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Analysis, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Georgia State Team Camp Session II notes

Carrollton

2020 6-6 F Melvin Edwards: Every time there was a rim being rocked on another court, I’d turn my head and see that it was Edwards doing the damage. The high-rising combo forward continued his blow-up summer by dunking everything possible and running the floor in transition. I identified Edwards as a possible D-I recruit at the HoopSeen Tip-Off back in March and college coaches have wisely agreed with Kennesaw State, Georgia Southern and Presbyterian all offering. Edwards is a match-up problem with his versatility scoring inside and out. He has the feel of becoming a special player once he gets to college.

2020 6-3 CG Marcellious Lockett: In an early morning bout with Grayson, Lockett shined with his play on both sides of the ball. He turned defense into offense by playing the passing lanes and getting after it with his on-ball defense. When he had the ball in his hands, he created offense for himself and others, riffling in some no look passes for easy buckets when he wasn’t hunting his own shot. Lockett scored from all three levels and completed some tough finishes at the rim. Lockett hasn’t garnered the D-I offers that Edwards has gotten yet, but if he is patient, I wouldn’t be surprised if some schools start his recruitment if he puts together a strong showing at the NCAA Georgia Live Period Event this weekend.

Grayson

2020 6-4 SG Caleb Murphy: In a 68-53 win over Tri-Cities, the Norcross transfer looked like he was more than capable of being a number one option on a top team, posting 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal with Deivon Smith out of town. Murphy operated in tight spaces with the ball on a string as he wriggled his way out of traps to find freedom. He’s got a quick first step that helps him get into the paint and finish at the rim. He had a nice day with Georgia State’s staff attentively watching.

2021 6-7 PF Ian Schieffelin: Often lost in the shuffle with the great high-flying backcourt of Grayson, since Day 1 when he first dawned the Green and Gold, Ian Schieffelin has been a hard-nosed lunch pail type of post willing to do the dirty work inside. In their win over Tri-Cities, he contributed 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 3 blocks. Schieffelin snatched down some grown-man rebounds that not even the peskiest of guards would consider swiping at once he controlled it. The former quarterback has a soft touch with the ball and can extend his range to the three-point line when asked to stretch the floor. Schieffelin understands his role and flourishes in it. He was rewarded with an offer from James Madison last weekend; his first scholarship offer.

Tri-Cities

2020 6-4 W Demetrius Rives: One of Fulton’s counties premier fearless slashers, Demetrius Rives, battled Grayson’s high-profile front court and came away with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. Rives is a strong well-built athlete that’s primary goal on offense is to get to the rim. He attacks the basket with bad intentions. He is a strong rebounder for his wing position, using his strength to stay on the glass. Being able to consistently knock down jump shots is an area he will need to improve upon his senior year.

2021 6-2 CG Peyton Daniels: Though he didn’t have his strongest game, Peyton Daniels still hit three threes and finished with 13 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists vs. Grayson. Daniels has a smooth stroke that he can get off the dribble. With DaMarcus Johnson graduating, the team officially belongs to Daniels now. He will be relied upon to score but also create for teammates as well.

Douglass

Angelo Grimes2020 6-1 PG Angelo Grimes: A solid athlete with a calm floor general demeanor, Angelo Grimes averaged 11.5 points over two games and stuffed the stat sheet in a 64-57 win over Johns Creek with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Grimes did a good job of getting into the paint and kicking out to teammates. He is a pass-first point guard who does his scoring at the rim.

2021 6-2 W JaCorye Favors: The lefty was one of Georgia State Team Camp’s best discoveries on the day. Against Johns Creek he tallied 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block and vs. Mt. Pisgah added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Favors is an active guard that crashes the glass and plays bigger than his size. He can knock down the open three but did most of his damage slashing to the basket and on the offensive glass. He is transferring in from Maynard Jackson and should be able to give Douglass an immediate lift in Region 6-AA.

Johns Creek

2021 6-3 G Steven Lyles: Just looking at Steven Lyles, the upside he possesses is apparent. Lyles is a gifted athlete with a tremendous frame for a guard. He had 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block in a loss to Douglass. He drained two threes but his most eye-opening play was his acrobatic 360 layup on a defender. Lyles is a name to keep in the back of your mind for the next two years.

Mt. Pisgah

2021 5-11 G Chase Tucker: No one was more impressive with their jump shot than Chase Tucker was. The three-point specialist was dialed in, banging in eight threes for 24 points in a 53-41 win over Douglass. Tucker was in a special zone, sinking nearly every attempt he fired up. He carried the load without JoJo Peterson available.

