2023 6-2 C Nathan Rodriguez – NME – North Paulding
Though vertically challenged compared to his peers, nothing stops the Big Dog from mauling his way to double-doubles. Rodriguez posted 13 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks in a narrow loss to God’s Property. Nathan could teach a course on textbook post play. He scores on up-and-unders, uses his shoulders to negate shot blockers and has soft hands when gobbling up rebounds. The patient post presence that works the pivot as good as anyone in the state should be a focal point of the North Paulding offense this season.
2023 5-10 PG Daethan Harris – God’s Property – Jones County
Daethan Harris is one of my favorite guards in Middle Georgia. An extension of the head coach, both figuratively and literally during the high school season, is a blur with the ball. Harris sets the tempo and initiates the offense while limiting turnovers. He hunted his offense and keyed a 53-50 win with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Harris was able to use his speed to breakdown defenders and get to the rim. Daethan could emerge as one of the better guard prospects in Middle Georgia come senior season.
2023 6-3 W Damien Mitchell – TSF Elite 2023 – Wheeler
I was very impressed with the energy and effort of DJ Mitchell. He recorded 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 5 blocks. The long swingman used his athleticism and motor to make plays on both ends. Mitchell slashed his way to the hoop, finishing with floaters and reverses. Damien holds value as a defender. He guarded 1-5 against GSW Elite, switching from guards to posts with ease. Mitchell is quick off his feet and anticipates well. It will be hard to ever crack into the Wheeler rotation, but Mitchell is a sneaky good player that could help a lot of teams.
2023 6-0 PG Kyndon Wilburg – TSF Elite 2023 – Tri-Cities
Overshadowed by a talented backcourt at Tri-Cities, Kyndon Wilburg is in the process of carving out more minutes. He scored from all three levels in a loss to GSW Elite, finishing with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Wilburg was fearless attacking the rim, challenging length and scoring through contact. He nailed 3 threes and battled back after injuring himself on a hard drive.
2024 6-2 G Luke Harpring – Team Harpring – Marist
Son of 11-year NBA vet Matt Harpring, Luke is a legacy at Marist. He’s a solid guard that reminds me a lot of Mason Etter in the fact that he’s not flashy but plays with high IQ and is efficient when scoring. Harpring scored with nice cuts to the rim, eurosteps and a pair of threes. He finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block. Expect Harpring to get better and better each year with a potential growth spurt looming.
2023 5-9 PG Jesse Gaynes – Team Harpring – Marist
Jesse Gaynes was the straw that stirred the drink in a 71-62 win over GSW Elite. Gaynes used his quickness to get into the paint and cause problems. He converted two contested reverse layups and was able to get to the line multiple times. Gaynes competed on the glass and was able to control the pace of the game, pushing the ball and getting everyone involved. He had 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.