Notebook: Beachfront Battle Invitational Savannah

Notebook: Beachfront Battle Invitational Savannah

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Savannah, GA – The annual trip to Savannah is an opportunity for more than seeing the shoreline. Being near the beach is for the Beachfront Battle Invitational, hosted by Calvary Day School. 

Teams come with the purpose of competing at a high level and seeing what bonds they can make if they end up traveling more than an hour to the coast. This is also a tremendous opportunity to see players who do not always make it to Metro Atlanta. 

Tift County: The Blue Devils captured its second circuit championship because the team is coming along nicely as it played the last event. 2027 Elijah Smith, 6’0, is a true point guard. He looks to pass first. His head is always up looking to push the ball up the floor with the pass or with his quickness. Rarely does he make an ill-advised pass. Now, when it’s time to get things going offensively, Smith is an instant scorer. Using angles to fend off defenders helps him score with ease. He also can elevate on his jumpers. Smith is a new name on the recruiting trail college programs need to checkout. 2027 Andrew Connell, 6’1, shooting guard with a quick release and range. He gets shots off high consistently. Connell shot about 40% on the weekend from beyond the three-point line. He moves well without the ball emerging as a catch and shoot assassin. 2028 Haven McMiller, 6’5, plays like a hybrid post. He has become a focal point to the Blue Devils offense. They want him around the basket. He is a smooth finisher around the rim. His length and slender frame gets him around strong defenders. He has good footwork and will finish above the rim. His athleticism has him locking down the interior. 

St. Andrew’s: 2028 Jordan Walls, 6’8, a hybrid forward who continues to grow confidently since the start of the month. His play was stellar when the Lions needed it the most. He went on a 9-0 run, which included pull-up mid-range jumpers,  a three-pointer, and a thunderous rid through dunk in the lane with his right and later left hand. His ball handling is serviceable for a player his length. Walls is also a solid rim protector altering or blocking shots. He has made a big jump this summer and the inquiries have begun. 2028 Page Getter, 6’3, a combo guard has a strong basketball IQ on the floor. His game can be played on and off the ball. When he is on the ball, he can facility in handling the ball while making wise basketball plays. Getter plays calculated in terms of looking for best possible measure of getting someone the ball. He is an extension on the floor to the coach. Being off the ball may be his best attribute. His jumper is consistent with a high release. Getter plays with grit on both ends of the floor.

Peach County: This is a team to watch come this season. The Trojans are long, talented, and will be a threat this season. 2027 Rowan Woodrich, 6’8, is a hybrid post with the strength to battle anyone on either end of the floor. For the last few years, he has added to his game. Woodrich is playing under control driving downhill and finishing through traffic and contact. He displays excellent footwork in the deep post fighting off defenders. When in transition he is more than a trail post player. Woodrich stretches the floor by hitting three-pointers. He rebounds out of his area and blocks shots at a high rate. 2030 Joshua Sanders, 6’9, is a dual forward that will make a big splash this high school season. He is a lefty capable of doing just about anything on the floor. His ability to defend all five positions will keep him on the floor for multiple stretches. Sanders has the skills to finish everything and will get stronger through maturity. 2029 Zairean Nelson, 6’2, is a point guard who play on and off the ball. He is the primary ball handler for the Trojans. His motor knows only one speed. He is constantly going and getting to spots to much quicker than the defense can react. Nelson has active hands and is disruptive defensively. He can also score the ball at a high clip but is always looking to set a teammate up. 

Long County: The Blue Tide put together a strong weekend on both ends of the floor. They caused havoc and disruption on defenses, while applied pressure offensively. This effort helped them win the Gold bracket. 2027 Jyson Mallard, a hybrid guard with a knack for scoring the ball. Things really clicked for him this weekend as he was dangerous with the ball in his hands. He can score with ease and made plays the helped Long County take control of games early or sealed the victories. 2027 Kelvin Hayes, 6’0, a point guard was the leader on the floor. He is a nose to the ball defender with a strong motor. His decision-making helped him direct the offense and get himself on state sheet. Hayes’ leadership and poise will carry this team once the season begins. 2029 Braylen Hampton, 6’5, is a hybrid post right now due to his high ceiling. He has built skills since the start of June. Hampton is an active rebounder with a quick jumping abilities. His footwork continues to improve around the basket allowing him to play with balance. The sky’s the limit for this unknown prospect in the class.

Brunswick: 2030 Benjamin Butler, 6’0, is a hybrid guard capable of taking over a game at such a young age. His fearlessness to control the game is impressive. Butler attacks angles and gets into the lane every time. Finishing in the lane comes effortlessly to him by beating opponents with an explosive first step. He was the teams leading scorer (21 points) in the final game. 2027 AJ Levros, 6’5, a small forward with the offensive tenacity of a marksman. The lefty is long and wiry – picture Tayshaun Prince. He can score inside and out, while being able to drive. There was a moment he threw down a dunk so hard it turned heads. Levros can defend on the perimeter and has quick hands. 

