Category Archives: GHSA

2019-20 GHSA Boys Basketball Transfer List

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 7A

SO Malique Ewin – 6’9″ 220 lbs – (Rockdale County to Berkmar)
SR Toneari Lane – 6’5″ 205 lbs – (Shiloh to Grayson)
SR Caleb Murphy – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Norcross to Grayson)
SR Myson Lowe – 5’9″ 155 lbs – (Cumberland Christian to Campbell)
JR Jason Edwards – 5’11” 155 lbs – (Grayson to Parkview)
SO Devin Farrell – 6’1″ 180 lbs – (Holy Innocents’ to Milton)
SR Sterling Johnson – 6’4″ 195 lbs – (King’s Ridge to West Forsyth)
SO Jermarhi Hill – 6’3” 160 lbs – (Midfield, AL to Berkmar)
JR Camden Blount – 6’5” 200 lbs – (Nazareth, NY to Berkmar)
SR Jalen Deloach – 6’8 190 lbs – (Gray Collegiate, SC to Berkmar)
SR Keith Williams – 6’2″ 175 lbs – (Sandy Creek to East Coweta)
SR Jaylon Simpson – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Sprayberry to Campbell)
SR Babel Diallo – 6’10” 200 lbs – (St. Benedict’s Prep, NJ to Collins Hill)
SO Maurice Clipper Jr. – 6’5″ 235 lbs – (McEachern to Milton)
SR Josh Taylor – 6’8″ 210 lbs – (Greensboro Day, NC to Norcross)
SR Dylan Cardwell – 6’11” 240 lbs – (Oak Hill Academy, VA to McEachern)
SO Jairus Griffin – 6’4” 190 lbs – (Berkmar to Peachtree Ridge)
SR Jovan Tucker – 6’3” 180 lbs – (Cumberland Christian Academy to McEachern)
SR Nicholas Cain Jr. – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Collins Hill to Meadowcreek)
SR JT Thor – 6’8” 180 lbs – (Huntington Prep, WV to Norcross)
SR Caleb Byrd – 6’1” 160 lbs – (Rome to Newton)
JR Max Harris – 6’4” 175 lbs – (South Gwinnett to Wheeler)
JR Ja’heim Hudson – 6’7” 205 lbs – (South Gwinnett to Wheeler)
SO Kendall Campbell – 6’7” 195 lbs – (Chapel Hill to Meadowcreek)
SR Quincy Ademokoya – 6’6” 185 lbs – (Dacula to Norcross)
SR Zawdie Jackson – 6’0″ 170 lbs – (South Gwinnett to Shiloh)
SR Elijah Wood – 6’5″ 190 lbs – (Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD to Berkmar)
SO Kok Yat – 6’8″ 180 lbs – (Huntington Prep, WV to Norcross)
JR Paul Lunguana – 6’3” 165 lbs – (Centennial to Lambert)
JR AJ Burke – 6’2” 165 lbs – (North Cobb to Wheeler)
JR Aaron Reddish – 6’6” 175 lbs – (Westtown, PA to Wheeler)
SO Juvon Gamory – 5’9” 155 lbs – (Decatur to Wheeler)
SR Wilford Campbell – 5’10” 165 lbs – (Meadowcreek to Norcross)
JR Bobby Moore – 6’5” 220 lbs – (North Cobb Christian to McEachern)
SO Chi Shannon – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (Chapel Hill to Meadowcreek)
JR Randy Brady – 6’5” 190 lbs – (Brentwood Academy, TN to McEachern)

