By Robert Alfonso Jr.
ATHENS, Ga. – The inaugural event of the Georgia Interstate Hoops Classic delivered on what this basketball addict enjoys. Basketball matchups and performances led to a solid day in the Capital City over the holiday weekend.
There were teams with marquee players, who watched other player’s step up and steal the show. The matchups brought out the competitive fire of players looking to make an impression on their coaches for the remainder of the season.
Now, let’s dig through the notes and see who made an impression.
Dimitri Angelakos put on the second-best shooting performance witnessed this season. The Etowah High guard knocked down nine 3-pointers. Yes! NINE! Eight of them were in the first-half against Miller Grove for 27 points. He finished the game with a game-high 30 points.
The sophomore only missed two shots (9-for-11) from beyond the arc. This two-sport athlete never looked rattled despite the defensive adjustments made by the Wolverines. He was hitting jumpers from every spot on the floor in the first half. Angelakos’ performance sets the school mark for single-game performance.
Peyton Marshall is a player everyone needs to continue watching because the future looks bright.
The 7-foot sophomore is a mountain of a young man, who is making strides every showcase. His moves inside are growing. The footwork is there and getting more nimble. He runs the floor in a way some slender bigs are not doing.
Part of this is Marshall’s commitment to nutrition off the court. He is locked in on putting in the food that will fuel him. The Longhorns are guard-heavy, but once they commit to feeding the big fella inside it will be a long night for opponents.
Osiris Shabazz is a player just working underneath the radar. This 6-foot-7 senior has soft hands and solid moves inside. He can extend the floor some with his touch.
His desire to compete on both ends of the floor stood out. He never once looked to slow down regardless of score or any foul trouble. Those are things you cannot teach any player. The Broncos may are going to go as he goes.