Another year of the Jared Cook Classic has come and gone at North Gwinnett, and the event did not disappoint and is always one of the big, staple events early in the season in Georgia. Here are some notes from day three:
It's hard not to love what Sandy Creek showed in a win over Milton. Senior forward & James Madison commit Micah Smith is their do-everything leader and is one of the best overall players in the Peach, and he was fantastic in the win. However, the Patriots showed a ton of depth, a high-energy, tough style of play, and togetherness that you don't often see early on in the season. Kani Rashied-Henry is another great presence in their frontcourt who can score it inside-out. Their backcourt is also deep and talented with guys like Amari Brown, Jared White, PJ Green, and Jacobi Robinson.
Mount Vernon rebounded off of a tough loss the day before with a big win over North Gwinnett, led by KJ Garris (Pictured) and Trey Scott. After a big game on Monday, there was a lot of focus on West Georgia commit Xavier Shegog, and with the defense collapsing on him in the paint it opened opportunities for perimeter shooting. Garris and Scott combined for ten threes and 54 points, Garris going for 31 and Scott adding 23.
Berkmar looks like they could be one of the best teams in Gwinnett County and a factor in the 7A conversation. Eddie Cooke III scored 30 points in a win over Parkview, scoring it well from all three levels and shooting the ball particularly well from three. Mekhi Ragland is a very tough matchup inside with his size and skill level, and he scored 17 points in the win as well. Add in their perimeter players Mike White, David Culbreath-Martin, and Corey Gatlin and this group has a lot of balance and a lot of talent.
Peachtree Ridge has some solid sleeper potential. They play hard, they play fast, and they love to force turnovers and get out and run. Senior guard Byron Martin and junior guard Connor Teasley both played very well and with Derwin Hodge is a big factor on both ends of the floor at a long 6-foot-8. Don't sleep on the Lions this season.
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