2021 6-7 PF Nate Gordon: Nate Gordon put up 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block against Douglass. At times Gordon still looks a little raw around the basket but he had a few strong finishes when powering up for dunks. Improving his footwork with his back to the basket will open up more scoring opportunities.

Chapel Hill

2021 6-2 G Micah Bell: I’d heard good things about Micah Bell over the past year and the wiry guard did not disappoint, albeit vs. a JV Lovejoy team. Bell is excellent in transition and gets downhill when attacking the basket. He is a bit slight of frame, but takes contact extremely well and finishes through defenders. Bell has some wiggle and bounce to his game and has a knack for scoring. He knocked down two threes in his 25-point outburst to go along with his 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Bell reminds me just a little bit of 2020 Lithonia PG Eric Gaines.

2020 6-1 G Mike Bell: The older brother of Micah, Mike Bell is a stout guard with a three-point stroke. He hit three en route to 15 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 3 steals. He showed good instincts with his on-ball defense and turned over his opponents. Mike might not be as electric athletically as Micah, but he’s still a reliable guard that helps the offense flow.

Peachtree Ridge

2021 6-4 F Navaughn Maise: Defensively is where Navaughn Maise made his strongest impact against Parkview. The strong framed forward contributed 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. He plays bigger than his size and has good hands in traffic. Maise is the type of player that coaches can trust to battle in the trenches.

Parkview

2021 6-3 W Miles Kelly: Miles Kelly heated up in the second half, scoring 11 of his game-high 15 points to lead Parkview past Peachtree Ridge 49-46. He hit two threes before going 5-of-6 from the line to close the game. Kelly has nice length on the perimeter and a good future ahead.

2020 6-2 G Allen Terrell: Allen Terrell kept constant pressure on opposing ball handlers and played a key role in Parkview’s comeback. Terrell had 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals and 1 block. His willingness to defend sparked the Panthers and his energy was contagious in the second half.

South Gwinnett

2021 6-7 PF Ja’Heim Hudson: Already known as a double-double threat, Ja’Heim Hudson could be on his way to becoming a D-I recruit. Hudson looked good in a 55-25 win over Marietta, scoring 8 points to go with his 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Hudson showed off a baby hook with both hands and had a strong drop step to square his shoulders and finish with authority. Hudson plays above the rim with powerful finishes and has nice court awareness when passing out of the post. By this time next year, expect Hudson to have a handful of offers.

Marietta

2021 6-0 PG Travis Burrus: Six seniors graduate from last year’s surprise Sweet 16 team, meaning it’s Travis Burrus’ time to take over the reins as a leader and go-to player. Burrus scored 8 points in a shorthanded loss to South Gwinnett. Burrus got into the paint with his quickness but also showed the ability to hit the three, drilling two. The lefty will need to balance finding his own offense with setting up teammates his junior season.

Analysis, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Georgia Tech Team Camp notes

HARRIS COUNTY

Tailique Williams2020 5-10 PG Tailique Williams: A known commodity in west Georgia, the engine of Harris County led the Tigers to a few wins at Georgia Tech. The dual-sport athlete getting recruited to play football posted 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in a 52-46 win over Alpharetta. Williams’ quickness and football physicality allowed him to squeeze into the lane and tear the defense down from the inside out. He’s got a funky left-handed stroke but Williams hit a few jumpers through out the day. His court vision makes him one of the best true point guards in the Columbus area.

2021 6-3 W Marcus Dumas: Marcus Dumas is a wiry wing with a good motor. He did most of his damage slashing to the basket in his 14-point showing against Alpharetta. He collected 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block as well. Dumas’ energy on both ends of the floor played a key role in Harris County’s success at Georgia Tech.

ALPHARETTA

Josh Spencer2020 6-5 F Josh Spencer: In losses to Harris County and ELCA, Spencer contributed all over the floor. He had 7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 blocks vs. Harris County before going for 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block against ELCA. Spencer is a strong forward with a versatile skillset. He helps out on the glass and defensively, but maintaining an aggressive mindset offensively with consistency will be important his senior season. Spencer has enough talent to average close to a double-double this year – which Alpharetta will need – he just has to hunt his offense a little more.

2020 6-5 W Jayden Stephens: “Canada” got hurt in game two vs. ELCA but managed to post 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals against Harris County. Stephens is continuing to reshape his game to become more than just a three-point specialist. He scored some points in the paint and rebounded to earn second-chance opportunities. To round out his offensive repertoire, Stephens must improve his ball handling. He needs to be able to get to the basket from the wing more frequently. His length on the perimeter gives him the tools needed to become a plus-defender.