Class 6A

JR Jaylen Jackson – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Westlake to Douglas County)
SR Terrence Edwards – 6’5″ 175 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to Tucker)
JR Andrew McConnell – 5’10” 155 lbs – (Mill Creek to Lanier)
JR RJ Noord – 6’2” 170 lbs – (Greenforest to Heritage-Conyers)
SR Akeem Washington – 6’5″ 185 lbs – (Forsyth Central to Heritage-Conyers)
JR Jamari Denson – 6’1″  160 lbs – (Hillgrove to Alpharetta)
JR Makai Vassell – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (Mill Creek to Lanier)
JR Iajah Phillips – 5’11” 170 lbs – (Mill Creek to Lanier)
SR Chris-Anthony Ford  – 6’3″ 170 lbs – (SACA to Langston Hughes)
SR Marvin McGhee – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Mays to Alexander)
SO Jayden Stephens – 6’2 170 lbs – (Grovetown to Evans)
SO Gianfranco Farias – 6’3″ 165 lbs-  (Allatoona to Sequoyah)
SO Tomiwa Adetosoye – 5’11” 160 lbs – (Mt. Pisgah to Chattahoochee)
JR Marcus Samuel – 6’1” 185 lbs – (Langston Hughes to Lovejoy)
JR KJ Webb – 5’8” 140 lbs – (Langston Hughes to Lovejoy)
SR Emon Washington – 6’6” 180 lbs – (Yazoo County, MS to South Cobb)
JR Julius Lymon – 6’6” 200 lbs – (South Atlanta to Tri-Cities)
JR Jacobi Barnes – 6’2″ 180 lbs – (Lovejoy to Mundy’s Mill)
JR Derek Folks – 6’3″ 155 lbs – (Lovejoy to Mundy’s Mill)
JR Xavier Thornton – 6’2″ 163 lbs – (Westside, SC to Alexander)
SR Brandon Harris – 6’7″ 195 lbs – (Johnson-Savannah to River Ridge)
SR Kasen Jennings – 6’4” 185 lbs – (Heritage School to Langston Hughes)
SO Jameel Rideout – 6’1” 165 lbs – (Duluth to South Cobb)
SR Nigel Johnson – 6’1″ 175 lbs – (Stephenson to Mundy’s Mill)
SO Marcus Wright – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (Wooddale, TN to Creekside)
SR Yahsir Hudgins – 5’10” 155 lbs – (North Clayton to Creekside)
SR Antonio Johnson – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (Aiken, OH to Creekside)
JR Tylin Eldridge – 6’5″ 180 lbs – (Russelheimer Srabe, Germany to Creekside)
SR Dominic Owens – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (Langston Hughes to Creekside)
SR Kory Isaac – 5’8″ 145 lbs – (Cumberland Christian to Creekside)
JR Brandon Porter – 6’6″ 185 lbs – (Westlake to Creekside)
SR Zy Wright – 6’3” 180 lbs – (Aquinas to Grovetown)-
SR Donsha Gaither – 6’1” 182 lbs – (Jefferson to Gainesville)
JR Travis Burrus – 5’11” 165 lbs – (Marietta to South Cobb)

Class 5A

SR James Munlyn – 6’11” 265 lbs – (North Gwinnett to Buford)
SR Jarell Smith – 5’11” 165 lbs – (Troup County to Harris County)
SR Craig Dunn – 6’6” 220 lbs – (Stockbridge to Southwest DeKalb)
SR Javontae Jackson – 5’6″ 145 lbs – (Chapel Hill to Lithonia)
JR Cameron Lee – 6’2″ 170 lbs – (Archer to Walnut Grove)
SR Jamaine Mann – 6’5″ 220 lbs – (Starr’s Mill to Dutchtown)
SR Kedric Barrett – 6’7″ 230 lbs – (Lambert to Lithia Springs)
SR Deandre Brown – 6’2” 170 lbs – (Holy Spirit Prep to Hiram)
SO Joyful Hawkins – 6’8” 200 lbs – (Brunswick to Decatur)
JR Jaylen Harris – 6’2” 165 lbs – (North Cobb to Kell)
JR Shaqir O’Neal – 6’5” 170 lbs – (Crossroads, CA to Union Grove)
SR Jaelyn Anderson – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (Forest Park to Dutchtown)

Class 4A

JR Will Richard – 6’4” 180 lbs – (Fayette County to Woodward Academy)
SO Robert Cowherd – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Holy Spirit Prep to Denmark)
SR Daryl Rice – 5’9″ 150 lbs – (Starr’s Mill to Sandy Creek)
JR Shamir Wingfield – 5’10” 163 lbs – Deerfield-Windsor to Westover)
SR Emory Lanier – 6’3” 185 lbs – (Webb, TN to Woodward Academy)
JR Jamisen Winters – 6‘2” 170 lbs – (Carrollton to Chapel Hill)
SR Daeyon James – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Eagle’s Landing to McDonough)
SR Seth Cushenberry – 6’5” 220 lbs – (Parkview to Druid Hills)
SO Kamryn Callahan – 5’11” 135 lbs – (Cass to Cartersville)

Class 3A

JR Matthew Cleveland – 6’6″ 183 lbs – (Cambridge to Pace Academy)
SR Derek Edwards – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Islands to Johnson-Savannah)
SR Demetrius Glenn – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Cedar Shoals to Hart County)

