Top performers during the Tip-Off Classic
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Cumming, GA – The Tip-off Classic has created an atmosphere where the lights will shine on those established names or rising stars. This past weekend at Dobbs Creek Recreation Center several new names put on masterful scoring performances.
There could have been more outstanding performances missed. These are the names of the major shotmakers we had a chance to watch from the weekend.
2025 Marcus Gillespie | Atlanta Xpress
Gillespie put on the best-scoring exhibition of the weekend. The Clarke Central product scored 40 points on court 6 “The Show” floor. Once the big guard got it rolling against Game Elite it was hard to stop him. He displayed an array of tough shots, jumpers, mid-range, and showed tremendous depth from the three-point line. His performance may have surprised those watching Gillespie for the first time. This is not new for many who have watched the 6-foot-4 guard. If more performances like this happen during the Live Period, college coaches will be genuinely impressed.
2025 Jarius Adkinson | Southern Kings
When Adkinson walked onto the court he cameras were on the baseline looking to capture his athleticism. He gave them what they were looking for against Bmaze Elite. The Westside-Augusta product went full highlight reel on court 6. He became the show dunking on opponents, finishing through contact, and delivering the Eastbay dunk on a fastbreak. The gym went crazy because he finished with 36 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Look for this three-time state champion to put on a show on the New Balance Prelude League.
2025 Alex Young | Norcross Heat
Young is strongly becoming a player college coaches will enjoy watching play. The 6-foot-5 shooter scored 35 points from any where on the floor. He was able to get to his spots and finished with so much flare. Young is a poised competitor locked in for a strong summer on the Next Pro 16 on the Puma sponsored circuit.
2024 Jaye Nash | AOT
After playing an entire year where his scoring wasn’t necessarily needed, Nash showed what many in his circle know about him. He is capable of filling it from the point guard spot. The McEachern product left the best performance for last. He scorched Team Huncho for 32 points shooting the ball and getting into the paint for buckets or assists. Showing the ability to play the point guard spot at a high level will attract any program still looking for high school point guards. Nash has a strong IQ and will serve as an extension on the floor to the coach.
2025 Keith Gillespie | AE5 Gold
Another Gillespie went on a scoring spree. This Gillespie averaged 24.5 points a game. He had two 30-point games. The Fayette County product had a good mix of moves to get him rolling. He kept opponents off balance with an explosive first-step. When he wasn’t getting to the basket he was nailing jumpers. This 6-foot-2 guard hit a total of 20 three-pointers through the weekend. Gillespie also showed scoring was not the only thing he could do. He averaged five assists through four games.
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.