Sideline recap of the OTR Thanksgiving Classic

Sideline recap of the OTR Thanksgiving Classic

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Lawrenceville, GA – On the Radar Hoops gave basketball fans its full feast of high intensity matchups in the annual Thanksgiving Showcase.

Most of the games matched up teams on the Swish Scouting x BTS Report Top 25 ranking.

Some games displayed why some teams are highly ranked, while others may need to be evaluated in next weeks polls. This showcase event showed some teams are letting their defense feed their offense, while others are trying to gain their footing before the family gathering. 

Grayson continues dominance

Grayson High continues its dominance against Georgia High School teams during the regular season. The latest victim is Central Gwinnett with the Rams beating its county foe 86-58. Fourth-ranked Grayson (4-0) extends its lead through its defense and eventually highlight plays. Junior MJ Curry delivered the first of many freakish dunks with a one-handed jam. He finished with a team-high of 19 points without really playing in the fourth quarter. Senior guards Malik Rideout (16 points) and Donaven Thomas (15 points) nailed jumpers to open the floor. Central Gwinnett (0-7) was led by Brayden Holiday’s 14 points. Senior wing Josiah Hall chipped in with 12 points.   

McEachern runs away with win

McEachern High’s defense stifles opponents and leads to easy buckets. This is exactly what happened in the second ranked Indians 91-56 pounding of Woodward Academy. Chase Lumpkin, who is one of the more highly touted sophomores nationally, finished with a game-high 30 points after nailing seven three-pointers. Many of those shots were open because of the way No. 2 ranked McEachern (3-0) moved the ball around. Emmanuel Alofe added 14 points as he played above the rim most of the night. Mason McMillan chipped in with 10 points. Woodward Academy, which held a one-point lead at halftime, struggled getting into a rhythm the entire second half. Myles Hayes had 18 points, all in the first-half. Jarvis Hayes Jr poured in 17 points, but it was not enough against the Indians relentless defense.

Alexander escapes in overtime

Alexander needed free throws down the stretch and a heroic effort by Jayden Crawford to secure an 88-87 overtime win over Cedar Grove. Crawford, a Georgia Southern signee, led the No. 4 ranked Cougars with 29 points. He was unstoppable from any area on the floor, while also creating opportunities for others. His quickness and court awareness helped the Cougars (3-0) battle through any adverse challenges. Senior Torian Greene chipped in with 15 points. Ethan Miller, a senior, had 12 points. Emmanuel “Manny” Green, a Tennessee signee, finished with a game-high 33 points for the No. 3 ranked Saints (1-2). Juniors Jaimarion Mathis and Kevin Rogers chipped in with 18 points apiece. 

Hillgrove pulls away late

Hillgrove’s Landon Grundy picked the right time to have a breakout moment. The junior wing scored a team-high 16 points as the fifth-ranked in 6A Hawks soared to a 61-48 win over 8th ranked in 5A Decatur. Hillgrove (3-1) used a fourth quarter surge to get past the Bulldogs. Bryson Jatta, a sophomore, chipped in with 14 points. The Hawks were without the services of stellar junior forward Asa Montgomery. Decatur (3-2) was led by Tobias Brinkley, a Tulane signee, scored a team-high 11 points. Quintavious Strozier, a senior, contributed with 10 points.  

Peachtree Ridge wins at the buzzer

Peachtree Ridge survives a tight fought game after a comeback. Micah McMorris took the ball at the top of the key and drove to the middle of the paint. He then released a floater for a game-winner after No. 2 ranked in 1A D1 Southwest Macon missed a shot at the buzzer to secure a 65-63 win. McMorris finished with 21 points after hitting four three-pointers.  Noah Jones nailed four three-pointers for 19 points for the 25th ranked in 6A Lions. The Chargers (2-1) were led by senior Chase Dupree, who finished with 32 points. Alex Butts had 13 points, all of which came in the second half. Peachtree Ridge gets to the .500 mark (2-2). The Lions trailed by four points late and could have folded but they found a way to get the winning basket. 

North Cobb Christian bounces back

After playing in Alabama the previous night, North Cobb Christian settled into its game against Dacula. The fifth ranked Eagles (3-1) did not look fatigued as it ground Dacula, 78-56. Grant Robich led NCCS with 23 points. He set the tone of the game with his quickness and constant pressure on opponents.  Juniors Isaiah Chandler and Xavier Butler scored 16 points apiece. Case Presley had himself a strong scoring afternoon finishing with a game-high 31 points for the 24th ranked in 6A Dacula. Senior Kenny LaRue chipped in with 15 points. Dacula’s five-game winning streak has been snapped (5-1).

Archer getting on track

Archer had a slow start but things seem to be clicking. The Tigers beat Greater Atlanta Christian, 61-46. This was the team’s third win in four games. Since return of its football players, Archer’s depth and defensive intensity helped them open the game in the third quarter before securing the victory.  Leading the way for Archer (3-5) were led by Raheem Dyce and TJ Tunstall, who scored 15 points apiece. Christian Wofford led GAC with 12 points. The Spartans (0-5) remain winless.