PRO Resolution
Analysis

PRO Resolution – The Return: Standouts

2022 5-11 PG Christian Yeates – Tucker
High energy guard. Christian Yeates caught my eye with how hard he played. He flew around the floor and made plays all over. Yeates brought great defensive pressure and came away with steals and deflections in the press. On offense, Christian showed the ability to get to the hoop and breakdown the defense. He did a nice job scoring in the paint while still taking the time to find his teammates. He had 10 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and 1 block in a 48-39 win before tallying 9 points, 3 assists and 2 steals in Game 2.

2024 6-3 F Nasir Smith – Grayson
Maybe the biggest eye catcher on the day both literally and figuratively, Nasir Smith’s unique skill set was on full display. The freshman has a big bruising body and looks like a typical post at first glance. But once you see him play, Smith’s nimble feet and comfortability playing on the wing stands out. Smith is all downhill. He plays bully ball when getting to the rim. He will need to play more under control as he picked up a handful of charges, but the big fella was ultra-aggressive all while being one of the youngest players in camp. He put up 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 1 block in Game 1 followed by 8 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block in Game 2. To play inside, Smith will need to add some height, but it sounds like he may be making the full-time transition to guard over the next four seasons. If that is the case, he will need to craft together a jump shot to be effective at the varsity level.

2021 6-2 SG Jy’kevious Searcy – Upson-Lee
A svelte wiry guard, Jy’Kevious Searcy quickly was identified as a shooter as he splashed in 3 threes in his opening game. Searcy fits a need as a floor spacer that can open up driving lanes for teammates. He himself didn’t have too many hard takes to the basket, but Searcy is known for being a very good leaper that can rise over defenders when he gets to the rim. He will play a huge role for the Knights this upcoming season as they return the bulk from last year’s Elite Eight run.

2022 6-0 G Korey Walton – Peachtree Ridge
Korey Walton stood out to me in station work. He’s a very good athlete that attacks out of the triple threat. Walton uses sharp jab steps and a quick first move to get past defenders. He shot the ball well from the perimeter. Walton is a sneaky good prospect to keep an eye on over the next two years for small schools.

2021 5-8 PG Chase Ballard – Lithonia
Possibly the top performer in camp, Chase Ballard was a blur with the ball. The shifty little guard is electric. Ballard is exceptional and wiggling his way through the defense and finishing at the rim with a variety of layup packages, all while making sure his shot doesn’t get blocked. Ballard is a dangerous outside shooter as well and can put defenders in a bind. Do they play up on his shot or sag off? The pick your poison scenario led to a ton of points for Ballard. His speed frustrated opposing ballhandlers as well as he could move laterally to stay in front. Aside from being on the smaller side, there aren’t too many flaws in Ballard’s game offensively. He averaged 13.6 points, 2.9 assists and 2.7 steals at Arabia Mountain and will look to improve upon those numbers at Lithonia.

2021 6-1 PG Shamir Wingfield – Westover
Bam Wingfield showed flashes of his potential throughout camp. He got off to a slow start in the first game I watched but caught fire down the stretch in the second half. The lefty routinely is able to create separation on the perimeter with a tight crossover and can get to his spots in the mid-range. He’s a streaky three-point shooter but his shot has to be honored. Wingfield is skilled at getting into the lane and kicking out to shooters. Wingfield has a chance to lead Westover to a special season in a wide open Class 4A.

2022 6-2 F Zion Powers – Woodville-Tompkins
The activity of Zion Powers caused issues for opponents. Powers earned multiple second chance opportunities on the glass by using his motor and toughness to outrebound bigger players. Powers’ effort allows him to play bigger than his listed size. He did a nice job finishing around the rim and helped alter shots in the paint on defense.

2023 6-5 PF Wes Walker – Woodville-Tompkins
Still raw offensively, Wes Walker showed tons of promise on Sunday. The big man crashed the glass hard and kept rebounds high. He’s got good hands and a nose for the ball that keeps him in the action. He was able to finish up close and drew plenty of attention from opponents trying to block him out. Walker has potential long term. If he continues to work on his offense he could be a big-time piece down on the coast.

2022 6-2 G Stephen Lewis – Stephenson
Maybe my biggest sleeper and player to watch long term. Stephen Lewis really impressed me with his size, athleticism and motor. Lewis is a strong guard that let his natural abilities shine. He made plays on both ends of the ball. He attacked the rim on offense, both with the dribble and on the glass. Lewis still managed to facilitate and get others involved. Stephen’s defense holds a lot of upside. He can guard multiple positions and has the length to disrupt passes and help in the paint. He had 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in a win over the backcourt of Bam Wingfield and Chase Ballard – very impressive.