East Paulding Fall League Week 1

East Paulding Fall League Week 1 Recap

SCHEDULE
STANDINGS
BOYS STATS
GIRLS STATS

Paulding County 45, Kennesaw Mountain 34

Coming out to a breakneck pace, Paulding County (1-0) was able to build an early lead and nurse it the rest of the way as the game slowed down after the first 20 minutes. The Patriots led 23-15 at the half after a frantic half saw quick shots lead to an exciting open. Javonne Williams was the catalyst for Paulding County with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Samuel Johnson proved to have a quick trigger, the confident shooter showing off his unlimited range as he splashed in 6 points. The athleticism and strength of compact guard Tyhler Shields made positive things happen. He finished with 6 points and 5 rebounds. 6-foot-5 sophomore George Shumpert showed promise. He has a good frame and was effective in the paint posting 3 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Another big body, 6-foot-5 Kaleb Yates scored 7 points. Kennesaw Mountain (0-1) got a major lift out of 6-foot-3 sophomore Thomas McBride, a hard-playing forward that hustles on both ends. He contributed 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Jake Whitaker got his inside-out game working in the second half, finishing with 9 points and 9 rebounds. He nailed a three, scored on a putback and went coast-to-coast in transition.

TOP PERFORMERS

PAULDING COUNTY
2023 5-11 PG Javonne Williams – 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
2023 6-5 C Kaleb Yates – 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
2024 5-11 G Samuel Johnson – 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
2023 5-10 PG Tyhler Shields – 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
2024 6-5 F Marcson Bataille – 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block

KENNESAW MOUNTAIN
2025 6-3 F Thomas McBride – 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks
2024 6-5 F Jake Whitaker – 9 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal
2023 5-9 G Hayden Hall – 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
2023 6-0 PG Elijah Ford – 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks

Osborne 81, Christian Heritage 42

Defending League champ Osborne (1-0) broke open a 30-20 halftime lead to make a statement as to who the team to beat still is. Keshawn McPherson, Justin McCarter and Farrell Suber ran wild, especially McPherson in the second half. The 6-foot-5 combo-forward had everything working, dropping in 20 of his 26 points in the second half, netting four threes in the process. Keshawn scored from all three levels and used his strength and quick leaping ability to gobble up rebounds. McCarter, a smooth wing that has exploded this offseason, flashed D-I potential as he went for 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block while harassing Jax Abernathy on defense. Suber, a 6-foot-1 junior, stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and 1 block. He’s a high motor guard who unleashes his athleticism in a variety of ways. Christian Heritage (0-1) went cold from beyond the arc after hitting three in the first half. The Lions shot upwards of 20+ threes as the Cardinals anchored the interior with their length. Abernathy got off to a quick start, hitting tough shots off the dribble on his way to 21 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 4 blocks, but couldn’t find enough offensive support. 6-foot-4 Cash Hare battled inside with 6 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block.

TOP PERFORMERS

OSBORNE
2023 6-5 F Keshawn McPherson – 26 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
2023 6-5 W Justin McCarter – 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
2024 6-1 G Farrell Suber – 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, 1 block

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
2024 6-3 SG Jax Abernathy – 21 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 blocks
2024 6-4 F Cash Hare – 6 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block

Carrollton 55, Central-Carrollton 33

With the “return” of O’Brien Watkins, Carrollton (1-0) looked energized for their showdown with crosstown rival Central-Carrollton (0-1). Watkins made things happen using his explosive physicality to get downhill and create. The junior was shot out of a cannon in transition, barreling his way to the rim, scoring through contact. O’Brien finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Eli Pippins scored all 10 of his points in the first half, part of a 31-10 lead at the break. 6-foot-3 wing Hudson Blackmon stroked a pair of threes while Cam Merritt netted 8 points, scoring from all three levels. 6-foot-2 sophomore Payton Waters impressed with his bounciness and also added a three as he posted 9 points and 5 rebounds. 5-foot-11 senior Jay Harding was Central-Carrollton’s most consistent source of offense with 10 points. Aside from his balanced scoring, Harding did the little things well such as blocking out. Isaiah West made his Central debut after playing with Lithia Springs last season, finishing with 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.

TOP PERFORMERS

CARROLLTON
2024 6-2 PG O’Brien Watkins – 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
2024 5-10 G Eli Pippins – 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
2025 6-2 F Payton Waters – 9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal
2023 5-11 F Cam Merritt – 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist

CENTRAL-CARROLLTON
2023 5-11 G Jay Harding – 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal
2024 6-3 W Isaiah West – 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block


East Paulding 43,
Lithia Springs 36

Life after All-State guard Sebastian Tidor opened up as good as possible as East Paulding (1-0) defended home floor with a load of new faces plugged into newfound roles. One of just a few holdovers that saw meaningful minutes a season ago, Carter Pengelly brought his infectious energy to the table with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal and 3 blocks. Physically imposing swingman Ja’Bryan Smith made a difference with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Nate Simmons and Taj Jordan scored 6 points apiece while freshman Cameron Jackson got his feet wet with 5 points. Kisean Robinson did all he could to keep Lithia Springs (0-1) close, tallying 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Tayshaun Buford helped stretch the floor with a pair of threes while Keetan Parish added 6 points and 6 rebounds.

