The Longhorn 5-Star Classic featured six back-to-back games of great teams and players, which resulted in some great games and performances. Here are the notes from the day:
2023 PG's Isaiah Collier & Stephon Castle lived up to the hype in the Wheeler/Newton matchup. Two of the best in the country in 2023, Collier went for 24 points and left with a win after dominating the overtime period while Castle did everything he could to keep Newton in the game, scoring 30 points.
Milton 2023 guard and Stanford commit Kanaan Carlyle looked very impressive in a win over St. Mary's (AZ). He brought a ton of intensity to both ends of the floor, making it difficult for opposing guards to get St. Mary's into their offense. He also scored 22 points, showing athleticism getting to the rim and knocking down perimeter shots.
McEachern 2024 forward Ace Bailey is a name that we will hear a ton of over the next few years. At a versatile and athletic 6-foot-8, he's got all the makings of a Power 5 prospect with a sky-high ceiling. He had some monstrous finishes above the rim and shined rebounding the basketball, dominating on the glass. Look for him to be in the conversation for the best player in the Peach in 2024 when it is said and done.
Etowah 2023 PG Brandon Rechsteiner has the performance of the day for me, going for 28 points in a win over Buford and doing it in every way imaginable. His offensive skill level is extremely advanced with the ball in his hands, operating well out of ball screens and making the right read every time. He's very creative getting to the rim and finishing as well as finding teammates for open looks. He shoots the ball from three at a high level as well, hitting four in the win.
College coaches will want to keep close tabs on Buford 2022 guard Alahn Sumler. He was a big bright spot for the Wolves today, shooting the ball well from the perimeter and creating offense off the dribble. He has the ability to play both backcourt spots and has great size, length, and athletic ability at 6-foot-3.
North Gwinnett senior forward Dylan Gary was really good today, and made some huge plays down the stretch that propelled the Bulldogs to a win over North Mecklenburg (NC). We are used to seeing him shoot the ball at a high level, but he did much more than that. He hit the glass hard, scored getting to the rim as well as making moves on the block. He's another guy college coaches will want to know.
Gray Collegiate (SC) senior guard Tory Kelly looked good in a win over Hillgrove. He's got a very strong build, is tough as nails, and comes with tons of intangibles. Add those qualities to his ability to score, make plays, and rebound from the backcourt, and you have a guy college coaches will definitely be interested in.