2033 Grant Smith (North Ga. Elite)
He showed some nice offensive feel and scoring ability. Handles it well and has nice touch to lean on. Grant played up 2 grades and really held his own. His ability to process the game regardless of age caught the whole gym’s attention. He’s a patient scorer, a willing passer, and even competes on the glass. Smith is a name to look out for in the next coming years. The middle school scene in metro Atlanta might have a new gem on its hands.
2031 guard Anthony Witherspoon (ATL Bucks 8th)
He was extremely impressive. Playing up a grade, he possesses the poise, feel for the game, and scoring instincts that you covet in a lead guard. Anthony also has plus-level size and has flashed some craft when getting downhill. His perimeter skillset will keep improving and the frame will mature. Witherspoon handled the physicality of playing up pretty well and I expect him to have a big 8th-grade season in Atlanta. He proved he was one of the best middle school guards in attendance.
2030 5’7 PG Josiah Black (OTP 2030)
He had his imprint all over the game. He can playmake, score in transition, and handle the ball with pace. Josiah’s frame is that of a varsity guard already, and he plays with a similar patience. Black organized his team’s offense well while also setting the tone defensively. He’ll need to prove he can beat opponents from the outside, but his foundation as a lead guard is evident. Most middle schoolers aren’t able to get downhill and take care of the ball like he does. He was a huge reason for his team’s success this weekend, and his impact on those wins was clear.
2033 Braxton Watson (Carolina Celtics 11u)
He dominated the competition with his plus-level size, high feel for his age, and talented offensive skillset. Watson showcased advanced ball skills, driving ability, and even flashed some nice shooting touch. He knows how to use his body and isn’t afraid of any contact. He’s also poised to when under pressure and was able to handle playmaking responsibilities on occasion. Watson’s upside as a high-level scorer is apparent. His upcoming middle school campaign should help him continue to boost his stock.
2033 Greyson Sullivan (Carolina Celtics 11u)
He made a case for best player elementary-age PG in the building. The young PG possesses advanced ball skills and scoring ability. Sullivan displayed uncanny pace and was able to make reads years ahead of time. Greyson also flashed some fearless finishing at the rim and off the dribble shooting. He has the skillset of a useful high school guard already. I can see Sullivan looking the part of a varsity guard pretty early into his middle school career. His shot, passing, and handle are all consistent, so his ceiling on offense is very promising. He led his offense to a dominant win and clearly has a legitimate impact on both ends.
Other Notable Performers:
2030 5’11 wing Ryan Leumount (North Ga.Elite)
2030 5’11 wing Sargent Scrodino (North Ga. Elite)
2030 5’9 guard Derek Goodman (OTP 2030)
2030 6’3 wing Spencer Maxwell (OTP 2030)
2030 5’7 guard Bo Brooks (OTP 2030)
2030 guard Jaxen Moore (Free Throw Academy 8th)
2030 5’9 PG Shammond Williams Jr. (Carolina Celtics 2030)
2030 6’1 wing Pete Johnson (Carolina Celtics 2030)
2030 5’10 guard Bryce Blackerby (Carolina Celtics 2030)
2031 PG Varjian Jones (Free Throw Academy 7th)
2031 Clark Chestang (603 Basketball)
2032 Kamal Mosby (Free Throw Academy 6th)
2033 Ben Fredriksen (Georgia Legacy 11u)
2034 Layton Griffin (Free Throw Academy 4th)