Isaiah Collier Steals The Show
On the opening day of the RYZE Tip Off Classic, Isaiah Collier (Pictured) and TSF Mack 2023 were the best player and team that I saw. Collier had it all working on the offensive end. As always, he had the ball on a string and was very shifty off the bounce and getting to the rim, but where he shined was shooting the ball from the perimeter. When he has that perimeter jumper in his arsenal, he's nearly impossible to defend: he can either beat you with the shot when given space or off the dribble and, when crowded, off the bounce with dynamic finishes around the rim.
Collier wasn't alone in looking really good. TSF Mack 2023 is easily one of the best 2023 teams in the country. Collier's five-star backcourt mate Kaanan Carlyle also scored it well and shined on the defensive side today. And then you have an incredible frontcourt with Brandon Gardner, Cade Phillips, and LT Overton, all of whom hold high major offers. This team is so much fun to watch.
Jermahri Hill's eye opening performance
The best single game performance today, hands down, goes to Team Huncho 2022 guard Jermahri Hill. Hill scored 37 points in what was possibly the matchup of the day against Game Elite Big Five. Hill shined in every way possible in the game. He started to get it going on the defensive end, creating turnovers and getting into the open floor for electric finishes. That momentum turned into him cooking in the halfcourt as well, getting to the rim, hitting shots from three, and scoring on the offensive glass. Another spot where he really shined is playing the lead guard, having to fill the role due to foul trouble. He is a very good ball handler and has the ball on a string. Overall, this performance should get him some additional attention from collegiate programs.
Game Elite's high scoring trio
It's no secret that when Game Elite Big Five is in the building, you expect to see really good guard play from them. Scoot Henderson was the headliner of the day. He carried a buzz with him that is indescribable with everyone waiting on that next big play. While Henderson provided the big plays, his longtime Game Elite backcourt-mate Chase Cormier is as steady as they come. He did what he always does: hits shots, plays with pace and poise, and looks good distributing the ball. The player who stepped up and shined bright was unsigned senior Sami Pissis, who was really good shooting the ball from the perimeter and showed that he can be a lead guard. He also finished his day with a huge alley oop finish. He is a sure-fire Division I player.
Other Notes From the Notebook
- SBT 17U wing.forward Tre Chatman finished the day as the top scorer in any division, averaging 40 points in two games. He has a grown-man build and is very physical in the paint, where he can fill it up in a hurry.
- Game Elite Orange 2022 wing Sammy Moss always seems to put together big games at our Travel Series. In a win over SEBA FCI Warriors, he knocked down six threes and went for 35 points.
- College coaches will want to watch the HYPE 17U team filled with really good unsigned seniors. Jaylen Harris, Logan Turner, and Max Harris shined today and shot the lights out. The combined for 23 threes in two games and combined for an average of 59 points per game between the three of them today.
- Team Dickerson 2022 duo Keith Robbins & Noah Clowney put on a show today. Clowney could end up a player we hear more from in the national conversation, and I expect more high major programs to jump on board here. Robbins will be a stock booster in Georgia's 2022 class. Having missed the high school season, this is his opportunity to really show his overall skill set and scoring ability on the offensive end.
- The strides that Team Forrest 2023 big man DK Manyiel has made is very noticeable. His assertiveness on offense and aggression on the offensive glass have taken his game to another level and it showed today. He averaged 22.5 points per game today, leading the 16U division.
- Upward Stars 2022 forward Julian Phillips proved his place among the country's best again today. His movement and fluidity is really something to appreciate and he has a growing skill set on the perimeter. Overall, he has such a smooth game and he will be a highly sought-after player from some of the country's premier programs over the coming months.