2021 6-1 SG Jamari Denson: Transferring in from Hillgrove, Denson looked comfortable as one of Alpharetta’s top scoring options. He had 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal against Harris County before netting 13 points in a 49-33 loss to ELCA. Denson has some smooth qualities to his game and a capable three-point shot to keep defenses honest. He will have plenty of opportunities to impact Alpharetta this season as a jump shot making two-guard.

ELCA

2020 6-9 F Izzy Momodu: The gentle giant from London finally looks comfortable with ELCA and showed that he is ready to play big minutes after learning behind Maryville College-signee Felix Uadiale, a great role model for how bigs should play with energy. Momodu saw inconsistent minutes through ELCA’s run to the Class A-Private State Championship game as his fitness and overall fit were not quite in tune. Momodu showed flashes of his promise on Saturday at Georgia Tech, finishing with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal against Alpharetta. Izzy displayed signs of a developing low-post game, not always the smoothest with his footwork but patient enough to maneuver his way around defenders using an up-and-under. Against Harris County, he knocked down two three-pointers. His passing was impressive especially when working a two-man game with fellow forward Jordan Smalls; handling the ball from the wing, making eye-contact with Smalls and sending him baseline for a backdoor cut, a pretty assisted layup via Momodu threading the needle. Momodu is still not a finished product, but the pieces are moving closer and closer together which could materialize into some D-II offers depending on how his senior season plays out.

2020 6-6 F Jordan Smalls: To say his senior season will be a crucial one would be an understatement. With the graduation of a largely influential 2019 class, its time for Jordan Smalls to lead and take the reins of the offense. Smalls had 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in a win over Alpharetta. He got most of his offense on effort and using his length to his advantage. He had one pretty spin baseline out of the low block, an aggressive move that I would love to see more from him. Smalls can contribute here and there on both ends of the floor but locking in with an assertive mind set could help him really take advantage of his new found role in the offense. In an overtime win against Harris County, Smalls took over with four points, a block and two rebounds in the extra period. Smalls is a bit of tweener forward since he doesn’t have a consistent three-point shot that he turns to, an area of his game he could improve upon along with his handle. Overall, Smalls has the tools available for a breakout senior season.

SOUTHWEST DEKALB

Mohamad Diallo2020 6-9 C Mohamad Diallo: Mo Diallo transferred from Arabia Mountain to Southwest DeKalb last season but was unable to see the floor. With how he played at Georgia Tech, he should be a front runner for the starting center job. Diallo had 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks against Jeff Davis but picked it up against Sandy Creek with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. Diallo is still raw, but he alters a ton of shots inside. The late bloomer needs to polish up some post moves, but he did try a few hook shots. He had three missed dunks on the day, trying to drop step and finish over smaller defenders, a good aggressive look but he will need to finish them off. The big lefty could use some more muscle but in a state that has a dearth of size, Diallo could play his way onto some college radars.

2020 6-6 W Eugene Brown III: After a devastating broken leg ended his season short, Eugene Brown looked fully healthy at Georgia Tech, not missing a beat. He was aggressive on defense, leading to easy buckets throughout the day. He had 12 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks against Jeff Davis before adding 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal vs. Sandy Creek. Brown did not connect on any of his trademark three-pointers but instead attacked the rim, especially in transition. His length led to many stolen passes which he took the distance. With ACC and Big East schools hot on his trail, Brown has plenty of options to choose from.

NORTH CLAYTON

2020 6-8 W Xavier Valley: One of Georgia’s potential breakout stars, Xavier Valley, showed flashes of what he could end up being. He struggled in a 60-37 loss to Langston Hughes, finishing with just 6 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks but against Milton he revved up his play to tally 22 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Valley came out of the gates hot against Milton, hitting three three-pointers after his jumper wasn’t falling against Langston Hughes. Valley has High Major size on the perimeter and a solid outside shot. Consistency on the offensive end will be what he needs to improve upon. Valley had a few lulls throughout both games. He has the ability to score on all three levels, he just needs to stay aggressive. On defense he was a reliable rim protector.