TOP PERFORMERS

EAST PAULDING
2023 6-3 F Carter Pengelly – 9 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 blocks
2023 6-1 W Ja’Bryan Smith – 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
2024 6-1 G Nate Simmons – 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist

LITHIA SPRINGS
2024 5-11 G Kisean Robinson – 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
2025 5-8 G Tayshaun Buford – 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
2023 5-10 G Keetan Parish – 6 points, 6 rebounds


Allatoona 44,
Marietta 30

After turning heads in the offseason and showing spurts of intrigue, 6-foot-3 senior Cole Smith put it all together in Week 1, leading the Fall League in scoring by pouring in 29 points, 13 rebounds and 3 steals. The strongly built swingman buried four threes as he attacked Marietta (0-1) from multiple angles. Allatoona (1-0) received support in the form of Landen Pitts, who had 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. The Blue Devils were led by junior Myles Malloy’s 9 points and 4 rebounds. Jackson Bourgeois added 5 points and 8 rebounds.

TOP PERFORMERS

ALLATOONA
2023 6-3 W Cole Smith – 29 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals
2023 6-4 W Landen Pitts – 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

MARIETTA
2024 5-8 G Myles Malloy – 9 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
2024 6-1 G Jackson Bourgeois – 5 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal


Union Grove Black 73,
Arlington Christian 43

Union Grove Black (1-0) made an early statement in their League debut before heading into battle with Osborne next week. The three-headed monster of Nile King, Eric Garcia and Tony Colley dominated combining for 56 points and 35 rebounds. Guards Chance Whitfield and Caleb Johnson dished out 3 assists apiece. Noah Henderson led Arlington Christian (0-1) with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals while Demarion Steward netted 9 points.

TOP PERFORMERS

UNION GROVE BLACK
2024 6-4 F Nile King – 23 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 4 blocks
2023 6-2 W Eric Garcia – 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
2023 6-2 W Tony Colley – 15 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks

ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN
2023 5-8 G Noah Henderson – 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals
2023 5-9 G Demarion Steward – 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals


Woodstock Hawks 53,
Union Grove White 39

Victor Julio starred for the Woodstock Hawks (1-0), the member of the Panamanian National Team posting 12 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Kalil Humphery chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while Geronimo Guayambuco finished with 9 points. Union Grove White (0-1) received 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block from Allen Suber while Caleb Samples collected 10 points and 7 rebounds.

TOP PERFORMERS

WOODSTOCK HAWKS
2024 5-8 PG Victor Julio – 12 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
2023 6-2 SG Kalil Humphery – 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
2024 5-11 F Geronimo Guayambuco – 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
2023 6-3 W Danail Vladovski – 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist

UNION GROVE WHITE
2023 6-1 G Allen Suber – 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
2025 6-4 W Caleb Samples – 10 points, 7 rebounds
2024 5-11 G Hayden Hamilton – 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals

South Paulding 75, Darlington 50

South Paulding (1-0) weathered a hot shooting Darlington (0-1) who nailed seven first half threes and eventually pulled away after leading 40-31 at the break. 6-foot-5 senior Charlie Shaw stretched the floor for the Tigers, draining three threes to pace the Darlington offense. South Paulding countered by attacking the rim and using their athleticism to find advantageous mismatches. David Williams posted 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals and caught a backdoor alley-oop on the first play of the game. Jeremiah Taylor and Andrew LaVigne scored 9 apiece while Gio Thomas was effective inside with 8 points and 12 rebounds. Jack Bell put together a complete game for Darlington with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Joe Womack and Asa Sheppard each hit a pair of threes.

TOP PERFORMERS

SOUTH PAULDING
2024 6-4 W David Williams – 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
2023 6-2 G Jeremiah Taylor – 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
2024 6-2 SG Andrew LaVigne – 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
2023 6-4 F Gio Thomas – 8 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist

DARLINGTON
2023 6-5 F Charlie Shaw – 13 points, 10 rebounds
2024 6-2 G Jack Bell – 9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists
2023 6-0 G Quin McClarity – 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals

River Ridge 51, Hiram 23

Reigning League champion River Ridge (1-0) avenged their only loss of the season last year, tipping off the 2022 Fall League by beating Hiram (0-1), jumping out to a 14-0 start. The Hornets, who defeated River Ridge last season 31-23, couldn’t survive a three-point barrage in the first half. The Knights hit seven of their nine threes in the opening 20 minutes, led by Sophia Pearl’s four triples. Defending League MVP Mataya Gayle, who missed last season’s meeting, compiled 13 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block while draining three threes. Kayla Cleaveland made her Fall League debut after missing the season last year due to volleyball. The sophomore collected 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block, scoring inside and out with a pair of mid-range jumpers and two putbacks. 5-foot-11 sophomore Joy Tchamabe was also effective inside with 7 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. Hiram, who was without senior leader Camryn O’Neil, received 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block from veteran guard Kia Bullock. Hadiya Kennerly added 6 points while 5-foot-11 senior wing Kalisha Phillips totaled 4 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks.

