Newest @UGABasketball signee @Tyefagan (@UpsonLeeSports) talks about the process which led him to becoming a D-I player today.@DawgNation @DawgNationDaily pic.twitter.com/HFJuJQtNDa
— W3 Studio (@w3studioatl) May 11, 2018
Coach Darrell Lockhart announces that @Tyefagan’s No. 24 will never be worn again at @UpsonLeeSports pic.twitter.com/8H8W40Zblf
— Kyle Sandy (@KyleSandy355) May 12, 2018
Atlanta Jam, GA Cup IV, Lake Point Classic recaps [1:40]
Power ranking all classifications for playoffs? [11:24]
Unified basketball champion? [18:53]
Class A-Public baseball ruling and amateurism in HS sports [26:30]
Cherokee County a basketball county? It hasn’t been one for a longgg time. That is changing however. The cavalry is on the way in the form of the 14U Deep South Blue Devils and 16U Cherokee Legacy. The Deep South Blue Devils executed to precision. A program that has racked up the wins, its exciting to see what they can do at the high school level next year. 2022 6-4 C Jared Russo (River Ridge) shined in a 67-62 win over Pro One Select White. The big man finished with 22 points, showing a soft touch around the basket and even knocking down a three. Russo never seemed rushed in the post and showed some nice finishes, including a turnaround jumper. He already is in the weight room preparing his body for the rigors of high school competition. He will need to crash the glass harder and become more of a two-way player. Russo will likely see major minutes as a freshman for River Ridge, a program that hasn’t sniffed .500 since Nick Masterson’s graduation in 2014.
6-3 F Caleb Richardson looked good off the bench for the Blue Devils, putting up 13 points and 5 rebounds as a skilled stretch-four. He knocked down two threes.
A lot of the talent in Cherokee County is starting to accumulate at Cherokee, where Class 7A Freshman of the Year Tai Owens and 6-foot-6 center Johnny Sweeney already reside. The Deep South Blue Devils are set to send 6-3 G Brandon Drummer and 6-1 G AJ Swann to the Warriors while 16U Cherokee Legacy already has 6-5 F Zack Vickers and nearly the rest of their entire roster in place. Drummer is a big guard that can make plays going downhill. He had 10 points, 6 assists and 3 steals against Pro One. Swann, a rising QB prospect, can hit the three-ball and competes on defense. He had 11 points. Vickers, a Region 4-AAAAAAA Second Team selection, posted 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block in a 78-67 win over HypeSouth.
Maybe the best rising freshman in the county is 5-11 SG DJ Potts-Heard. Potts-Heard played up this week with 16U Cherokee Legacy and didn’t disappoint, providing his trademark three-point shooting. He has dominated in his own 14U division, most notably going for 24 points in the Atlanta Jam championship. He is a smooth scorer that has a bright future. Potts-Heard is currently undecided as to where he will attend high school, with private schools already in the mix.
HypeSouth battled with just five men this week. Their top two players came from the backcourt. 2020 6-2 CG Bryson Wooten (Jones County) stuffed the stat sheet. He collected 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals in a 52-46 win over BCB followed by going for 20 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in a 78-67 loss to Cherokee Legacy after having to play the final 7:30 of the game with just four players. Wooten has a nice quick first step and explosion to the basket. He has a high motor and likes to put his finger prints all over games whether its defensively up top or creating offense on the other side. As good as Wooten was, his inability to finish drives haunted him this week. He missed at least five layups from point blank range that should have been finished. Call it fatigue or maybe just bad luck. Once he can convert those, Wooten has a chance to really pick up some steam. He averaged 6.9 points at Jones County as a sophomore and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him double that total next season.
2021 6-2 SG Kowacie Reeves Jr. (Westside-Macon) finished with 17 points and 20 points in the two games I saw, drilling 7 threes in the process. Reeves cashed in on his first offer yesterday, picking up a bid from Florida. When Reeves is hot, he can carry a team. When he’s not, he needs to find a way to still positively affect the game. The scouting report is already out on the freshman: Don’t let him get an open look from three. When teams start running him off the line, he must make them pay whether it be getting all the way to the basket for a layup or a floater or making the right drive-and-kick pass to the next open shooter. Defensively, Reeves has active hands that help him deflect passes and collect steals. It is easy to forget that he is only a freshman after already logging monster minutes with Westside-Macon and playing up this week. Having the lethal weapon of a three-point shot at his age is a major boon and once he gets stronger and more assertive on the dribble drive, Reeves will be in play as one of Middle Georgia’s brightest players.
