170 lbs – (Lithia Springs to Cumberland Christian)
SR Donovan Grant – 6’5″ 185 lbs – (Campbell to The-Skill-Factory)
SR Jaelin Simpson – 6’0″ 170 lbs – (Arabia Mountain to Brandon Hall)
JR Kory Isaac – 5’10” 165 lbs – (Westlake to Cumberland Christian)
JR Chance Hausman – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Westminster )to Cherry Creek, CO)
SR Kendall Norrington – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (Mt. Zion-Jonesboro to New Creation)
JR Alec Oglesby – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Collins Hill to The Rock School, FL)
SR Ibrahima Jarjou – 6’8″ 215 lbs – (Greenforest to Holy Spirit Prep)
JR TJ Tampa – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (St. Francis to Lakewood, FL)
JR Christian Wright – 6’2” 180 lbs – (Milton to The-Skill-Factory)
SR Jalyn McCreary – 6’7″ 195 lbs – (Kennesaw Mountain to Legacy Charter, SC)
SR Ahmet Kanter – 6’5″ 200 lbs – (Turkey to Fulton Science Academy)
JR Connor Thompson – 6’3″ 175 lbs – (Maynard Jackson to The Heritage School)
SR Rodney Howard – 6’10” 230 lbs – (Centennial to Legacy Charter, SC)
JR Josh Taylor – 6’8″ 195 lbs – (Columbia to Greensboro Day, NC)
SR Dontavius King – 6’7″ 240 lbs – (Dutchtown to Potter’s House Christian, FL)
JR Dylan Cardwell – 6’9″ 225 lbs – (Evans to Oak Hill Academy, VA)
SR Jelal Williams – 6’6″ 170 lbs – (East Paulding to Oldsmar Christian, FL)
SO Franklyn Anselem – 6’10” 210 lbs – (Westlake to Lincoln Prep)
SR Solomon Ray – 6’8″ 220 lbs – (Grayson to CBA)
JR Myson Lowe – 5’8″ 140 lbs – (North Cobb Christian to Whitefield Academy to Cumberland Christian)
SR Markeith Browning – 6’3″ 170 lbs – (South Cobb to Ypsilanti, MI)
Class 7A
A wiry wing, Hasahnn Reynolds will try to replicate the success he saw in Florida at Immokalee, a school with over 1,800 students, the equivalent of a 6A school in Georgia. Reynolds averaged 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game as a junior. Reynolds can knock down the open three, hitting 45-of-138 attempts (33%). Reynolds has the length to defend the perimeter and help out on the glass. Having a knack for scoring, as a sophomore Reynolds netted 19.2 points per game. He suites up with 17U AC Georgia.
With a potent 2018 class gone, Duluth will benefit from the addition of 6-foot point guard Jalyn Hickman. The senior ball handler broke out his junior season at Gaitlinburg-Pittman, TN where he averaged 22.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Hickman should be a plug-and-play guard for Coach Cabral Huff, who now welcomes in a 1,000-point scorer.
6-foot-4 wing Elijah “Malik” Wilson and 6-foot-6 post Sean-Pierre Akers-Kennedy move into Mountain View. Wilson comes in from Collins Hill. He has nice length and a good looking jump shot. He can tend to fall in love with the three-ball while hunting his shot. Wilson brings over some perimeter defense to pair with his solid offensive game. Akers-Kennedy is a banger from Lindbergh, MO. At the very worst, he is a physical space eater. Akers-Kennedy has enough touch to knock down the 15-foot baseline jumper.
With the urge to play on the perimeter, 6-foot-6 Sam Hines transfers to Wheeler after helping St. Francis to the Class A-Private title game last season. As a sophomore, Hines averaged 12.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals as the Knights’ top post option. Hines will try to find a new redefined role with a rebuilding Wheeler roster.
Norcross adds 6-foot-5 senior shooting guard Isaac Martin. A highly touted freshman that started at McEachern, Martin spent the past two seasons as a role player at Wheeler. He has enviable size and a nice shooting stroke, but Martin hasn’t blossomed into a star yet. He will be an important piece for Norcross on the perimeter as a floor spacer and a lengthy defender.
