Jefferson Team Camp
Girls Analysis

Jefferson Team Camp: Day 1 Top Performers

Lexi Pierce2023 5-5 PG Lexi Pierce – Lumpkin County
With Averie Jones sidelined with an injury and Isabel Davenport at North Georgia, it was Lexi Pierce’s turn to run the show for Lumpkin County. The Indians didn’t miss a beat as Pierce shined on both ends of the floor. Once known more for her ball handling and defensive presence, Pierce has improved her offense each and every year. She shot the ball extremely well in the final game of the day, sinking 6 threes as she finished with 22 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Pierce shoots with confidence using a smooth stroke to torch the defense. She provided tough on-ball defense and helped organize the offense. Pierce looks more than ready to fill the offensive void left behind by Davenport. Lexi and Averie should keep Lumpkin County near the top as one of the best three-point shooting teams in the state and an early favorite to play for a state title. Pierce has drawn interest from D-III programs headlined by Berry College. Only a junior, I could see D-II schools eventually getting in the mix.

Mary Mullinax2023 5-10 W Mary Mullinax – Lumpkin County
A two-way player that provides energy, length and athleticism, Mary Mullinax is a versatile piece that can play inside and out. She has nimble footwork when attacking from the perimeter, able to get to the basket. Her main offense in the past has come via slashes to the hoop, but her outside shot has improved and will be a key weapon in her arsenal. Mullinax hit a pair of threes and finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 steals and 2 blocks. Defensively, she can guard multiple spots and is able to fly in for rebounds.

Kate Jackson2023 6-0 PF Kate Jackson – Lumpkin County
Back from an ACL tear, Kate Jackson will provide a powerful presence in the low post. Lumpkin County made it a point to establish Jackson inside, something the Indians were unable to do last year. Jackson scored with power moves, going into the chest of defenders and finishing with hook shots and up and unders. Jackson drew attention on the block and was able to kick the ball back out to open shooters, a dimension in the offense that will lead to even more open looks outside. Kate can also help space the floor and draw out defenders to open driving lanes for her guards. Kate hung 18 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals and 3 blocks vs. North Murray.

Erin Whalen2023 5-10 W Erin Whalen – North Forsyth
Erin Whalen made a name for herself with her versatility on offense and her hustle on defense. Whalen could play either the wing or stretch-four. She showed the ability to hit from the mid-range and could turn steals into coast-to-coast finishes. Whalen was on the floor for loose balls and was impactful as a rebounder. She tallied 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block in a win over Loganville.

Maddie Erickson2022 6-1 C Maddie Erickson – North Forsyth
The physical defensive stalwart played well in front of Flagler College. Erickson is a rugged rebounder that loves to bang inside. While her defense is still ahead of her offense, she’s shown signs of progression with her back to the basket. Erickson scored on a reverse layup and attempted some hook shots in the lane. Maddie is one of the best post defenders in Georgia and has played against a high level of competition over the course of her career.

2022 6-1 C Tamori Plantin – Buford
Tamori Plantin had a nose for the ball on Monday, gobbling up rebounds and scoring around the rim. She is a strong post presence that blocks out and attacks caroms. In Buford’s press, Plantin moved well laterally to help pick off steals. She had 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals vs. North Forsyth.

2024 5-8 CG Ava Grace Watson – Buford
The game comes easy to Ava Grace Watson, a blue-chip prospect with High Major offers. What stood out aside from her ball handling and outside shot was just how quick she was to every loose ball. Watson is always one step ahead of the opposition and understands how to use her savvy to her advantage. Down eight points at halftime to North Forsyth, Watson scored eight points in the second half to guide Buford to a 35-33 win. Watson tallied 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals. Ava is capable of taking over games, but never forces her offense and plays within the Buford system, putting the team first before herself.

Riley Allison2022 5-9 SG Riley Allison – Chestatee
One of the best surprises of the day was the play of Riley Allison. Bubbles had everything working in a 25-point outburst which saw her bury 4 threes. Allison is a nimble off-guard with length and quickness. She can defend 1-3 and can harass primary ball handlers. When her feet were set, Riley cashed in from beyond the arc. When defenders over pursued, she was able to slash to the basket. The Union County move-in should be a huge boon for Coach Sutton Shirley.

