TOC Holiday Classic National Division preview

TOC Holiday Classic National Division preview

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

MARIETTA, GA – The two-day Tournament of Champions Showcase at Wheeler High was easily the best thing for any basketball fan after Christmas. It features some of the most talented teams in the region.

This event’s finale resumes Monday at 10:30 pm with great matchups in the National Division. Some of these games are either a re-match from this young season. They can also be a preview of which teams will make strong runs in the state playoffs.

Here is the schedule below, but allow us to break down these games.

Meadowcreek (3-10) vs Fayette County (5-7), 10:30 AM

Both teams met in November with the Mustangs walking away victorious. Both teams have changed and dealt with some tough changes since then. However, the one constant that will be a guarantee in this game is how hard both teams will play. Leading the way for the Tigers is junior forward Kaleb Banks. He is averaging 26 points per game. The Mustangs’ leading scorer is sophomore guard Keishawn Hampton at nine points per outing.

Shiloh (7-1) vs Chattahoochee (6-1), 12 pm

This is an even matchup. Both teams have strong guard leadership. Hooch seniors AJ White and Keith Murray facing Shiloh’s Devon Barnes and junior Mehki Mathis. However, the most intriguing matchup may be that of Generals junior Trevon Patton and Hooch junior Tomiwa Adetosoye. Both are mirror images of each other on the floor.

East Coweta (4-4) vs Lanier (6-3), 1:30 pm

Experience and senior leadership will help Lanier in this matchup. Unsigned seniors Makai Vassell, Iajah Phillips and James Madison signee Andrew McConnell had had their foot not he gas since the start of the season. The Longhorns go as they go. Lanier also has some depth on the bench, who have made big contributions this season. The Indians’ have their own trio leading the way this season. Energetic junior Samuel Moss, junior Delricco Gillespie and junior Joshua Cameron.

South Cobb (6-6) vs Victory Christian (12-3), 3 pm

This should be a fun one in the middle of the tournament schedule. South Cobb has unfortunately allowed a few games get away from them early this season. The Eagles’ mishaps late in the fourth quarter have detailed its season. Look for seniors Jens Rueckert, Travis Burrus, and Robert Dix to help South Cobb bounce back after a tough loss Saturday night. North Carolina’s Victory Christian is a roster loaded with talent. The Kings have senior twins Takai and Tajuan Simpkins along with talented junior Lewis Duarte and Randi Ovalle. Victory Christian also has seven new players on the roster who just joined the team less than a week ago. The first team to find some cohesiveness will come away victorious.

Roswell (7-4) vs Tucker (6-2), 4:30 pm

Talk about two opposing playing styles. Roswell is meticulous in its execution. The Hornets will run only when necessary but display the patience of a surgeon on the offensive end of the floor. Tucker always on the prowl looking to pounce and attack opponents at a rapid pace. Sophomore Jase McCullough, who led Roswell to victory, will be challenged. Senior David Giddens leads the Tigers in scoring and anchors the defense. Something will have to give in this matchup.

North Gwinnett (7-4) vs Grayson (9-3), 6 pm

These two Gwinnett County schools have already crossed paths this season. The Rams edged out the Bulldogs in the Jared Cook Classic. When North Gwinnett waked off the floor that game there was plenty of displeasure on the players faces because they were so close. This matchup will not disappoint as Grayson comes in with all the heavy hitters in Clemson signee Ian Schieffelin, junior sharpshooter Robert Cowherb and junior guard Tyrese Elliot. The Bulldogs counter with University of Alabama-Huntsville signee Brendan Rigsbee, along with juniors RJ Godfrey and Dylan Gary. Both teams are well coached and know each other well enough to make for an exciting re-match.

McEachern (8-2) vs Kell (7-2), 7:30 pm

This matchup is an example of what a difference a few years make. McEachern was the talk of the basketball world in the state and across the country because of the talent on its roster, which included Auburn’s Sharif Cooper. The Indians were must-see action with all the mixtape and photographers crowding the baseline. Now, this attention has been shifted over to Kell due in large part because of junior guard Scoot Henderson. Grown men and some opponents have walked away in disbelief with the things he has done on the floor. Look for Georgia signee Cameron McDowell to make sure McEachern is still respected by the basketball pundits.

Wheeler (9-2) vs Berkmar (8-3), 9 pm

The final game of the night will certainly keep fans in the stands. These two teams will be playing at breakneck speed. Both teams are also balanced on the roster. Wheeler has Dayton signee Kaleb Washington and Florida Gulf Coast signee Jahiem Hudson holding it down in the frontcourt. Unsigned senior Maxwell Harris and sophomore Isaiah Collier are the catalyst in the backcourt for the Wildcats. The Patriots are anchored by unsigned senior Dara Olonade and junior Malque Ewin. Juniors Jameel Rideout and Jermahri Hill control the tempo in the backcourt. This chess match of skill and will should make for an exciting nightcap.