Deep South Classic
Girls Analysis

Deep South Classic: 2021 Notes

Taylor Christmas6-2 C Taylor Christmas – Georgia Metros Blue – Southwest DeKalb
I liked Taylor Christmas when I first saw her back at Georgia Metros tryouts in March and she impressed again on Saturday. Christmas holds a ton of value. She’s got size and strength but that’s not all. She moves exceptionally well for her size and can both handle the ball and shoot the three. She has good ball skills when she attacks the rim and looks comfortable in doing so. She’s a good three-point shooter especially in trail situations and down on the low block, she can bump her way to get to her right hand, but also is adept at finishing with her left. Going up against two High Major forwards, she posted 19 points, 14 rebounds, 1 steal and 4 blocks. She’s a sneaky good option for Low Majors and could be a major haul if she ends up going D-II.

5-10 G Kionna Gaines – FBC BounceNation Jay 2021 – Carver-Columbus
The toughness and athleticism of Kionna Gaines helped FBC BounceNation Jay grab a victory from the Georgia Pearls in dramatic fashion, 45-43 as Gaines scored a layup with 3.9 seconds left to cap off the comeback. Gaines is a freak athlete. She’s at her best in the paint whether it be slashing to the basket or posting up. She went down on the block a few times against DL Impact and overpowered the defense. Gaines had 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block in a 70-38 blowout. In the second half vs. the Georgia Pearls, Gaines came to life, scoring 11 of her team-high 15 points in the frame to go along with her 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Gaines has the chance to be a lockdown defender. Her God-given athletic tools can help her guard any position at the high school level and multiple in college. For her to reach her full potential, she must improve her outside shot and ball handling. She’s a tweener between shooting guard and wing right now. If she can develop a consistent three-point shot it will help her stay on the perimeter and open up more driving lanes on offense. She can jump over everyone when she attacks the rim, but it could get a little tougher playing against ACC frontcourts. I am interested to see how she does as the focal point of the Carver-Columbus offense now that Olivia Cochran (Louisville) has graduated. The Clemson-commit should have an entertaining final season and a handful of opportunities for dunks.

5-7 PG Emma Easterwood – DL Impact – Chestatee
Overmatched against FBC BounceNation Jay, Emma Easterwood shined for DL Impact. She played with poise and stayed aggressive when attacking FBC. Easterwood had to work hard to get into the paint, using a multitude of crossovers to try and find an angle to get past her defender. With all the effort she exerted on offense, she still found a way to help rebound and defend as well. She finished with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. It was a positive first impression for Easterwood, who is picking up steam at the D-II level, recently earning an offer from Emmanuel.

6-1 PF Maya Jackson – Georgia Pearls – Archer
There’s nothing flashy about Maya Jackson’s game. That’s why I like her. She goes about her business and battles for the entire game in the paint. She powered up 10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block against FBC BounceNation Jay. Jackson brings toughness and effort to the table. She finishes around the basket and will get on the floor for loose balls. She’s an integral piece that does the dirty work.