June Jam notebook

June Jam notebook

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

McDonough, GA – The inaugural June Jam brought together fifty-four high school teams from across Georgia to help set the mood for the month. This is when teams have come off the dead period week starting the gauntlet of basketball camps and showcases.

The high school showcase, powered by Swish Scouting, had some tremendous matchups against team that will never see each other on the year. This allowed for teams and players to set the tone before the NCAA Live Period. Here are some names of some notable performances.

Three teams – Eastside High, Putnam County and Sumter County – captured the Gold championship titles played across the three-day period. Each team used defense, depth, and quickness. Each of them had significant individual performances to help propel each team to victory.

Eastside went undefeated dismantling teams with its stifling defense. 2027’s Iverson Freeman helped get the Eagles started converting steals into three pointers. This poise point guard also served out three assists per game. Several of those passes went to 2027 Christian Gatewood. The 6-foot-6 wing punished the rim with his athleticism and was the anchor to the defense. He is a disrupter on both ends of the floor, which helped the Eagles soar high.

Putnam County had one of the most impressive performances on the weekend. It started off with them beating everyone in pool play by more than 28 points. Things were not as easy in bracket play but they remained relentless behind the play of J’Mari Greene. The 2026 prospect showed the ability to play inside and out averaging nearly 18 points and 8 rebounds a game. Greene has a strong mid-range game who is capable of extending the floor beyond the three-point line.

Sumter County went undefeated to walk away with the title. The Panthers were impressive with its athleticism and speed. They had players all over the floor as the depth delivered in many of the teams wins. The 2A classification will soon need to deal with their athleticism, length, and physical strength. Sumter is a relentless group of guys. One of them is 2026 LeBron Brown who is the director of the offense. He is a 6-foot-1 floor general who gets everyone involved while making sure to punish defenders whenever possible.

Dutchtown left an impression with its team. The Bulldogs showed its a program filled with talented players on the roster. 2026 Bobby Buggs started things off with electrifying performances running the teams offense and being a catalyst on the defensive end. He then showed off the athletic ability with an explosive first-step and thunderous dunks. 2026 Maddox Melancon helped Buggs weather the scoring load for Dutchtown. The 6-foot-6 wing finished inside, at the rim, and from teh perimeter at any given moment. He is a tremendous rebounder in traffic. His game is one that fits well on any team. Dutchtown entered the showcase without 2028 AJ Williams, who was representing Team USA in international play.

The Walker School steps on the floor and they aren’t necessarily the most intimidating team. They don’t have much size but these Wolverines are hoopers. It is a team that will hang its hat on defense, fundamentals, and shooting. 2026 Anderson Carey made the shooting contagious from the beginning. He caught eh ball around the three-point line and let it fly hitting four in a row in one game. His shooting opened the floor for 2028 King Daniel Hernandez to put defenders on their heals. This allowed him to score and find teammates for quality scoring opportunities. While these two guys helped fill-up the offensive category 2027 Sean Nalls was a defensive menace. He harassed the opposing teams ball handler the length of the floor. This helped contribute to the Wolverines ability to play fast and open for easy buckets due to Nalls effort.

Griffin’s 2026 Demari Bailey is a name college coaches and opposing coaches will get to know more, if they don’t already. This point guard was like a dancing bear going through defenders. He ran the offense near flawlessly and showed the ability to change the pace of the game. Bailey was in control the entire weekend. He never looked rushed or concerned in many of the matchups. His leadership skilled shined either own his mistake or applauding others success. 2026 Robert Bubba Sullivan is an excellent running mate. The 6-foot-5 wing put his long wing span to work deflecting passes on defense and then finishing above the rim offensively. His offensive game was deeper than his athletic prowess as he hit several short corner jumpers.

Paideia demonstrated it can and will win games in a variety of ways. They mustered up the defense to win in regulation or overtime. 2026 CJ Harper dialed it up defensively and was locked in keeping opposing guards could not get into a rhythm either deflecting passes or eventually picking off four steals. He is a naturally gifted scorer driving into the lane and finishing through contact. His strength keeps defenders off balance which is when he will deliver a mid-range jumper.

