GBCA Live Session I
Analysis

GBCA Live Session I: Underclassmen Top Performers

Luke Flynn2024 6-0 G Luke Flynn – Walton
One of the most impressive three-point shooting displays of camp belonged to Luke Flynn. The pinpoint marksman buried 6 threes on his way to netting 27 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in a win over FPD. Whenever Flynn had a glimmer of space, it was nothing but net. Aside from his lights out shooting, Flynn showed some toughness when rebounding and attacking the hoop. He went coast-to-coast for one bucket and then converted an And-1 after a big bump. Flynn is well on his way to a memorable career.

2024 6-4 SG Jax Abernathy – Christian Heritage
The Class A-Private Freshman of the Year is never rattled or phased. His steely demeanor on the court is that of a businessman going to work. Game in and game out, Abernathy produces. The all-around star connected on 4 threes in a 20-point, 6-rebound, 3-assist outing against Augusta Christian. Abernathy has the size to get clean looks on the perimeter, the quickness to get to the bucket and the strength and body control to finish through contact. His high IQ and nose for the ball always put him in the right place at the right time.

Elijah Coleman2024 5-8 PG Elijah Coleman – Portal
Not many get to the hoop better in the 2024 class than Elijah Coleman. At 5-foot-8, Coleman is a heat-seeking missile that’s target is the rim. Coleman is incredible at always finding a way to get into the paint. He’s got the ball on a string and squeezes his way into tight spaces where he can avoid shot blockers and draw fouls. He had 4 And-1’s as he went for 25 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals in a win over Whitefield Academy. Coleman is near ambidextrous, finishing extremely well with his left hand. If Coleman can some how squeeze out a few more inches, he will be one of the best recruits in Southeast Georgia. If not, Coleman will still be a worthy collegiate prospect and one of the best players in Class A-Public. After averaging 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5 assists and 4.1 steals as a freshman, Coleman has a chance to be one of the all-time greats at Portal and will have the Panthers in the hunt for a state title every season.

Joseph Thomas2024 6-1 SG Joseph Thomas – Portal
While Elijah Coleman relies on his ability to score at the rim, Joseph Thomas turns to his jump shot for his offense. Thomas is a true shot-maker that can get hot in a hurry. He likes to create space with his jab step and shoot off the dribble. He hit 4 threes and finished with 21 points and 2 blocks. Thomas likes to isolate. He can hit the step-back jumper and also has a spin move to get free downhill. His shot selection can be iffy at times, but Thomas has a scorer’s mentality and has proven to be able to make tough shots.

2024 6-5 F Cannon Richards – Whitefield Academy
Cannon Richards really caught my eyes. He has a lot of tools to work with at a long 6-foot-5. Richards, who just turned 15, has a versatile skill set. He does a great job playing big, high pointing rebounds in traffic and keeping the ball up. He’s a fluid athlete with a pretty jump shot. Richards hit a pair of threes and finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists. Cannon has upside as a combo-forward that can guard multiple positions and also move around on offense.

John McQueen2024 6-5 W John McQueen – WD Mohammed
WD Mohammed had a handful of eye-popping athletes, the most interesting being John McQueen. The sophomore looks nothing like a tenth grader with the ideal body of a college swingman. McQueen has a muscular build that will only get even stronger as he gets older. John utilized a smooth mid-range jumper off the dribble and could finish with a eurostep at the rim. He had 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. McQueen passes the eye test. I will need to see more over the next three seasons.

2024 6-3 PG Kyle Greene – Pace Academy
In from South Carolina, Kyle Greene provides a smooth mature guard that can score the ball in different ways while still playing the role of facilitator. He sank a pair of threes on his way to 13 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. The stat sheet stuffer plays a well-balanced game and can hurt opponents even when he’s not scoring.

Mekhi Turner2024 6-6 F Mekhi Turner – Columbia
I really liked what I saw out of Mekhi Turner, a strong lean big man that can go get rebounds in traffic and score around the block. The lefty has a good feel inside with an idea of what he wants to do. He gets on the offensive glass and can score with either hand. He finishes up close and served as a rim protector on defense, finishing with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

Micah Tucker2025 6-0 PG Micah Tucker – Mt. Pisgah
Listed as a rising freshman, Micah Tucker more closely resembled a senior, playing with great comfortability. Coming from a long line of guards, Tucker looked ahead of his brothers as he coolly dumped in 20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and 1 block. Micah has a nose for the ball and always found himself in the action. He balanced his offensive production with 2 threes and multiple drives to the basket. He crashed the glass on numerous occasions, leading to second chance points.