GBCA Live Period Regional Standouts

GBCA Live Period Regional Standouts

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

EMERSON, GA – The Georgia Basketball Coaches Association’s first live period helps high school basketball programs to see what works and help players garner exposure from college programs. This Southeast Regional event had players from Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. 

We focused on many of the teams from around the Southeast. 

Oak Ridge controlled the weekend

Every time Oak Ridge High comes into Georgia its purpose is to dominate every aspect of the game. This past weekend was no different.

The Pioneers roster got a boost in talent with Jamier Jones, a five-star talent in the Class of 2025. His presence and what was already on the Orlando schools roster had all eyes on Oak Ridge. The players did not disappoint.

Jones was box office with his athleticism. He attacked the rim with purpose while also igniting the break at times. Many of those surrounding any court the Pioneers were on were stunned by the things the 6-foot-6 wing was doing. This allowed Oak Ridge the opportunity to get into their offense quicker.

Jalen Reece orchestrated the offense. The 6-foot guard has always been a true floor general with poise. He delivered timely passes and made big-time shots. Tyler Johnson, a 6-foot-6 rising senior, put on a show at both ends of the floor. He attacked the glass and played with high octane in his blood.

It is only June but the Pioneers are gearing up to make a long state playoff run in Florida.

Episcopal School has some sleepers

When you walk from court to court, it is hard not to notice the Jacksonville, Florida school. This was a team with shooters and an inside presence. 

Leading the way were Kent Jackson and Grady Schwartz (pictured). Jackson put on a shooting exhibition nailing shots from all over the court. His swag was contagious as other guys found themselves open with Jackson garnering plenty of attention. Jackson’s phone has been ringing with offers and interest since the weekend ended. 

Whenever shots weren’t slicing through the net or careening off the rim, Schwartz was in the area pulling down rebounds. The 6-foot-8 was active on both ends of the floor. This rising senior posterized a few players along the way too. Expect more of the same throughout the summer.

MCD has some intriguing pieces

Seven players entered the event to give it all they had. This didn’t matter for Miami Country Day.

Chlam Galvin has played with so much energy he was a problem. The 6-foot-6 rising junior never let up. He was on the glass and sprinted up the floor looking to destroy his defender. Gael Dalmau and Missael Cruz, who will be at Central Pointe Christian Academy in the fall as seniors, stepped in during big moments. Dalmau is a 6-foot-7 combo guard with a solid basketball IQ. Cruz is a 6-foot-6 hybrid guard capable of getting on a roll anytime.

QEA is back with a Cannon

Quality Education Academy has produced a number of players who have made an impact in high school and college for years. Bobby Cannon (pictured) can be the next player to do the same.

He is a 6-foot-10 dual forward with an impressive touch from the perimeter. His length disrupts what teams want to do on either end of the floor. He protects the rim while also limiting shots. Jermauthiyun Anderson is a quality running mate for Cannon. Anderson is a hybrid guard who can fill it up quickly. He is also a relentless defender.

These two, among other additions before the start of the high school season, will help propel North Carolina based school back into the national spotlight.

Westminster Academy stays loaded

The long-standing tradition at Westminster Academy is to win and produce players for the next level. Things will continue after what was on the floor for the Lions. 

Alex Lloyd and Alexander Constanza give the Fort Lauderdale program intricate pieces for the future. Lloyd came onto the scene on his own last season as one of the best hybrid guards nationally. The Class of 2025 product is a crafty guard. Constanza is also a combo guard, who incoming freshman. He is dominant on and off the ball. His combination of length and skill will be a matchup problem for many of opponents.

Other notable players to remember

Buckhorn: Caleb Holt, Jeremiah Wilson; Cox Mill: Langston Boyd, Cruise Miller; Hoover: Dewayne Brown; Mater Lakes: Jayden Joseph; Millbrook: Colt Langdon, Jayden Walker; North Broward Prep: Enrico Borio, Raul Perez, North Mecklenburg: Chadlyn Traylor; Pines Charter: Jeremy Elyzee; SLAM Tampa Charter: Ramone Seals; Suncoast: Ian Smikle, Julius Chambers, Tarris Bouie, Maurio Hanson, Jordan Patton, Malik McCotter, Stone Bureau; Windermere Prep: Brandon Bass Jr., Sinan Huan, Samuel Shoptaw