2020 6-6 PF Onuma Dieke: While the stat lines may not have been overly sexy, “OD”’s impact was definitely felt in both games. The long-armed athlete is a wide receiver recruit who boasts a 3.76 weighted GPA and will be dual-enrolled next year. As bright as he is in the classroom and on the football field, Dieke is equally as bright with his effort on defense and the boards. He put together games of 2 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks vs. Langston Hughes and a showing of 6 points and 7 rebounds against Milton. Dieke isn’t a huge offensive threat but he’s solid enough to finish around the basket when up close and is a handful to keep off the glass. While his future likely is in football instead of basketball, Dieke is all you can ask for from an athletic role-playing big man in high school.

2020 6-6 PF Jaimonnie Watkins-Causey: Back home at North Clayton, the rugged defensive-minded forward got to showcase more of his offense. He averaged 11 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1 block in two games on Saturday. Watkins-Causey was aggressive with the ball in his hands, trying to get to the basket from 15-feet out or when he faced up out of the low post. It looked like he forced a few bad shots at times trying to prove he’s a scorer but overall he had a strong day on both sides of the ball. If schools are looking for a hard-nosed forward, Watkins-Causey might be the right fit.

LANGSTON HUGHES

PJ Carter2020 6-5 SG PJ Carter: Langston Hughes’ next D-I player is PJ Carter. The sharpshooter did a fine job of replacing Landers Nolley (Virginia Tech) last season, averaging 19.1 points per game. Carter is swift to catch fire with his lightning-quick release. He drilled four threes en route to 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in a win over North Clayton. Carter was one of Team Camp’s top performers and should start to become a priority for LM-MM schools looking for a scorer with a pure jump shot. He’s drawn interest from the likes of UT-Chattanooga, Wofford and Georgia Southern to name a few.

MILTON

2022 6-2 G Bruce Thornton Jr.: Already a nationally known prospect, Bruce Thornton Jr. did not disappoint in Milton’s 49-42 win over North Clayton. The rising sophomore is not built like one. Blessed with a running back’s physicality, Thornton bullied his way to 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists while living at the line, going 9-of-12. North Clayton’s guards were unable to keep Thornton out of the paint and off the glass. Thornton has a coolness to his game and the poise of a senior. He didn’t have to show off his outside shooting too much at Georgia Tech, but adding a consistent three-point shot to his arsenal will further round out his mature game

2021 6-8 PF Austin Weiner: If Austin Weiner decides to stick with basketball instead of follow in his father’s NFL footsteps, I think he could end up being one of Georgia’s best 2021 big men. Weiner is a true back-to-the-basket grinder. The defensive end is a road grader on the hardwood, moving people out of the way with his 235-pound frame. While he may look like a below the rim player at first, Weiner has enough athleticism to punish the basket when he gets the chance. He has some nice footwork in the low post with some crafty finishes and a soft touch that extends out to the three-point line. He had 10 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist against North Clayton. Heading into his upperclassman seasons, Weiner is already one of the most physical players in the state.

LAMBERT

Luke Champion2020 6-7 W Luke Champion: When Luke Champion is locked in from three after seeing a few drop in, it is going to be a long night for defenses. He caught fire against Mt. Bethel in a 42-37 win, draining four deep balls on his way to 16 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. Champion did a little more with the ball than when I saw him last summer. He was able to put it on the floor for a few dribbles to free himself for open looks. As he continues to tighten up his handle and ability to get to the basket, it will open up more scoring opportunities. He had a quiet encore performance against Miller Grove with 6 points on two threes, but he had Georgia Tech Head Coach Josh Pastner intrigued with his floor stretching ability.

Colin Granger2020 6-9 PF Colin Granger: As far as true big men go in Georgia, Colin Granger might have the most present-day talent in the 2020 class outside of Walker Kessler but finding that consistent killer mentality on the low block is his final hurdle. You won’t find another post player that runs the floor as well as Granger does. Up against Jordan Meka of Mt. Bethel, Granger was up to the task, putting together 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block. Granger was always one of the first players down the floor which led to deep post position if he wasn’t catching passes in stride for lay-ins. Granger moves exceptionally well, especially considering the amount of muscle that he is carrying on his frame as one of the state’s sturdiest players. Granger knocked down two threes on the day and started his own fast break on numerous occasions.  Sometimes he can try to do a little too much and turn the ball over, but his play on Sunday was the best I’ve seen out of him. Even in a loss to Miller Grove where he had a quiet first half, Granger finished the game with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 1 assist. Continuing to be coachable and accepting a leadership role are two big areas that Granger has a chance to capitalize on in his final season.

