MLK Day Showcase delivers high-level games
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Gainesville, GA — The second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Showcase at Lakeview Academy powered by North Georgia Report delivered exactly what its name promised: competition fueled by purpose.
What unfolded across the hardwood on Saturday was more than a collection of close games. It was a full-throated display of resolve, urgency, and competitive fire—traits that mirrored the very spirit of Dr. King’s words. Possessions were fought over, runs were answered, and every team played as if the moment demanded more.
Here’s how it all shook out.
Heritage School 77, Lanier Christian Academy 70
Heritage School survived a shooting clinic and a late surge to outlast Lanier Christian Academy in one of the day’s most electric contests.
Eighth grader Alex Mufu continues to be a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor. The versatile forward protected the rim, dominated the glass, and sprinted the floor like a wing, finishing above the rim for multiple highlight-reel plays. He poured in a team-high 24 points to lead the Hawks (17-4).
Heritage also received balanced scoring from MaKari Townsend and Coleman Hellgeth, who each added 14 points, while Masen Biggs chipped in 10.
Lanier Christian (16-7) refused to fold behind a blistering shooting performance from senior Andrew Batusic, who drilled eight three-pointers on his way to 24 points. His hot hand had the Heritage coaching staff scrambling for answers. Fellow senior Mekhi Barber, a Shelton State commit, added 22 points, and Xavier Barber contributed 12.
In the end, Heritage’s poise proved just enough to weather the storm.
North Oconee 57, Athens Christian School 44 (Girls)
A suffocating defensive surge in the second half propelled North Oconee past Athens Christian School.
When the Titans (13-6) unleashed their full-court pressure, the game’s complexion changed instantly. North Oconee ripped off a decisive 23-7 run in the third quarter, forcing turnover after turnover and converting them into transition baskets and open three-pointers.
Sophomore Leah Pollack set the tone early, hitting her first four shots from the floor before anchoring the defense. She finished with a team-high 19 points. Fellow sophomore Kallie Mashburn was relentless on both ends, adding 17 points, while senior Leslie Bradley chipped in 11.
Athens Christian (19-2) leaned on Providence commit Voldie Basana, who dominated the paint early but was limited to just two points during the pivotal third quarter. She still finished with a team-high 19. Senior Josie Vaughn scored eight points after a strong start but struggled during North Oconee’s decisive run.
Rabun County 62, Lakeview Academy 50 (Girls)
Rabun County’s focus and execution on both ends lifted the Wildcats past Lakeview Academy.
The Wildcats (14-3) applied pressure in waves, creating separation through timely shooting and defensive stops. Senior Madison Houck led the way with 20 points, while junior Abby Beth Owens knocked down four three-pointers to finish with 18. Freshman Millie Southards continued her impressive season with 15 points.
Lakeview (10-7), a young and growing group, showed resilience. The Lions cut the deficit to single digits twice but couldn’t close the gap. Senior Emyrie Combs delivered a game-high 24 points, and junior guard Jalyn Purdy added 15.
Furtah Prep 65, Lakeview Academy 55
Furtah Prep’s international-flavored roster proved too polished and physical for Lakeview Academy.
The Falcons (14-6) dictated tempo from start to finish, moving the ball with purpose and capitalizing on timely shots. Sophomore Fernando Rapini set the tone early, stretching the floor and scoring a team-high 19 points. Senior Emmanuel Johannson added 15 points and three steals, while CJ Humphrey contributed 10.
Lakeview (16-4) struck first but couldn’t keep pace. Seniors Christian Fragoso (13 points) and Parker Waugh (11 points) led the Lions’ offensive effort.
South Atlanta 56, Southwest Atlanta Christian 55
Khamari Browning saved his best moment for last.
The sophomore guard calmly buried a mid-range jumper late, giving South Atlanta its final lead in a one-point thriller. The Hornets (14-4) locked in defensively down the stretch to seal the win in a matchup that saw two teams—separated by just 11 miles—travel more than an hour north for the showdown.
South Atlanta created separation in the third quarter with its defense, igniting transition opportunities for seniors Bol Deng and Duor Duor. Deng finished with 17 points, while Duor, a North Carolina Central commit, poured in a game-high 23.
Southwest Atlanta Christian (16-4) battled to the final horn. Junior Talyn Harris scored 11 points after recording his 1,000th career point in the first half. Jabari Burleson led the Warriors with 15 points, and sophomore Corey Harrisdelivered a stat-stuffing performance with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks. A late opportunity slipped away, but the fight never did.
Jefferson 87, Sugar Hill Christian Academy 57
Jefferson caught fire early and never cooled off.
The Dragons’ shooting spree overwhelmed Sugar Hill Christian Academy, snapping the Stallions’ three-game winning streak. Ceven Nicely led Jefferson with 17 points, while Darren Pinkard filled the stat sheet with 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Karter Shields added 12 points and five boards.
With Jefferson knocking down 13 three-pointers, the margin quickly ballooned.
CJ Britt scored a game-high 23 points for SHCA (10-8). Tyler Veugeler added 15, and Randall Fanning finished with nine.
From nail-biters to defensive masterclasses, the MLK Jr. Day Showcase once again proved that when competition meets purpose, the result is something unforgettable.
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.
Alfonso can be reached via email: alfonso@baselinetosideline.com; X: bts_report
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. Alfonso can be reached via email: alfonso@baselinetosideline.com; X: bts_report