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Analysis, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

HoopHustlers Tip-Off Classic/Battle For Georgia Qualifier notes

16U Hype Hawks

2021 6-5 PF Devin McGlockton (South Forsyth): Playing alongside stars Matt Cleveland, Logan Turner and Sutton Smith, Devin McGlockton had a chance to show what he could do with Cole Middleton injured. The physical post presence rebounded and scored the ball inside. He provides a stability on the block with his ability to score with his back to the basket, but most impressive was his rim protecting. McGlockton finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks in a 72-60 loss to AOT.

16U Game Elite

2021 6-0 PG Broc Bidwell (West Forsyth): Broc Bidwell shined in Game Elite’s 71-61 win over the Atlanta Celtics and continued to rise his stock as one of the best point guards in Georgia’s 2021 class. Slick with the ball, Bidwell can make all the passes and position his teammates for success. Bidwell is more than just a pass-first floor general – he can call his own number and deliver. He drilled four threes and finished with 14 points and 5 assists. Bidwell looks like a legitimate D-I prospect.

2021 6-4 PF Omarion Smith (Douglas County): Game Elite’s one-two post punch of Robbie Armbrester and Omarion Smith is one of the most enjoyable frontcourts in Georgia. Armbrester is a household name and Smith should be one as well if he’s not already. Smith’s lack of size and go-to moves may limit his ceiling, but he is the state’s best pound-for-pound shot blocker and an energetic rebounder. He had a stretch in the second half when he took over inside and helped put Game Elite ahead for good, finishing with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block.

16U Atlanta Celtics

2022 6-1 G Chase Cormier (St. Pius X): Playing up a grade, Chase Cormier looked like the best player on the floor for the 16U Atlanta Celtics. Cormier scorched the nets with five threes, finishing with a game-high 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists against Game Elite. The lefty has a quick trigger with range but his ball handling was equally impressive, battling aggressive on-ball defense to free himself to run the offense. He sliced into the lane to hit a pair of floaters to complement his outside stroke. Cormier should be one of Georgia’s most highly sought-after targets for D-I schools over the next few years.

2021 6-6 F Jusaun Holt (St. Francis): Following his breakout performance in the Class A-Private state championship, Jusaun Holt’s value was on display in tough 71-61 loss to Game Elite. Holt provided the Atlanta Celtics with 9 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Holt is able to guard multiple positions with his length and quickness. Offensively, he can attack from all three levels. As his confidence grows, as will his game. Holt is trending in the right direction.

17U Hype Hawks

2020 6-6 F AJ Hopkins (Whitefield Academy): AJ Hopkins left a good first impression with 11 points and 10 rebounds in a 63-61 loss to Infinite Skillz. Hopkins is a long combo-forward that has a nice motor and a willingness to compete on the glass. He turned in a Class A-Private All-State Honorable Mention campaign this season after increasing his scoring output by 10 points to average 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds. Hopkins is worth tracking his senior season.

17U Infinite Skillz

DJ Wright2020 5-9 PG DJ Wright (Greene County): The All-State guard has a flair for the dramatic. DJ Wright drilled a three with seconds left to complete a comeback from down 16 points to stun the Hype Hawks 63-61. Wright turned it on, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the second half. Wright lets the game come to him. During the varsity season he could probably stand to be a little more aggressive but especially on the travel circuit, Wright is content with getting his shots in the flow of the offense. He hit three three-pointers in the win and also scored from the mid-range and in. For him to succeed at the next level as an undersized guard, Wright will have to have a bulldog mentality – something that he has shown he already possesses.

2019 6-4 W Dakota Leffew (Jonesboro): The unsigned senior stepped up for Jonesboro and emerged as the Cardinals’ leading scorer, averaging 14.1 points per game after averaging 4 points as a junior. Leffew is a smooth lanky wing that resembles Belmont-signee Ben Sheppard. Leffew is a slasher on offense. He finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds and most impressively, 3 blocks. Coming from Jonesboro, its easy to see the importance of defense that was instilled in him over the course of his high school career. He should be a valued addition for the right program.