Stackhouse Elite has been very kind to Meadowcreek over the past few seasons and now another player finds their way into Mustang territory as 4-star guard Damian Dunn will try to help the reigning Class AAAAAAA champs repeat. A 6-foot-4 senior, Dunn averaged 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals at Kinston, NC. Dunn will provide a scoring presence on the perimeter that can take the load off Jamir Chaplin.
After starting out at Rockdale County and subsequently moving to Richard Hardy Memorial School in Tennessee, 6-foot-7 senior Devin Evans is back in Georgia for his final season at Duluth. Evans posted 22 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block per game in Tennessee and has garnered interest from Georgia Southern and Georgia State. His versatility will play a key role in Duluth’s success this year as an inside-outside combo forward.
Andrew Thomas-Brown departs Whitefield Academy for Campbell where he has a chance to showcase his inside-out game. Thomas-Brown was a Second Team All-Region 6B-A selection as a sophomore after averaging 9.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. He picked up a North Florida offer in late June.
DeKalb County’s leading scorer, 6-foot-1 senior combo guard Jevon Tatum, is expected to attend Grayson according to family. Tatum averaged 18.3 points and 1.9 steals per game at Tucker as a savvy scoring-minded guard. Tatum excels at pushing the ball in transition but also is a talented scorer in the half court that shot 34% from deep. He will bring toughness, ball handling and the ability to get a bucket alongside athletic guards Deivon Smith and Reco Hallmon Jr.
Cal-commit Charles Smith IV joins his third school in 12 months after starting at La Lumiere in Indiana before gaining eligibility immediately at McEachern half way through the season. The Game Elite product departs Powder Springs for fellow Cobb County power Wheeler. At 6-foot-5, Smith is a jump shooter that works the three-point line and mid-range. He is athletic and quick enough to attack the rim as well. Smith provides a floor stretcher and a presumable go-to-guy after being a third option at McEachern.
Region 7-A West First Team selection Jaden Harris sets sails for Norcross after a successful freshman campaign at Stratford Academy. Rumors swirled about where Harris would attend his freshman season, but he ultimately stayed home. Harris is a big 6-foot-3 combo guard that should earn minutes right away as a part of a talented stable of backcourt members.
A big physical wing unable to break the starting rotation at McEachern, Devin Gordon transfers to Pebblebrook where he should see an opportunity for big minutes. Gordon is a good rebounder at 6-foot-5 that also possesses a skill set to score from the perimeter.
Sharpshooter Cam Rowland departs North Gwinnett for Mountain View to form one of the stronger backcourts in Gwinnett County with Nahiem Alleyne, Elijah Wilson and Jaws Razeq. Rowland, 6-foot-1, averaged a team-high 12.5 points per game last season and is known for his perimeter shooting.
6-foot-7 First Team All-State big man Malachi Rhodes marks the fourth transfer to Wheeler this offseason and the third from the Game Elite program. Rhodes averaged 14.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks as he helped lead Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy to their best record in school history and a Final 4 berth in Class A-Private. Rhodes will be forced to bounce from the block to the perimeter as he joins 6-foot-10 move-in Rodney Howard. On paper, Wheeler should have one of the best rosters in the entire state and an elite D-I frontcourt with Rhodes, Howard (Ole Miss) and McEachern Transfer Charles Smith IV (Cal).
Rising 6-foot-4 junior Josh Smith is on his third school in three years as he leaves Holy Innocents’ for Grayson. Smith averaged 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks for the Golden Bears en route to being named First Team All-Region 5-A.
Class 6A
Douglas County adds Class AAAAA Freshman of the Year and Best Shot Blocker Omarion Smith from Lithia Springs. The 6-foot-4 post has impeccable timing, swatting away 6.7 shots per game to go along with his 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds. If he is able to grow 2-3 more inches, we might be talking about a Division I defensive presence. He moves to Douglas County to play with his brother Jeremiah.
Cornelius Hawkins brings length, versatility and upside to the Alexander perimeter as a swingman. He has been described as a smooth scorer with a high IQ and good court vision. He could provide a nice running mate alongside rising junior guard Jaylon Brown and a defensive and rebounding presence with senior center Brady Spence. He runs with 17U AC Georgia.
Chris Lango moves in from Roselle, New Jersey where he started and averaged 12.2 points per game. He will have an opportunity to help out in the backcourt right away.