16U Cherokee Legacy saw 5-11 PG Alphonso Meadows (Sprayberry) kick it into high gear against HypeSouth. Meadows played within the flow of the game and found the right spots to be aggressive. He finished with a game-high 23 points to go along with his 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. He was strong with the dribble and orchestrated the Cherokee Legacy offense. He hit some tough shots in the paint and hit two three-pointers. Meadows’ game wasn’t overly flashy, but it got the job done.
17U Justus League rolled with the experienced backcourt of 2018s 5-11 PG Nayari Dampier (North Cobb) and 5-8 PG Roscoe Spruill (South Cobb). The two-headed monster led Justus League to a 79-49 romp of the Georgia Stunners. Dampier drilled four threes on his way to 14 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Spruill, a stout speed merchant, posted 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. Spruill thrived in transition, outracing the defense and making the right decision on whether to take it himself or find shooters. Both guards have been in the weight room and have the muscle to help out which ever programs pick them up.
2020 5-11 CG Chandler Minton (Mt. Pisgah) and 2019 6-1 SG Cameron Gwyn (Chestatee) went at it in 17U Team Recruit’s 69-49 win over Inspire Atlanta. Though he was on the short end of the scoreboard, Minton did everything he could to keep Inspire Atlanta competitive. Built like a running back, Minton poured in 29 points (3 threes) and grabbed 6 rebounds. He was the only player that could consistently create his own shot, getting it from beyond the arc and when putting his head down an attacking, finishing 6-of-7 from the foul line. Minton averaged 10.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game as third fiddle at Mt. Pisgah.
Gwyn got Team Recruit off to a hot start, knocking down four threes over the first three quarters of play. He finished his day with 21 points. When left open, Gwyn often made Inspire Atlanta pay. He was a Region 7-AAAA Honorable Mention selection this year and should be asked to carry the load his senior season after the Class of 2018 graduates eight members.
2019 6-0 PG Myles Todd (Pace Academy) is taking all the steps this offseason to have a breakout year at the helm of the Knights. Todd has been a habitual producer with the Ballin Blazers so far, running the show at point guard and showcasing his scoring and his ability to run a team. Todd put up 11 points, 5 assists and 3 steals in a win over Sports Academy South and controlled the game. His quickness allowed him to get to the rim in a hurry. Todd has no other choice but to step up his senior year. With Pace Academy currently devoid of any D-I names, Todd has to be a consistent leader. He has shown flashes in years past, but also showed a tendency to take a backseat role in some bigger games while freshman Josh Mininberg took some minutes. As the only returning senior from last year’s roster, its Todd’s time to shine.
He didn’t have the sexiest stat line and he may never reach his potential, but 17U Sports Academy South’s Jahleel Roundtree (Burke County) has the raw tools to become a college recruit. At 6-foot-6, the 2019 wing can wreak havoc with his long arms and athleticism. He tallied 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks against the Ballin Blazers, pretty much right at his season average this high school season with Burke County where he averaged 7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks per game. Roundtree can get you the occasional highlight dunk, but he must get more aggressive on offense and do some more individual skill training. Right now, he is more of a versatile glue-guy with a focus on defense, using his frame and energy to make an impact. From the game I saw, he is still far off from becoming a go-to-guy on offense and is more of a passive slasher and a guy who can clean up some misses around the rim. Burke County graduates their top three scorers ahead of Roundtree, so he should have every opportunity to showcase his all-around game his senior season. If he can develop a jump shot (attempted 0 threes; 44% FT shooter), he could turn into a talented late bloomer in Waynesboro. If not, his ceiling will be however far his defense can take him.