17U Georgia Knights

2020 6-4 SG Chris Youngblood (East Coweta): Chris Youngblood did it again. The sturdy wide-chested two-guard continued to cement his status as a D-I prospect, dumping in 26 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block in a 68-61 OT win over Stackhouse Elite United. Youngblood played bully ball against Stackhouse’s less physically gifted guards and barreled his way to the basket, finishing 9-of-11 from the foul line and hitting just one three in his outburst. Youngblood gets the job done night in and night out on both ends of the floor. His defense and ability to cover multiple positions all over the floor makes him a complete player. Mid Majors across the country should familiarize themselves with Youngblood.

2020 6-6 W Brandon Stroud (East Coweta): The second head of the dynamic East Coweta duo had a scoreless first half before exploding for 20 in the second half/overtime to power the Knights past Stackhouse Elite. Stroud collected 12 rebounds, 2 steals and a block as well. Stroud took a couple bad jump shots during his first half struggles but found his groove in the second when he started to attack the rim and work his way closer to the paint. Even when his shot was off, he still battled on the offensive glass and won his team second chance opportunities.

2020 6-3 G Kirshon Thrash (Eagle’s Landing): One of the state’s best stat sheet stuffers, Kirshon Thrash did it again with 8 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Thrash’s uniqueness has been well-documented. He affects the game in every facet imaginable. He is a player that D-2 schools should start pursuing.

17U Stackhouse Elite United

2020 6-6 F Quincy Canty (Cedar Shoals): One of Georgia’s best bigs, Quincy Canty was sharp against the Georgia Knights with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Canty has a strong physical frame that can punish smaller defenders on the block, but he also has one of the best mid-range jumpers in the state from the forward position. Canty has extended that range to beyond the three-point line, knocking down three threes in the loss.

17U Warner Robins All-Stars

Shamar Rouse2019 6-5 PF Shamar Rouse (Warner Robins): The unsinged senior had a monster game in the Battle For Georgia Qualifier Championship, posting 22 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks. Rouse played above the rim with his sneakily explosive bounce. He used that athleticism to clean the glass, rock the rim and protect the paint. Rouse showed some rough and tumble inside to score in traffic and win loose balls. It was a great performance for the big man looking for a late home.

2020 6-1 CG Keshun Houser (Warner Robins): A poor man’s Jacolbey Owens, Houser has all the physical tools that former state champ and All-State performer Owens had back in 2018. Houser is an elite athlete that makes highlight plays when attacking the cup. He will need to further enhance his point guard skills and get reps in running an offense. Add in a three-point shot and you have a dynamic sleeper coming out of middle Georgia. He had 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

17U God’s Property

Josh Spencer2020 6-5 F Josh Spencer (Alpharetta): Josh Spencer had an excellent first half and carried God’s Property. The strong combo-forward finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds while drilling three threes. Spencer had a handful of early injuries and setbacks during the high school season before rounding into shape. Spencer should be a featured option with Alpharetta this season which will help his development. He has improved with putting the ball on the floor and creating his own shot.  With increased confidence and experience, Spencer should be in a good position to have a college destination this time next year.

Analysis, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

HoopSeen Tip-Off notes

Georgia Knights Elite

Roman Son2020 6-0 PG Roman Son (Therrell): The state champion picked up where he left off at Therrell using his blinding speed to blow past some of the most highly sought-after prospects in Georgia en route to 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in a 78-74 win over Game Elite. Son is a floor general and vocal leader not shy to bark out orders. He knocked down a few pull-up jumpers in the lane – a good sign – but his overall shooting outside of 15-feet is still a heavy work in progress. He went 2-10 from the line, missing three late free throws. Son has the intangibles to be considered a top 10-15 point guard in the 2020 class for Georgia, but to fully cement himself as a top dog he will need to get up as many shots as possible to shore up his one offensive weakness.

Chris Youngblood2020 6-4 SG Chris Youngblood (East Coweta): East Coweta’s climb from nearly worst to first in Region 2-AAAAAAA was well-documented this season. Youngblood’s perimeter prowess and strong frame have made college coaches take note. Coming off of a GACA All-Star Game MVP performance, Youngblood was locked in again dropping 26 points (3 threes), 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. At first glance, Youngblood has a stocky frame but it’s a college-ready build that’s equipped for the rigors of the next level, especially once he gets into a college weight room and tones up. He isn’t super long, but his understanding of how to defend helps him block shots when attacked. Youngblood is sneaky athletic and with his size, can post up smaller defenders and punish them inside.

