North Georgia Fall League Standouts
Analysis

North Georgia Report Fall League Standouts

Matthew Ray 2024 6-2 SG Matthew Ray – North Hall
Ray stood out with his length, frame and most importantly his shooting. He drilled five threes with a quick release. Ray has wiry strength and should be able to pack even more muscle on his already athletic frame. Only a sophomore, he has a chance to progress into a really good player. Smaller schools may want to check back in a few years.

Elijah Gaddy2022 6-2 W Elijah Gaddy – North Hall
Two rim-rocking slams got the crowd into the game and Elijah Gaddy’s name into my scouting report. Even before showing off his impressive bounce, the lefty caught my eye with his scoring prowess. While it looked unorthodox at times, Gaddy was able to keep defenders off balance and attack from all three levels. Gaddy scored off the dribble from the mid-range and elevated to finish at the rim. He was an effective rebounder that used his motor and leaping ability to his advantage.

2022 6-4 F Robert Terry – North Hall
Robert Terry looks like a football player inside with his chiseled physique. He has the strength to battle on the glass and the athleticism to snatch rebounds and finish above the rim. Terry does a good job cleaning up misses inside and on defense is a capable shot blocker.

2022 6-1 G Zach Oechsle – Oconee County
The Warriors arrived 40 minutes late to their game and Zach Oechsle came off the bench, but it didn’t take him long to get into a groove and carry Oconee County in a tough 64-58 loss. Oechsle is a talented offensive player. He’s strong when getting downhill, able to embrace contact and finish in traffic. His strength helps him be ball-strong against pressure and limit turnovers. Oechsle is a very good three-point shooter both off the catch and off the dribble. He plays with great energy, flying around for rebounds and picking up multiple steals each game. With elite academics, Oechsle will have plenty of options to play at the next level.

2022 5-11 PG Amorie Birston – Oconee County
Amorie Birston really made an impact with his speed, pushing the ball in transition. He can weave in and out of traffic and find open shooters that sprint to the three-point line. Birston can also take it himself. He’s a good penetrator and has a nice pull-up jumper from the mid-range.

JC Curry2022 6-4 SG JC Curry – Hart County
In a lopsided 85-53 win over 2024 Norcross Heat, JC Curry threw down three monster dunks as he finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Curry has started to garner D-I interest, picking up his first offer from Jacksonville State in June. He has all the natural tools to become a successful player at the next level. His size, explosive athleticism and his outside shooting give him a high ceiling. Curry first got on my radar back as a rising sophomore. He’s no longer a secret and is in line for a breakout season.

Tahj Johnson2023 6-7 W Tahj Johnson – Hart County
Teeming with potential, Tahj Johnson showed the full package on Saturday, doing whatever he wanted to as he piled in 29 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 blocks. Johnson stayed aggressive and knew there was no one on the young Norcross Heat roster that could guard him. Johnson attacked off the dribble and gracefully finished at the rim when he wasn’t shaking the backboard with one of his multiple dunks. Tahj shot the ball with confidence, nailing four threes. When he has his outside shot working and hunts his offense, it’s easy to see why he’s such an intriguing prospect for D-I schools. He’s a quick leaper and has added muscle to his frame. For Hart County to remain a threat in Class 3A, Johnson has to play with the same mindset he has in the fall.

2022 5-11 CG Justin Birch – Lanier
Perimeter scorers are always in need. Justin Birch is just that. He provides a shot in the arm with his outside shot making. He shoots exceptionally well off the dribble, able to pull from the mid-range and three-point line. In the first half against East Hall, he drilled three three-pointers en route to 13 points. With Andrew McConnell now at James Madison, expect Birch to see even more opportunities to score the ball alongside a talented sophomore class.