Class 2A

JR Kaulin Reynolds – 5’10” 160 lbs – (Atlanta Classical to KIPP Atlanta)
JR JaCorye Favors – 6’3 165 lbs – (Maynard Jackson to Douglass)
SR Immanuel Hackett – 6’1” 145 lbs – (Metter to Swainsboro)
SR Johnathan Taylor – 6’1″ 165 lbs – (Aquinas to Laney)
SO Nicholas Johnson – 6’0″ 138 lbs – (Cass to Chattooga)

Class 1A

SO Chance Thacker – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (Lambert to Providence Christian)
SR Chad Berry Jr. – 6’1” 160 lbs – (Early County to Seminole County)
JR Derrick Harris Jr. – 6’1” 140 lbs – (Westwood to Mitchell County)
SR Amaree McGriff – 6’8” 215 lbs – (The Rock School, FL to Lanier County)
JR Preston Kent – 5’11” 160 lbs – (Washington County to GMC)
SR Chris Floyd – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (Dublin to Treutlen)

Non-GHSA

SR Maclean Hoekwater – 6’5” 190 lbs – (Trinity Christian to The Heritage School)
SR Bryce Clark – 6’8″ 215 lbs – (Woodstock to Furtah Prep)
SR Drew Conroy – 6’6″ 190 lbs – (Sequoyah to The King’s Academy)
SR Kendall Latney – 6’3” 195 lbs – (Mill Creek to The Rock School, FL)
SR Brandon Boston – 6’6” 180 lbs – (Norcross to Sierra Canyon, CA)
JR Jaylin Galloway – 6’6” 180 lbs – (Sprayberry to The-Skill-Factory)
SR Jaden Walker – 6’5” 180 lbs – (Discovery to Core4)
JR Kedrick Green – 5’11” 180 lbs – (Meadowcreek to Core4)
SR DJ Richardson – 6’8” 235 lbs – (Discovery to Core4)
SR KD Johnson – 6’2” 180 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to Hargrave Military, VA)
SR Dajon Dancil – 6’4” 180 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to United Prep, FL)
SR Achor Achor – 6’8″ 205 lbs – (Greenforest to Core4)
SR Daniel Mayfield – 6’6″ 176 lbs – (Stephens County to Anderson, SC)
SR Braelon Seals – 6’2” 165 lbs – (Tucker to Wagner, TX)
SR Jaimonnie Watkins – 6’6″ 220 lbs – (Meadowcreek to New Faith Academy)
JR Tre Chatman – 6’3″ 220 lbs – (North Cobb Christian to Oak Hill, Academy, VA)
SR Quadre Watts – 6’8″ 235 lbs – (Monroe to Minnesota Prep, MN)
JR Colton Day – 6’2″ 175 lbs – (Union County to Robbinsville, NC)

Class 7A

Seniors 6-foot-5 Toneari Lane (Shiloh) and 6-foot-4 Caleb Murphy (Norcross) shift over to Grayson to play with Atlanta Celtics teammate Deivon Smith. Lane is a tough-nosed two-way player that can score at all three levels. The D-I swingman averaged 20 points and 7.3 rebounds per game at Shiloh. Murphy was among the state’s biggest stock risers and chipped in 8.8 points per game as a junior while picking up a handful of offers.

5-foot-11 junior Jason Edwards will make an immediate impact at Parkview after transferring in from Grayson where he was buried on the depth chart. Edwards has shined during the offseason as a wired-to-score guard that’s capable of taking over games. Like older brother Nick, Edwards has a knack for scoring and will likely become one of Parkview’s most reliable options. If Edwards can fit into the Panthers’ system and continue to score the ball at the rate he’s done so over the summer, he could be considered one of the most improved players in Georgia.

Trying to follow in the footsteps of recent Kennesaw State-signee Terrell Burden, 5-foot-9 senior Myson Lowe is the next undersized guard that will have a chance to flourish under Coach James Gwyn. Lowe is a crafty scorer that can help Campbell maintain their competitiveness in Region 2-AAAAAAA. He has bounced around multiple private schools and will try to leave a lasting mark on Campbell.

Class 6A

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact, 6-foot-4 junior wing Jaylen Jackson has a chance to stick at Douglas County after playing rotational minutes at Westlake. Jackson is a bouncy athlete that is a threat for putback dunks and highlight slams. He can create his own shot and has a nice first step when getting to the basket. Jackson should vie for a starting spot for the Tigers and give Coach Hollis Bethea another jumping jack to help protect the rim alongside Omarion Smith.