Kirshon Thrash2020 6-3 G/F Kirshon Thrash (Eagle’s Landing): Since seeing him last summer at Georgia State Team Camp, Kirshon Thrash has slowly begun to grow on me. His uniqueness and physicality make him a jack-of-all-trades at the high school level. Standing 6-foot-3, Thrash plays at the guard position but honestly could play 1 through 4 with his strength allowing him to defend multiple positions. Much like Youngblood, Thrash is a bully on the low block when needed but what separates him from most guards in his class is his outright productivity all over the floor. Thrash is an exceptional passer that riffles assists into tight quarters. His powerful build makes him a menace on the glass and defensively, he seems to always have his hands on loose balls. Against Game Elite he tallied 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. If Thrash is able to add a consistent three-point shot to his arsenal, expect the human wrecking ball to be even tougher to stop offensively.

Game Elite

2020 6-6 F Sam Hines (Wheeler): Sam Hines might not ever be the “best” player on his team but he will always be the most reliable. Transferring from St. Francis to Wheeler cost him a state championship but Hines was able to prove that he could produce no matter the competition level. Hines is more steak than sizzle, always positively affecting games while teammates garner the headlines. He was terrific in Game Elite’s loss to the Georgia Knights, posting 19 points, 9 rebounds and 1 assist. Hines simply knows how to play the game and understands what he is best at. He can hit the occasional three, but he is most adept at working from 15-feet and in and pounding the glass. You never have to question his motor or his willingness to compete. Named Class 7A Most Underrated, Hines shined again. He should be in play at the Mid-Major level and should excel as a low maintenance energy glue-guy.

Team Forrest

Trashawn Wilson2020 6-5 W Trashawn Wilson (New Manchester): The biggest stock riser from the HoopSeen Tip-Off had to be Trashawn Wilson from New Manchester. The Jaguars were the most talented 11-16 team in the state last year and having Wilson as a fourth leading scorer is something most coaches in the state would dream of. Wilson had a big game in Team Forrest’s 69-68 OT win over AC Georgia, scoring 22 points, grabbing 5 rebounds and snatching 2 steals. The 6-foot-5 wing was smooth, hitting jumpers all over the floor while also attacking the rim and finishing 5-5 from the line. His And-1 jumper in OT sealed the win. Going from unknown to head-turner, Wilson left me wanting to see more and that’s definitely a good thing.

2020 6-10 C Christian Fussell (Greenforest): Fussell has bounced from school to school over his first three seasons but the big man has still found time to work on his game. He’s an intriguing prospect no doubt, especially with his ability to step out and shoot the three. He nailed four deep balls on his way to 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Fussell didn’t show much of a feel for scoring with his back to the basket and is a true stretch-big. As he continues to get reps and opportunities to show what he can do, his recruitment will be one of the more interesting storylines to unfold.

2020 6-6 F Melvin Edwards (Carrollton): After first laying eyes on Melvin Edwards last June, there was no questioning his upside. After watching his play this weekend, I think it’s time to seriously consider the Carrollton Trojan as a potential D-I prospect. Edwards has the athleticism coming off winning the West Georgia All-Star Game Dunk Contest but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He can shoot the ball from deep, he can put it on the floor and finish in traffic and he can protect the rim when asked. He put together a strong game against AC Georgia with 17 points (5-5 FT), 7 rebounds and 1 assist. Edwards is trending in the right direction and needs to be tracked by college programs.

AC Georgia

2020 6-5 PF Adonnis Tolbert (Denmark): Adonnis Tolbert is a sturdy and strong athlete that puts the power in power forward. He brings his football toughness to the hardwood and knows how to use his body. He has a strong vertical explosion when finishing strong in the paint and has a very trusty mid-range jump shot. Tolbert had 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in a 69-68 OT loss to Team Forrest.