2021 6-4 G Kalib Clinton (Jackson County) has only played two years of organized basketball, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by the way he plays. Clinton was a major stock riser this weekend as he brought the energy to 16U BCB. Playing up didn’t affect Clinton’s ability to be productive. After averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman, Clinton was right back at it, tallying 14 points and 9 rebounds. Clinton is a smooth athlete with bounce that can get to where he needs to go on the floor. He is more of a slasher right now, but he showed he can hit some tough mid-range jumpers in traffic. When he put his head down and got to the basket, if he was met with resistance he made the right play of kicking it out instead of forcing it. His lateral quickness projects him to become a lockdown defender. Clinton has a high ceiling and with year-round coaching, he is heading in the right direction.
Although I wasn’t able to catch his entire game, I fell in love with 14U Eightball Elite’s 6-2 C Sedrick O’Neal (Maynard Jackson). O’Neal will be heading into his freshman year and should be able to make an immediate impact for Coach Travis Williams. O’Neal was an absolute monster in Eightball Elite’s run to the championship. He dumped in 21 points in a statement win over the Georgia Kings and followed up with 26 points in the title game. O’Neal checks all the boxes for a big man. He is physical and strong with great hands. He knows how to use his body and can score around the rim with a variety of drop steps. He was a double-double machine, gobbling up every rebound and even showed that he can handle the ball enough to ignite his own fast breaks. He has an easy, yet explosive elevation that reminds me of ELCA’s Jamaine Mann’s, that helps him rise above the rest and alter/block countless shots. O’Neal was a man amongst boys. If he is able to grow a few more inches, watch out. With Maynard Jackson graduating their top three scoring options, I wouldn’t be surprised to see O’Neal grab major minutes from Day 1 alongside 2020 post 6-foot-5 Timpia Ogoun. The two could form one of the best defensive front courts in the area and could blossom together.
Here is a rundown of some transfers I have heard through the grapevine and a summary of what the additions mean. If you know of anymore or any that are incorrect, please shoot me a tweet @KyleSandy355, leave a comment or email kylesandy355@gmail.com
Thanks!
SR Alea Spears – 5’6″ – (Mountain View to Brookwood)
JR Malia Grace – 6’2″ – (Brookwood to Grayson)
JR Jalyn Bell – 5’8″ – (Brookwood to Parkview)
SR Kennedy Powell – 5’10” – (St. Francis to Roswell)
SO Makala Torrence – 5’6″ – (South Gwinnett to Roswell)
SR Diamond Swift – 5’4” – (Newton to Rockdale County)
SR Markiema Lancaster – 5’10” – (Johns Creek to Northview)
SR Meghan Schneller – 5’6” – (Christian Heritage to Dalton)
SR Kelsey Schneller – 5’6” – (Christian Heritage to Dalton)
SR Destiny Thomas – 6’3″ – (Tri-Cities to Forest Park)
SO Logan Wiggins – 6’1″ – (North Forsyth to Chestatee)
JR Ansley Hall – 5’6″ – (Prince Avenue Christian to North Oconee)
SR Paris Mullins – 6’3″ – (Westlake to Henry County)
SR Maddie Thomas – 5’11” – (Banks County to Cherokee Bluff)
JR Madi Phillips – 6’1″ – (White County to Cherokee Bluff)
SR Brooklynn Talton – 5’7″ – (Westside-Macon to Central-Macon)
JR Antalazia Baker – 5’9″ – (Woodville-Tompkins to Johnson-Savannah)
JR Heather Vaughan – 5’5″ – (Habersham Central to Banks County)
SO Atta Diop – 6’2″ – (SACA to KIPP Atlanta)
SR Jakiyah Parker – 5’8″ – (Richmond Academy to Josey)
JR Amani Jones – 5’6″ – (Cross Creek to Josey)
SR India Bellamy – 6’1” – (Dutchtown to ELCA)
SO Keslynn Oxendine – 5’7″ – (Woodland-Stockbridge to ELCA)
JR Taylor Greene – 5’7″ – (Taylor County to Marion County)
SO Ali Rumpel – 6’0″ – (Starr’s Mill to Athens Academy)
JR Alanni Brown – 5’9″ – (North Gwinnett to Wesleyan)
JR Savannah Samuel – 6’1″ – (River Ridge to St. Francis)
JR Eliza Snyder – 5’10” – (St. Francis to Lakeview Academy)
SR Jazmin Grayson – 5’7″ – (Oak Grove, MS to Woodville-Tompkins)
JR Kemia Ward – 6’1 – (McEachern to Holy Spirit Prep)
Alea Spears brings help at the guard position for Brookwood, coming in from Mountain View where she was a Region 6-AAAAAAA Second Team selection. The 5-foot-6 ball handler averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
6-foot-2 junior Malia Grace transfers from Brookwood to Grayson. Grace is an imposing figure inside with a physical frame. She averaged 9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game with the Broncos.
