BEST FLOOR GENERAL: Deivon Smith, Grayson
The Mississippi State-bound guard was the engine behind a terrific season for Grayson. He could have scored much more than he did, but with all the talent around him, he was more than happy to see his teammates put up numbers. He's explosive off the dribble and has great vision. He'll be an immediate impact guy in Starkville, and could end up one of the better guards in the SEC in a matter of years.
BEST SHOOTER: Toneari Lane, Grayson
In order to create space for Deivon Smith and Caleb Murphy to attack the rim, Grayson needed a lights out shooter. That’s exactly what the Winthrop-bound wing did all year for the Rams. Early in his career, it was slightly difficult to pinpoint exactly what Lane did best, as he was more of a utility, do-it-all guy. In the spring of 2018, he began to really carve out his niche as a knockdown shooter and it paid huge dividends for him. Look for him to provide that value from day one at Winthrop.
BIGGEST COLLEGE STEAL(S): Chris Youngblood and Brandon Stroud, East Coweta
Chris Youngblood knew early on he found the perfect place for him at Kennesaw State. He committed to the Owls last June. He then helped convince Brandon Stroud, his teammate at both East Coweta and the Georgia Knights, to join him in playing for Amir Abdur-Rahim and getting the program back on track. These two will have a great shot at making the All-Conference teams in the Atlantic Sun before long.
BIGGEST COLLEGE STEAL, PART 2: Sam Hines, Wheeler
Rodney Billups and his staff at Denver stole one at the last minute during the early signing period and should feel really good about it. Hines was the driving force behind bringing Wheeler another state championship in Georgia’s highest classification. A strong-bodied, versatile wing/forward, Hines brings a diverse set of abilities to the floor and has a toughness and grit to his game that will bode well for him at the next level.
MOST LIKELY TO BUST BRACKETS: Caleb Byrd, Newton (Pictured)
Georgia Southern has been really successful under Mark Byington. The Eagles have been very close to winning the Sun Belt and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. If they can get over the hump with Byrd on the roster, watch out for this electrifying guard. He’s capable of lighting up scoreboards and putting his team on his back on both ends. He should continue a rich tradition of electrifying guards in Statesboro and could make a name for himself in the Sun Belt as a big time bucket getter.
BEST AVAILABLE: Dylan Cardwell, McEachern
The 6-foot-10 center was unable to gain clearance from the GHSA to play at McEachern this year, but regardless, he’s the most highly recruited available prospect in Georgia right now. Georgia, Miami, Tennessee and Vanderbilt are all fighting to earn his signature on a scholarship. He has proven that he can play at a high level both in his high school career and on the travel circuit. He will be a really good late signing for the program that can secure his services.
PERFECT MATCH: Jamaine Mann, Dutchtown
The Gardner-Webb-bound forward helped lead Dutchtown to a 5-A state title and don’t be surprised if he does the same for the Bulldogs in the Big South. He will be a matchup disaster in the Big South, being able to guard multiple positions with not many guys able to guard him. He can bully guards on his way to the rim and can beat forwards off the dribble. We love his fit with Gardner Webb and in this league, and we think that he could be a high level player for many years to come for the Bulldogs.
BREAKOUT STAR: Cam Sheffield, Chattahoochee
Finally getting to play a year without running into the injury bug, the Rice-bound forward had a phenomenal year for the ‘Hooch and finished it off with a state championship in the 6-A bracket. His injuries have somewhat kept his abilities under the radar, but we have gotten a clear look at what exactly he can do this year. He can heat up in a hurry and score the ball in bunches from all three levels of the floor. Look for his scoring and shooting ability to serve him well in Houston over the coming years and don't be surprised when you hear his name as a collegiate standout.
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