After a wasted junior season in which he was ruled ineligible, Terrence Edwards hits the transfer market for his third school, this time trying to latch on at Tucker after stops at Miller Grove and Southwest DeKalb. When the 6-foot-5 senior wing is on the floor he is extremely effective. Edwards can guard multiple positions and has a versatile offensive game and an aggressiveness when hunting his points.  Edwards has picked up offers from East Carolina and Jacksonville State over the Spring and will quickly refresh the memory of the state of Georgia about what he can do on the court. He joins Jermontae Hill to form one of the better wing duos in Georgia.

6-foot-2 junior guard RJ Noord heads to his third school in three years after starting at Columbia and playing at Greenforest last season. Noord is a physically gifted playmaker that gets downhill and into the paint. His toughness, motor and competitiveness makes him one of the 2021 class’ top dogs. Noord has a chance to take over the reigns of the Heritage-Conyers program and put up some productive numbers.

Class 5A

 

Class 4A 

Class 3A

6-foot-6 junior Matt Cleveland leaves Cambridge for Pace Academy to learn under Head Coach Sharman White and to play with HYPE Hawks teammate Cole Middleton. The burgeoning blue chip prospect is a three-star recruit with High Major offers. Cleveland earned All-State Honorable Mention honors last season in Class 6A. Cleveland is a long, smooth wing that is progressing toward his full potential.

Back to his middle school stomping grounds, Demetrius Glenn is back in Hart County for his senior season. The 6-foot three-point specialist will be in a position to excel right away with the Class 3A State Runner-Up Bulldogs who graduate a large senior class. Glenn will slot in next to junior Shone Webb and freshman Tahj Johnson to form a three-man nucleus with upside.

Class 2A

Class 1A

Chance Thacker moves from Lambert to Providence Christian to follow his father Joey, who was named new head coach. Thacker is a savvy 6-foot-3 sophomore that has logged big minutes against elite competition already. Thacker is a jack-of-all-trades type player, but playing for a team that won just three games last year, Thacker will be asked to carry the load offensively and make everyone around him better.

LakePoint Showcase notes

Young Guards Shine

Tyrease Jones2021 5-10 PG Tyrease Jones (Brunswick/Team Next Up): Tyrease Jones stole the show on Sunday with his ability to score in bunches. Jones came out red-hot, scoring 13 of his team’s first 18 points before finishing with a game-high 30 in electric fashion in a 73-47 win over SBT. The wired-to-score shooter nailed seven threes and scored at all three levels. Jones even collected 6 rebounds to go with his offensive outburst. The microwave scorer has lit it up this offseason and looks primed for a breakout season at Brunswick. He will be a player to keep tabs on over the next two seasons, especially if he carries his scoring prowess into the high school season.

Isaiah Logan2021 5-11 PG Isaiah Logan (Allatoona/North Metro Elite): Cat-quick with a knack for playmaking, Isaiah Logan ran wild in a 69-65 win over Team Strap. Logan was a blur in transition, outracing defenders to the basket to finish with 28 points while going 7-11 from the foul line. Logan looks like a true point guard, one who can handle pressure in tight spaces and also zip in assists out of tough angles. Logan is all gas no breaks. With more time he will get better at changing speeds and knowing when to pull back or go full throttle. Logan should be ready to take over the reins of the Allatoona offense and be able to push the tempo in Coach Chad Phillips’ system.

Rising Senior

Keon Sedgwick2020 6-0 G Keon Sedgwick (Paulding County/SEBA FCI Warriors): A true menace on defense, Keon Sedgwick is non-stop energy and effort on the perimeter. Sedgwick replicated his performance from when I first saw him last season and did not disappoint with his ability to stuff the stat sheet on Sunday. Sedgwick is a tenacious defender that thrives in an up-and-down tempo. He’s a wiry long guard that takes pride in his defense. Sedgwick has a nose for the ball that helps him be involved in nearly every play. Offensively, he uses his quickness to get to the basket but also has a steady midrange pull-up when he stops on a dime.

For the Future

2022 6-2 SG DJ Potts-Heard (Woodstock/Cherokee Legacy): D-I programs might want to keep the name DJ Potts-Heard on the backburner. The rising sophomore is a lights out shooter, one of the best in his class rivaling Chase Cormier of St. Pius X. It wasn’t just Potts-Heard’s shot-making ability that stood out on Sunday but his constant movement without the ball to get free, coming off screens and weaving his way in and out of traffic until he found freedom. Potts-Heard knows that his greatest weapon is his three-point shot, but he can do more than just stroke it from deep. As he continues to mature his body expect his game to diversify and develop into one of the toughest scorers in the North Metro area.