Analysis, GHSA Basketball

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2020 5-10 PG Demajion Topps (New Manchester): Topps wowed the entire day with an aerial display of acrobatic high-flying dunks. He was must see TV. Topps also showed that he could have the ball on a string and break down any man off the dribble on his way to averaging 14.5 points per game. He had 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the All-Star game.

2019 6-6 PF Zeff Felton (Dooly County): The big unknown from Class A-Public made a lasting impression, tearing down rims and gobbling up rebounds. His 22-point 25-rebound game was as dominating as you’ll see in a camp setting. He averaged 13.5 points and 14 rebounds on the day. In the All-Star game Felton didn’t slow down, posting 18 points and 7 rebounds.

2021 6-1 CG Marcus Samuel (Langston Hughes): The physical downhill guard assaulted the rim throughout the day, difficult to slow down after beating his man with the first step. Samuel rebounded well and provided energy on both sides. Samuel averaged 16.3 points over his first three games.

2021 6-2 CG RJ Noord (Greenforest): The talented ballyhooed youngster brought his alpha dog mentality as he used his athleticism to get to the basket. He cracked double digits in every game and proved to have potential as a defensive ace when locked in. Noord pitched in 10 points and 6 rebounds in the All-Star game and averaged 12.5 points over the course of the event.

2019 5-10 PG Orry Owens (Hillgrove): The wily veteran was quick in transition and knocked down a handful of pull-up jumpers from the midrange. Owens shined in the All-Star game when he poured in all 14 of his points in the second half. He averaged 10.2 points.

2021 5-9 PG AJ White (Chattahoochee): White was hunting his shot in spurts throughout the day, balancing getting his and getting his teammates involved. The microwave buried 7 threes over his four games, netting 15 points in the All-Star game. White was a blur, averaging 13.2 points on Saturday.

2019 5-11 SG Jordan Bragg (New Manchester): The southpaw has emerged over the summer as one of the most dangerous outside shooters in the state. Bragg sank 9 threes on the day and finished with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the All-Star game. Bragg averaged 12.5 points as one of the event’s best sharpshooters.

2019 5-11 PG Alijah Huzzie (Heard County): Coming from little Heard County, Huzzie more than held his own. A real stat sheet stuffer, the 20+ point per game scorer in the high school season proved he could do more than just fill it up. He averaged 9.5 points per game and in the All-Star game tallied 8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and picked up the game-saving block on 6-foot-4 PJ Carter with seconds remaining.

2020 6-5 W Ra’Sean Frederick (Therrell): Frederick was a revelation in camp, blending physicality, skill and finesse to torch defenses. The lefty averaged 17 points per game and affected the game on both sides of the ball averaging 6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.5 steals.

2021 6-4 W Logan Turner (Centennial): The young slasher averaged 11.5 points per game scoring from the perimeter and working his way to the basket. Running the floor led to easy baskets in transition. He finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in the All-Star game.

2019 6-4 F Jaiden Julian (Hillgrove): Another veteran Hawk, the Hillgrove product was consistent over his first three games averaging 13 points per game. Julian slashed to the basket and played inside-out, hitting a three in each game.

2019 6-1 G Josh Favors (Creekside): Tough was a word that could be used to describe Favors’ performance. Entering with not much of a track record at the high school level, Favors tore it up with his aggressive style of play, scoring on all three levels. Favors led the event in scoring, pumping in 20 points per game and hitting 20 points in the All-Star game.

2020 6-4 W PJ Carter (Langston Hughes): Over the course of his first three games, Carter netted 15 points per. His size and scoring touch was apparent. He will have an opportunity to take over for Landers Nolley and try to guide Langston Hughes to a third straight title.

2019 6-4 W D’Antaye Page (Westlake): Page continued his scoring binge from the travel season, putting up 15 points per game and going for 19 points and 5 rebounds in the All-Star game. After a quiet junior season at Westlake, Page has had a loud summer as he tries to carry momentum into his final year.

2019 6-5 W Kanaris Cummings (Cedar Grove): Cummings was outstanding with his relentlessness. The slasher was involved in almost every play and lived in the paint. He averaged 9.2 points and 8 rebounds as the ultimate energy guy. His length led to 5 steals and 2 blocks.