MT. BETHEL

2020 6-8 PF Jordan Meka: Dripping with upside, Jordan Meka did not shy away from the physical opposition of Colin Granger and more than held his own against the burly big, posting 20 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks while going 8-of-11 from the foul line. The jumping jack still has his best basketball ahead of him but he is making strides to reach his potential as possibly Georgia’s highest ceiling post player in the 2020 class. Meka hit a couple hook shots in the lane and had a few patient post moves with his back to the basket. His moves may need a little more decisiveness at times, but he never rushed into any ill-conceived attempts. With the graduation of Coleman Boyd and Stanley Eze, Meka will be forced to shoulder some more of Mt. Bethel’s offense.

MILLER GROVE

2021 6-2 G Zyair Greene: Tasked with helping lead a painfully young and inexperienced Miller Grove team last season, Zyair Greene averaged a team-high 17.3 points per game. Greene showed his same knack for scoring in a win over Lambert in which he went for 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Greene isn’t a freak athlete, a long guard or a dynamo three-point shooter, but what he is, is a solid bucket getter that knows where he’s most effective and players like that can be successful for a long time.

JEFF DAVIS

CJ Parker2022 6-0 CG CJ Parker: With JaQueze Kirby sidelined, someone had to pick up the slack for Jeff Davis and that someone was rising sophomore CJ Parker. After averaging 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game as a freshman, Parker took it upon himself to carry the Yellow Jackets on Sunday. He piled in 21 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block in a 57-41 loss to Southwest DeKalb. Parker has quick trigger that helps him get off shots before defenders can close out which led to five three-pointers. Parker is wired to score and is the perfect outside shooting compliment to Kirby. Parker has room to grow with his ball-handling and ability to get in the paint. He is a guard to track in south Georgia and should end up as a 1,000+ point scorer once his career is said and done.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Spielin' & Dealin' Podcast

Spielin’ & Dealin’ Ep. 76: Offseason Catch Up

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After a long hiatus, the boys are back to quickly touch on how the spring has played out thus far.

Coaching Carousel update [1:18] 
Spring stock risers [6:00] 
Potential breakouts? [11:03] 
Looking forward to 2019-20 season [13:06]

Analysis, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Adidas Atlanta Memorial Day Classic notes

17U

AJ Bouye Elite

2020 6-5 W Keith Lamar (Eagle’s Landing): Blessed with a college-ready body, Keith Lamar put his strength to work in a 65-58 loss to Powerhouse Elite, finishing with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Lamar is an offensive threat that can score at all three levels but buttered his bread on Sunday by getting into the lane and finishing up close. When he makes up his mind to get to the rim, there aren’t many defenders that can deter his decision making.  Expect Lamar to draw some D-I attention over the next few months.

2020 5-10 PG Kameron Hobbs (Dutchtown): Coming in off the bench, Hobbs immediately changed the pace of the game with his sparkplug style of play. Hobbs tallied 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 7 steals in a stat sheet stuffing effort. Hobbs’ energy makes him a pest on both sides of the ball, playing the passing lanes on defense while getting into the teeth of the defense offensively creating for teammates. Hobbs plays longer than his 5-foot-10 build suggests.6

Powerhouse Elite

2020 6-1 W James Little (Shiloh): A physically strong guard, James Little played above the rim in an 18-point outing against AJ Bouye Elite. Little could stand to tighten up his ball skills, but his effort on the glass and his athleticism help make up for any deficiencies.

2020 5-8 PG D’vonja Frett (ML King): The feisty little playmaker hit some tough shots in a win over AJ Bouye Elite. D’vonja Frett’s quickness opens up opportunities to score the ball which Frett cashed in on with tough finishes in traffic.

Atlanta Celtics

2020 6-1 PG Dwon Odom (St. Francis): The Xavier-commit impacted the game in every phase as he always does, finishing with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in a 67-45 win over Team T Gand. Odom was impossible to stop once he got downhill and drew numerous hand check fouls. He didn’t knock down any threes but hand some momentum building slams.

2020 6-0 PG Deivon Smith (Grayson): Deivon Smith has to be the best shot blocker in the nation that’s 6-foot or under. After averaging just under two blocks per game during the high school season, Smith climbed the latter to ferociously swat away two shots on Sunday. He had 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals to round out an electric outing.

2020 6-5 W Toneari Lane (Shiloh): With Dwon Odom and Deivon Smith running wild in the backcourt, Toneari Lane was the beneficiary of some open looks as he cashed in two three-pointers and finished with 12 points on the day. Lane is one of the best wings available in Georgia’s 2020 class due to his mixture of toughness and skill. He can shoot the three but is punishing when getting to the basket.

