2024 6-3 PG Larry Johnson – We All Can Go – Beach
Somewhat of a Cinderella story in Class 3A, taking a trip to the Final Four after entering the state tournament as a four-seed, Beach rode Larry Johnson to a breakout season. No longer a hidden gem, the highlight making rising junior is now an established D-I prospect. Johnson has great size at the point guard position and is a slick creator. He doesn’t need ball screens to operate and is able to get to where he wants consistently. When he decides to get to the rim, he uses a quick first step to explode to the basket. Johnson’s size and athleticism is a scary package as he can elevate to put defenders on a poster. He does a good job of playing through contact, always on the verge of finishing And-1s. Right now, Johnson is at his best getting into the paint. He’s able to stop and hit the pull-up on occasion, but his outside shot is not his go-to. Larry stands to become a very good defender. He anticipates well and does a good job blocking shots when tested. Johnson recorded 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 3 blocks in a 77-64 win over SEBA FCI Warriors. All six of his field goals came on drives while he added 5-5 from the foul line. St. John’s, Oregon and Detroit Mercy have offered. He and Shamarrie Hugie form one of the very best duos in the state.
2023 6-5 W Justin McCarter – SEBA FCI Warriors – Osborne
With big names graduating out of the 2022 class, Justin McCarter looks capable of sliding into a much bigger role offensively at Osborne. McCarter looks longer than when I last saw him. He shined for SEBA against WACG, posting 17 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks. McCarter actively hunted his offense and was a threat from all three levels. He cleared rebounds and pushed coast-to-coast, getting all the way to the rim or pulling up from just inside the three-point line. Downhill, McCarter showed nice extension, able to reach out for layups to avoid any shot blockers. He also utilized a floater. McCarter holds value as a defender with his length and showed it with his ability to contest shots. After averaging 6.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.5 steals as a junior, I foresee the toolsy swingman being an All-Region player and one of the more improved seniors in Georgia.
2024 6-0 PG Zundra Jackson – SEBA FCI Warriors – LaFayette
A breakup with Christian Heritage and a subsequent transfer to LaFayette will lead to a much lighter schedule and many more shot attempts for Zundra Jackson, a really good scoring point guard that continues to get better. Jackson is a dangerous offensive threat that has nice footwork when attacking defenses. He excels in the mid-range and has a very good three-point shot, draining nine long balls over three games in which he averaged 23.3 points per game at the 17U level this weekend. Zundra is good off the bounce, seeing the floor and attacking defenses with his floater if he so chooses to shoot. Jackson creates offense with his passing, getting his teammates the ball where they want it. He had 14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals battling WACG’s imposing backcourt. Expect Jackson to put up big numbers at his new home and flirt with All-State honors. Colleges will want to start tracking.
2023 6-2 G KeShaun Pace – ENG United – Carrollton
KeShaun Pace announced his presence last season at our Fall League, averaging 15.4 points and burst onto the scene as junior, guiding Carrollton to a somewhat improbable Elite Eight run, their best season in years. Pace was an All-Region Honorable Mention selection, a key cog in the Trojans’ balanced attack. KeShaun came up big against AC Georgia Select, finishing with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in a 52-50 victory on Saturday. Pace is an active guard that is shifty to the rim. He has quality height and understands how to exploit weaknesses in defenders. He is a strong finisher in traffic, using eurosteps and step throughs to get to floaters and finger rolls. What stands out about Pace is his well-rounded floor game. He is an aggressive offensive rebounder that will crash the glass if not accounted for. He scored on three putbacks on Saturday. Pace uses that same mentality on defense, having quick hands and feet to stifle opponents. The lefty averaged 14.8 points per game over the weekend and recently picked up his first offer from TAB College Prep. Non-D-I schools should touch base with the 3.65 GPA student. He can help out programs at the next level.
2024 6-2 G Josh Kavel – BCB 16U – Wesleyan
Josh Kavel is just a ball player. You can stick him wherever you want on the floor and he will find a way to get the job done. Listed at 6-foot-2, Kavel is a hustler that provides energy and effort. He’s a strong athlete that gets off the floor well as he outrebounds bigger opponents. In a 52-43 loss to Team Bo Bell, Kavel was a bright spot for BCB with his versatile play. He was effective in the high post, able to turn and hit the mid-range or find the open shooter on the wing. Josh tallied 9 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Coming off a Third Team All-Region selection, Kavel’s jack-of-all-trades role will be an integral centerpiece for Coach Jeremy Oliver.