2023 6-2 C Nathan Rodriguez – NME – North Paulding
The “Big Dog” was dominant again inside for NME. The throwback post player used his strength, soft hands and footwork to score at will inside. Rodriguez doesn’t have the height or length that most post players do, but his knowledge of the game and his nose for the ball allows him to be productive no matter how many inches he is giving up to the opposition. Rodriguez scores with both hands inside and works the pivot as well as anyone in his class. Defensively, he uses his body to deny easy entry passes and fight for position. Any carom that he is able to get his hands on, he gobbles up in traffic. Rodriguez is a habitual producer that is ready for varsity minutes. He posted 17 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block in a 43-36 win over the Atlanta Astros.

2023 6-1 PG Jamichael Davis – We Get Buckets – Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
One half of the bright young duo in North Georgia at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Jamichael Davis is an athletic lead guard that excels in the open floor. He can beat the defense down the court and elevate to finish at the rim. He uses that same athleticism to help out on the glass and to stay in front of ball handlers. Davis will need to refine his outside shot to round out his offensive arsenal, but for now he’s an aggressive scorer that can get downhill. He had 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in an overtime loss to the JC Ducks.

2023 6-2 SG Brent Bowman – We Got Buckets – Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
Bowman had a slow start to the game and scored just two points in the first half, but as the contest went on, he was able to warm up when it mattered most. When he struggled on offense early, he didn’t let it negatively impact his defense. Bowman stood out with his on-ball pressure and effort to keep guards out of the paint. By staying engaged on defense, it helped him gain confidence on offense as he knocked down 2 threes in the second half and finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block. Bowman showed that he could slice into the lane and draw fouls and that he could stretch the floor with his outside shooting. He handled the ball well and has good size on the wing.

2023 5-11 PG Brandon Rechsteiner – Atlanta Xpress – Etowah
On a team loaded with size, athleticism and length, it was floor general Brandon Rechsteiner that was most impressive. The tough-nosed guard buried 3 threes to set the tone early as Atlanta Xpress drilled SBT 58-33. Rechsteiner created his own space on offense, using a crossover to pull-up from distance. He got into the lane as well, splitting defenders up top to free himself for a pretty floater. Later, Brandon took a defender into the post where he knocked down a fadeaway. Rechsteiner has a mature game and scoring touch to be another impact player at Etowah. He had 15 points in the rout.

2023 5-10 PG Ashton Pennamon – JC Ducks – Newton
A true point guard, the JC Ducks are in good hands when Ashton Pennamon has the rock. He’s a solid decision maker and can protect the ball against pressure. He doesn’t try to go for the home run play and instead efficiently executes the right play. He can score when getting into the paint and provides good effort on defense. He had 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 5 steals and 1 block vs. Elite 77.

2023 6-2 W Marcus Whitlock – JC Ducks – Jasper County
Jumping jack MJ Whitlock was all over the glass thanks to his elite leaping ability. A somewhat unassuming skinny guard/swingman, once Whitlock gets off the floor it takes no time to notice that he’s a different type of athlete. He rises above crowds to grab rebounds and stick in put backs. Whitlock was an All-Region selection as a freshman and as he polishes up his game, he will get even better. He had 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block.

2023 7-0 C Gai Chol – Team Forrest – Greenforest
The highly touted big man lived up to his billing with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 4 blocks. Chol has a good frame that has lean muscle. He’s got upside on the low block with his offensive game, able to score over top of defenders. Chol has good foot work and runs the floor well. Gai already holds High Major offers and more should pour in as he approaches his first full season at Greenforest.