Evans adds some length and paint presence in 6-foot-6 senior Dajuante Williams (Josey) and 6-foot-5 junior forward Chevez Trask (Greenbrier). Williams has started to gain some steam over the spring with his play with 17U Carolina Pressure. The long athlete has rebounded well and protected the rim while showing an improving offensive skill set. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 2.8 blocks at Josey. Trask provides some football toughness to the interior. His physicality allows him to carve out space under the basket, making him a threat on the offensive glass. At the very least he will provide effort and toughness in the post.
Hailing from Jamestown, VA, Jarontez Garrett moves down south to a North Atlanta program which suddenly has a lot of momentum after clawing their way to the Elite Eight. The 5-foot-7 point guard will team up with 5-foot-9 All-State Second Team selection Messiah Thompson to form one of the quickest backcourts in the classification. Garrett has played with SBC this offseason, growing a connection with fellow Warriors Sam Jennings and Jalen Bates. Garrett averaged 16 points per game in Virginia. He has a quick first step to get past defenders with a floater in his arsenal to finish. The Warriors should be a tough team to rattle with the ball handling addition of Garrett to Thompson.
Alexander gets a shot in the arm with the addition of former region rival Malik Battle. A former Douglas County standout that was All-Region First Team and All-State Honorable Mention brings over his 15-point-per-game average across the city. Battle is an efficient scorer at 6-foot-2 that drilled 40% (41-of-103) from the three-point line. His ability to score at all three levels bolsters an already talented Alexander backcourt.
Mundy’s Mill acquires bruising 6-foot-4 senior post Demarcus Fannin. Fannin will be an immediate impact maker in the paint for the Tigers. The strong wide body knows how to score around the basket. He has good footwork with his back to the basket and likes to use various up-and-unders to free himself. Fannin is adept at rolling to the hoop on screens and has good hands to catch and finish on the move.
Tucker sees 6-foot-5 junior wing Jermontae Hill transfer in from Grady. Hill earned Region 6-AAAAA Second Team honors after averaging 12.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Hill has garnered some major interest over the summer while playing with Team AJ Bouye and has picked up offers from Missouri, Kansas State and Texas Tech.
Ayden Watson leaves Holy Spirit Prep to return back to his home school Sequoyah. The 6-foot-4 sophomore will bring some much needed height and athleticism to the Chiefs front court. Watson can play multiple positions as a combo forward and provide energy.
6-foot-4 junior Demetrius Rives leaves Drew for Tri-Cities after being named Clayton County Underclassman of the Year, All-Clayton County First Team and Region 4-AAAAAA Third Team as a sophomore. The versatile wing averaged 15 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. With the graduation of Eli Lawrence, Rives will fit in alongside senior point guard DaMarcus Johnson and reigning Class 6A Freshman of the Year Peyton Daniels.
A true “OG” of the Sandy’s Spiel Transfer List, Koby Isaac completes the rare feat of playing for four different schools in four years. Norcross to Southwest Atlanta Christian to Westlake to Creekside. Isaac averaged 9 points per game for the Lions as a junior.
Isaiah Scott breaks up a nice stable of talent as he transfers from Bradwell Institute to Region 2-AAAAAA rival Richmond Hill. On his third school in three years, the 6-foot-4 wing is a smooth scorer that averaged 11 points and 4.2 rebounds in his first year in the GHSA. Scott has a scoring touch from all three levels and some sneaky athleticism.
Class 5A
After failing to record a .500 record last season at King’s Ridge and tallying a 40-40 mark in his three seasons on varsity with the Tigers, 6-foot-6 Class A-Private Second Team All-State selection Eric Coleman Jr. moves into Buford. The Wolves have two of the most versatile forwards in the class with Marcus Watson already in place. Both of them can play positions 2-5 at the high school level with the ability to steal minutes at multiple positions at the next level. Coleman has improved each season, diversifying his game from being a three-point shooter, into a slasher and even rounding out his game with some physicality in the paint and an ability to score with his back to the basket.
Jonesboro sees All-Region 4-AAAAAA Third Team selection 6-foot-6 wing Brice Martin transfer over from Mt. Zion. Martin averaged 12.3 points per game to go with his 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks. Martin joins a Cardinal roster that will undergo quite a bit of turnover with a large 2018 class out the door. He and senior guard Brandon Walker should be asked to provide a lion’s share of the offense and bring back the most experience.