2022 6-5 W Trey Harris (North Paulding/SBT): Coming off of the program’s best season in school history, North Paulding will begin the rebuilding process around Tampa-signee Jacob Harris’ little brother, Trey. Much like his older brother, Trey has a smooth feel to his game with a feathery soft touch to score from all over the floor. He poured in 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in a loss to Team Next Up while hitting three three-pointers. Harris can score in a hurry but not in a loud way, he gets his points quickly and quietly leading opponents shell-shocked when they look at the box score. Harris can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket with his length but his jump shot is probably the most reliable piece of his arsenal right now. As he gets stronger and gets more reps at the varsity level, Harris’ ceiling might be higher than his brother’s who had a historic career with the Wolfpack.

Atlanta Jam notes

Unsigned Seniors Update

6-8 F Devin Evans (Duluth/Atlanta All-Stars): Evans garnered some fanfare heading into his senior season after moving back to Georgia following time at Richard Hardy Memorial School in Tennessee. Evans was unable to duplicate his 22-15-4-1 average at Richard Hardy but managed a respectable 10.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game at Duluth. Evans is a mobile combo forward that can work on the block all the way out to the wing. Evans is a strong rebounder that likes to start his own fast breaks and push the ball in transition. He is a toolsy player that has learned under two of the most well-respected head coaches in the southeast in Cabral Huff and Ben Miller. Although he struggled to score in a 52-49 loss to the Tennessee Tigers, what stood out most about Evans’ performance was his vocal leadership, cheering his team from the sideline and always talking when in the game. Evans will be a coveted late sign. If he can bring some more assertiveness and consistency to the offensive end Evans could turn into a key piece at the right school.

6-6 F Colin Kahl (Centennial/Atlanta Timberwolves): Colin Kahl impressed in a 76-70 loss to the Middle Georgia Bucks, tallying 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. Kahl was a double-double machine at Centennial this past season, flourishing with the loss of Rodney Howard. Kahl profiles as a tough-nosed forward that can play above the rim and finishes well in traffic. He has a sneaky quick first step that he uses to blow by bigger defenders or those he catches flatfooted. Kahl isn’t afraid to go up and try to finish with authority. His knack for rebounding and his scoring touch around the rim should translate to the next level.

6-6 W Nate Dunlop (Augusta Christian/Atlanta Timberwolves): Hidden away in Augusta in the SCISA, prolific scorer Nate Dunlop brought his unstoppable demeanor to Atlanta Jam scoring the ball in a variety of ways. Dunlop finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block against the Middle Georgia Bucks. Dunlop drilled three three-pointers and showed the ability to create his own shot off the dribble, using his bulky build to shield off defenders, allowing him to get to his spots. Dunlop had some hard drives to the basket and played above the rim on numerous occasions. One can only imagine what his recruitment would look like if he played in the GHSA his entire career, but its better late than never – Dunlop has already cashed in with offers from VMI, Navy and Lincoln Memorial and has plenty of good ball ahead of him.

17U Middle Georgia Bucks

Camrone Cherry2020 6-4 CG Camrone Cherry (Northeast-Macon): The Middle Georgia Bucks showed up late in their game against the Atlanta Timberwolves both literally and figuratively as the game was nearly ruled a forfeit. Down almost 20 points at one point and losing 43-28 at the half, the Bucks staged a furious comeback behind Cam Cherry to win 76-70. Cherry scored 18 of his game-high 21 points in the second half and added 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks. In the first half Cherry was in cruise control. He had a nonchalant demeanor about him, just floating around on the floor. The second half was a different story. Cherry decided to play and when he decides to play, he can takeover games which is exactly what he did. The set-shooting lefty bombed in two deep threes to get his scoring barrage rolling and hit a total of three in the second half. Cherry is a physically imposing guard with a great frame complete with strong wide shoulders. Once he put his head down and got his shoulders past his defenders there was nothing they could do to stop him. Cherry also created open looks for his teammates and had a nice two-man game with running mate Jarden Maze. Second half performances like Sunday afternoon are why many people are so high on Cherry and the immense talent he possesses but the first half is the other side of the coin that has to be completely wiped away for him to reach his potential. If Cherry is engaged for the full 32 minutes he steps on the floor every time out, he has a chance to the be the best player in Middle Georgia this season and a Mid-Major level recruit if not higher. Cherry’s altitude will be determined by his attitude on the court.