Beach: 2027 Jordan Lambert, 6’0, combo guard had one of the best shooting performances of the weekend. He finished with tournament-high 34 points. His hot shooting from all over the floor in a variety of ways was impressive. He was 5-of-7 from three-point range in the first-half. When he wasn’t draining it from beyond the arc, he was getting into the lane and setting the pace on what he wanted to do. This helped him score 21 of the teams 31 halftime points. His control and dominance remained consistent. 2027 Jordan Newton, 6’2, combo guard is a Loki and to handle. When he gets going downhill there aren’t too many defenders willing to get in his way. He gets to the basket and finishes with nearly little resistance. His quickness leads to steals and easy baskets. Reading what players intend on doing helped him really get things rolling for himself. 

Savannah: 2027 Martaiveis Rice, 6’4, combo guard is an energetic player. The quickness in which he scores the ball leaves everyone wondering how it happened. He plays hard and piles on points effortlessly because of his motor. He is an instant buckets performer.

Walker School: 2028 King Daniel “KD” Hernandez, 6’0, point guard played at another level running and directing the team while on the ball. He has the poise despite facing immense pressure. Once in the lane, he plays off of two feet and gets deep into his offensive bag with a variety of moves. Hernandez plays with good pace on the pick-and-roll. He has excellent court vision delivering passes to teammates for easy finishes or open jumpers. Hernandez has a good looking jumper that extends comfortably from three-point range. He will be the Wolvernines primary ball handler this season. They will go as he goes. 2027 Sean Nalls, 5’11, is a combo guard with a twist. Most time the position is a player who can score with or without the ball in their hand. Nalls doesn’t need the ball too much because he goes and gets it on the defensive end. He will always be in the way to disrupt whatever the opponents have going on. This level of chaos helped the Wolverines get going. He also scored in the open floor or crashed the glass like a long post player. His energy is contagious. 2028 Jordan Ajene, 6’9, center has made tremendous improvements since the end of last season. His lateral movement in the lane has made him a better rim protector. This massive young man grabs rebounds off the rim with a vice grip lock. Look for him to continue to make major contributions this season. 

Camden County: Advanced to the championship game primarily behind the leadership of 2027 Lloyd Johnson and 2027 Micah Reed. Johnson, 6’3, is a hybrid guard with long arms. He showed off the ability to shoot the ball well and can get hot quickly. His consistency from the perimeter opened up the lane later for open drives. Reed, 6’4, is a small forward with explosive scoring abilities. His athleticism gives him the ability to beat smaller defenders. He finishes at the rim, through contact, and displayed a nice mid-range jumper. Reed’s shooting extends beyond the three-point line. 

Benedictine: 2027 Caron Hall, 6’5, is a dual forward with a high motor. He is a relentless rebounder, who is a glass cleaner on both ends of the floor. His quick reaction helps him out jump defenders. He is a double-double player, who is consistent from inside the arc. 2028 Peyton Bean, 6’0, is a gritty combo guard. He is a defensive menace for the Cadets. Bean plays the front of the defense disrupting play after play. This one-man defensive pest creates for himself with ease open court baskets or breaking defenders down getting to the rim. 

Butler: The Bulldogs are a team looking to claim a state championship that escaped them this past season. They have all the tools to potentially make a run. 2027 De’Cori Fleming, 6’3, is a hybrid guard with exceptional athleticism. He plays lightning quick pushing the ball up the floor. His length gives him an advantage to see over defenders. Fleming is an elite finisher at the rim. 2027 Jamil Walker, 6’6, is a dual forward with athleticism that jumps off the page. He stretches and explodes to the rim. His strength is being able to play with finesse and strength. Walker is a tenacious defender with active hands. He is bouncy with a high motor.

Richmond Hill: 2027 Marki Boone, 6’4, is a small forward with a nice touch from the perimeter. He can score the ball in every way possible. His mid-range is consistently lethal. Boone creates for himself. He does not shy from mixing it up inside. His feathery touch makes him an efficient scorer. 2027 Alonzo Miller, 6’5, is a hybrid post and a rim runner. He runs the middle of the floor focused on getting to the rim or carving out space in the paint. Once he gets his hands on the ball, Miller’s footwork gives him the angles to needed to score. He is a double-double magnet. 

Bradwell Institute: 2027 Zion Thomas, 6’5, is a dual forward and was the best player at the beach. He looks the par of a prototypical basketball player. His wide shoulders and physical makeup can be imposing. Then when he gets the ball either on the perimeter or the post you can be certain something good will happen in the end. Thomas is explosive enough that no layup or jumper is safe. He will either track down the opponent for a block off the glass or toss a shot to the stands. He will fit every possible statistical category on the stat sheet. His athleticism will also deliver viral highlights. Thomas is one college programs will want to checkout because this unknown product will soon become a highly sort after player. 2027 Elijuwon “EJ” Hale, 5’11, is a point guard capable of scoring the ball at a high clip or getting everyone involved. He did both leading the team in scoring in one game in getting to the basket. His court vision helped him deliver tight passes in traffic. Hale makes winning plays.

