Georgia's Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic Top Performers
Analysis

Georgia’s Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic Top Performers


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2027 6-6 G MJ Curry – Grayson
No stranger to Grayson as he transfers over from Region 4-6A foe Grovetown, MJ Curry made a statement in his first official game with the Rams as he overwhelmed Pace Academy in a 77-56 win. Curry had special moments throughout the game, highlighting why so many High Major programs popped offers this offseason. MJ drilled five threes as he effortlessly poured in 27 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. The long guard glided his way to the rim when attacking downhill, finishing gracefully when he wasn’t hunting highlight slams. Curry had the dunk of the day, posterizing a defender in transition to ignite the crowd. MJ had three jams as Pace Academy couldn’t get the bouncy junior grounded. With his size, athleticism and outside shot, Curry has all the tools to be a difference maker at the highest level in college. Grayson lost a ton to graduation and transfer but when Curry is as good as he was on Saturday, the Rams don’t miss a beat from where they left off last season.

2029 6-5 G Austin Leonard – Grayson
Auburn and UGA wisely offered the star freshman before he even played his first varsity game. Austin’s stock will only continue to climb as Leonard looked superb for a rookie on the big stage. In the 21-point win over Pace Academy, Leonard went for 12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Throughout the game Austin flashed his next-big-thing upside. A fluid athlete with great size on the perimeter, Leonard was silky smooth getting to his spots. The shot-maker buried a pair of threes and used deft footwork off the bounce, getting to his floater by spinning off defenders. Austin made sure to play both ends of the floor as he helped protect the rim as a shot blocker. In what may be shaping up to be a loaded 2029 class, Leonard is looking like the cream of the crop.

2027 6-7 F Byron Lee – Grayson
I loved what Byron brought to Grayson, helping change the complexion of the game once he entered off the bench. Lee got straight to work in the biggest game of his high school career, pounding away for 10 points, 10 rebounds and 1 steal. Byron was everywhere, the long strong forward crashing the glass relentlessly. Lee’s motor resulted in five buckets in the paint including a putback and a slam dunk. Going up against Pace Academy’s massive front line, Byron was able to impact the game with his nose for the ball and quick leaping ability.

2026 6-9 F Hayden Clay – Pace Academy
The Georgia Southern-commit started the game on fire against Grayson, pouring in 10 quick points. Clay was masterful in the pivot, using elite footwork and patience to score inside. He worked post step-throughs, drop steps, attacked off the dribble with a spin move and netted mid-range turnaround jumpers. He banked in a corner three in the second quarter and in the second half, scored on a high-low feed with a lefty hook. Clay in total posted 17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, shining as Pace Academy’s apparent new go-to guy.

Maddox Melancon2026 6-6 F Maddox Melancon – Dutchtown
Hillgrove was unable to put Dutchtown away after leading 19-11 following the first quarter. The Bulldogs kept chipping away behind reigning Co-Region Player of the Year Maddox Melancon. The physical forward powered his way to buckets inside. Melancon scored on a pair of putbacks, hit a corner three and scored twice in the paint, his last hoop a tough step-through move to give the Dawgs the lead late in the fourth quarter. Melancon excels at playing a rugger brand of basketball, dishing out punishment in the paint. He rebounds in traffic with a workhorse mentality. Maddox finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a 72-71 win.

2028 6-1 G Bryson Jatta – Hillgrove
The reigning Class 6A Freshman of the Year was calm, cool and collected in a narrow 72-71 loss to Dutchtown. Mature beyond his years, Bryson piled in a game-high 23 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Jatta finished with a flurry in crunch time, scoring nine points in the final frame. Bryson has terrific body control, great strength and explosiveness when getting to the hoop. He’s got a well-rounded game, capable of beating defenders from all three levels. He netted a pair of threes and had the rest of his points in the paint as he powered his way for a pair of And-1s. Bryson didn’t take plays off on defense as he was asked to defend Ja’Siah Payne, helping hold the senior to two made field goals. It was an impressive long-awaited first look at Jatta.

2027 6-4 W Landon Grundy – Hillgrove
With tons of stars on both sides, I thought Landon Grundy may have been most impressive considering the amount of fanfare coming in compared to others. Grundy was great as a two-way wing capable of playing four positions. Landon was efficient with his offensive approach on the perimeter. He hit two threes, netted a pull-up jumper and a catch-and-shoot mid-range shot. Grundy had some wiggle off the dribble, utilizing spin moves to free himself downhill. Landon collected 18 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block. Only a junior and with a 4.2 GPA, Grundy should be an attractive prospect over the next 12 months. Edward Waters offered back in September.