Boys notebook: filled with athletes and rising stars

Boys notebook: filled with athletes and rising stars

CHEROKEE, GA – Making arounds around Georgia taking a look at some solid showcase events. This week there were stops in the greater Northwest corner of the Peach State for the Cherokee/Forsyth Challenge. Then after catching a few games there it was off to Norcross for some more high level games.

Here are some players who stood out.

2021 Brock Rechsteiner (Etowah) is truly an athletic 6-foot-2 guard. His strength is such an asset to his game. This multi-sport player brings a strong athletic psychic, a nice fluid shot that takes time to get things going, a solid passer, and finishes at the rim. 

2022 Kobe Davis (Langston Hughes) is a tenacious impressive floor general. This 6-foot lefty guard is shifty in traffic and knows how to control the tempo of the game. He applies pressure to help break any defense. His quickness and quick hands make him a worthy pickpocket specialist. The production on the floor with gain him recognition real soon.

2022 Tomiwa Adetosoye (Chattahoochee) is a solid offensive player. He is assertive with the ball in his hand. The 6-foot-4 junior brings athleticism, toughness, and poise with his game. He plays an essential role in Chattahoochee’s offense. Being a two-way player makes him a stat sheet stuffer. Look for this young man to continue gaining some recognition.

2022 Braden Pierce (River Ridge) is a big man inside with great hands and feet. This 6-foot-11 post holds it down inside on both ends of the floor. He can also step outside of the lane. The junior showed this range stepping out to hit the game-winner against West Forsyth on Saturday. College programs will enjoy what they see from Pierce.

2022 TJ Clark (Newton) has never had his motor questioned. He plays with a purpose and plenty of passion. Clark will keep a defender on a notice when he attacks the basket in the open court or above the rim. He is knocking down jumpers with plenty of consistency.

2022 Eli Chol (Forsyth Central) is not difficult to miss. The 6-foot-10 power forward walks into the gym and you are immediately flipping through the program looking for his name. Once he steps on the floor, Chol is a fluid looking athlete on the floor. His length takes up a lot of room on the interior. He is active on both ends as a rim protector and long-range jumper. Chol’s unselfish with exceptional court vision.

2021 Max Smith (West Forsyth) is a spot-up shooter with a quick release. When he gets going this senior is hard to cool off. He moves well without the ball and looks for his spot.

2022 Cam Walker (Milton) is the ultimate glue guy. As a 6-foot-3 forward, he knocked down shots to inject some energy into the Eagles offense against Norcross. He is also a bonafide defender. Never gives up on a play.

2021 Keith Murray (Chattahoochee) goes to the basket-like with a chip on his shoulder. His downhill approach gets him to the glass with ease. The 6-foot-3 guard absorbs contact like a sponge. As the lane opens up he will make sure to flush it down with authority.

2022 Gil Matondo (Chattahoochee) is truly fun to watch on the defensive end of the floor. As a team loaded with proficient scorers, this 6-foot-6 junior is a rim protector and a vacuum cleaner on the glass. He also is an effective scorer in the open court.

2022 Jared Russo (River Ridge) is a wiry forward capable of playing inside and outside. He can be a walking double-double on any given night. His 6-foot-9 frame can makes him a matchup problem.

2022 Grant Moore (West Forsyth) is a sneaking athlete who attacks the glass with urgency. This 6-foot-6 forward looks to carve out space on both ends of the floor positioning himself around the glass.

2023 Stephon Castle (Newton) is starting to really let the game come to me. His mannerism on the court is morphing into his game. Castle is a big guard who gets it done on both ends of the court. The pieces are coming together. Once they are do opponents will soon have nightmares defending him.

2022 Grant Portera (River Ridge) is an intriguing prospect. He is an efficient ball handler with excellent court vision. This 6-foot-4 guard understands how to orchestra and deliver some big moments for the Knights. He plays with a high motor and it becomes contagious. 

2023 Aidan Temple (Johns Creek) is the textbook example of a fundamental player. The 6-foot-5 sophomore knows how to establish position inside and goes to work. He has all the moves in his bag in the post. Temple can also extend the floor knocking down five three-pointers against Chattahoochee. He has a strong feel for the game and an exceptional IQ.

2023 Qua Brown (Newton) is a superb athlete. This 6-foot-4 win welcomes meeting opponents at the rim. Many times he is changing the trajectory of shots. He also is a young human highlight clip on the offensive end.

2024 Jahki Howard (Norcross) is an athlete college coaches will enjoy watching the next few years. This 6-foot-6 youngin’ is only scratching the surface of his ability. He comes with a variety of moves with the basketball in his hand. The ceiling is high for this one.