TOC Holiday Classic American Division preview

TOC Holiday Classic American Division preview

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

MARIETTA, GA – The American Division is not taking a backseat to the National Division. Teams in the American are just as talented in their own way. 

This division is where one can truly find a never before seen team or hidden gem. It is like walking on the beach and finding a small treasure. The games will take place in the old gym at Wheeler High and it will be must-see matchups.

These teams will make a push in their respective state classifications at some point this season.

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

Sequoyah (4-5) vs Heritage (1-3), 11:30 AM

Heritage is a young squad that is gaining experience with the games it has played thus far. Many games have been missed because of Covid but that hasn’t grounded the Hawks. They continue to come onto the floor looking to complete. Leading the way is freshman Max Skidmore and sophomore Henry Wilgus. Heritage’s record does not indicate the heart this team shows on the hardwood. Sequoyah did not play Saturday. Junior Dylan Wolle leads the Chiefs scoring 19 points a game. 

Creekside (5-5) vs Mount Vernon (5-5), 1 pm

Senior Phillip Murray is what makes the Seminoles go on the hardwood. He leads the team in scoring at 13.5 points per game while also pulling down four rebounds per game. Junior Bailo Diallo leads the team in assists in ten games. Mount Vernon is young that has improved with every game. The Mustangs are led by sophomores Keith Williams and Chase Clemmons who are averaging 14 points apiece. Ashton Patterson is dishing out four assists per game for Mount Vernon.

Westside Macon (3-3) vs Grace Academy (6-6), 2:30 pm

Florida signee Kowacie Reeves Jr. is the marquee name to watch in the old Wheeler High gym. This 6-foot-7 guard is leading the Seminoles in scoring at 28 points per game. He is electrifying in the open court with his athleticism and jumper. Sophomore teammate Shannon Fountain made certain to make an impression on Saturday with his play. He is the team’s second-leading scorer (15.5). Grace Academy is a young team led by senior Robert Longmire and sophomore Amir Taylor. The Eagles are flying underneath the radar but putting out maximum effort.

Salem (3-1) vs St. Anne-Pacelli (2-1), 4 pm

The Seminoles play in your face uptempo hoops. If your team is not ready for this level of intensity don’t schedule Salem. Unsigned seniors Avion Young and Javen Flowers-Smith along with junior Jarrod Taylor help get the ‘Noles rolling. The Vikings had a slow start to Saturday’s TOC game after being in quarantine for two weeks. St. Anne eventually shook things off in the second half behind its pressure defense and the play of unsigned senior Travis Harper II. Deuce displayed his ability to score from every angle. Also, Auburn football signee Ian Matthews showed off why he was a highly-touted recruit with his footwork, speed, and agility. Tighten up your laces for this one because the running will be constant.

Mays (6-4) vs Lithonia (5-1), 5:30 pm

This game should be dubbed, “Hello, My name is …” because there are some players people will need to know in the recruiting space. Saulamon Evans is a highly skilled sophomore for Mays. He is averaging 17 points a game. Sophomore Mykel Williams is the team’s second-leading scorer. Raheem Swain surprised those in attendance with acrobatic athleticism and superhero quickness. 

Cumberland Christian (13-3) vs Cross Creek (6-3), 7 pm

The talent on the Patriots roster will certainly have players worth college coaches attention. Jelani Hamilton leads the private school. This sophomore point guard is skilled on all levels of the floor. He has a strong IQ and excellent court vision. Sophomore Gora Niang is a high-level athlete and a human eraser on the defensive end. The most intriguing prospect on the roster is 6-foot-8 Jordan Spraggins. The Razorbacks are led by Richard Visitacion and Corey Trotter. They both have been consistent all season for Cross Creek.