Nia Anderson2023 5-5 PG Nia Anderson – Peachtree Ridge
Small in stature, Nia Anderson didn’t have any issue weaving through defenders and getting to where she wanted to go. Anderson is a good ball handler that can wriggle out of traps and get downhill. She’s a crafty finisher that can convert tough scoop shots in traffic. Nia plays with a consistent energy that makes plays all over the floor. She had 7 points, 8 rebounds and 1 steal vs. White County before adding 10 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals vs. Gainesville.

Anna Smith2022 5-7 G Anna Smith – Peachtree Ridge
What stands out about Anna Smith is her pursuit of the ball. She’s always in a position to make a play. Smith has good timing when it comes to jumping passing lanes, getting points in transition. Anna isn’t very flashy but is very effective. She had 8 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal in Game 1 before exploding for 19 points and 1 steal in Game 2. Most of Smith’s points came on drives, but she also knocked down a handful of jumpers.

2022 5-10 W Kendyl Cantrell – White County
I liked the size and strength of Kendyl Cantrell. She’s a sturdy wing that has enough toughness to mix it up inside. The lefty is a threat to score from the mid-range. She competes on the glass and can alter shots inside. She finished with 4 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks vs. Peachtree Ridge.

Naomi Roberts2023 5-10 F Naomi Roberts – White County
Among the best players in camp, Naomi Roberts made a positive impression when she was on the floor. She is an inside-out threat that rebounds and scores around the rim. On Monday, it was her perimeter play that shined. She looked comfortable off the bounce and made plays getting to the rim where she finished with both hands. Roberts made nice reads as a passer and knew when to drive and kick. Her mobility plays a big part in her versatility. She’s quick enough to guard multiple positions and isn’t a liability when switched onto a guard. Roberts did a little bit of everything with 4 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

Deshona Gaither2022 5-8 G Deshona Gaither – Jefferson
The dynamic athleticism of Deshona Gaither was athleticism. She’s a nuisance on defense, atop the press moving sideline to sideline and using her quick hands to swipe away steals. Gaither has cat-like instincts and can pounce on bad passes and turn them into layups. Her offense came in the paint on slashes to the hoop. Deshona had some heady finishes, jump stopping off two-feet to finish through contact for And-1s. She also displayed a floater and hit a three-pointer. Against Franklin County she compiled 25 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 6 steals.

Ellie Kinlaw2022 5-7 G Ellie Kinlaw – Jefferson
Ellie Kinlaw is a threat to score from all three levels. She loves her jump shot which plays from the mid-range out to beyond the three-point line. When she gets to the rim, she has the strength to finish through contact. Kinlaw had 17 points, 2 rebounds and 4 steals. Much like Gaither, Kinlaw wasn’t afraid to stick her nose into scrums and wrestle away 50/50 balls.

2025 5-4 PG Emeri Billings – Jefferson
One for the future, I like young Emeri Billings’ feel for the game. She more than held her own and was effective as a sparkplug in the backcourt. Billings pushed the ball up the floor and found the open man. She could go coast-to-coast and finish without having her shot blocked. Her most impressive move was a step-back three-pointer off the dribble. Billings will be a name we will hear about more and more down the road.

2023 5-7 G Britiya Curtis – Calhoun
Britiya Curtis is an athletic guard with long arms for her size. She’s wiry and active. Jefferson held her scoring in check, but Curtis still managed to impress with her court vision. She could toss pitch ahead passes right on the money, leading to transition points. Curtis had 7 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists and 2 steals.

2023 5-5 PG Keke Jones – Gainesville
Keke Jones was fearless as Gainesville’s primary ball handler. She could take the ball all the way to the hoop and provided toughness as a rebounder. Jones had 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Sydney Bolden2022 5-9 CG Sydney Bolden – Loganville
It was a defensive struggle between Loganville and North Forsyth. While Bolden couldn’t get on track with her offense, she still was able to be a playmaker with her defense. Bolden recorded 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 1 block. Her quickness and effort on defense allow her to competently defend different positions.

Paris Gaye2023 5-6 PG Paris Gaye – Franklin County
Paris Gaye really caught my eye as a sleeper. She’s a solid point guard that has some shiftiness to her game from time to time. Gaye doesn’t hunt her offense that much but when she shoots, she’s efficient. Paris got to the rim twice and buried two pretty threes as she scored 10 points against Jefferson.