Reach Higher Kings ATL

2020 5-10 PG Cody Gaynes (Marist): Cody Gaynes made winning plays down the stretch in RHK ATL’s 49-41 win over Team Florida. The floor general controlled the tempo and did the little things to help the Kings close out a signature victory. Gaynes had 14 points to lead RHK and won 50/50 balls that helped decide the game.

2020 6-6 F Sola Adebisi (Cambridge): Sola Adebisi had the highlight of the weekend with a posterizing one-handed jam over a 6-foot-6 defender. The springy big man is still more of an effort guy than a polished scorer offensively but his activity and athleticism make him a must-mark man to keep off the glass. Adebisi can knock down the jumper when called upon and will have plenty of opportunities this upcoming season at Cambridge to really boost his stock as an all-around player.

Game Elite Blue

2020 6-7 W Chase McKey (Johns Creek): Looking for a late-blooming sleeper that’s right under your nose in Metro Atlanta? Look no further than Chase McKey. The long combo forward doesn’t have much fan fare but there should be some intrigue around his game. McKey can score inside and out and has a nice jump shot to go along with his length that helps him finish around the basket. Getting stronger and tightening up his handle will help him slash to the rim and finish through contact. He can alter shots on defense and is a capable rebounder. McKey should be a name that D-II and D-III schools circle and should check in on periodically throughout his senior season. He hasn’t had a ton of notable success on the varsity level, so its now or never for McKey to piece together all his god given tools.

16U

D-Favors Celtics

Jamichael Stillwell2021 6-6 F Jamichael Stillwell (South Atlanta): Transferring from Douglass to South Atlanta for the 2019-2020 season, Jamichael Stillwell showed what type of promise he holds in the Hornets’ frontcourt in D-Favors’ 59-25 rout of MS Hawks Elite. Stillwell double-doubled with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 1 steal. Admittedly still a little raw offensively, Stillwell got a majority of his points in the paint off the glass. He missed a handful of close up bunnies, but often times he atoned for his mistakes and finished on his second and third chances. Stillwell is long and eager to rebound the ball. His footwork with his back to the basket needs some work but he does have the ability to shoot from the outside, knocking down a smooth looking three on Sunday. Stillwell should be a name that folks across Georgia will need to familiarize themselves with over the next two years, especially in Class 2A.

Julius Lymon2021 6-6 F Julius Lymon (South Atlanta): Enjoying his new found durability, all of Julius Lymon’s early career injury setbacks are now hopefully behind him. Lymon showed flashes on Sunday of what he could develop into one day. Lymon posted 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. He moves exceptionally well and is working on improving his ball-handling, apparent as he had a few nice strong drives to the basket. Once Lymon develops a go-to move on offense, he will force his way onto college radars. His defense is ahead of his offense but his motor makes him a handful from 10-feet and in.

Atlanta Celtics

2022 6-1 G Chase Cormier (St. Pius X): Cormier scorched the nets again in a 62-30 win over Chattanooga Elite. The three-point marksman drilled four trifectas en route to a team-high 17 points. Cormier finds a way to impress each and every weekend. He’s earned the right for a neon greenlight but even with that trust, he still hardly ever takes any bad shots. Cormier knows his range and is expected to connect whenever he gets a clean look.

2021 6-3 SG JoJo Peterson (Mt. Pisgah): An off-guard with good size, JoJo Peterson has the makings of becoming one of the 2021 Class’ top guards when all is said and done. Possessing all the tools, Peterson can score the ball at all three levels but he is also a talented playmaker that gets his teammates involved. He had 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block on Sunday. With Quinn Richey off to James Madison, the young Mt. Pisgah Patriots will be looking for a go-to guy and a leader this upcoming season. If Peterson can hone in on an alpha dog mentality, he could step up and become one of the state’s most improved players in 2019-20 for new Head Coach Matt Hixenbaugh.

Team Forrest

2021 6-9 C Ryan Mutombo (Lovett): Ryan Mutombo controlled the paint in Team Forrest’s 58-41 win over South Florida Steel. With 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks, Mutombo showed a nice variety of skills. He defended on the perimeter and blocked jump shots while on the offensive end knocked down an easy 15-footer without hesitation. Inside, he had a solid drop step and finished through defenders. Mutombo had some great moments at Lovett this past year but expect his junior season to be when he really takes off and garners some national attention.