2021 6-1 G Christian Callahan (Dutchtown): Callahan did not play like a rising sophomore. The now healthy guard was mature for his age and found a niche to provide consistency. He hit the outside shot played solid perimeter defense. Callahan averaged 10.7 points per game.

2020 6-0 PG Donovan Shipp (Sequoyah): In an exposure camp setting, Shipp proved to be a true point guard electing to play his game and get his teammates involved. He rebounded exceptionally well for his size and averaged 7.6 points over his first three games.

2020 6-0 PG Roman Son (Therrell): The Therrell Panthers will be in great hands with Son running the show for another season. He had some great drives to the basket, finishing through contact. Son’s competitive spirit will lead Therrell to another big season. He averaged 14 points per game on Saturday.

2019 6-3 SG Kaleb Wallace (Westlake): Over the course of his first three games, Wallace proved that he could score the rock, averaging 13.3 points per game. In the All-Star game he added 6 points and provided some flair.

2020 6-2 SG DeAndre Brown (Therrell): After a slow start to the day, scoring 4 points in Game 1, Brown found his stride and scored in waves. In his final three games he averaged 23.6 points. Brown drilled 3 of his camp-high 11 three-pointers in the All-Star game as he finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

2021 6-0 SG George Pridgett (Roswell): Pridgett had as strong a case of anyone to make the All-Star game. The rising sophomore is a flamethrower from deep. The lefty ended his day with 15 points and 6 rebounds. He drilled 6 threes over the course of the event and averaged 13.3 points per game.

2020 6-6 F Javanni Brown (Johns Creek): The long forward broke out in a big way in his final game of the day exploding for 22 points. He buried 3 threes and used his size to finish around the basket.

2021 5-8 PG KJ Webb (Langston Hughes): Small in stature with plenty of room to grow, Webb handled the ball exceptionally well and had no problem playing role of playmaker. Webb can shift gears and create easy looks for teammates.

2019 6-5 F Chancellor Wright (Mays): Wright played with energy and defended multiple positions. He crashed the glass and scored around the rim. The lanky forward was consistent averaging 8 points per game.

2022 5-11 CG Gaddis Heath (Douglass): One of a handful of rising freshen in camp, Heath excelled at rebounding from his position. He showed he could hit the open three and got to the rim on occasion. Defensively he made some nice plays.

2021 6-3 W Bryce Wilson (Dacula): As Wilson grows his confidence and IQ, he will become better and better. Wilson did a nice job of playing glue guy, chipping in on the boards and helping on defense. He posted games of 8 and 6 points. Wilson could be a usable piece for his father at Dacula this upcoming season.

2021 6-6 F Eli’sha King (Tri-Cities): King was one of the camp’s most consistent rebounders. He had a steady motor and converted around the hoop on offense. King averaged 8.3 points and flirted with a double-double on numerous occasions. He snagged 13 rebounds to open camp.

2020 5-10 G Nicholas Goldsztein (Walton): Goldsztein provided good minutes at the guard position. His floor vision was among the best at camp. He often made the right decision and played within himself. Goldsztein knocked down the open three throughout camp and averaged a steady 5.3 points.

2021 6-2 F Alexander Zwerner (Westminster): A soft touch and a nose for the ball characterized Zwerner’s productive afternoon in which he averaged 7.6 points. Zwerner scored from 15-feet in and knocked down the perimeter shot when given to him. He had deceptive quickness and enough handle to get in the paint.

2021 6-7 F Davorian Rudolph (Tri-Cities): It will be very interesting to see how Rudolph develops his game. At 6-foot-7, there is plenty of intrigue around the slim forward’s skill set. Rudolph showed he could attack the basket off the bounce but also hit a three in each of his three games. He averaged 5.6 points per game. With the proper work, there’s a chance that Rudolph will be a name you hear a lot more of over the next three years.

Analysis, GHSA Basketball

Best of the South: Day 4 Storylines

Late Bloomers

2019 6-4 W Riley Costas (St. Pius X) turned heads with his effort and scoring touch for God’s Property. Costas was Johnny on the spot, always in the right place at the right time. The lefty scored on nifty drives and jumpers extending out to the three-point line. To no surprise, he brought his MTXE mentality equipped from the high school season to the travel ball circuit, willing to draw charges and make hustle plays. He had 22 points in a 73-67 win over Team Power and scored 11 points in a tight championship loss.

