Things learned from North Georgia Showcase
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Bogart, GA – The annual North Georgia Showcase series started this past weekend, which means it is the start of the high school basketball season across the state. This showcase is one of the more underrated events around.
It was not any different this season. There were strong matchups and solid performances in this boys and girls showcase. North Oconee was packed with basketball fans excited about the upcoming season.
Here is what we learned.
Lakeview girls building on the future
Lakeview Academy is building a special girl’s program. The Lions (1-0) met a tenacious Jefferson squad, which always hangs its hat on the defensive end of the floor. This was a good test for both teams. Lakeview emerged out on top, 64-56.
Dynesty Putnam, who led the Lions in scoring, helped contribute to the win on the defensive end of the floor. The junior guard showed off some quick hands to help make some timely stops. Her game is developing on both ends of the floor. She has all the skills to have a productive season.
Now, her teammates Taliah Gaither and Emryie Combs were catalysts in the win too. The duo had a solid connection on the floor. Gaither ran the floor well and finished regularly around the basket. She mastered her way around the extra attention. Combs, who just joined the team this year, helped run the team with the poise of a veteran floor general. She was not rushed by the extra pressure. Her ability to work through traffic to find open teammates in every possible moment.
Bears will claw their way through the region
Mountain View boy’s basketball team will have something to say when it comes to Region 8 7A this season. The roster is loaded with scrappy guards who are not going to go away easy.
They demonstrated plenty of heart led in large part by Quintus Jones, who finished with a game-high 22 points. Bronson Blair and Kaden Crawford will be part of the three-headed Bears monster. Senior Jahmel Bruce dropped the hammer of the weekend on a Rabun Gap defender. The energy these players had after this play helped set the tone for the season ahead.
Top Performers
Jullien Cole | 2024 | Shiloh | made his Georgia debut in grand fashion. The North Carolina native has been part of the Generals roster for a little over a month. Shiloh head coach Kim Rivers was raving about how his addition will give them more depth. Cole did not waste much time making his new coach prophetic. The 6-foot-4 combo is big and capable of absorbing contact. He can hit the long-range jumper with plenty of ease. Look for him to make a tremendous impact this season. By mid-December, his name will be discussed throughout the metro.
Chase Roux | 2024 | Walnut Grove | has finally found a program to utilize his skills. The 6-foot-3 guard shot the ball well against Lanier. He got to his spots while also making plays getting to the rim. His comfort level on the floor showed his confidence in being able to finish despite getting some extra attention throughout the game. Roux gives the Warriors another player capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. He is stoic and calculated to make sure the bucket is delivered.
Tylis Jordan | 2025 | Shiloh | continues to show why so many college programs will continue to inquire about the forward. He is a matchup problem on either end of the floor. Jordan finished with 19 points despite getting double-teamed. Two things that stood out were his ability to demonstrate the mental toughness needed for all the attention he will receive this season. Also, playing inside through contact. We all have seen his ability to play on the open floor but now punishing opponents inside will be a problem for many teams moving forward.
Jerrin Samuel | 2026 | Winder-Barrow | continues to impress. He is one of the most versatile players in the class. His ability to score inside and out with relative ease left an impression. He does not need a lot of shots or even space to score. His game is just smooth. Samuel will be given a lot of responsibility under head coach Travis McDaniels. This collegiate prospect will be a player college programs across the country will want to get to know.
Justin Wise | 2027 | North Oconee | is a name many will appreciate over the next few years. Sure, it is hard to think a first-year player is capable of getting into a regular rotation with an experienced roster and backcourt. Wise showed why he is being trusted by the staff and teammates. The 6-foot-3 guard is a solid on-ball defender and made things difficult for opponents. He never backed down and was locked in, which is rare for many players coming into high school. The poise and intensity on defense helped him on the offensive end of the floor. He just played his role and contributed toward the Titans’ success. This young man will help seniors Byrd Carter, Justin Payne, and Evan Montgomery through a tough schedule this season.
Isabella Hopkins | 2024 | Pickens | was locked and loaded in her season debut. The guard was unconscious scoring the ball from all over the floor. She hit four three-pointers to help push the Netters to several leads throughout the game. Her quick release was difficult to defend. She is a player with enough scoring ability to be a problem.
Aiyanna Peavy | 2024 | North Oconee | went on a scoring spree like people looking for sales during the holidays. She was collecting baskets from anywhere on the floor. The guard scored 16 first-half points, which so happened to be all of the Titans’ points at halftime. She finished with a game-high 26 points. Her shifty movement left defenders struggling to guard her. Peavy is going to light up the scoreboard a lot this season.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.