Proving Grounds: Standout Juniors

Tomiwa Adetosoye2022 6-2 CG Tomiwa Adetosoye – RH Kings Riley – Chattahoochee
In what may be considered an upset, Tomiwa Adetosoye made big plays throughout in RH Kings Riley’s 69-66 win over eventual champion Team Forrest. Adetosoye has a solid body and is a sneaky good athlete with a quick first step and great leaping ability. When he decided to get to the rim, he was able to get there and finished with both hands. He dropped in two pretty lefty floaters over Team Forrest’s 7-foot frontline.  Tomiwa excelled as a playmaker. When he got into the lane, he was able to find shooters on the perimeter and delivered zip passes. Defensively, Adetosoye was effective as he matched his strength and quickness to shut down driving lines and help out on the glass. He nailed 3 threes and finished with a robust 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. It was a big-time stock up performance for the guard who will likely see a huge increase in minutes for the defending state champs.

2022 5-8 PG Manny Vasquez – RH Kings Riley – Dacula
Three first half three-pointers got Manny Vasquez locked in. He’s a shifty little southpaw that can creep into the lane and finish amongst the trees. He went 6-8 from the line. Vasquez can play fast but stay in control. He was not afraid to compete against Team Forrest’s enormous size and hung a game-high 23 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

Autrey Barnes2022 6-4 W Autrey Barnes – HYPE – Grady
A wiry bouncy wing that plays aggressively, Autrey Barnes shined in a 56-39 win. Barnes crashes the offensive glass with reckless abandon, flying in to earn second chance opportunities. His activity extends to both ends of the floor. He can help protect the rim and earn deflections in passing lanes. He piled up 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

2022 6-5 F Jahkim Payne – HYPE – Creekside
Jahkim Payne is a mobile combo forward capable of playing either position. He’s agile and can attack from the perimeter and uses a eurostep to get free. Payne finishes well around the rim and is a solid athlete. The lefty could stay on the perimeter full time if he develops a consistent three-point shot. He had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

2022 6-6 W Jaylon Taylor – Team Forrest – Buford
Jaylon Taylor is on the verge of becoming a household name. He had 19 points vs. RH Kings Riley and showcased a confident offensive skillset. He hit 3 threes and was effective getting to the basket and finishing up close. Taylor already is a strong defender with his length and ability to alter shots. He could be Buford’s next D-I prospect.

2022 6-1 PG Cristian Willis – Atlanta Nets – Lithia Springs
Moving in from McEachern, Cristian Willis should be thrusted into a major role at Lithia Springs. He’s a strong guard that understands how to draw the attention of the defense. Willis burned RH Kings Williams numerous times with hard dribble drives that led to kick outs to open shooters. Willis even sank 2 threes of his own. He posted 8 points and 5 rebounds.

Khalil Porter2022 6-3 SG Khalil Porter – Atlanta Nets – Pebblebrook
The wiry swingman was unconscious in his first game of the tournament, burying 7 threes. Nearly everything Porter threw up went in. The defense did a poor job of marking him and limiting his breathing space. Porter has a minimum effort shot and stayed hot for the duration of the game finishing with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

2022 6-3 SG Davis McCarn – RH Kings Williams – Providence Christian
McCarn is a long shooting guard that is capable of playing either the 2 or 3. He’s got nice size on the perimeter and can stroke the three-ball when he gets his feet set. McCarn showed some mobility and toughness when attacking the basket. He’s a valuable piece that should play a big part at Providence Christian this upcoming season. He had 11 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist vs. the Atlanta Nets.