2019 6-5 F Jaylen Bates (North Atlanta) is a powerful forward that brings his football toughness onto the hardwood. Bates is a physical presence in the paint with a quick explosion when attacking rebounds. His play was consistent and integral in helping the GA Elite Ballers capture the 17U Blue Championship. Throughout the tournament Bates had games of 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks and 13 points and 5 rebounds. In the championship with the Baller bigs battling foul trouble, Bates turned in 10 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. After averaging just 3.6 points and 2.8 rebounds as a junior, Bates is a huge reason why North Atlanta will be a favorite in Region 7-AAAAAA and a serious threat to take a deep run in the state playoffs.

Mitch Makes His Mark

It’s time for 2019 6-1 PG Mitch Ganote (Lambert) to get his due as being one of the toughest guards in the state of Georgia. Ganote has proven to be a habitual winner with the GA Elite Ballers and Lambert, both in basketball and lacrosse having won a state title during the spring field season. Ganote is one of the craftiest ball handlers in the state with some of the best court vision in the 2019 class. Ganote was the engine that made the GA Elite Ballers go. He punishes defenders that aren’t used to his style of play. He completely controls the tempo of the game, either igniting the fastbreak or slowing it down in the half court. Ganote uses his body to back down defenders like Mark Jackson back in the day. He loves getting to his right, shielding the ball and using a multitude of spins to get to where he wants to go, often finishing with a nifty scoop layup or drawing a foul. In the first round of bracket play, the Ballers defeated a chippy Carolina Pressure team 67-66 behind Ganote’s grit and guile. He posted 21 points – 17 in the second half – 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal while going 9-of-15 from the foul line. In the Blue Bracket semifinals, Ganote went for 13 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in a 69-49 rout. Saving his best for last with Ron Hunter (Georgia State HC), Brian Gregory (South Florida HC) and Josh Pastner (Georgia Tech HC) in attendance, Ganote put on a show in the title game, hanging 17 points – 13 in the second half – 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 steal in a 68-64 victory. Ganote has to be regarded as a legitimate D-I option for schools looking for a gritty floor general.

A Strong Cup of Coffee

2019 6-7 F Mackenzie McFatten’s recruitment has skyrocketed since I took the four-hour drive down south in late January. The Coffee lanky lefty fueled Team Power from the interior with his ability to guard multiple positions and rebound out of area. College coaches were swooning over his skillset. McFatten showed the ability to score with his back-to-the-basket and hit the outside shot. He had 12 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block against the Greater NE GA Warriors and 8 points and 7 rebounds against God’s Property.

Hype Warranted

Hype 2021 played up in the 16U Division and cruised to a 69-64 title over JSI Elite.

2021 6-5 F Cole Middleton (Pace Academy) has all the makings of becoming a powerhouse All-State big man. Middleton did it all. Scoring from the low block with great post moves, hitting baseline jumpers and showing off his handles as he attacked the rim from the three-point line until he bulled his way to wherever he wanted. He had 19 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 blocks in the championship. Middleton is more than just a stationary lumbering big man. His agility was on full display with his diverse skillset. He picked up a handful of travel calls when wheeling and dealing his way to the basket. He will need to clean up his footwork a little bit, but Middleton looks like a big-time problem over the next three seasons in Class AAA under new head coach Sharman White.

2021 5-9 PG Sutton Smith (Denmark) had the ball on a string as he torched JSI Elite. The little lefty buried 5 threes but was more than just a one-trick pony. He had some devastating crossovers that freed him up and left defenders in the dust while he kissed two pretty floaters off the glass. Smith finished with 19 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. Smith has flash to his game with his passing and a quiet swagger. He will be the face of the Denmark program as they debut in Class AAAA.

Augusta’s Top Dog

2019 6-3 CG Kalen Williams (Lakeside-Evans) was up to his old tricks with Team Power, scoring in bunches. His unorthodoxed high-release jumper was locked in against God’s Property, drilling 5 three-pointers. At one point in the second half, Williams was unguardable. He hit four threes and no defender could stay in front of him. Williams got in the paint at ease and took over the game before Team Power ran out of steam and lost 73-67. Williams collected 6 rebounds and 2 assists to boot. Williams is a scoring-minded guard who has gotten better at not forcing shots and getting his teammates involved. If Williams has his off the court issues behind him, he is a D-I level talent that could help a program looking for a tough competitor that knows how to get a bucket.