College programs will need to make a trip to Rabun County in Northeast Georgia. The Wildcats created a buzz with its style of play and the its players performances. 2026 Hayes Free played like his last name in the open floor. The 6-foot-7 win finished with some highlight dunks and jumpers in the lane. He was active where he averaged about 8 rebounds a game on the weekend. Many of the passes he was getting was from 2026 Huey Blalock. This floor general has picked up plenty of attention after a strong junior campaign. He never looked rattled running the Wildcats offense dropping off precision passes for open three-pointer too. His performance on the floor was more impressive since he was playing with a soft cast from an earlier injury in the offseason.

Woodland wanted to leave its mark on the weekend. 2027 Eric Thornton shined in the Wolfpacks games. The 6-foot-6 wings stock had an uptick, by displaying a toughness on both ends of the floor. He attacked the rim with purpose and accepted the challenges and contact. His game flourished in the open floor. 2026 Omari Scott is Woodland’s muscle. At 6-foot-5 forward showed he can handle the physical play but is capable of playing with some finesse. His touch around the basket made him difficult to guard.

Hart County has always played with a tenacity that resembles its mascot. The Bulldogs gnawed its way through victories. 2027 Kurtson Curry showed his ability to score willingly. The two-sport athlete takes control of a game and doesn’t let it go. He will be active on the defensive end or the offensive one looking to create any advantageous opportunity for the Bulldogs.

Thomson had 10 players on the weekend and it seems like they were all on the floor at the same time for some opponents. They pressed and flew all around the floor where opponents had a hard time getting into any offensive rhythm. One of the agitators was 2026 Markevion Jones. The 6-foot-2 guard, who plays three positions on the football team, had his nose to the ball on defense and had opponents on their heals defensively. His game is predicated on getting to the basket and finishing at the rim. When he caught it on the perimeter Jones’ jumper sliced through the net.

Columbia is the epitome of pressing forward on the hardwood. They did not allow an off court issue distract them. This laser focus effort was displayed by 2027 Chance Reynolds. The Eagles floor general showed how he is capable of running a team. His game is to find teammates seeing the floor while always setting the pace. Reynolds showed the ability to score effortlessly knocking down shots over defenders outstretched arms.

Locust Grove had one of the more surprising players in the entire event in 2026 Tyler Jones. This 6-foot-6 wing showed he is going to take off this summer because he made plays above the rim on the offensive end, while then also making stops as the lead on the full court press or at the rim. His length is a disruptor for others and an advantage for his team. Jones is an intriguing prospect for anyone looking for a player with a good motor who plays both ends of the floor.

Tucker is looking to build an identify and confidence this summer. The Tigers few through some adversity to earn a hard earned win in overtime. Things hit its peaks and valleys, like it happens to an inexperienced team. Tucker will go through its growing pains and reap from the lessons learned. There is a name everyone will need to remember moving forward: 2029 Vance Wilder Jr. The rising freshman did not look uncomfortable in a Tigers uniform. He hit the game-winning three-pointer in the overtime victory. He has a Daredevil confidence to his game. His name will be mentioned plenty as more people learn his game and lineage.

McDonough, the most gracious host, has a deep and young team. One of the impressive performance came from 2028 Kerrington Moore. He showed glimpses of toughness, fundamentals, IQ, and poise of a seasoned veteran. His game will continue to grow as he gains the reigns of the program. 2028 Austin Dennard showed he will anchor the front court in his 6-foot-6 frame. He pulls down rebounds in traffic through physical contact with balance. His development will be one to watch in the next few years. 2027 Christian Jackson is a quality guard with a nice looking jumper. He showed consistency in knocking down open shots while also helping to handle the ball. 2027 Elijah Drummond is a point guard who has been handed the responsibility of running the Warhawks offense. He showed how to handle pressure and see the floor. The WarHawks are building something with a roster loaded with young players who will mature with the time on the floor.

