Rome News-Tribune Christmas Tournament Semifinals
Analysis

Rome News-Tribune Christmas Tournament Semifinal Standouts

2021 6-7 C Cash Allen – Chattooga
Known for their guard play over the years, now it’s the post play of Cash Allen that makes Chattooga a formidable opponent in Class 2A. Coming off a Final Four appearance, much of the Indian starting five from a year ago has since graduated, but Allen is back to anchor the post. The quarterback on the football team is also the leader of the defense on the hardwood. Allen plays above the rim. While he still needs to polish up his offensive game and stay out of foul trouble, Allen’s physical traits make him wildly effective. He’s a relentless rebounder that plays with great effort. He plays like a barbarian on the court, wildly hunting down rebounds with all arms and legs, daring anyone to try to battle him for loose balls. Allen is a physical presence. He can get deep post position with seals and can power up through defenders. Allen still has room for growth with his footwork and counter moves but as a high motor energy player, he makes up for whatever he lacks in skill with his constant effort. Cash has been coming on strong, getting better and better each year. With football now in the past, once he focuses on basketball full-time he could really see his stock rise, especially considering he will only be 17 at the time of his graduation and already has a college-ready body. His rebounding and defense are slightly ahead of his offense. Allen finished with 12 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal and 4 blocks while drawing three charges, including a game-saver with 5.5 seconds left in a 52-50 win over Rome. Allen’s energy and leadership were the catalyst, helping spark a 24-0 run to erase a 44-26 deficit in the second half.

 

2022 6-1 CG Jaylon Johnson – Chattooga
Stepping into a key role after seeing spotty minutes last year is Jaylon Johnson. With the Indians in need of ball handling, Johnson stepped up in a big way against Rome, handling the pressure and helping get Chattooga into their sets. Never lacking confidence, Johnson delivered on his pregame talk of having a big game. He got the Indians off to a quick start with his drives to the basket and then during their 18-0 open to the fourth quarter, added 6 of his team-high 12 points. Johnson also added 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks. Jaylon gets the majority of his offense getting to the basket. He liked to drive left but would finish with his right hand – something he will need to work on. Johnson connected on floaters in the lane as well. Assuming the lead guard duties, not only did he score, he facilitated and used his length to cause issues on defense. Adding a consistent outside shot will be imperative. The development of Johnson over the next two seasons will go a long way in determining how successful the Indians will be.

2023 5-9 PG Jay’Quan Nelson – Rome
Jay’Quan Nelson provided some quickness and shiftiness in the Rome backcourt. He was a dangerous three-point shooter that burned the defense from deep. He hit 3 threes and finished with 9 points. Though he didn’t do it consistently, when he wanted to, he was able to snake his way into the teeth of the defense and draw a crowd. Nelson is one to keep an eye on over the next three seasons.

2024 6-3 G Braxton Wade – Rome
Coming from a longline of productive Wade guards, Braxton Wade is next in line. He is a steady and heady guard that can play 1-3 in high school. He’s got good size and strength for a freshman. Wade has a mature floor game and understands how to impact games beyond just scoring. He tallied 9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Wade can initiate the offense from the perimeter and even spent some time in the high post. He’s got a bit of a slow release on his outside shot but I like Wade’s future at Rome. He could end up being a college player.

2022 6-4 CG Patrick Shelley – Darlington
I saw Patrick Shelley last season against Bowdon and the athletic guard left me wanting to see more. And after his second showing on Thursday, I still need more but against a higher level of competition. Shelley stands out when he takes the floor in Northwest Georgia. He’s a big guard that plays above the rim. Shelley is all downhill when it comes to his offense. His quick first step and explosion to the basket attracts plenty of fouls. He went 8-10 from the line and finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks in a blowout of Pepperell 62-38, not having to play the fourth quarter. Shelley is a quality playmaker. His dribble drive game draws a crowd and he can kick out to open shooters. I like his upside defensively. His lateral quickness and wingspan can give opposing guards a lot of issues. For Shelley to really break out, he must improve his outside shot. I don’t think he attempted one shot out of the paint vs. Pepperell. Shelley has some similar traits to that of Trinity Christian’s Isaac Brito. He may not be as strong as Brito, but both are great athletes that get to the basket. Shelley just needs more reps against high level competition and must continue to work on his areas of improvement.

2023 6-5 W Szymon Paluch – Darlington
The big Polack is an interesting prospect. He’s physically mature enough to handle the college game already – that comes from his time playing internationally with the Polish national team. He’s a methodical player on the perimeter. He’s got skill but he won’t blow by defenders off the dribble. Paluch can play a grind-it-out style when getting to the basket using his body to bump defenders off him. His best trait however is his three-point shot. He didn’t have a huge game vs. Pepperell, but Paluch is an accurate shooter from well beyond the arc. Paluch, much like the majority of his game, has a deliberate release that he may need to speed up for the next level. Getting accustomed to the speed of play and athleticism of the American game will continue to help him. He had 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks in the blow out. Keep an eye on Paluch, he’s got a lot of intangibles to work with over the course of his career.