TOP PERFORMERS

RIVER RIDGE
2023 5-7 PG Mataya Gayle – 13 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
2025 5-7 PG Sophia Pearl – 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
2025 5-11 F Kayla Cleaveland – 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
2025 5-11 F Joy Tchamabe – 7 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block

HIRAM
2023 5-5 PG Kia Bullock – 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block
2024 5-7 G Hayida Kennerly – 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
2023 5-11 W Kalisha Phillips – 4 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks

East Paulding 33, Alexander 19

The length of East Paulding (1-0) was impactful in the paint against undersized Alexander (0-1). 5-foot-8 forward Deniyah Blalock was active around the basket, scoring on putbacks and drawing fouls inside. She finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds while three-year League veteran McKayla Mann posted 7 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block, hitting a pair of jumpers. The third head of the scoring attack was senior Kai Schoonmaker, a scrappy shooter that provided toughness. She sank two mid-range jumpers and netted a three to finish with 7 points. Katlin Gould paced Alexander with 11 points. She’s a nice athlete with a high motor and length. Gould is an aggressive and confident shooter that is most accurate when her feet are set. She drained a pair of mid-range shots and buried a three. Alexander was pesky on defense and crashed the offensive glass hard. Between Johana Clophus, Nevaeh Clophus and Isababella Italiano the Cougars snagged 20 rebounds.

TOP PERFORMERS

EAST PAULDING
2023 5-8 F Deniyah Blalock – 9 points, 4 rebounds
2023 5-9 W McKayla Mann – 7 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
2023 5-3 G Kai Schoonmaker – 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

ALEXANDER
2023 5-8 W Katlin Gould – 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
2023 5-3 W Nevaeh Clophus – 4 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
2024 5-4 G Caroline DePriest – 3 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

North Paulding 40, Villa Rica 20

Suffocating defense and the triple towers of North Paulding (0-1) clamped down Villa Rica (0-1). 6-foot sophomore wing Ava Andrews quickly announced her presence to the rest of the league, collecting 10 points, 2 rebounds and 5 steals, using her length and athleticism to routinely streak into passing lanes and convert in transition. Inside, the paint was anchored by 5-foot-11 junior Kaden McCorvey and 6-foot senior Alex Willis. McCorvey was relentless on the backboards, scoring on three putbacks to finish with 9 points and 5 rebounds. Willis was equally effective on the glass, anchoring the interior with 7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. Marina Sippola did a little bit of everything from the guard position, an athletic high IQ junior that provided 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and 1 block. Sippola impressed with her ability to get to the basket and finish with her left hand. Villa Rica saw Kiyah Swint do the heavy lifting, netting a league-high 15 points to power the Wildcats.

TOP PERFORMERS

NORTH PAULDING
2025 6-0 W Ava Andrews – 10 points, 2 rebounds, 5 steals
2024 5-11 PF Kaden McCorvey – 9 points, 5 rebounds
2023 6-0 C Alex Willis – 7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
2024 5-8 G Marina Sippola – 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, 1 block

VILLA RICA
2023 5-8 W Kiyah Swint – 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
2025 5-5 PG Gracie Byford – 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 block

Hillgrove 65, Allatoona 18

Hillgrove (1-0) brought with them a small village on the bench and each player was able to positively contribute. London VanArsdale netted a pair of threes and finished a team-high 10 points along with Caylie Long, an active forward that also added 5 rebounds. 12 Hawks scored in the balanced attack with sophomores Amaya Harris (7) and Elena Harden (6) combining for 13 points and freshman Kierra Jackson tallying 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. With just five players available, Allatoona (0-1) turned to All-Region guard Abby Hohl to shoulder the load. The senior finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.

TOP PERFORMERS

HILLGROVE
2025 5-3 G London VanArsdale – 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal
2023 5-9 F Caylie Long – 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals
2026 5-5 G Kierra Jackson – 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals
2025 5-8 G Elena Harden – 6 points, 4 assists, 2 steals

ALLATOONA
2023 5-7 G Abby Hohl – 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
2024 5-2 G Aoife Flynn – 5 points, 1 steal

Carrollton 46, Marietta 25

Carrollton (1-0) jumped out to a 28-3 halftime lead and never looked back. South Paulding move-in Madison Reese quickly fit in with a team-high 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist. Georgia State-commit Eghosa Obasuyi posted 10 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals while sophomore Laura Mitchell collected 10 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Freshman T’maria “Mya” Jones-Scarborough was an Energizer Bunny, picking up 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals without needed to score. Undergoing a major youth movement, Marietta (0-1) saw rising eighth grader Leah DeWitt shine, finishing with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while knocking down a pair of threes.

TOP PERFORMERS

CARROLLTON
2025 5-5 G Madison Reese – 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
2023 5-5 PG Eghosa Obasuyi – 10 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals
2025 5-7 F Laura Mitchell – 10 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
2025 5-9 W Madison Swint – 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
2026 5-3 PG T’maria Jones-Scarborough – 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals

MARIETTA
2027 5-6 G Leah DeWitt – 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
2024 5-6 G Kayla Day – 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals

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