Sideline notes: On the Radar Tip-off Classic

Sideline notes: On the Radar Tip-off Classic

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Norcross, GA – The annual OTR Tip-off Classic has always helped set the tone for the basketball season. Teams come to get matched up against some tough competition. 

This year was no different than any other year. 

Here are some sideline notes. 

Wheeler sends a message

Wheeler has been hearing the talking being done by others looking to challenge them. It’s Southside foe, Tri-Cities, was the latest looking to potentially put a chink in the defending 6A champions armor. Well, it didn’t happen as the Wildcats beat the Bulldogs 77-65 in the marquee matchup of the night. Colben Landrew was the primary person to deliver the message. The UConn signee started the night was a jumper and ended it with a viral dunk finishing with a game-high 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting including 4-of-8 from three-point range. He had 13 points in the second quarter. 2027 Kevin Savage Jr was proficient from the field shooting 5-of-8 for 14 points. He also delivered a few timely passes for highlight dunks. Shamar Madden was one of the biggest X-factors for Wheeler. The 2028 product shooting and defending before finishing with 16 points. He is a player the staff and the players know he can help them.

Tri-Cities was within striking distance of the Wildcats until a technical foul late in the game, which helped put the game away. The Bulldogs, however, showed it was ready to compete from the opening tip. Georgia Tech signee Jalan Wingfield got things rolling with some dunks and playing inside finishing with 16 points. 2027 guard Tre Keith played going downhill and varied pace in play scoring 14 points. Junior guard Khalid Jones did not allow the spotlight be too big for him scoring 16 points, which included baskets to help pull the Bulldogs within single digits. 

Lambert’s signature statement

Lambert’s basketball picked up a signature win, 61-54, over Norcross, marking it as its most signature win in school history. The Forsyth school has had tremendous basketball success since its inaugural 2009-2010 season winning five region championship, six consecutive seasons with 20 wins, and reaching the Sweet 16 from 2014-2018. Beating a notable name with the Blue Devils history is big, regardless of who is currently on the roster. Leading the way in this win was Longwood University signee Will Dopfer. The 6’6 forward was spectacular scoring 26 points in a variety of ways. His effort was too much for a young Norcross team, which refused to give up. Senior Isaac Rodriguez is an important outside threat for the Longhorns finishing with 10 points. 

Grayson continues state dominance

It has been more than 1,000 days since the Grayson has lost to an in-state opponent during the regular season. The streak continued with a 76-45 win over Winder Barrow. Leading the charge was MJ Curry. He is one of the short after prospects in the Class of 2027 and it showed. He scored a quiet 15 points, which included a number of highlight dunks. Curry, however, is more than an athletic guard with crazy bounce. He is a player with a good looking jumper and a sharp IQ. He also has some partners in hoops with Byron Lee and Austin Leonard. Lee is a 6’7 junior who anchors the interior along with Leonard. Both are going to help the Rams continue its in-state dominance. 

Dutchtown lets Buggs loose

The Dutchtown High basketball program picked up a 65-53 win over Central Gwinnett, thanks in large part to Bobby Buggs. The 6’1 senior point guard is a good combination of athleticism and skill. He scored 23 points after a stretch of steals, jumpers, and dunks to go along with his five assists. His running mate was Isaiah Dorsainvil, a 6’2 sophomore, who helped run the team when Buggs was going off offensively. Dorsainvil finished with 12 points and five assists. These Bulldogs have gotten off to a good start.

Mount Vernon escapes late

Defensive stops and timely shooting helped Mount Vernon escape with a 59-56 win over Berkmar. The Mustangs got production from senior Darrell Dickens III, who finished with 17 points. He made plays and found himself always in the middle of a play. His defensive disruption led to transition baskets for Mount Vernon. It also helped open up scoring opportunities for shooters, especially Jamaal Oliver Jr. The freshman point guard was 4-of-7 from three point range for 12 points. He was the X-factor off the bench for a team needing a spark. 

Berkmar’s William Gause was active on both ends. The Patriots junior guard finished with 20 points. He was the offensive spark that kept Berkmar in the game and even helped them hold a lead. His physical play allowed him to absorb fouls and helped him finish through contact. 

Newton outlasts Paideia

The Rams’ got into the win column outlasting Paideia, 63-54, late. Newton controlled the game through three quarters. Leading the charge for Newton was Jayden Scott and TJ Sands. Scott, who finished with 13 points, is a defender who knows how to score the ball consistently. He was solid late with his defensive energy. Sands scored 16 points is also relentless for the Rams on both ends of the floor. These two Rams are tough and give the squad some added weapons.

Kell runs through Greene County

Kamari Kilgore has gotten out of the gate pretty fast for Kell. The sophomore guard is a tenacious defender looking to always attack the basket, who will then slash a jumper. He finished with 18 points and is currently of two top players for the Longhorns. The other player is Nganga Kinyanjui, who is a junior guard just not afraid to lead. He finished with 17 points. This duo outscored the Tigers (35-points) than the final score, 70-33. 

Lanier gets victory after career performance

In a battle of Gwinnett schools, Lanier’s Reshard Slaughter had a career-day. The 6’3 lanky junior went on a tear for 31-points in the Longhorns 86-75 win over Archer. His defensive effort allowed him to get out in the open court for easy baskets. Marcus Green, a junior, chipped in with 17 points off the bench. This gave Lanier the depth it will need on the season to compete later on this season.