2020 6-1 CG Jarden Maze (Washington County): The slinky guard from Sandersville put up 21 points and 4 rebounds in the Bucks’ comeback win over the Atlanta Timberwolves. Maze scored 16 points in the second half to help lead the rally. He is a wiry guard that can slither his way into the paint to cause havoc for defenses but he also showed the ability to knock down the deep ball, hitting three of them in the win. Maze has the type of length that can make him a talented on-ball defender along with his lateral quickness. With a large senior class headed out the door, expect Maze to put his stamp on the Washington County program in his final season and start to attract college coaches.

2020 6-5 F Chavis Mathis (Jones County): Chavis Mathis had his hard hat on against the Atlanta Timberwolves. The strong forward posted 17 points and 9 rebounds, bullying his way on the glass and finishing strong inside. Mathis knows his role as the garbage man and the enforcer down low and doesn’t stray away from it. Hard-playing players like Mathis win a ton of games at the high school level.

HoopHustlers Tip-Off Classic/Battle For Georgia Qualifier notes

16U Hype Hawks

2021 6-5 PF Devin McGlockton (South Forsyth): Playing alongside stars Matt Cleveland, Logan Turner and Sutton Smith, Devin McGlockton had a chance to show what he could do with Cole Middleton injured. The physical post presence rebounded and scored the ball inside. He provides a stability on the block with his ability to score with his back to the basket, but most impressive was his rim protecting. McGlockton finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks in a 72-60 loss to AOT.

16U Game Elite

2021 6-0 PG Broc Bidwell (West Forsyth): Broc Bidwell shined in Game Elite’s 71-61 win over the Atlanta Celtics and continued to rise his stock as one of the best point guards in Georgia’s 2021 class. Slick with the ball, Bidwell can make all the passes and position his teammates for success. Bidwell is more than just a pass-first floor general – he can call his own number and deliver. He drilled four threes and finished with 14 points and 5 assists. Bidwell looks like a legitimate D-I prospect.

2021 6-4 PF Omarion Smith (Douglas County): Game Elite’s one-two post punch of Robbie Armbrester and Omarion Smith is one of the most enjoyable frontcourts in Georgia. Armbrester is a household name and Smith should be one as well if he’s not already. Smith’s lack of size and go-to moves may limit his ceiling, but he is the state’s best pound-for-pound shot blocker and an energetic rebounder. He had a stretch in the second half when he took over inside and helped put Game Elite ahead for good, finishing with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block.

16U Atlanta Celtics

2022 6-1 G Chase Cormier (St. Pius X): Playing up a grade, Chase Cormier looked like the best player on the floor for the 16U Atlanta Celtics. Cormier scorched the nets with five threes, finishing with a game-high 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists against Game Elite. The lefty has a quick trigger with range but his ball handling was equally impressive, battling aggressive on-ball defense to free himself to run the offense. He sliced into the lane to hit a pair of floaters to complement his outside stroke. Cormier should be one of Georgia’s most highly sought-after targets for D-I schools over the next few years.

2021 6-6 F Jusaun Holt (St. Francis): Following his breakout performance in the Class A-Private state championship, Jusaun Holt’s value was on display in tough 71-61 loss to Game Elite. Holt provided the Atlanta Celtics with 9 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Holt is able to guard multiple positions with his length and quickness. Offensively, he can attack from all three levels. As his confidence grows, as will his game. Holt is trending in the right direction.

17U Hype Hawks

2020 6-6 F AJ Hopkins (Whitefield Academy): AJ Hopkins left a good first impression with 11 points and 10 rebounds in a 63-61 loss to Infinite Skillz. Hopkins is a long combo-forward that has a nice motor and a willingness to compete on the glass. He turned in a Class A-Private All-State Honorable Mention campaign this season after increasing his scoring output by 10 points to average 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds. Hopkins is worth tracking his senior season.

17U Infinite Skillz

DJ Wright2020 5-9 PG DJ Wright (Greene County): The All-State guard has a flair for the dramatic. DJ Wright drilled a three with seconds left to complete a comeback from down 16 points to stun the Hype Hawks 63-61. Wright turned it on, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the second half. Wright lets the game come to him. During the varsity season he could probably stand to be a little more aggressive but especially on the travel circuit, Wright is content with getting his shots in the flow of the offense. He hit three three-pointers in the win and also scored from the mid-range and in. For him to succeed at the next level as an undersized guard, Wright will have to have a bulldog mentality – something that he has shown he already possesses.