Eagle’s Landing adds a versatile piece in 6-foot-3 junior Kirshon Thrash. Thrash posted 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game with his burly 210-pound frame. Thrash can play multiple positions in the backcourt and can keep defenses honest with his three-point shot. He should slot into a guard rotation that will be led by Christopher Hood.
Rising senior point guard Lance Franklin leaves Tattnall Square Academy for defending Class AAAAA state champs Warner Robins. Franklin was a First Team All-Region 7-A selection last season and will provide experience for a Warner Robins team that was hit hard by graduation.
After starting the summer with Greenforest, it looks like Avante Lederer will settle in at Walnut Grove. Lederer, a 6-foot-6 combo forward, heads to his third school for his senior season. Lederer started out at Heritage-Conyers before moving to Salem where he got hurt and missed all of last year. Lederer earned a D-I offer before getting hurt. He will try to resurface as a tweener forward that can handle the ball and score inside and out.
All-State 6-foot-5 junior forward Jamaine Mann leaves ELCA for Starr’s Mill, bolstering Coach Charlemagne Gibbons’ front court in his first year back in the GHSA. Mann was a powerhouse workhorse for the Chargers averaging 10.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks. Mann is a physical forward that does his best work from 15-feet and in. He can use his athleticism and quick burst to face up slower defenders and get to the basket. His addition will reshape the Region 3-AAAAA hierarchy.
Class 4A
Coming off of a season-ending injury at Father Lopez, FL, AJ Jackson looks ready to make an impact at Westover. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard is a freak athlete. Jackson should be in the discussion for one of the state’s bounciest players and best dunkers. Outside of his high-flying act, Jackson can play too. He averaged 13.2 points primarily as a downhill slasher. His rim-seeking mentality could mesh well with the outside shooting of Jordan Brown. Jackson will need to tighten up his handle and three-point shot to match his explosiveness and round out his offensive repertoire.
A crafty ball handler with advanced court vision, Sutton Smith departs King’s Ridge for first-year school Denmark. Smith has been praised for his feel for the game and his high IQ. He has a chance to be one of the founding fathers of Denmark basketball and give Coach Tyler Whitlock a reliable floor general.
Tray Mitchell makes the 26-minute move from Greenville to Troup County where he will provide an offensive spark in the backcourt. The 5-foot-8 speedster averaged 11.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
6-foot-6 Eli Smith leaves the Freelance League at New Faith Christian Academy and joins Luella. Smith averaged 13.4 points and hit 26-of-76 threes.
Keith Williams III bolsters the Sandy Creek backcourt as he transfers in from Newnan. The talented junior averaged 16 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game last season.
Class 3A
Three integral pieces fall into Dawson County’s lap thanks to a multitude of circumstances. Jasper Gibson comes to Dawson County after a breakout sophomore season at Jefferson where he averaged 18.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Gibson drilled 82-of-210 threes at a 39% clip. He comes to Dawson County after his father accepted the Athletic Director position in Dawsonville. Football standout Ahmad Kamara and 6-foot-5 wing Luke Chism transfer in since Dawson Christian Academy is expected to close its doors on their athletics program. Kamara should bring toughness and athleticism while Chism has long been a highly regarded prospect viewed as one of the best Georgians not playing in the GHSA. Chism will get a chance to prove himself his senior season. The trio will join Region 7 Honorable Mention selection Campbell Reed, who played a key role in the Tigers finishing 19-10 and taking a trip to the Sweet 16.
After blowing up with offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas State and a handful of others over the offseason, 6-foot-6 wing Brandon Harris leaves Beach for reloading Johnson-Savannah. Harris brings a versatile skill set and some scoring punch to an Atomsmasher team that returns just three players. The First Team All-Region 3-AAA standout will slot in next to All-State guard Shamar Jones and Emondre Bowles.
Johnson-Savannah picks up 6-foot-8 Lamont Sams from rival Jenkins after the Warriors saw Coach Bakari Bryant leave for Gwinnett County after a state championship loss. Sams marks the second huge in-city move for new head coach Rico Campbell. Sams averaged 6.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.
St. Francis loses their second key piece of their state runner-up team as 6-foot-3 sophomore point guard Madison Durr heads to Pace Academy. Durr made strides over the course of the season and started to come into his own over the summer as a sizable lead guard with a knack for playmaking. Durr has proven to be able to affect games with both his offense and defense and will give Coach Sharman White a long term solution at point guard, forming a dynamic 2021 inside-out duo with Cole Middleton.
