TOC Holiday Classic American Division Notebook

TOC Holiday Classic American Division Notebook

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

MARIETTA, GA – So much attention is placed on the National Division bracket of the Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic, and rightfully so. Many of those teams have marquee name programs with some talented players.

However, there are two-divisions being played simultaneously at TOC. The other is called the American Division. It is played inside the old Wheeler High gym appropriated named, “The Hot Box.”

This is where the action picks up quickly as the temperature is turned up a little because of the quaint spacing. It is also the court where you will find players making their name.

Here are some players who took it upon themselves to leave an impression.

2021 Raheem Swain (Lithonia) made sure everyone would know who he was before the two-day event was over. This guard is Mr. Excitement. He finishes above the rim, while also showcasing the ability to score from all three levels on the floor. College coaches will want to look at this unfound gem.

2021 Kowacie Reevces, Jr (Westside) is as good as advertised. The Florida signee is as good as advertised. The 6-foot-7 guard knows exactly how to fill the basket up. His shot is fluid and his desire in getting to the rim has approached the elite level. He has gotten so much stronger and looks prepared to step on the Gainesville campus ready to compete. 

2021 Javen Flowers-Smith (Salem) knows how to get things done on the floor for the Seminoles. At 6-foot-1, he is a physical guard who is constantly playing downhill. He absorbs contact through traffic and is capable of getting his own shots off.

2021 Travis Harper Jr. (St. Anne-Pacelli) recorded his 1,000th career point during the showcase in grand fashion. He did it from every angle on the floor. This 6-foot-6 guard is a natural scorer. He can get it done. This unsigned senior truly needs a school to give him a chance. It would be a tremendous investment in return.

2021 Richard Visitacion (Cross Creek) is a meticulous floor general and a sniper on the floor. The best thing about him is the way this 5-foot-10 guard uses angles to his advantage. He plays at a good pace.

2021 Avion Young (Salem) is an exceptional scorer. When he gets going the scoring is difficult to stop. He makes sure to finish everything.

2021 Ian Mathews (St. Anne-Pacelli) showed off some nifty moves inside and out for the Vikings. The Auburn football signee is an imposing figure with great feet and touch. He moved gracefully up and down the court and through traffic. Mathews also stepped out and hit some three-pointers. Seeing him move on the hardwood is exactly why he was a sought after recruit on the gridiron.

2021Robert Longmire (Grace Christian) is a solid wing player for the Eagles. He made some impressionable moves. His ability to finish through contact is necessary.

2021 Corey Trotter (Cross Creek) is a good looking interior player. His strength and soft hands makes this 6-foot-6 prospect an intriguing one.

2022 Dylan Wolle (Sequoyah) is a proficient shooter. This 6-foot-3 sniper needs just a little bit of space and it is going up. He is not rushed and the release is quick. A value for many programs looking for someone with is proficiency. 

2022 Rasheed Walton (Creekside) had a solid showing. He displayed the ability to play through adversity. This 6-foot-3 forward is a valuable asset to the team’s success.

2022 Jordan Spraggins (Cumberland Christian) is an intriguing athlete because you cannot teach 6-foot-8. He has some tools to work with on the inside and with his ability. This rim protector will contest shots and usually sends them back to the sender.

2023 Max Skidmore (The Heritage School) has a chance to be special. This youngster is relishing despite the attention he has received from opposing defenses. He is a solid scorer and tenacious competitor. His development will be fun to track in the next few years.

2023 Jelani Hamilton (Cumberland Christian) is a long and wiry floor general. He can score at will but his best quality is putting players in position to score. For a young guy, Hamilton knows how to orchestrate the offense. When a player this young can think the game the way he does it can make life easy on a coach.

2023 Keith Williams (Mount Vernon) is a throwback post player. Sure, it is a rarity in today’s game but he embraces the role. The 6-foot-8 youngster plants himself in and around the rim while making life difficult for defenders. He also rebounds well outside of his area. He has a bright future. 

2023 Gora Niang (Cumberland Christian) is a high energy, superbly athletic, and an outstanding defender. His window for growth is wide open. Look for him to make an impact throughout the summer.

2023 Henry Wilgus (The Heritage School) is an active defender. He anchors the Hawks defense with his long frame. Wilgus is putting it together on the offensive end of the floor. This will help provide Heritage with another option. 

2023 Shannon Fountain (Westside) has some strong leadership skills at such a young age. He controls the flow of the game for the Seminoles. Whenever he is not dishing out the rock to get things rolling for the Macon-based school, Fountain is snapping the nets with his jumper or getting to the rim for an easy basket. His confidence is off the charts as well.

2023 Amir Taylor (Grace Christian) is a strong floor with a zero to 60 first step. The Eagles move as this youngster goes. He will lead them a long way based on the development down the road.