Deep South Classic Semis Boys Top Performers
Analysis

Deep South Classic Semifinals Boys Top Performers



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2027 5-8 PG Masai Knight – Brookwood
Brookwood’s turnaround from 9-17 to 11-4 with a Top 10 ranking and the program’s first Deep South Classic Championship in 10 years has come large in part due to the steady play of Masai Knight. Before Knight was named Deep South Classic MVP after posting 9 points and 9 assists in the title game, a 61-52 win over Archer, Masai orchestrated the Broncos to a 70-61 semifinal win over Hebron Christian. At 5-foot-8, usually one of the smallest players on the floor, Masai’s heart and determination standout as he towers over the opposition with his play. I really liked how Knight controlled the game against Hebron Christian. He is a true floor general, deeply engrained in the fabric of every single Brookwood possession. Masai’s quickness and body control allow him to turn corners with a strong, low center of gravity. Once he gets past his first defender his decision making shines, knowledgeable as to when to score and when to pass. He found great success spinning off defenders to get into the paint where he patiently played off two feet to drop in floaters and score through contact. Masai racked up 19 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal as he relentlessly sliced into the heart of the defense. All seven of Knight’s field goals came in the paint while he went 5-8 from the foul line. Masai is trending up. He could become a popular target for D-III, NAIA and JUCO programs come senior season.

2029 6-2 G Zaiden Nelson – Hebron Christian
With leading scorer Devon McField not in attendance, Zaiden Nelson stepped up for the shorthanded Lions in a 70-61 loss to Brookwood. Zaiden showcased the Nelson family scoring touch as Nariah’s little brother dumped in 24 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals. The freshman got hot from the corners, netting two of his three three-pointers in the first quarter to energize his confidence. Nelson scored from all three levels on Saturday, tossing in a floater and scoring on a coast-to-coast layup to blend with a pair of pull-up jumpers from the mid-range. Zaiden’s aggressiveness looking to score landed him at the line throughout the game, shooting 7-11. Nelson’s well-balanced attack helps diversify Hebron Christian’s offense, giving the Lions another weapon to deploy. Already in short time, Zaiden has emerged as one of the most impactful freshmen in the state upon his move from Middle Georgia to Metro.

2027 6-7 W Lukas Romine – Hebron Christian
Lukas got off to a slow start but really found his footing in the second half. Romine was impressive with how he scored the ball. He loved to use spin moves to free himself from defenders and managed to score twice with his left hand. Romine has good size and the frame to play through contact. I thought he did a terrific job on the offensive glass, rebounding the ball at its highest point above the outstretched arms of opposing players. Romine doesn’t have blazing speed with the ball, but with his long strides and sure-handed handles, he consistently was able to maneuver his way to his spots where he either scored or drew fouls. Lukas put up 11 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 5 blocks against Brookwood. He is a bit of a tweener with maybe a slight tilt toward being a stretch-four at the next level instead of a full-time wing, but regardless, Lukas is a strong prospect who will only continue to improve. Emmanuel offered in September.

2027 6-6 W Jaylen Samuel – St. Francis
Following a slow start against Archer, Jaylen nearly led a comeback as he caught fire in the second half. Samuel scored 18 of his game-high 23 points in the second half to go with 4 rebounds and 1 assist in a 60-54 loss. Jaylen got aggressive after halftime, attacking downhill with his agile size. Samuel went 10-13 from the foul line. The wing drained three three-pointers, converted an And-1 drive and scored on a putback. He showed the ability to post up and draw fouls in the third quarter. With his size, Jaylen got clean looks at the basket by elevating the shoot over contests from the mid-range. The bloodline and all the tools are in place for Samuel to cement himself as a D-I/D-II prospect. His sister Savannah played at Oregon State, West Virginia, Boston College and now Georgia Tech. I expect Samuel to swiftly climb up recruiting boards over his final two seasons.

2026 6-1 G Raheem Dyce – Archer
The rock-solid play of Raheem Dyce has kept Archer in most games this season. The senior went for 20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in a 60-54 win over St. Francis, holding off the Knights. Dyce was consistent throughout. Not flashy, Raheem was all about substance as he scored in every quarter including eight points in the final frame to put the game on ice, shooting 4-4 from the foul line. Dyce scored in transition twice including a coast-to-coast And-1 take. He sank two threes and finished with both hands on a pair of drives while his other hoop came off a cut. It has been a major stock-rising senior season for Dyce. Small schools looking for a heady guard that can play on and off the ball while providing a scoring punch from multiple levels should check in.