Coming off of one of the most eventful travel seasons of all time, the high school season is finally here and underway. Some of the best teams in the state took the court tonight looking to test themselves and get the season off to a good start. Here are some notes and storylines from the night:
Grayson Makes a Statement
Despite losing a lot of talent from last year’s team that made it to the state title game, the Rams have reloaded and made a statement tonight that you have to bring your best to beat them. Robert Cowherd was terrific, scoring the ball from all levels and really propelling the Ram offense. Clemson signee Ian Schieffelin held down the interior, tallying a double double and looking impressive in the process. The thing that really stood out about Grayson was the level of physicality and size all over the court.
Young Blue Devils Shine
Norcross put on an absolute clinic in the season opening win over Osborne. Their defense was spectacular, but what was really telling was how well some of their underclassmen played. After transferring from North Carolina, 2023 point guard London Johnson lived up to the hype in his Peach State debut. He took what was given to him and looked very good on both sides of the floor. Freshmen Jahki Howard & Justin Mitchell were also very impressive. The future is very bright at Norcross.
Sandy Creek’s One-Two Punch
After getting off to a slow start, Sandy Creek came alive in the second half to win a very close game against Pace Academy. Washington State signee Myles Rice (Pictured) started the momentum in the third quarter, scoring the ball in a variety of ways and finding teammates for easy scores. Five-star Auburn signee Jabari Smith took that momentum and ran with it in the fourth, providing an unstoppable presence down the stretch. The duo proved that they will be a force this season and will for sure be a state title contender.
Other Notes from the Notebook:
· It was my first time seeing Fayette County 2021 guard Terry Brown. He proved that he should be on a lot of college radars. Good size at 6-foot-5 and unafraid to stay in attack mode.
· Sandy Creek freshman forward Micah Smith is next in line for the Patriots. Good size and length at 6-foot-7, he will be a name to remember in Georgia moving forward.
· Saint Francis wing Jusaun Holt made a great decision in signing with Alabama. He fits Nate Oats’ style very well, plays fast and with a ton of energy.
· Buford junior guard Caleb Blackwell was really good on the offensive side for the Wolves. He carries a lot of offensive responsibilities and has the ball in his hands a lot. He proved that he can be counted on.
· Campbell signee Broc Bidwell shot the ball really well for Milton. He was a good addition for the Eagles. Junior forward Kendall Campbell also showed signs of being very effective on the block and around the rim. Once this team meshes together, they will be contenders in AAAAAAA.
· It’s hard not to like the infectious energy that Pebblebrook wing Jamall Clyce brings to the floor. He was effective in all facets and is a huge glue guy for the Brook and will do the same at Georgia State in the coming years.