2020 5-foot-8 point guard Jalyn Bell departs Brookwood for bitter rival Parkview. Bell, an athletic defensive specialist, will look to provide ball handler and some scoring in the backcourt for a Parkview team with a young and talented front court. As a sophomore, Bell averaged 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
The addition of Second Team All-Region selection Markiema Lancaster from Johns Creek to reigning Region 7 champion and back-to-back state semifinalist Northview gives the Titans one of the best starting fives on paper in the classification. At 5-foot-10, Lancaster brings a much needed extra ball handler to the roster. A versatile piece with the length and quickness reminiscent to that of former Northview star and current Mercer Bear Shannon Titus, Lancaster can ignite her own fast breaks off the glass and will chip in defensively. Lancaster needs to keep her head up while dribbling. She can tend to have her eyes down when pushing the ball up the court, but once her focus is in front, she has a nice passing touch.
All-State point guard Ansley Hall heads to North Oconee after leading Prince Avenue to their best season in school history. The stat sheet stuffer provides the Titans with a dynamic ball handler that makes her teammates better.
New program Cherokee Bluff will look to build a tradition with the help of Maddie Thomas, a big time winner while at Banks County where she was an All-Region Honorable Mention selection. Thomas will provide outside shooting and length on defense for the Bears.
Brooklynn Talton makes the move from Westside to Central-Macon for her senior season. With the Seminoles, Talton was a rebounding machine, pulling down 11.6 per game. She also added 5.9 points and 2.4 steals per contest.
Heather Vaughan leaves Habersham Central for Banks County after averaging 15 points per game as a sophomore. The 5-foot-5 guard was Region 8-AAAAAA Honorable Mention. She also made the All-Region Tournament Team. She will provide shooting and ball handling for a Banks County team coming off a 25-win season.
India Bellamy returns to ELCA after spending a year at Dutchtown where she earned Class 5A All-State Second Team Honors after averaging 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3 steals per game. She now joins forces with international sensation Weronika Hipp, who averaged over 24 points per game as a freshman. The duo should become one of the best inside-out punches in the state and instantly boost ELCA into becoming a legit Final Four contender.
Taylor Greene provides some much needed outside shooting to Marion County. Greene should see good looks throughout the season as defenses key in on stopping the Eagles’ dominant post play.
Sophomore Ali Rumpel will provide a physical low block presence that can score around the rim and protect the paint at Athens Academy. Rumpel, 6-foot, was named Region 3-AAAAA Freshman of the Year at Starr’s Mill after averaging 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. She will pair up with fellow 2021 forward 5-foot-10 Rose Bone to form a strong, talented, bruising frontcourt.
Wesleyan’s annual reload starts with Alanni Brown of North Gwinnett. Brown, 5-foot-9, was a Region 6-AAAAAAA Honorable Mention selection her sophomore season after averaging 12 points per game.
After breaking out as a Class AAAAAA All-State star at her home school River Ridge, the well traveled 6-foot-1 junior Savannah Samuel bounces to her third school in three years joining St. Francis. Samuel averaged 20.1 points and 5.7 rebounds as a versatile inside-out wing. Samuel picked up a Virginia Tech offer in July but to keep her recruitment momentum she will now have to fit into a much different role at St. Francis.
The transfer market bites McEachern for once as 6-foot-1 post Kemia Ward transfers to Holy Spirit Prep. Ward will head to the GISA with freshman sister Kaela. Kemia reclasses to 2020 after seeing her season end short with an injury. Ward is a physical and athletic rim protector which will be sorely missed at McEachern.
