LJ Morgan, Shooting Guard- Middle Georgia Stars
If there was a tournament MVP it would go to Morgan. Tallying two game winners this weekend, LJ led the Middle GA Stars to the championship games by showing his ability to score the ball and make plays naturally. It seemed like every time he had possession of the ball on offense, a play was made. Morgan has good size which allows him to shoot over defenders, he showed multiple times over the weekend his range from three and how he can make contested looks. LJ Morgan is a gem out of the Swainsboro area and should be a player to watch heading into his freshman year of High School.
Deven Nelson, Guard- Middle Georgia Push
BIG Guard. Nelson was one of the better prospects in the 14u division this past weekend. One of the leaders for the Champion Middle GA Push, Deven made physical plays for his team. Flurries of and-1’s in transition & knocking down threes Nelson used his frame and finesse to get buckets all weekend and he wasn’t hesitant to let defenders know about it. On defense is where I think this kid plays well beyond his years and why he will make an instant impact on the high school level early. Many times, he read the passing lanes and created easy fast breaks for his team. He is a loud communicator which is something you don’t always see at this age. Deven Nelson is a kid that you can play anywhere on the floor and will be a promising prospect in the years to come.
Zion Paul, Dual Forward- HypeSouth MGF
A lot like Deven Nelson, Zion Paul was a force getting to the basket this weekend. A big frame for a ball-handler, Z caused problems playing downhill & getting to the basket at will. What I liked most about Paul was his willingness to compete. He and his backcourt mate JuJu Miley led HypeSouth to the championship game with these two at the helm. Paul was the main decision maker on the floor most times and it usually ended with a bucket for him or an assist to a teammate. I’ve heard he’s had football standout as well, but do not be surprised seeing this kid make some noise on the hardwood over his high school career.
Treston Zanders, Center- Middle Georgia Rising Stars
The big fella made his presence felt in the paint for the Stars. He had to be close to 60% when he got the ball within 10 feet of the basket. Zanders showed his soft touch around the rim and was a force on the glass this weekend. Unfortunately, he was hurt in the championship game and couldn’t compete against the undefeated Push. I think that was the difference in the game. Overall solid weekend for Treston.
Jarvis Hayes Jr., Shooting Guard- Atlanta Celtics (Pictured)
Hayes is a flat-out shooter. I’ve been able to watch him over the last couple tournaments and the narrative has been the same, he hunts threes and makes threes. His teammates do a great job of looking for him but have to give Hayes credit for consistently doing his work early and being ready to shoot the basketball.
Chris Britt, Small Forward- Middle Georgia Push
Another impressive shooter over the weekend, but Britt also brought a little more to the table that turned heads this weekend. He had a crafty way of creating with his passing. Very deceptive once he got in the paint, if he couldn’t find a teammate for drop off, he used his 6’3 frame to finish at the rim.
Allen Willock- Combo Guard- Middle Georgia Push
Willock was an interesting prospect. He scored the ball at will and even showed some athleticism with some dunks over the weekend. He was super quick on defense and led the Middle Georgia Push’s press most of the way. Was able to force a lot of turnovers which gave him opportunities in transition to get to the rim, where he finished.
Mouhamodou Mane- Forward - Warner Robins All Stars
Mane is an athletic forward that’s an excellent helpside rim protector and loves chase down blocks in the open court. Right now, he fits the mold of a versatile defender and rebounder with a developing offensive game.
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