Tip-off Classic delivers the competition again

Tip-off Classic delivers the competition again

By Robert Alfonso Jr. 

SUWANEE, Ga. – For the eighth consecutive year The Tip-off Classic delivered with the talent and the matchups.

This tournament is not for the faint of heart. It provides challenges for everyone in every age group. There is no way any team can ever the event and hide from high-level competition.

Some teams and players took advantage to make a splash just before the second Live Period this weekend.

Here are some nuggets we picked up from the annual event.

Marshall the best big in the country

Peyton Marshall is the best big man in the country. Period.

The travel basketball season is less than a month in and he has established himself as a problem early. At 7-feet, Marshall is moving so much better and being a presence in the post. The Kell High product anchors the defense altering or blocking shots at its pinnacle height of release sometimes. Offensively, Marshall manages to finish through enough contact to keep defenders off balance. One of the most underrated things about the big man’s game is his passing. He passed it out well from the extra attention. Game Elite puts him in great opportunities to display his ability, which will continue to trend upward as the season continues.

Castle makes a statement

Stephon Castle is a young man of few words. He allows his game to do most, if not all, of the talking, He did just that during “The Show.”

Atlanta Xpress and TSF squared off in a must-see, standing-room-only showdown on the marquee court. These two Georgia-based programs are loaded with talented players all over the roster.

Castle, a UConn commit, was locked in from the onset. The 6-foot-6 point guard showed everyone watching what a big guard can do. He ran the team, posted inside, delivered some jaw-dropping passes, and even knocked down jumpers. Castle also forced TSF to make multiple defensive switches, which he won.

Castle put to rest the effect a big guard can do on a team.

Florida Rebels: Different name same results

In the offseason, some shake-up took place in the sneaker-sponsored travel world. Some team’s contracts weren’t renewed, while one program changed its name in a major way.

The Florida Rebels, under the leadership of director/coach Steve Reece, were once called E1T1. It was a staple on the EYBL Circuit as it was based in Central Florida. Those who own the name E1T1 wanted to reclaim it back.

This is when the Rebels were formed. It is a name that has always been around but emerged once Reece brought it back out in the winter. While the name has changed the players and the production has not. The Rebels 17U (2-2), 16U (2-2), and 15U (3-0).

While the record of the older squads was .500, they still played with a level of intensity many are accustomed to seeing from the Orlando-based team.

Sean Stewart (Duke commit), Jizzle James, Jason Jackson, Triston Goss and Sam Walters are household names in the Sunshine State.

Now, with the new names, there are some budding stars on the horizon on the 15U roster.

There is Jalen Reese, Jamier Jones, and Patton Pinkins to remember.

Reese is a floor general with plenty of poise. He has plenty of experience at such a young age because he has been around some talented players. His desire to share the ball is impressive for a player this age.

Jones is already known for his athleticism on social media. The 6-foot-5 forwards highlight catalog is growing with the explosive dunks. He has ruined some players’ confidence by getting a clip of them being dunked on. Jones is more than just an athlete. He continues to make progress in his game. Once it all catches up to his athleticism just know Jones will be difficult to guard. 

Patton has a skill now every college program is seeking. He is a 6-foot-4 shooter. Pinkins is not just a shooter, his range is impeccable and accurate from all over the floor. He also is efficient. His ability to affect the game other than being a shooter is solid. He makes winnings plays.

South Georgia Elite has something to say

So much basketball in Georgia is overlooked because people fall in love with the talent in Metro Atlanta. There is nothing wrong with it because it has proven there is plenty of talent in the area.

The talent outside the area is coming into the area and making sure to leave an impression. They are going to make sure they are heard more and more. 

South Georgia Elite is the latest to step into the spotlight. The Hinesville-based organization 16U team remains undefeated after winning the Tip-off Classic championship. This first-year club flexed its muscle against some notable teams in the age group.

They remain undefeated in the year behind its team play. A player making a consistent impact is Elyiss Williams who was a workhorse inside and difficult to guard. The Charlton County High product is a 6-foot-8 man child. He battles around the basket with plenty of touch on his shot. He also alters shots with his length.

Tahshaun Fraiser, of the Bradwell Institute, showed the ability to score the ball at a high clip. He helped run the team and set the tone all weekend. Few know this 2024 product but will eventually learn of this competitor.

If you get a chance to see this team make sure you do because they have something to say and show.