Marist wore team t-shirts that read, “Work Works.” The War Eagles went to work and fought hard all weekend. They are learning a new voice and system. This, however, has not stopped 2026 Jay Walsh. He delivered a thunderous dunk in traffic sending shockwaves to many on lookers. Walsh then helped facilitate a victory by displaying his versatility and basketball IQ. 2028 Bobby Harpring helped show he is ready to step into a bigger role this summer. The guard moved well without the ball and knocked down the shots available to him. This team of War Eagles will score under its new leadership once they get comfortable with its new system.

Mary Persons split pool behind an impressive performance from 2027 Tadorian “Dee” Grier. He is lightening quick who creates scoring opportunities with his quickness. Grier uses angles to elude defenders to get his shot off. He showed his range knocking down shots from all over the floor. Grier has the knack for scoring the ball.  

Tift County has a new coach and it shows as players are learning a new system. However, 2026 Kaden Lawson showed plenty of promise. The 6-foot-8 lefty plays both ends of the floor that would turn the heads of any college program looking for a player with an intense motor. Look for Lawson to help his Blue Devils teammates learn through the growing pains as a new era begins.

Central Carrollton is familiar with the new voice on the sideline but it wore different colors. 2026 Chace North knows he and his teammates will be pushed to new challenges on the hardwood. He can score the ball at a high level so freely. His motor is always going at a high level. North is a physical player. The Lions are going to far as they match their new coaches intensity.

Warner Robins’ 2026 Gavyn Williams is a scrappy player with a level of toughness hard to match. The point guard scored in tough spots. He showed his toughness locking down on opponents on defense. His footwork and quickness rattled teams. Williams set the tone of the game with the Demons offense showing the ease of getting to the rim.

St. Andrew’s are defending state GIAA champions looking for heavy competition. They found it with some tough matchups. 2026 Ja’Cari Glover proved he can play with just about anyone. He is a 6-foot-5 grown man with the emphasis on GROWN! His body is built to anchor the Lions interior. Defensively he can make it difficult for an opponent to get off an easy shot. He snatches rebounds down with great ease. Glover establishes himself inside offensively and can score over either shoulder while also finishing above the rim with some tow-handed dunks. When you see him on the floor he looks like a football prospect, but he does not play football which is a coaches delight. 2026 Amari Cook is the Lions floor general. He is quick in the open floor and is always looking to get everyone involved. His handled pressure pretty well considering the defensive pressure being thrown at the Lions. Getting back to the state championship will not be ease but head coach Mel Abrams will have these Lions roaring before it is all said and done.

Therrell has been building its program for the last few years. They have gone through some growing pains and the working is showing. These Panthers showed its more than ready to compete. 2027 Papa Mbaye had some bright moments He is 6-foot-5 with a long wing span who is no where near close to his potential. The way he ran the floor and finished in transition is exciting to watch. Everything was at the rim and through contact. He has a soft touch around the rim. Mbaye is a rim protector with some toughness. 2027 LaKari Crouch plays with a chip on his shoulder. He is either being hard on himself or looking to attack an opponent. Either way, this 6-foot guard is no pushover. Crouch attacks the rim with purpose. He mixes things up with a mid-range jumper. He is talkative on the defensive end looking to take an opponent out of rhythm.

Southwest DeKalb has a history of producing tough-minded players who refuse to let up. 2026 Thomas Glanton III is a point guard built to lead a program. He showed how to get everyone involved. His composure stayed intact through some adversity in pool play. SW DeKalb never withered because its floor general was at the helm refusing to let up. 2027 Jackson Ushery plays off the floor well. This 6-foot-2 guard can shoot the ball well. He also can help getting others involved. The Panthers’ tradition will continue putting out players capable of helping a program at the next level.

BEST Academy captured its first-ever state championship this past season. Coming back from the historical season will be 2027 Xion Evans. He is a guard who will carry the heavy burden to lead the team in every possible aspect. Evans showed he was ready to fill into the role putting together a string of performances for the Eagles. He is able to combine finesse and strength to finish at the rim through contact. His jumper was consistent throughout the two-days. 2009 Denney Stomer took to the floor and decided to steal the show. This incoming freshman played with excellent confidence and control, which is rare for many.