Sandy's Spiel Showcase Top Performers
Analysis

Sandy’s Spiel Showcase: Top Boys Performers


PRO Movement

Ja'Quez Thornton2022 6-0 PG Ja’Quez Thornton – Drew Charter
One of the most criminally underrecruited playmakers in the state, Ja’Quez Thornton should be on Low Major radars and at the very top of D-II wish lists. His speed, vision and scoring ability are all impressive. The lefty is shifty quick. When he’s not on the ball, he catches and immediately head fakes his man to get them up in the air so he can wriggle his way into the lane. Why do teams close out so hard on Thornton? It’s because he lights it up from three. The reigning Class A-Public Player of the Year is the head of the snake for Drew Charter. Slowing him down is the only hope teams have to beat the Eagles. It’s not just that Thornton will score 20+ a night, with the amount of offense he generates with his passing, his value is closer to 40 points per game. The master creator couldn’t be stopped in a 70-61 win over Providence Christian. He helped spark a 16-0 run to open the fourth quarter, mainly with his distributing as he finished with 24 points (4 threes), 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals. Thornton demands more respect from college coaches. The fierce competitor could be a gamechanger right away with his court vision alone.

Tony Carpio2022 6-8 F Tony Carpio – Providence Christian
Drew Charter had no answer for Tony Carpio inside. The Citadel-signee took full advantage of his size and strength, getting the Eagles into foul trouble and scoring at will. Carpio flushed down four dunks and scored on drives and dives to the basket. Tony moves well, able to nimbly work his way around defenders with spins, drop steps and overall clean footwork downhill. Aside from his offense, Carpio was a stalwart defensively, altering shots and blocking any attempts at the rim. He finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks, further establishing himself as one of the premier big men in Georgia.

Chance Thacker2022 6-4 SG Chance Thacker – Providence Christian
An explosive second quarter showcased how tough Chance Thacker can be to defend when he’s locked in and aggressive on offense. The VMI-signee poured in 15 of his 22 points in the frame, scoring on three pull-ups, a tip-in and two hard drives – one with his left hand. Thacker’s size is difficult for most defenders to manage. He’s got a strong body and can get to his spots with little resistance. Chance is built for getting into the paint and absorbing contact. He’s a good athlete that plays above the rim and helps challenge shots inside. Thacker put up 22 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.

Anthony Arrington2022 6-3 G Anthony Arrington – Galloway
Anthony Arrington is a machine. Multiple D-I schools have already offered. Arrington is a do-everything player. He raises Galloway to a state title contender level with his approach. Known for his elite mid-range game, Arrington has added length to his jumper now spraying the ball from beyond the arc. He connected on 6 threes as he poured in 36 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a 75-51 win over Denmark. Arrington is always on balance. He plays off two feet and does a good job getting a strong foundation when getting to his spots on pull-ups. His jump shot has a slight hitch at the top but it’s a mechanic that helps him repeat the same delivery each time which leads to his consistency. Arrington is a safe prospect that will enter college with a high floor. His IQ and motor will take him a long way.

Damoni Harrison2022 6-5 W Damoni Harrison – Archer
Maybe the top early season stock riser I’ve been able to see in person multiple times this year, Damoni Harrison is climbing up recruiting boards with his grown man approach. He’s an intimidating presence, a tenacious defender and rebounder that uses his physicality and athleticism to make opponents tap out. He pursues rebounds with vigor, plucking them out of the air and smacking the ball in the process to let everyone in the gym know just who got the board. Harrison’s outside shot is now a weapon, not only from 10-15 feet but out to the three-point line. Damoni can guard 1-5 and uses his versatility to create mismatches on offense. He recorded 19 points (3 threes), 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in a 58-49 win over Dacula. All JUCOs in Georgia should be in on him. He’s a plug-and-play D-II option.

2023 6-6 W Lamariyon Jordan – Dacula
Mari Jordan got off to a hot start after seeing his first three-pointer drop. He looks the part, long, strong and athletic. Jordan has a graceful glide to the rim and holds major upside defensively. Archer made him earn his points at the line and tapered off his production in the second half but he still finished with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He went 12-18 from the line. Other than his high-flying toward the rim, Jordan was most impressive with how he could wipe away shots at their highest point. He covers a lot of ground quickly and can hustle his way to chase down blocks off the backboard. Jordan has trimmed his list down to Nebraska, Georgia State, Georgia, Xavier and Dayton. He has one of the highest upsides in Georgia’s 2023 class.

Tyler Jewell2024 5-10 PG Tyler Jewell – Walnut Grove
He might not be the biggest, but Tyler Jewell’s game more than makes up for his lack of size. The small guard is flamethrower with his three-point shot. He can let it fly off the dribble and punish teams that choose to go under screens. While his outside shooting is his greatest strength, Jewell looked good on Saturday as a facilitator. He saw the floor and was able to manipulate the defense until he found angles that fit his passing lanes. Jewell also has a nice floater and can get all the way to the rim when needed. Jewell will be an interesting prospect to track as he ages. He already has a stone-cold demeanor and a coolness about his game. He put up 13 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists and 2 steals in a 71-61 win over South Paulding.

Quindarius Jackson2023 6-0 G Quindarius Jackson – Social Circle
Social Circle needed a spark against Christian Heritage. After an 0-fer quarter from beyond the arc, Coach Taylor Jackson inserted Quindarius Jackson into the lineup in the second quarter and the twin quickly paid dividends, scoring 11 points. Jackson would finish with 3 threes and post 20 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. He provided a refreshing energy and was able to blow the lid off the rim with his outside shot. Jackson is a hustler. Often, he’s asked to provide major effort away from the ball, but on Saturday it was his turn to step up offensively. His pace of play and energizing style was infectious.

Jax Abernathy2024 6-3 G Jax Abernathy – Christian Heritage
As the game wore on, Jax Abernathy grew stronger. He scored 10 of his game-high 22 points in the fourth quarter as he nearly led the Lions back from a 16-point deficit. Abernathy used his expert body control to finish around the rim on drives. He has very good footwork and balance. He knocked down a pair of threes in the fourth quarter including one step-back. Abernathy provided 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks to his ledger. While it wasn’t his best game, Abernathy still was strong and produced when his team needed him. Only a sophomore, the 2021 Class A-Private Freshman of the Year is already a proven commodity that consistently puts up numbers. Don’t be surprised if some D-I programs start to get involved in the next 12 months.

2024 5-11 PG Zundra Jackson – Christian Heritage
Part of an impressive sophomore trio, Zundra Jackson was locked in. He scored from all three levels. He patiently attacked the paint and finished with floaters, drives and pull-ups. Jackson plays under control and gets to his spots. He did a great job on the glass against Social Circle’s relentless rebounders. Jackson finished with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. The tandem of Jackson and Abernathy could be the North Georgia version of Etowah’s Brandon Rechsteiner and Mason Etter.