2021 5-6 PG Khi Cook (Greenforest): The smallest man on the court by far, Khi Cook didn’t let his size stop him from playing big. The jitterbug point guard facilitated beautifully with 8 assists to pair with his 6 points and 3 steals. Cook whipped in tight passes and displayed an advanced court vision on multiple occasions. The speedster even showed off some crafty body control as he finished two And-1s. Cook knows how to run an offense and has experience being undersized, so much so that it feels like the height disadvantage doesn’t affect him all that much.

2021 5-10 PG Jason Edwards (Grayson): Wired to score, Jason Edwards is instant offense at the guard position. Much like older brother Nick, Edwards just has a knack for putting the ball in the basket. He came off the bench against South Florida Steel and immediately drained two three-pointers before finishing with 14 points, 2 assists and 2 steals. Edwards has some wiggle and knows how to get to his spots. Creating more opportunities for his teammates will be the next step in his development as a lead guard.

Jaylen Jackson2021 6-4 W Jaylen Jackson (Douglas County): No one turned more heads than high-flyer Jaylen Jackson. The Westlake transfer will join an already athletic frontcourt in Douglasville. Jackson finished with 18 loud points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. He scored three straight baskets in a span of less than a minute with two dunks that ignited the crowd. Jackson is more than just a highlight reel dunker however. He hit a few shots off the dribble including draining a step back three from the left wing. If Sunday’s performance was more than just a flash in the pan, Jackson might be the latest sleeper out of West Georgia that could garner some college interest.

15U

Atlanta All-Stars

Jared Russo2022 6-7 F Jared Russo (River Ridge): In a rare 65-61 loss to GME 2022, Jared Russo was excellent inside with 22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 blocks. Since seeing him last summer, Russo has matured by adding on some muscle and more noticeably, growing three inches into a true game-changing post presence. In fact, Russo is a program-changing big man. River Ridge finished 3-23 last year but Russo managed to earn All-Region Honorable Mention. Not many 3-win programs would be all that attractive but first-year Head Coach Aaron Darling is inheriting a workhorse anchor in the paint. Russo has a soft touch inside and patient footwork. He high points rebounds and can rebound out of area, covering ground with his long strides and longer arms. Russo might not look like an overly physical interior player, but he has functional strength and can handle some banging. Defensively, Russo is an excellent help-side defender that erases shots at the rim. Offensively, he is an underrated passer that knows where he is going with the ball before he even catches it, leading to quick dump offs to open teammates. Russo is also a quality athlete that uses all 6-foot-7 of his frame to play above the rim. In a state that recently has seen itself starved for true quality big men, Russo is well ahead of the curve and looks like the best post prospect the 2022 class has to offer right now. If Russo continues to progress along the rate that he is improving, he should be a no-brainer D-I recruit.

2022 6-3 G Chance Thacker (Providence Christian): Expected to follow his father to Providence Christian after landing the head coaching gig, Chance Thacker will instantly make the 3-win program a better team. Coming from Lambert, Thacker is wise beyond his years and knows how to compete at a high level. Thacker can impact games without scoring, using his IQ and hustle to make everyone around him better. Thacker had a quiet offensive game with 6 points, but added 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. He is a glue guy that will do what’s best for the team. Thacker has a Jaxon Etter-like feel to his game.

2022 6-1 CG Jordan Brown (St. Francis): The state champion guard is a shot creator but shined in his newfound role of point guard, finishing with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. Playing at St. Francis along with Xavier-commit Dwon Odom, Brown won’t handle any point guard duties until his junior season, but playing with the Atlanta All-Stars has thrusted him into a role that can only help his development. Brown got into the lane and dropped off a handful of assists to Jared Russo down low, showing the ability to spoon feed in tight quarters. On the perimeter Brown likes to wheel and deal before finding a mid-range shot he likes. Brown sometimes found himself torn between playing the role of facilitator vs. scorer, but overall he did a very nice job of balancing his duties.

Analysis, GHSA, GHSA Basketball

Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions notes

SEBA FCI WARRIORS

The SEBA FCI Warriors scored a big 80-72 win over Pro One on the opening night of the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. While the Warriors might not have any high-profile D-I level recruits, what they do have is a team full of heady players that play their roles and do what it takes to win.

Franklin Bailey2020 6-0 G Franklin Bailey (Chattahoochee) led the way with 31 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals. Bailey has emerged as one of Georgia’s premier three-point shooters as the catch-and-shoot guard drilled 8 threes on the night. Bailey was a relative unknown until carving his niche in the Chattahoochee system this past season as a specialist and has continue to grow his game, making an impact defensively. Bailey still isn’t a major threat to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket, but once teams start running him off the three-point line, those opportunities will be there. A school needing a plug-and-play floor stretcher should keep tabs on Bailey throughout his senior season.

