2021 6-2 SG Devin Pope – Cross Creek
After leading Cross Creek to their first ever state title, upsetting nationally ranked Sandy Creek in the Class 3A State Championship by scoring a team-high 14 points, Devin Pope was the talk of camp with his explosive leaping ability, outside shot and ability to get to the hoop. Pope is a threat to score from all three levels. He plays bigger than his size with his bounce. Pope proved to be an effective playmaker with the ball in his hands as he was able to get downhill and finish at the rim or kick out to shooters. Pope has quality length and has a solid motor that helps him impact games defensively. Devin has tools that project to the next level. Athleticism and three-point shooting are always coveted. 2021 is a challenging year to be a high school senior, but wherever Pope lands, he will have a very good chance at developing and becoming a key piece in the rotation. D-II programs may want to keep tabs.
2022 6-2 G Stephen Lewis – Stephenson
The athleticism, effort and energy of Stephen Lewis can’t be denied. I was stunned when I watched Stephenson play Miller Grove in the Region 6-4A Championship and Lewis never got off the bench. Talent wise, he could have put Stephenson over the top and helped them take a deep run in a wide-open classification. Lewis has a tremendous motor and makes plays on both sides of the ball. His defense separates him from other guards. He chases down blocks, gathers steals and collects rebounds at an alarming rate for his size. Offensively, Lewis is tough on the glass and does good work in transition when he’s able to get to the rim. Lewis is a true stat sheet stuffer. I will be shocked if he doesn’t have a breakout senior season. He has intangibles that you just can’t teach.
2021 6-0 PG Dylan Bennifield – Mt. Paran
It was my first time watching Dylan Bennifield play. Tucked away at Mt. Paran – not known as a perennial power in Class A-Private – Bennifield carried the Eagles and earned Region 7 First Team honors. Bennifield is a strong athletic guard with tight body control. He does a nice job surveying the defense and picking his spots to score. He can hit the three off the dribble and use that same creative handle to breakdown his defender and get to the rim. Dylan sits down in stance on defense and moves well to stay in front of ball handlers. He drew the attention of D-III programs in attendance.
2022 6-3 SG Ethan Elliott – Warner Robins
Every time I watch Ethan Elliott play, he impresses me more and more. I first saw Elliott last August at Battle For Georgia. Ethan is a very good scorer. He can light it up when he steps on the floor. He shoots well from the three-point line and can also use the one-dribble pull-up to hit from the mid-range. A year ago I remarked how Ethan has sneaky good athleticism and ball handling. Those two traits have gotten even better. Elliott has no issue finishing with dunks on drives to the hoop and can beat his man off the dribble when needed. With his scoring prowess and continued growth, I think D-III schools will be all over him this time next year and it wouldn’t surprise me if some D-II schools show interest in the high academic 4.0 student.
2021 5-9 PG Chase Ballard – Stephenson
Chase Ballard always flourishes in camp settings. He’s able to play free and loose and use his blinding speed and well-rounded offensive game to torch opponents. Ballard is a blur when getting to the basket. He’s adept at finishing through the trees. Chase is shifty quick on the perimeter. He’s extremely hard to corral and when he’s locked in with his three-point shot, it’s tough to slow him down. The only knock on Ballard is his size. Whichever school is brave enough to overlook his height will be better for it.
2022 6-2 G Lorenzo Johnson Jr. – Warren County
At camp settings, sometimes all it takes is one or two flash plays to catch the eye of college coaches and media. Lorenzo Johnson provided a few. He’s a big-time athlete that can absolutely tear down the rim and put defenders on posters. Add in that he has some ball skills and a three-point shot, and Johnson certainly warrants a closer look his senior season.
2021 6-3 SG Alpha Diallo – Collins Hill
Wingspan is a popular term when breaking down prospects for the next level and Alpha Diallo certainly has eye-catching wingspan. Diallo is long and uses his length well especially on defense. He gets into passing lanes and blocks shots. Diallo is capable of slinking his way to the hoop on drives and has a solid outside shot. He could project as a 3&D guy at the next level.
2021 5-9 PG Ronnie Striggles – Butler
Ronnie Striggles is elusive with the ball. He is lightning fast and has jitterbug quickness. He can get into the lane at will and draw defenders before assisting to the open man. Striggles constantly puts pressure on the defense. He is a true point guard that can facilitate off the dribble. Striggles showed off a nice mid-range jumper and has room to expand his range. What stands out about Striggles is his toughness. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and will never back down from a challenge.