Holiday Hoopsgiving: Notebook

Holiday Hoopsgiving: Notebook

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

SNELLVILLE, GA – For the seventh consecutive year, Holiday Hoopsgiving delivered up some of the best talents in the country for basketball fans across Georgia.

While the normally packed crowds of the past were unable to attend the games because of Covid-19 protocols but this did not discourage those who did get into the games. Fans had the opportunity to see some marquee matchups. They left with the memories of impactful performances.

Henderson’s stock rises

Scoota Henderson came into the event as an afterthought. The billboards just outside of featured some of the more notable guards attending the national event. There was one of Alabama’s commit JD Davison. A few miles down the road on the other side of the highway, there was another of North Carolina, via California, Mickey Williams. It is unsure if Henderson saw the signage but he made sure to put on a movie.

On the opening play against Davison’s Calhoun High team, the Class of 2022 prospect drove to the rim for a one-handed dunk. It was the first play of the game setting the tempo for this marquee matchup. Henderson played with relentless energy and finished with 30 points in two and a half quarters on Day 1 of the holiday tournament.

The following day and matchup for Henderson’s Kell teammates were Lake Norman’s, Mikey Williams. Williams’ team took on an early lead. However, Henderson did not let that deter him. He rattled off an array of points and finished with 36 points, seven assists, and two steals.

There was no doubt where Henderson’s position was among the elite guards in the country, regardless of class.

Thornton is consistent

A day after committing to the Ohio State University basketball program, Bruce Thornton gave any Buckeyes fan a glimpse of what to expect.

The 6-foot-1 guard is only a junior so the fans in Columbus will need to wait another season. However, in the meantime, Thornton will be directing the Milton High Eagles program through a tough schedule this season. Thus far, he has shown more than a willingness to handle the task. The dynamic floor general is strong at getting to the rim. His court vision is superb. Thornton’s resembles that of former Eagles and Buckeyes standout Shannon Scott. Thornton is a little stronger but the mental makeup both players have shown is so similar.

Campbell makes a name for self

Kendall Campbell is a member of the Milton High basketball program. However, he is more than a player in a uniform. Campbell is a prominent piece to the Eagles’ success moving forward.

The 6-foot-7 junior forward is a solid presence inside playing above the rim and dispatching shots back to its sender with every defensive opportunity. His motor is contagious. Look for this athletic prospect to keep an eye on.

Trayore is a grown man

Fousse Trayore is someone every college program needs on their roster. The 2021 power forward is a physical specimen on the court. He is all business and does not flinch regardless of the situation.

Wasatch Academy had a successful trip to the Peach State thanks in large part because of the native of Mali. Trayore was focused on securing the interior for the Tigers. He did that in a win over Grayson with his double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Trayore has a college-ready body and knows how to use it on both ends of the floor. He currently holds an offer from BYU.

Anderson has a loaded trigger

Ryan Mutombo makes anyone standing next to him really small. The Georgetown signee is a towering 6-foot11 post player who is easily spotted out in a crowd or on the court. This is not the case for teammate Christian Anderson Jr until he starts shooting the basketball.

Anderson is a 5-foot-8 freshman. His uniform is somewhat too big for him but his game fills it out just nicely. This point guard does a great job minimizing the size around him with his shooting. Anderson can nail shots from all over the floor. Many times it hits the bottom of the net so effortlessly. Whenever defenders make the decision to respect his shot and press up, Anderson does a solid job getting around them to find open teammates or a floater. It will be interesting to see how he and his game grow over the next few years.

Other notables

Devon Barnes, Shiloh; Robert Dix Jr, South Cobb; Jens Rueckert Jr, South Cobb; Robert Cowherd, Grayson; Jalen Forrest, Greenforest-McCalep; Max Skidmore, Heritage School; Quionnes Corpman, Meadowcreek; David Thomas, Eagle’s Landing; Jordan Fordyze, Eagles’ Landing; Jayden Jackson, Eagle’s Landing; AJ White, Chattahoochee; Keith Murray, Chattahoochee; Tomiwa Adetosoye, Chattahoochee