Keon Sedgwick2020 6-0 G Keon Sedgwick (Paulding County) made plays down the stretch to help clinch the win, scoring nine of his 13 points in the second half while collecting 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals for the game. Sedgwick gets downhill in a hurry and keeps the pressure on defenses. Just when it looks like he might be barreling his way out of control to the basket, he can pull up on a dime from 10-feet to drop in a soft jumper. The more you watch Sedgwick play, the more you appreciate the little things he brings to the table on both offense and defense.

2020 6-4 F Ty Clark (Kell) is a bit of a late bloomer but his athleticism and motor have him catching up to the rest of the field. Clark is still raw in some facets of his game, but the good shone through with his output of 7 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks. The summer and upcoming varsity season will be key for his development.

2019 6-5 W Alex Forde (Etowah) came out hot, hitting two threes off the dribble before finishing with 8 points. The unsigned senior has a college-ready body and nice jump shot. Defensively, Forde can make a difference with his ability to guard multiple positions. He could be a solid late pick up for a small school looking for a player that competes and has been coached at a high level.

ATLANTA XPRESS

The Atlanta Xpress rolled over CKY Magic 69-48, outmanning the team from Kentucky at every position.

Jamaine Mann2020 6-5 F Jamaine Mann (Starr’s Mill) dominated the paint and racked up another double-double which has become a nightly expectation, especially during the high school season, as he went for 19 points, 12 rebounds and 1 block. Though he doesn’t have elite height, Mann is tough to stop when he’s up close with his explosion and overall thick frame. Mann knocked down a three in the second half but still projects as a quick powerful forward that can punish bigger/slower defenders off the dribble.

2020 6-6 F Jordan Smalls (ELCA) played possibly the best game I’ve ever seen out of him, posting 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Smalls was in the right place at the right time throughout the game and did a good job of finishing when he was around the rim. His length makes him a versatile defender that projects well. Aggressiveness and consistency are his two biggest areas of improvement and Friday night was a nice step in the right direction as he heads into his senior season.

2019 6-0 G Jevon Tatum (Grayson) tallied 11 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in the win. The unsigned senior has always been known for his scoring prowess but has gotten better and better at running an offense. Low Majors and D-II schools should take a quick look if they are in need of a sharp lead guard that can push the pace and score from all over.

TEAM GA MAGIC

Shorthanded without star guard Kowacie Reeves Jr. and down 38-17 at the half, Team GA Magic could have easily rolled over and taken a beating, but instead fought all the way back to have an opportunity to send the game into overtime but a turnover on an outlet pass after two missed Team Parsons CP25 free throws sealed their fate.

2021 6-4 G Javian Mosley (Westside-Macon) carried the Magic in the second half, pouring in 19 points on his way to finishing with a game-high 23 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Mosley got aggressive but more importantly hot, hitting 4 threes to pace the comeback. Mosley converted a handful of tough drives through the teeth of the defense, using his own length to score on Team Parsons’ frontline consisting of 6-foot-9 forwards. The lefty can still stand to tighten up some areas of his game, but he’s got a knack for scoring and was up to the challenge against one of the best teams in the field without his running mate Reeves.

2020 6-1 G Bryson Wooten (Jones County) looked healthy and back to his normal self after injuries slowed down his junior season. Wooten brought major effort, competing on both sides of the ball. He slashed his way to 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. He led the Magic in rebounding and took on the task of battling Team Parsons’ stronger and longer frontcourt. For Wooten to really bring his offensive game to the next level, he will need to stretch out his range. After making just 11 threes his junior season, Wooten has to make sure he doesn’t earn the label of a non-shooter.

2021 6-6 F Quay Primas (Central-Macon) was hampered with foul trouble all game long and never found enough time to get into a groove, but when he was out there his skill level was apparent. Primas has continued to shed his baby fat and is rounding into one of Georgia’s best post presences. He knows how to score with his back to the basket with drop steps but also has a soft touch that extends all the way out to the three-point line. He can put the ball on the floor and spin his way to where he needs to go when attacking from the high post. Primas won’t win any slam dunk contests or high jump meets, but he is a great rebounder that snatches balls at their high point with two hands when coming off the rim. Primas finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block – a modest performance – but make no mistake, he has the makings of becoming a D-I recruit.