Georgia Interstate Hoops Classic: Player notes

Georgia Interstate Hoops Classic: Player notes

By Robert Alfonso Jr. 

Athens, GA – When the Georgia Interstate Hoops Classic started three years ago it was designed to spotlight the Classic City and the game of basketball. The Classic City is rich in undervalued talent. This is the showcase’s foundation, allowing players to compete at a high level in some intense matchups. 

There were some players who not only made an impression this season but carved their names into the record books.

POINT GUARDS/COMBO GUARDS

Tarell Grant | Maranatha Christian Academy | 2024

Grant has a strong knack for scoring the basketball. This point guard navigates through traffic despite whatever attention he faces throughout the game. He showed those skills in an overtime win for the Eagles finishing with a single-game tournament record of 38 points, 20 of which game in the first half. His versatility to score from all three levels was on display.

Xavier Perry | Victory Christian Center School | 2024 

Perry was easily the best floor general during the event. His ability to run a team and make an impact without even scoring the ball had everyone on the edge of their seat. He moved through tight spots like a mini Cooper in the Italian Job. Perry’s quickness, court vision, and ability to score were just too much to contain. He was named the game MVP and should certainly be on a college program’s radar if they’re looking for a true leader on the floor.

Michael Robinson | Greenforest | 2024

Robinson is forever in the record books. The point guard became the first two-time Most Valuable Player after back-to-back 15-point performances. Robinson has a solid IQ and can help run a program while knocking down timely shots. He stirs things up on both ends of the floor. 

Jackson Jennings | Greenbrier | 2024

Jennings got on a scoring heater in the second half for the Wolfpack. He was headed downhill with angles and plays through physical punishment. His athleticism is off the charts and disrupted defenders. This helped him gather 17 points and earn the MVP. 

CJ Harper | Paideia | 2026

Harper is growing into being one of the more talked about prospects in the class at the position. His body is transforming in a way where The lefty delivered the dunk of the showcase with a posterized impact. This level of athleticism is going to open many more eyes. His court vision and poise are developing beyond his actual years of experience. 

Temar Colley | Union Grove | 2024

Colley has a smooth game from the perimeter like that of a jazz player in an orchestra. He got things going during the Wolverines’ comeback nailing jumper after jumper from beyond the three-point line. His jumper is the biggest weapon on the Union Grove roster. If his consistency continues throughout the season, Colley could help position the Wolverines for a playoff spot by the end of the regular season. 

Izaiah Keever-Simms | Central Gwinnett | 2025

Keever-Sims helped open up the floor for the Black Knights. The shooting guard was on target knocking down shots from beyond the three-point line. He was tactical in getting to his spots before finishing with a team-high 15 points. 

Hiram Balthazar | Notre Dame Academy | 2024

Balthazar made sure not to be left out of the record books. This guard scored a team-high 37 points from a variety of ways around the floor. He scored on three levels of the floor but was elite at getting to the rim. His jumper showed a level of consistency every player needs. While the Wolfpack fell short in overtime, Balthazar showed he is an elite competitor.

Elijah Lewis | Greenforest | 2024

Lewis is the other half of the Eagles backcourt. He can play on and off the ball. Most of his time was spent off the ball because of his ability to score at a consistent clip. His ability to allow the game to come to him is impressive for a player getting plenty of defensive attention. He finished with 15 points. His game expands to the defensive end of the floor. Look for his game to help the Class 1A program make a nice run in the postseason. 

Norval “Trey” Rhodes | Cedar Grove | 2026

Rhodes just joined the Saints roster at the start of January and looks at home. The 6-foot-4 guard is athletic and strong with a decent touch. His best game is getting the paint. Once in the lane, Rhodes is going to finish through contact. These skills and strengths helped him total 15 points. Being part of this team gives the Saints another prolific player on both ends of the floor. 

WING 

Bilal Osman | Creekside Christian | 2025

Osman continues to shine during this basketball season. The 6-foot-8 wing is a prototypical prospect for today’s college game. He shoots the ball well and can create for himself on the perimeter. Osman finished with 13 points. College coaches need to tap in on this prospect.

Emmanuel “Manny” Green | Cedar Grove | 2026 

The more one gets to see Green on the hardwood it is hard not to see his growth physically and skillfully. This 6-foot-7 wing has been in the weight room working in taking on the physical play. It has not stopped his skills from growing. Green has a strong mid-range jumper with good elevation and touch. His game was enough to help the Saints to victory with 15 points. He will continue to gain attention throughout this season. 

Nile King | Union Grove | 2024

King is a royal problem on both ends of the floor for opponents. The 6-foot-5 wing causes havoc disrupting opponents with his length and ability to score. He can get to the rim and knows how to finish above the rim. His floater and touch around the rim helped him be a catalyst in the Wolverines’ success against Cedar Shoals and in the showcase win. He finished with 12 points.

Aiden Weaver | Etowah | 2025

Weaver is a talented and wiry forward who continues to thrive on both ends of the floor. He makes things go with his knack for scoring the ball. His athleticism disrupts opponents in a variety of ways. He is a valuable prospect for the Eagles. Look for his ability to help Etowah soar the remainder of the season. 

POWER FORWARDS

Daniel Daramola | Greenforest | 2025 

Daramola does everything a basketball program needs as it approaches regional play. This 6-foot-8 forward is a monster in the class. He never tires of chasing down rebounds with two hands. Daramola is also a rim protector with an excellent motor. The Eagles run some plays for him but most of his production is cleaning up the missed opportunities. 

Cedric Taylor | Creekside Christian | 2025

Taylor has been on an upward trajectory all season. The 6-foot-10 is skilled enough to play inside and out. He helped cause some mayhem on both ends of the floor with his length and skills. As the season continues to roll Taylor’s ability will help carry Creekside through a potentially grueling postseason. 

Abubarkar Cham | Victory Christian Center School | 2025

Finding Cham on the hardwood is not difficult. He is a 6-foot-6 grown man on both ends of the floor. Handling business is Cham’s calling card. He carves out space inside the lane on both ends of the floor. His range to get rebounds out of his area was impressive. There was not one opponent strong enough to keep up with him. He communicated in ways that kept the team together. Cham should jump on several college program’s radar because of his ability to play both ends of the floor with a great motor.

Alexander Koch | Cedar Shoals | 2024

Koch is coming along just nicely for the Jaguars. The 6-foot-7 forward is a rim protector and a glass eater. He makes sure to put himself in situations to keep opponents from getting to the basket. His offensive game is coming along. Koch will be pivotal in the Jaguars run this season. He finished the night with 20 points and 19 rebounds.

Nathan Garstang | Greenbrier | 2025 

Garstang caught one’s eye because of his length. He is a 6-foot-9 player with good hands, strength and a nice feel for the game. His motor is turned up and active on both ends of the floor. Gusting has a nice touch around the rim. He will pique a coach’s interest this summer. 

Bode Fisher | Maranatha Christian Academy | 2026

Fisher delivered one of the best moments of the showcase. The 6-foot-5 forward scored the game-winning basket after a missed shot. He raced to the rim grabbed the rebound and put the ball back. Before this, Fisher nailed a three-pointer to tie and help send the game into overtime. He finished the game with a double-double (20 points and 15 rebounds) along with two blocks.