Unsung Hero

The GA Elite Ballers won the 17U Blue Championship in thrilling fashion 68-64. Four players scored in double digits, but one who didn’t, played just as big a role in hoisting the trophy. 2019 6-4 SG Kalik Brooks (Alpharetta) drew the assignment of defending sharpshooter Devin Butts, who carried Team Georgia Magic to the title game by scorching the nets. Brooks made life for Butts difficult, staying in his chest as much as possible and holding the prolific shooter to 12 points. Brooks does the little things that don’t show up in the box score. He is accepting of his role of being a defensive-minded guard. Brooks can score when called upon, especially slashing to the basket, but he is content with doing the dirty work. His length allows him to guard multiple positions and he should be called on to be Alpharetta’s No. 1 perimeter defender his senior season.

Analysis, GHSA Basketball

Best of the South: Friday Standouts

Jaxon Etter2019 6-4 SG Jaxon Etter (Etowah) and his uncanny ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage stole the show yet again in the Atlanta All-Stars’ 75-55 mercy rule of Team Georgia Magic. With a packed house of college coaches in attendance ranging from Young Harris to Georgia College to Georgia State to Cincinnati and many, many more, it was Etter who unleashed a 26-point barrage, drilling 6 threes to silence critics that question the consistency of his jumper. Not only did Etter carry the All-Stars from deep, he drew the assignment of defending red-hot prospect 2019 6-5 SG Devin Butts and held the sharpshooter to 6 points and a scoreless second half. No one quite knows what level Etter will land at, but performances like these continue to grow the mystique surrounding Cherokee County’s finest.

2019 5-10 PG Matt Gonzalo (St. Pius X) expertly orchestrated the Atlanta All-Stars with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals. Gonzalo’s jitterbug quickness and activity on defense kept the Magic from ever finding a flow in consecutive possession. Offensively, Gonzalo made all the right reads as he usually tends to do and sank two early threes to keep the defense honest.

Middle Georgia Prep 2019 6-6 F Clarence Jackson brought great energy and effort – as he always does – in Team Georgia Magic’s loss to the Atlanta All-Stars. Jackson posted 16 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. His passion for the game shines through with his toughness and mindset to battle every possession. Coaches in attendance said they wouldn’t be surprised to see Jackson surface on a D-I roster in due time.

The 16U Georgia Stars backcourt of 2020 6-2 PG Christian Wright (Milton) and 2019 6-4 SG Nahiem Alleyne (Mountain View) drew a bevy of High Major head coaches throughout the day. The early start time at 8 AM didn’t affect the duo in an 83-57 route of Team Parsons North Florida. Wright had 18 points, 4 assists and 2 steals. Alleyne posted 17 points, 4 assists and 3 steals.

Marlon Lewis2018 6-4 W Marlon Lewis (Morrow) stood out in a Georgia Heat loss. The available senior that was a First Team All-Region 3-AAAAA performer turned in 19 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Lewis knocked down three deep balls and showcased nice athleticism. He averaged 14.5 points and 5.3 rebounds his senior season. He could be a nice late pick up at the lower levels.

Tyrese PowersTeam ProVision showcased the type of small school guys that are a pleasure to discover. Friday afforded us the opportunity to see 2020 6-8 F Tyrese Powers (Fitzgerald) for the first time. The long lefty showed flashes of D-I level ability in his first impression, finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Powers runs the floor well and can play positions 3 through 5. His jump shot extended out to 17-feet with the threat of a three-point shot possibly growing into his arsenal over the next two seasons. He could end up developing into a Rashun Williams type prospect if he decides to put more time into his perimeter training than his post game. Powers should have a monster season in South Georgia.