2019 6-4 W Dakota Leffew (Jonesboro): The unsigned senior stepped up for Jonesboro and emerged as the Cardinals’ leading scorer, averaging 14.1 points per game after averaging 4 points as a junior. Leffew is a smooth lanky wing that resembles Belmont-signee Ben Sheppard. Leffew is a slasher on offense. He finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds and most impressively, 3 blocks. Coming from Jonesboro, its easy to see the importance of defense that was instilled in him over the course of his high school career. He should be a valued addition for the right program.

17U Georgia Knights

2020 6-4 SG Chris Youngblood (East Coweta): Chris Youngblood did it again. The sturdy wide-chested two-guard continued to cement his status as a D-I prospect, dumping in 26 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block in a 68-61 OT win over Stackhouse Elite United. Youngblood played bully ball against Stackhouse’s less physically gifted guards and barreled his way to the basket, finishing 9-of-11 from the foul line and hitting just one three in his outburst. Youngblood gets the job done night in and night out on both ends of the floor. His defense and ability to cover multiple positions all over the floor makes him a complete player. Mid Majors across the country should familiarize themselves with Youngblood.

2020 6-6 W Brandon Stroud (East Coweta): The second head of the dynamic East Coweta duo had a scoreless first half before exploding for 20 in the second half/overtime to power the Knights past Stackhouse Elite. Stroud collected 12 rebounds, 2 steals and a block as well. Stroud took a couple bad jump shots during his first half struggles but found his groove in the second when he started to attack the rim and work his way closer to the paint. Even when his shot was off, he still battled on the offensive glass and won his team second chance opportunities.

2020 6-3 G Kirshon Thrash (Eagle’s Landing): One of the state’s best stat sheet stuffers, Kirshon Thrash did it again with 8 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Thrash’s uniqueness has been well-documented. He affects the game in every facet imaginable. He is a player that D-2 schools should start pursuing.

17U Stackhouse Elite United

2020 6-6 F Quincy Canty (Cedar Shoals): One of Georgia’s best bigs, Quincy Canty was sharp against the Georgia Knights with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Canty has a strong physical frame that can punish smaller defenders on the block, but he also has one of the best mid-range jumpers in the state from the forward position. Canty has extended that range to beyond the three-point line, knocking down three threes in the loss.

17U Warner Robins All-Stars

Shamar Rouse2019 6-5 PF Shamar Rouse (Warner Robins): The unsinged senior had a monster game in the Battle For Georgia Qualifier Championship, posting 22 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks. Rouse played above the rim with his sneakily explosive bounce. He used that athleticism to clean the glass, rock the rim and protect the paint. Rouse showed some rough and tumble inside to score in traffic and win loose balls. It was a great performance for the big man looking for a late home.

2020 6-1 CG Keshun Houser (Warner Robins): A poor man’s Jacolbey Owens, Houser has all the physical tools that former state champ and All-State performer Owens had back in 2018. Houser is an elite athlete that makes highlight plays when attacking the cup. He will need to further enhance his point guard skills and get reps in running an offense. Add in a three-point shot and you have a dynamic sleeper coming out of middle Georgia. He had 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

17U God’s Property

Josh Spencer2020 6-5 F Josh Spencer (Alpharetta): Josh Spencer had an excellent first half and carried God’s Property. The strong combo-forward finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds while drilling three threes. Spencer had a handful of early injuries and setbacks during the high school season before rounding into shape. Spencer should be a featured option with Alpharetta this season which will help his development. He has improved with putting the ball on the floor and creating his own shot.  With increased confidence and experience, Spencer should be in a good position to have a college destination this time next year.

HoopSeen Tip-Off notes

Georgia Knights Elite

Roman Son2020 6-0 PG Roman Son (Therrell): The state champion picked up where he left off at Therrell using his blinding speed to blow past some of the most highly sought-after prospects in Georgia en route to 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in a 78-74 win over Game Elite. Son is a floor general and vocal leader not shy to bark out orders. He knocked down a few pull-up jumpers in the lane – a good sign – but his overall shooting outside of 15-feet is still a heavy work in progress. He went 2-10 from the line, missing three late free throws. Son has the intangibles to be considered a top 10-15 point guard in the 2020 class for Georgia, but to fully cement himself as a top dog he will need to get up as many shots as possible to shore up his one offensive weakness.

