Deep South Classic

Deep South Classic: A Look at the Future

Malaya Jones2024 5-5 PG Malaya Jones – FBC Black Nxt Gen JG – Arabia Mountain
My first in-person look at Malaya Jones did not disappoint. She will be an impact player Day 1 and will be a highly sought-after college guard. Jones is quick and has the ball on a string. She manipulates defenders with her decisive combo dribbles and blows by. Her smooth feel for the game is advanced for a point guard her age. She’s a smart passer that doesn’t try to go for any crazy home run balls.  Once she gets into the lane, she can either finish or kick out to open teammates. She tallied 7 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Jones is going to be a major problem over the course of her career. I’ll be interested to see what heights she can take Arabia Mountain to.

Aaliyah Hunt2023 6-3 C Aaliyah Hunt – FBC Black Nxt Gen JG – Peachtree Ridge
A bruising post presence that clogs the lane and demands constant attention, Aaliyah Hunt is a good-looking young big. Hunt towers over opponents with her overall size and knows how to put it to good use. She stays on the glass and keeps the ball high on rebounds. She’s not the most athletic post, but she moves her feet very well when opponents attack her inside. Hunt keeps her arms straight up and can block shots without fouling. She dominated the Winston-Salem Stealers with 7 points, 15 rebounds, 1 steal and 8 blocks.

2023 5-5 PG Samiya Wayne – FBC Black Nxt Gen JG – Buford
Samiya Wayne’s aggressive on-ball defending was paramount in Nxt Gen’s 52-31 win. Wayne stuck in front of ball handlers and provided pressure for the entire game. She got into their personal space and made them uncomfortable. Her defense sparked her offense as she hit two threes and scored when she got in the lane. Wayne should garner more great experience playing behind Georgia College-commit Ashyia Willis for one more year.

2023 6-3 PF Janae Walker – Hoop Dreams Athletics – Sandy Creek
Only a rising sophomore, Janae Walker jumps out at you with her college-ready size. Walker is well-built, ready for the rigors of a long physical season. She’s a solid athlete that can impact games with her play in the paint, altering shots and grabbing rebounds. What makes her so intriguing however, is her soft touch and mobility. Walker moves exceptionally well and has a nice shot that extends to the three-point line. Sandy Creek has seen major post talent the past few years with Daija Powell (Texas Tech) just graduating and Arielle Belinga entering her senior season. Walker looks like she has a chance to be the best out of the bunch with her versatility. Janae Walker is a name that D-I’s will want to have on their radar at an early age.

2025 5-6 G Savannah Robinson-Holmes – FBC Hoopstarz Future – Archer
Still a ways away from making her high school debut, Savannah Robinson-Holmes is a tough guard that is slated to attend Archer. She’s got an alpha mentality on the court and is an aggressive scorer. She can put her head down and get to the rim when she needs to. When she got to the basket, Savannah finished with either hand. Robinson-Holmes also has a playable three-point shot that keeps defenses honest. She sank two in her 21-point, 8-rebound, 2-steal showing. With another year of seasoning, it will fun to see what type of impact she can make in 2021-22 with the Tigers.