Peach State: Day 4 notebook

Peach State: Day 4 notebook

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Things just got a little interesting in the second to last day of the Live period. Players, coaches, and teams are fatigued from just competing at a high level.

However, there were some players who made sure to not waste a moment in getting some exposure. 

Here are some names to track.

LI Bulldogs

The New York based team showed plenty of fight after coming out slow. They started out the game like they were stuck in traffic. After a quick timeout, the jumped into the express lane on the floor. The Bulldogs jumped executed a full court press which pumped adrenaline into the teams offense. 

Da’King Smith was one of the catalyst in the game. He is a locked down defender with a desire to compete. The Brooklyn Democracy Academy Class of 2025 product gets into the lane with an EZ-Pass scoring 20 points. Exzavia Robertson chipped in with 18 points mostly after defensive stops or strips. Chase Beasley is along wiry prospect with a lot of potential. This Class of 2024 Canarsie High product has the tools to be special as his skills develop. 

South Georgia Elite

The South has something to say and they aren’t whispering about it any more. This summer the 16U team from South Georgia has played a fairly tough schedule and haven’t avoided any smoke. Jarvis Wright made sure the noise would be heard. He shoots the ball so well in rhythm and with great confidence. There were three 3-pointers in the second half where Wright never hesitated in getting the ball up. He helped SGE take the lead. His shooting helped spark the team. 

Team Thad

Gerard O’Keefe is one heck of shooter. Once he gets to rolling this sniper becomes automatic from the perimeter. His ability to remain calm under pressure is exceptional. This IMG Academy 2024 prospect went on a hot streak from behind the 3-point line in its final game of the Live period. O’Keefe continues to shoot it the way he did there will,be plenty of calls from college programs.

Hoop Dreams

Jack Cook (2024) can flat out shoot the ball. The lanky guard from Augusta Christian gets plenty of open looks and lets it fly. He connects on a high percentage of his attempts but even the misses look like they will find the bottom of the net. His late 3-pointer and 13 points helped contribute to the win. Latrell Rainey (2023) is a lefty handed bulldozer getting into the paint. He finds angles to the rim for easy baskets. The Butler High product continued had some timely plays throughout the game for 11 points. 

Team Arkansas 

Phillip Tillman (2023) was the most explosive player on the court in the morning session. At 6-foot, the Jonesboro guard shot up off the floor to the rim for an athletic finish. His game is one of getting out in the open floor with the ability to nail a jumper in transition. He finished with 24 points and a few highlights over the rim.

Bama Celtics

The trio of of Jayden Hosein, Xzayvion Childress and Brandon Noythanongsay helped the Alabama based organization throttle its opponent. Hosein is an athletic guard with an attackers mentality. This Kingsmen Prep can score it at a highly efficient rate. Childress is not playing any kids games as the floor general. He is a tactical player who lets the action do all the talking. Thompson High has a leader in Childress at the point. Noythanongsay is a long wiry player who creates issues with the ability to finish around the basket or 15-feet out. The Balboa High wing is 6-foot-6 with a knack of scoring the ball.

Team 1K

This Jacksonville based team had its foot on the gas from the opening tip. The pressure was stifling with limited wiggle room or gaps in the intensity. Each player looks to cover the others back. Two of those guys who were active on both ends of the floor were Antonio Harrison and Michael Swift. They took advantage of creating opportunities and opposing mishaps. Harrison has a quick first step for a comfortable 30 points. Swift was quick on the defensive end causing opponents to play at a quicker pace. He finished with 15 points. 

FEA Spartans

Dontrel Smith has a Northeast flare to his game. He can wiggles through traffic while absorbing contact in the process. His 20-point effort is the reason the Augusta based team stayed in within striking distance. The Cross Creek High 2023 prospect has a championship mentality to match the heart inside. 

TM Elite 

Ja’Quarion Brooks (2023) was the most menacing individual on the floor. He made a living hitting the glass on both ends of the floor. The Thomson High product is not the longest or tallest player on the floor at any given time, but his timing to get rebounds is something else. His desire to clean off any missed shots helps fill the stat sheet. He finished with 29 points and no less than 15 rebounds in the teams win. 

Zoo Living Elite

Jai Thomas (2023) plays with a big heart. The guard looks to make plays on both ends of the floor. He knows where to get to his spots and is not going to be moved from getting there. Look for the Destrehan High product to make a splash this season.