Hounds Holiday Hoop Classic Top Performers
Analysis

Hounds Holiday Hoop Classic Top Performers


PRO Movement
Store Banner

 

2025 6-3 G Caesar Burrows – Walton
With Wofford-signee Luke Flynn sidelined, Caesar Burrows had no issue stepping into the limelight to lead Walton past Seckinger 66-48. Burrows did a little bit of everything, showcasing a well-rounded offensive attack and overall floor game. He excelled at getting to the rim in isolation settings, able to patiently maneuver his way downhill while absorbing contact. Burrows kept defenders off balance with his sly game, scoring with pull-up jumpers and backdoor cuts. Caesar sank three three-pointers and scored off three cuts. When he wasn’t looking to score, Burrows was able to read the defense and find the open man. He didn’t need much space or even the perfect angle to deliver on-the-money assists. Burrows, who picked up a Chattanooga offer in August, finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

2025 6-2 G Kaeden Gilstrap – Walton
Fresh off the football field, Gilstrap, a three-sport athlete that plays quarterback and third base, gave the Raiders an immediate boost off the bench. Kaeden instantly passes the eye test. He’s a big guard with a strong frame and difference-making athleticism. Gilstrap had some impressive moments when he put the ball on the deck, craftily attacking the hoop with spin moves and able to finish through contact. He also knocked down a straightaway three and scored on a high-low post up. Gilstrap compiled 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His athletic versatility will play dividends for the Raiders on both ends of the floor.

2027 6-6 F CJ Jordan – Walton
Making his varsity debut, CJ Jordan looked good in his brief stints. Another football quarterback, Jordan has intriguing upside on the hardwood. He has great size and mobility at a young age. CJ converted an And-1 rolling on a ball screen and later ran the floor for a hoop in transition. What stood out to me was how easily Jordan got off the ground to finish. He has a standing vertical that allows him to catch and dunk quickly.  When Jordan caught the ball away from the basket, he was calm and made good decisions as a passer. Defensively, he holds upside to become an intimidating shot blocker. CJ posted 5 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block. Jordan is a name to know moving forward.

2024 6-5 F Cal Liston – Lassiter
Cal possesses the skill to play both inside and out. He’s leaned up a ton over the course of his career and his new found nimbleness has helped him transition to the wing. Liston is a reliable banger in the post that can score with his back to the basket. If a larger defender guards him, he’s a threat to open up the floor on the perimeter with his three-point shot and has enough ball skills to get downhill. Liston netted a pair of threes as part of his 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in a 53-35 win over South Forsyth. Covenant College has offered.

2026 6-5 F Will Griffis – Lassiter
I really liked what I saw from Will Griffis. The young post asserted himself once he came off the bench and played a key role in putting the game out of reach, scoring all of his points in the second half as Lassiter went from leading 24-15 at the break to blowing out South Forsyth 53-35. Will’s activity and old school offensive approach wore down the War Eagles. He did a nice job sealing for position and implemented a soft touch in the paint, showcasing a hook shot. Will hunted down offensive rebounds and vacuumed up second chances. While Griffis is a bit on the thinner side, his functional strength shone through, gathering rebounds in traffic and being ball strong on the block when double teams came. Will tallied 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block.

2025 6-0 G Keith Banks – Seckinger
A third quarter flurry from Keith Banks was a glimmering bright spot for Seckinger. The lefty broke loose scoring a contested floater, a three and finishing an And-1 in transition. Banks has strength and toughness built into his frame. When he gets a head of steam, he can be tough to stop and can score in bunches. Keith finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in a loss to Walton.

2024 6-4 W Brandon Mankin – South Forsyth
Saddled with foul trouble, Mankin was able to produce when he got the ball. A power wing that plays inside and out, Brandon uses his strength to barrel to the rim and score through contact. Mankin has good footwork off the dribble, his best moment coming via a spin move downhill scoring an And-1 with his left hand. Brandon finished with 5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 blocks. His toughness and positional versatility on both ends are important for South Forsyth.