War Games 28.5 Underclassmen Standouts
Girls Analysis

War Games 28.5 Underclassmen Standouts

Averie Jones2024 5-6 G Averie Jones – Peak Webb – Lumpkin County
Only a rising freshman, Averie Jones stole the show and nearly powered Peak Webb to victory in a double overtime loss.Jones rallied Peak from a double-digit deficit with her tenacious on-ball defense. Jones pestered ballhandlers and earned poke-aways that led to fast break opportunities. She consistently showed that she could get to the basket and finish. Jones scored on tough layups and had crafty finishes with short little shots in the lane. Jones never let the stage get too big for her and handled pressure with ease. Her polish and poise are advanced for her age. She looks ready to slot into the starting lineup next to Isabel Davenport and give Coach David Dowse a legitimate number two option in the backcourt. Jones finished with 15 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 6 steals and 1 block. She will have a memorable career in Dahlonega and is the next in a long line of tough Dowse led guards.

Bryanna Preston2024 5-9 PG Bryanna Preston – FBC Legacy UAA – Lovejoy
Lovejoy has the next big thing in Bryanna Preston. The playmaking guard is a smooth operator and dissects defenses out of the pick and roll. She has a great feel for the game and can change speeds. Preston knows how to get downhill and creates offense for both herself and others. She didn’t have to play much in their blowout win, but she still left a lasting impression compiling 6 points, 2 assists and 2 steals. She will be one of the best guards in Georgia’s 2024 class.

Sara Lewis2023 6-1 F Sara Lewis – FBC Legacy UAA – Woodward Academy
Motor. Long-armed forward Sara Lewis was all over the floor in a rout of Essence Black. Lewis wreaked havoc at the top of the press earning deflections and steals. On offense, she crashed the glass relentlessly and was a foul magnet, going 8-10 from the line. Lewis also attacked the basket on some straight-line drives. Her length gives her tremendous value defensively. She finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and 1 block.

LaNiyah Foster2023 5-9 W La’Niyah Foster – FBC Bouncenation Jay 2022 – Lovejoy
Whenever Bouncenation needed a bucket, they turned to Foster. At 5-foot-9, Foster was a chameleon on the court, able to play multiple positions. What stood out most was her nose for the ball and natural instincts. She was involved in almost every play. She displayed lightning quick hands and racked up steal after steal in the first half. Offensively her best work was done in the paint. With her aggression and strength, there was almost no stopping her when she got the ball up close. She used her shoulders well when attacking shot blockers and was able to score over length. On the perimeter she handled the ball fine against pressure. She will be able to tweak and refine her game over the next three seasons, giving her plenty of time to reach her potential. Foster was a bit reminiscent of fellow 2023 standout Alexcia Murphy of Troup County as they had fairly similar builds and both great motors. Foster carried FBC to a 59-57 win in double overtime against Peak Webb, piling in 30 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 7 steals and 2 blocks.

2023 5-7 CG Ayana Boyd – FBC Bouncenation Jay 2022 – Lovejoy
Ayana “Yani” Boyd showed flashes of major potential, especially in the first half against Peak Webb. The younger sister of former multi-time All-State guard Anaya Boyd (Georgia Tech), Boyd isn’t quite on the level of her sister but the lefty has some tools to work with. Boyd pushed the tempo and was aggressive getting into the heart of the defense. Her athleticism and activity set the tone early. In the second half when Bouncenation struggled, the ball was out of Boyd’s hands. She only finished with 3 points, but provided an impact elsewhere with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

2023 5-9 G Diana Collins – FBC United The Family 16U – Brookwood
Smooth is a good word to describe Diana Collins’ game. A member of the Swedish national team, Collins’ skill is immense. She can impact games without scoring, even though she always finds a way to put points on the board. Collins has the ball on a string and can break down her man in a limited number of dribbles. Collins has effortless finishes at the basket, able to kiss the ball off the glass from tough angles. She didn’t force her offense in a 64-55 loss against Bouncenation and instead got it in the flow of the system. The 4.0 student tallied 7 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block.