Southern Hoops Report Notebook

Southern Hoops Report Notebook

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Lawrenceville, GA – In a thrilling display of talent and athleticism, the Southern Hoops Report basketball showcase provided a stage for standout performances across the board. Here’s how the players fared:

Payne Smith | South Forsyth Payne demonstrated mastery in the pick-and-roll game. He was playing with aggression and frequently shifting the defense. The point guard showcased his ability to penetrate the paint and score while shooting the ball exceptionally well. Based on his performance there is a strong summer loading.

Karon Plummer | Houston County Karon has shown impressive growth both physically and skill-wise. His continued development was evident throughout the showcase. This Class of 2028 product is developing into one of the better players in the state. Every time we get to watch him there is something new about his game.

Harper Rife | East Coweta A young talent with a lethal perimeter shot, Harper handled the ball well in the open court and proved capable of driving to the basket with solid moves. His shooting prowess was on full display. He plays with balanced level of confidence. Rife’s skill set will help separate him from the rest of the members in the Class of 2026.

Xavier Berry | The Walker School Xavier efficiently ran the team, while making solid decisions and being relentless on defense. His athleticism was a highlight of the showcase. He plays going downhill. Any program looking for a floor general with good leadership skills and motor this is an unsigned senior worth inquiring about.

Azion Spencer | Tucker The left-handed shooter showed his knack for finding his way into the paint with his wiggle moves. His 6-foot-6 length allowed for him to get shots off against smaller defenders. Once his ball-handling tightens up, Spencer will be a difficult matchup on both ends of the floor.

Asher Sheppard | Clarke Central Asher was one of the most intriguing players in the showcase. First, his 6-foot-8 frame was not difficult to miss. He threw his body around on both ends of the floor and played with tremendous energy, excelling in rebounding and showing promise with his offensive moves. Sheppard is a member of the Class of 2028 and will soon be a name many college coaches will track soon.

RJ Williams | Archer RJ showed why is his a tough point guard to defend. He was constantly getting to the rim and danced with the basketball. Williams has quick hands on defense and good court vision. Any program looking for a tenacious floor general certainly need to catch footage of this unsigned senior.

Brent Williams | Loganville The 6-foot-7 interior product is a big body with soft hands. He is a bruiser holding the fort down on the inside. Williams is a rebounding machine who will make shots inside regularly. Summer campaign is loading for this Class of 2026 prospect.

Gabriel Espin | Sugar Hill Christian Academy Gabriel showed tremendous versatility on both ends of the floor. He was a force around the rim and shot the ball well from about 15-feet out. The Class of 2026 forward has a good feel for the game. He matched up well against other m ore physical players and showed how to use angle in ways to gain advantage.

Cullen Marti | Coahuila Creek Cullen’s wide frame allowed him to hold his ground effectively inside. The 6-foot-7 senior forward planted himself in the post and contributed on both ends of the court. His ability to carve out space made it easy for teammates to get into the lane. He finished around the basket regularly.

Overall, the showcase highlighted the diverse skill sets and potential of these athletes as they continue to refine their game.