2029 6-5 G Austin Leonard – Grayson
With ACC and SEC offers already in hand, the star sophomore continued to shine at GBCA Live. Leonard is an extremely well-rounded player. He has a no-nonsense demeanor on the floor, more focused on substance rather than sizzle although highlights come naturally with his game. A big guard, Austin affects games on both ends. He has packed on more muscle since freshman year, using his physicality to defend and rebound in traffic. Leonard’s fluid as a coast-to-coast driver, clearing rebounds immediately looking to push the ball. Austin’s body control when absorbing contact allows him to finish at the rim without difficulty. Strong and bouncy, in a 69-56 win over Dorman, Leonard converted three And-1s. He found points at all three levels, slicing to the cup, knocking down mid-range jumpers and spacing the floor from the corners as he racked up 23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Austin spent time between the 1 and the 2, showing comfortability playing both on and off the ball. Leonard is one of the elite in Georgia. His consistent production and competitive mindset will pin him atop many more High Major recruiting boards.
2029 6-4 W Journey Bowen – Peachtree Ridge
The sophomore has good size and an impressive shooting touch. Journey canned four jumpers against Gadsden City, sinking a pair of threes along with two mid-range shots, one a step-back. His length and shooting touch project well over his next three seasons. He didn’t need to show it in the 47-44 win, but if Bowen can consistently make things happen off the bounce and influence games defensively as well, he could shoot up recruiting boards. Journey posted 12 points and 6 rebounds in the win. He’s a big guard worth tracking.
2029 6-0 G Phillip Claybrooks – Lovett
Claybrooks finished with a flurry to hold off Valdosta 63-60, scoring 15 second half points to finish with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Fresh off his first D-I offer, a Stetson bid coming in early June, Claybrooks’ rise is just beginning. Phillip is a strong guard with good body control. He is able to attack downhill to draw fouls and while doing so, can convert through contact. His point guard skills are growing as he is starting to get tighter with the ball and is expanding his outside shooting range. His motor is a positive attribute.
2029 5-11 G Justin Lamisere – Mt. Bethel
The sophomore buried five threes in a loss to The Villages. Lamisere wore out the corners with his shooting touch, finishing with 17 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist. Justin added in a floater and on the rare occasions he penetrated against The Villages’ length, he displayed the vision to dump off assists to the block.