Calvary Day: 2029 Cameron Middleton, 5’10, runs the point guard position with poise and control. He ran the Cavaliers offense this way throughout the weekend making sure everyone was involved. Scoring the ball became second nature when his number was called. Being a young player with these responsibilities never bothered Middleton. This is a maturity not often seen in a young player. 

Harlem: 2027 Ty Shine, 6’2, is a combo guard who can play on and off the ball comfortably. He a big physical guard who applies pressure by staying focused on getting to the rim. He has a deep bag of offensive moves. His ability to create space is a huge separator. He has a consistently good looking jumper from the perimeter. Shine sees the floor really well to show he can run a team. 2028 Justin Beckham, 6’0, is a traditional guard looking to serve others. He took control of the offense and directed them effectively. Teammates, who may not have looked open, were found because he sees the floor well. He plays low to the ground and reads angles as ways to get himself into the lane or find others. His footwork and shiftiness keeps defenders off balance. He does knock down the shots when given to him. Remember the name Beckham.

Jeff Davis: 2027 Marigus Sampson, 6’7, a stretch forward who is athletically gifted. He is solid in the open floor and active. His ability to block shots deterred players from getting into a rhythm. He has a good stroke and touch. The team’s offense starts when he gets going. 

Roswell: 2027 Trey Phillips, 6’7, a shooting guard who is a sniper from the perimeter. When his range is locked in you can be certain he will knock shots down. His body has given him the confidence to play a lot more physical. Being long keeps him in the passing lane. He is active and talkative on that end of the floor. Phillips’ skillset is applicable at any level. 2029 Chase Jackson, 6’0, point guard has the moxie and confidence to handle the responsibilities that come with the position. He takes control of what the Hornets need. Most times he is looking to feed a teammate, which usually turns into a simple scoring opportunity. He then can turn it up offensively for himself by beating defenders off the dribble for drives to the basket or jumpers. 

Woodland (SC): The energy shown by 2029 Jhailen Herrin, 6’3, as a young small forward stood out because it was a desire to win and compete. He was relentless on both ends of the floor. His offensive attributes are impressive but his willingness to communicate effectively helped him on both ends of the court. Herrin’s development must be watched because the hard part – communicating and motor – has been established.

Greenbrier: 2027 Aiden Moses, 6’2, combo guard has the offensive arsenal for the next level. He is quick maneuvering through tight gaps while in control. 2027 Jonathan White, 6’7, a left-handed hybrid post who commands control on both ends of the floor. He gets to the lower block and seals off defenders looking for the ball. Once he gets it White is showing off a good soft touch or flushing it down. He will battle inside through all physical play and come away with a rebound. This is a two-sport athlete, baseball, who is disciplined and an important figure in the Wolfpacks program.

Langston Hughes: The Panthers brought two teams to the beach. This programs depth was on display. 2029 Jayden Carter, 6’2, a combo guard who does not need plays called for him. He will create the things needed to be successful. The teams draws from Carter’s energy and defensive effort. His hustle efforts is exactly what makes the Panthers successful. 2027 Jason Hill, 6’7, is a power forward with excellent fundamentals. He plays with his back to the basket to seal off defenders. His balance and footwork gives him an advantage against any interior defender. Hill is a rebounding machine. There is rarely a ball in his area that he doesn’t snatch out of the air. He is capable of extending the floor with his jumper. 2027 Chase Brewington, 6’7, is a grown man in the paint. His desire to get on the glass at both ends of the court makes him a valuable prospect. He is long, physical, and strong with smooth footwork. There were times he was bottled up but had enough of a touch to score. He can lock down a frontline by defending any of the three positions. 2028 David Whitaker, 2029, is a hybrid guard is off the charts athleticism. He is entertainment personified in the open court catching highlight worthy alley oops. The way he blows by opponents keeps defenders off balance. Every drive to the basket is finished creatively. Elevation on the jumper is hard to defend. 2027 JoJo Foster, 5’11, a combo guard plays with the energy of a 5 hour energy drink. He is going to make plays with his feet to stop the ball, and hands in the passing lanes. This led to simple baskets in transition. Playing defense and providing energy is his calling card. 2027 Khalid Jones, 5’11, is a point guard who has been handed the responsibility to run the offense. He does a good job in getting everyone involved by creating ample scoring opportunities. His nose for the ball makes him a magnet on the defensive end.

Creekview: 2027 Bo Reid, 6’0, combo guard who lets it fly with just a glimpse of space. The lefty is quick putting the ball on the floor in getting to the rim. He torques his body through taller players or uses the rim to protect him from others. Reid can also shoot off the dribble but is deadly on the catch and shoot. His tenacity and unwillingness to quit makes him a fun player to watch. 2030 Micheal Link, 6’6, is a dual forward with a bright future. The young man has a good looking and consistent jumper. He makes it look easy and smooth. His mental makeup was tested throughout the weekend as teams pushed him around. He never folded and continued to compete at a high level. Toward the end of the game, Link nailed the game-winning three-pointer to help the Grizzlies to a win.