ProVision flaunted another blossoming big in 2020 6-8 C Amaree McGriff (Lanier County). McGriff is a good athlete with long arms and a knack for blocking shots. The defensive minded post had 7 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 3 blocks on Friday after tallying the exact same stat line: 7-10-1-3 the night before. McGriff doesn’t have a ton of back-to-the-basket post moves right now, but he is involved in every carom off the rim and if he gets two hands on it, you can be sure that he will try to power back up with a dunk. McGriff has a tendency to have bad body langue at times. When he is engaged and doesn’t worry about a lack of post touches or calls not going his way, he is an extremely effective player at the Class A-Public level and currently an interesting D-2/JUCO caliber player due to his size and mobility.

Keandre Graham2019 5-10 G Keandre Graham (Early County) impressed with his marksmanship from deep beyond the arc. The spunky shooter caught fire, hitting five threes en route to 21 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal in a win over the College Park Rim Rockers. Graham is tough to corral in the half court with his ability to stretch the floor and then create for teammates.

ProVision had steady contributions from Middle Georgia Prep bound 6-1 SG Stantravious Smith (Sherwood Christian Academy). The GICAA scoring maestro averaged 29.1 points per game as a junior before finishing his career going for 34.4 points, 11 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2 steals and 1.7 blocks on average. On Friday he dumped in a fine all-around game with 14 points (3 threes), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Thursday night, he tacked on 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.

The 2019 Rebels saw the dynamic Bradwell Institute duo do the heavy lifting in two nightcap wins.

Isaiah Scott
Isaiah Scott
Javonte Lecounte
Javonte Lecounte

6-5 W Javonte Lecounte and 6-4 W Isaiah Scott flourished under Coach Simon Steele. Lecounte had 22 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block in an 85-73 win over Team SC Red before scoring 21 points vs. Pro One Select Grey. Scott stuffed the stat sheet as well, finishing with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals at 4:10 PM then exploding for 30 points at 8:50. If you’re a fan of big guards, Lecounte and Scott fit the mold as off-ball options. Lecounte is a strong downhill finisher. Scott has packed on muscle to his wiry frame and can score within the arc in a variety of ways, highlighted by a poster And-1 dunk against Team SC Red.

The Atlanta Timberwolves buried 12 threes in a big 85-74 win over the Nike Elite Stars.

2019 6-4 F Jon Morgan (Combine Academy) dropped in 20 points, drilling three threes to open with before using his supreme athleticism to get to the basket. The recent LaFayette graduate collected 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks as well. Morgan has turned himself from just a nice North Georgia player into a statewide known producer and a national prospect.

2019 6-7 F Austin Sloan (Houston County) had 18 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. Sloan, much like Morgan, is an explosive athlete that bounces high above the rim. His leaping ability helps him score around the basket. Sloan’s range extends close to the three-point line with a high release point. He still needs to get stronger to survive the rigors of a long grinding season. His post physicality and defense can improve. Sloan can block shots but working on his stationary defending and preventing deep post catches will be an area to focus on.

2020 6-2 G Jack Kostel (Mill Creek) has nice size, sharp mechanics and some wiggle in his game. He tossed in 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Kostel sank two three-pointers and did the rest of his damage getting to the foul line, going 6-of-8. Kostel looks like a very nice option come his senior season as he continues to progress.

The human microwave, 2019 6-0 PG DaMarcus Johnson (Tri-Cities) pumped in 23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 steals in a loss to the Georgia Kings. Johnson hit 5 three-pointers, scoring 18 in the second half. Johnson is wired to score. I would like to see him stay aggressive throughout the course of the game. He can be a 20-point scorer and may need to be for Tri-Cities to repeat the success they had last season. As good of a scorer as Johnson is, give him credit for trying to stay true to his point guard position and rarely forcing bad shots. Johnson is content to get his in the flow of the game instead of constantly being on the hunt to find points.

Zeff Felton2019 6-6 F Zeff Felton (Dooly County) is a great sleeper in South Georgia. After growing two more inches since the end of last season, the double-double machine is primed to breakout. While he may not ever average 20 points per game, Felton knows where his strengths are: provide energy and attack the glass. Felton averaged 11.3 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks as a junior. You can pencil him in to average another double-double. Felton is always crashing the boards and has a quick second leap to clean up misses. Felton should be a collegiate player. It’s up to him to determine what level.