Class 2A
Class 1A
Another talented young face is added to the mix at Holy Innocents’ as Chance Moore moves in from Chamblee. A 6-foot-4 wing that just picked up an offer from Rutgers, Moore is an active slasher that can pull-up from 15-feet. His energy makes him a quality defender that can guard both on the perimeter and pick up weak-side blocks. Moore will fit in nicely with fellow 2021 guard Garrison Powell and rising junior Josh Smith.
Mt. Bethel’s first season in the GHSA could end with a bang. Adding onto an already talented roster is 2021 point guard Jayce Harrison, who moves in from Fellowship Christian. Listed at 5-foot-9, Harrison made an immediate impact at the varsity level as a freshman, averaging 14.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.2 steals per game on his way to earning All-Region 6B Second Team honors. Harrison will provide outside shooting (47-of-129; 36% 3PT) along with another steady ball handler to pair with Coleman Boyd.
The revolving door known as Greenforest will have a completely new roster for the second consecutive season. This time, its 6-foot-6 First Team All-State 2020 shooting guard Lamar Oden who leads the plethora of transfers. Oden averaged 20.9 points and 7.3 rebounds at Southwest Atlanta Christian as one of the state’s brightest young talents. Following him is highly touted 2021 combo guard RJ Noord. Packed with athleticism and effort, Noord will bring energy and high upside after spending his freshman season at Columbia. The front court gets a face lift in the form of well traveled big Christian Fussell. Fussell, a 6-foot-10 junior, is already on his third school after Stockbridge and Holy Spirit Prep didn’t pan out.
Out-of-GHSA
Therrell goes from being a state title contender in Class AA to taking a step back with the loss of 6-foot-2 rising junior scoring guard Deandre Brown. The Second Team All-State selection led Therrell to the No. 1 ranking in the final regular season poll before the Panthers fell at home to Glenn Hill in the Elite Eight. Brown was one of the state’s biggest breakout stars, averaging 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game with a 36-point season-high outburst against Morgan County as his feather in the cap. The development of 2020 lead guard Roman Son now becomes crucial as to how far Therrell’s young cast will go in 2019.
Re-class Khalil Shaheed leaves Kennesaw Mountain for Superior Collegiate Academy in Florida and moves into the 2020 class. The physical 6-foot-3 off guard is a bull when attacking the basket. Shaheed is explosive and strong enough to shake off most defenders. The loss hurts Kennesaw Mountain and their fire power around All-State forward Jalyn McCreary.
Holy Spirit Prep’s “superteam” moniker gets more and more justifiable by the day as 6-foot-8 Ahmir Langlais heads to the GISA. Langlais, one of Georgia’s most skilled 2019 big men if he chooses not to reclassify, was a Class 7A All-State Honorable Mention selection after averaging 15.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.
Coming off an Elite Eight appearance in Class AAAAAAA with everyone set to return, Campbell instead loses second-leading scorer Donovan Grant to The-Skill-Factory where he plans to reclass into 2020. Grant averaged 16.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game as one of the county’s premier three-point shooters, hitting 74-of-213 attempts. The Spartans still have Terrell Burden and Brandon Deravine in place which will keep Campbell in the hunt for another state playoff run.
Holy Spirit Prep snatches another GHSA standout in Greenforest’s 6-foot-8 senior Ibrahima Jarjou. Jarjou made strides with the Atlanta Xpress program this summer and joins Anthony Edwards, Deandre Brown and Ahmir Langlais who all played with the Xpress; the latter two transferring to Holy Spirit Prep this summer as well. Jarjou averaged 8.7 points and 1 block per game as a junior at Greenforest.
All-State 2020 PG Christian Wright elects to forgo his final two years of high school at Milton to play prep ball at The-Skill-Factory. Wright was the face of a young Milton team on the verge of making noise at the statewide level. Wright was named Region 5-AAAAAAA Player of the Year after averaging 22.3 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Columbia has been a revolving door since Dr. Phil McCrary returned to the sidelines. While the Doc has won games, the Eagles have lost a handful of players, this time star 2020 forward Josh Taylor, who transfers to Greensboro Day, NC. The Eagles will be hard-pressed to replace Taylor’s 12 points, DeKalb County-best 12.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
