TOC Holiday Classic National Divison Notebook

TOC Holiday Classic National Divison Notebook

Robert Alfonso Jr.

MARIETTA, GA – For the last three years, the Tournament of Champions has provided some of the best competitive games in to end the first-half of every basketball season. It also helps players flying underneath the radar step into the spotlight for the basketball world to see.

This year was no different.

The two-day TOC Holiday Classic was stockpiled with talent and competitive games in the National Division to hold basketball fans over going into January.

Here are some of the players who showed out.

2021 AJ White (Chattahoochee) is the definition of a bucket. He can score at will despite the defensive scheme a team devises to defend him. This unsigned senior is a relentless competitor, which makes it difficult for anyone to feel they have any real advantage over him.

2021 Jens Rueckert (South Cobb) is an intriguing prospect with off the charts ability. He gets plenty of the little things needed by the Eagles while also willing to do the heavy lifting on the offensive end of the floor. His value is in his consistency.

2021 Tajuan Simpkins (Victory Christian) is so poised at playing this game it seems effortless at times. His decision making is off the charts and clear. 

2021 David Giddens (Tucker) is a 6-foot-6 man child. His motor is non-stop on either end of the floor. He finishes well around the rim and displays a decent touch from outside the paint. The body is already made to play at the next level. 

2021 Devon Barnes (Shiloh) lives up to the school’s mascot name. He is a General through and through. This 6-foot point guard is a bonafide leader. The things Barnes is capable of doing on the hardwood cannot per measured with a ruler. 

2021 Robert Lawrence Moore (McEachern) is just simply Bobby and it is usually his world on the basketball court. The unsigned senior is has the tools to help any college basketball program with his ability to think the game. He knows what is needed to win.

2021 Iajah Phillips (Lanier) is a lightning rod of a player. He sparks up the Longhorns with his in your face defense. This versatile player just gets after it providing Lanier with a reliable option on the roster.

2021 Max Harris (Wheeler) has stepped in to be part of the Wildcats Big Three. He has also been consistent over the last few games. This unsigned senior is deceptively explosive with a good looking shot.

2022 Scoot Henderson (Kell) continues to show why many are consider him the best guard in the country regardless of class. He demands attention every time on the court and still manages to get rolling. Hard to stop someone on a mission. Henderson is shooting for the number one spot.

2022 Kaleb Banks (Fayette County) is easily one of the smoothest shooters in the state at 6-foot-7. Everything seems so easy and effortless. It is not often you see a player of his size knock down the shots he can on the floor. Shooting is a priority for many programs at the next level and Banks would be a great investment.

2022 Jameel Rideout (Berkmar) is going to make you a believer of his game whether you like it or not. This guard does not just play hard, he plays with a purpose. Everything he does is to beat his opponent or to help his team. There are moves in his bag you can see him bringing out every game. Sleep on him if you want because he will ring the alarm to wake you up.

2022 RJ Godfrey (North Gwinnett) is certainly one of the more competitive players in the class, possibly the state. This 6-foot-7 guard refuses to let the Bulldogs be tamed. He provides the bite and the bark needed to spark the action. 

2022 Tyrese Elliot (Grayson) is the gas that makes the Rams go. This shifty guard directs this high-powered squad. He also relishes being challenged by opposing guards or defenses. 

2022 Gil Matondo (Chattahoochee) is an underrated player with plenty of ability. The 6-foot-6 youngster is a rim protector and consumes rebounds. There is not much he is unable to get around the rim. There are nights he is a walking double-double because of the effort he puts on the floor.

2022 Chauncey Wiggins (Grayson) is a mobile player with solid moves in his bag. He is a matchup problem for anyone playing the Rams this season. Wiggins will be highly sought after on the recruiting trail.

2022 Delricco Gillespie (East Coweta) is a name everyone needs to learn and keep tabs on. This Michigan native understands how to play around the rim. He is not timid at forcing his will inside. More importantly, he will clean up anything around the rim.

2022 Tomiwa Adetosoye (Chattahoochee) is making sure people understand how to spell his name because they will be seeing plenty of it in the next few years. He is a versatile player, which makes him hard to defend.

2022 Lewis Duarte (Victory Christian) has watched his stock rise this season. The Dominican native is a technician on the basketball court. He looks to slice through defenses with ease. If has a strong distain for losing so watching him compete is a pleasure.

2022 Trevon Payton (Shiloh) can flat out play. This 6-foot-4 wing is a fluid scorer. His strength is hitting the mid-range. Sure, it may be a lost art in most basketball circles but Payton is an expert at hitting this shot.

2023 Jase McCullough (Roswell) did not allow the attention on the main floor to fluster him. This 6-foot-3 guard was just as poised as any seasoned veteran against pressure or just simply running the Hornets offense. The stage is not too big for him as he will be the one helping guide Roswell through this season of uncertainty.

2023 Aaron Smith (Kell) is making strong contributions for the Longhorns. He is beginning to look comfortable in his role of being a cleanup guy. This is not a problem because being a consistent entity and option in Kell’s guard friendly system makes him valuable.