Chris Youngblood2020 6-4 SG Chris Youngblood (East Coweta): East Coweta’s climb from nearly worst to first in Region 2-AAAAAAA was well-documented this season. Youngblood’s perimeter prowess and strong frame have made college coaches take note. Coming off of a GACA All-Star Game MVP performance, Youngblood was locked in again dropping 26 points (3 threes), 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. At first glance, Youngblood has a stocky frame but it’s a college-ready build that’s equipped for the rigors of the next level, especially once he gets into a college weight room and tones up. He isn’t super long, but his understanding of how to defend helps him block shots when attacked. Youngblood is sneaky athletic and with his size, can post up smaller defenders and punish them inside.

Kirshon Thrash2020 6-3 G/F Kirshon Thrash (Eagle’s Landing): Since seeing him last summer at Georgia State Team Camp, Kirshon Thrash has slowly begun to grow on me. His uniqueness and physicality make him a jack-of-all-trades at the high school level. Standing 6-foot-3, Thrash plays at the guard position but honestly could play 1 through 4 with his strength allowing him to defend multiple positions. Much like Youngblood, Thrash is a bully on the low block when needed but what separates him from most guards in his class is his outright productivity all over the floor. Thrash is an exceptional passer that riffles assists into tight quarters. His powerful build makes him a menace on the glass and defensively, he seems to always have his hands on loose balls. Against Game Elite he tallied 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. If Thrash is able to add a consistent three-point shot to his arsenal, expect the human wrecking ball to be even tougher to stop offensively.

Game Elite

2020 6-6 F Sam Hines (Wheeler): Sam Hines might not ever be the “best” player on his team but he will always be the most reliable. Transferring from St. Francis to Wheeler cost him a state championship but Hines was able to prove that he could produce no matter the competition level. Hines is more steak than sizzle, always positively affecting games while teammates garner the headlines. He was terrific in Game Elite’s loss to the Georgia Knights, posting 19 points, 9 rebounds and 1 assist. Hines simply knows how to play the game and understands what he is best at. He can hit the occasional three, but he is most adept at working from 15-feet and in and pounding the glass. You never have to question his motor or his willingness to compete. Named Class 7A Most Underrated, Hines shined again. He should be in play at the Mid-Major level and should excel as a low maintenance energy glue-guy.

Team Forrest

Trashawn Wilson2020 6-5 W Trashawn Wilson (New Manchester): The biggest stock riser from the HoopSeen Tip-Off had to be Trashawn Wilson from New Manchester. The Jaguars were the most talented 11-16 team in the state last year and having Wilson as a fourth leading scorer is something most coaches in the state would dream of. Wilson had a big game in Team Forrest’s 69-68 OT win over AC Georgia, scoring 22 points, grabbing 5 rebounds and snatching 2 steals. The 6-foot-5 wing was smooth, hitting jumpers all over the floor while also attacking the rim and finishing 5-5 from the line. His And-1 jumper in OT sealed the win. Going from unknown to head-turner, Wilson left me wanting to see more and that’s definitely a good thing.

2020 6-10 C Christian Fussell (Greenforest): Fussell has bounced from school to school over his first three seasons but the big man has still found time to work on his game. He’s an intriguing prospect no doubt, especially with his ability to step out and shoot the three. He nailed four deep balls on his way to 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Fussell didn’t show much of a feel for scoring with his back to the basket and is a true stretch-big. As he continues to get reps and opportunities to show what he can do, his recruitment will be one of the more interesting storylines to unfold.

2020 6-6 F Melvin Edwards (Carrollton): After first laying eyes on Melvin Edwards last June, there was no questioning his upside. After watching his play this weekend, I think it’s time to seriously consider the Carrollton Trojan as a potential D-I prospect. Edwards has the athleticism coming off winning the West Georgia All-Star Game Dunk Contest but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He can shoot the ball from deep, he can put it on the floor and finish in traffic and he can protect the rim when asked. He put together a strong game against AC Georgia with 17 points (5-5 FT), 7 rebounds and 1 assist. Edwards is trending in the right direction and needs to be tracked by college programs.

AC Georgia

2020 6-5 PF Adonnis Tolbert (Denmark): Adonnis Tolbert is a sturdy and strong athlete that puts the power in power forward. He brings his football toughness to the hardwood and knows how to use his body. He has a strong vertical explosion when finishing strong in the paint and has a very trusty mid-range jump shot. Tolbert had 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in a 69-68 OT loss to Team Forrest.