Swish & BTS Report June Jam Notebook

Swish & BTS Report June Jam Notebook

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

McDonough, GA – The second annual Swish Scout & BTS Report June Jam helps kickoff the summer basketball series in Georgia. This is where teams from across the state come to compete at a high level and get to measure themselves to start the June grind. They all ascend at the Glass Palace at McDonough High.

This season the event was at capacity and did not disappoint. Basketball fans poured into the gym and had a chance to see some intense matchups along with competitive games. Players showed they were ready to separate themselves from others in order to earn Top 100 invitations in the fall.

Our June Jam champions were Eastside, who have captured a total of three Swish Scout & BTS Report three title two last summer. Rockdale a first-time participant. Griffin scratched its way to victory. Host school McDonough earned its win late. Kendrick won in overtime with a steal and game-winning layup. 

Now, here are the list of players making a first impression on the summer. 

Jaydin Brown | 6’7 | PF | McDonough | 2027 

Brown was one of the best post player on the weekend. This a mountainous young man is not hard to miss. Brown returned to the Glass Palace and dominated on both ends of the floor. His presence inside helped the War Hawks control how the game is played. He cradles rebounds outside of his area and is a solid backside defender. Brown can put the ball on the floor and gets to the rim from within 12 feet. He plays with his back to the basket and has a soft touch around the rim. His summer breakout season is only going to continue as he gets reacquainted with his McDonough teammates again. He played well enough to earn an offer from Mississippi Gulf Coast, who watched all his games. 

Brandon Pemberton | 6’6 | W | Parkview | 2027

Pemberton is one of the more skilled players in the state. He is a wiry forward who can score from any part of the floor. The Panthers product shot the ball really well from all levels. His mid-range jumper was consistent enough to keep defenders at bay. Pemberton finished with either hand when going downhill. Being able to score and put pressure on the defense makes him hard to guard. He is an excellent rebounder for his position. His toughness and stoic demeanor showed he can handle plenty of contact. He displays his athleticism in the open floor while also extending the floor beyond the three-point line. Pemberton has picked up a number of Division I offers and more should be on the way.

Landen Render | 6’5 | W | Creekside | 2027 

Render will soon become a name many across the state will remember. This high-motor product is an exceptional athlete. He can play on and off the ball while also being solid on the perimeter. Render gets into the lane with ease and either finds teammates in scoring positions or finishes through contact. He shot the ball fairly well from the right side of the court but can be productive from either side. Render welcomes contact getting into defenders. He finished above the rim several times. 

Calvin Goss IV | 6’0 | PG | Jonesboro | 2028

Goss is a shining light of the class. He has been given the keys to the Cardinals program due to his ability to handle the ball while also scoring at a high level. Goss is poised as a young player one will find in the class. He is a cerebral thinker on the floor also playing with his head up. When things fall apart, the lefty can create for himself and will get the paint touches to manipulate the defense. This opened up shots for others or he found Jonesboro’s interior player. He plays low enough to get a quick first-step on defenders while playing angles to his advantage.

Laron Mack Jr | 6’8 | F | Dutchtown | 2028

Mack was one of the more skilled, physically gifted, and consistent scorers on the weekend. He meshed all this and finesse whenever necessary. His offensive arsenal helped him cause disruption hitting consistent three pointers, while also showing he can get to the basket off the dribble. The depth of his offensive package was on display in every game as something new was revealed. Mack’s game is capable of fitting any system. The footwork and graceful movement helped him stay on balance while also absorbing contact. He is a natural scoring but it isn’t the only thing he is capable of doing. His high motor helped him on the defensive end of the floor rebounding at a high rate while also protecting the rim whenever necessary. Mack just moved into the state and it hasn’t taken him long to be the topic of conversation.

Timothy Woodson Jr. | 6’2 | PG | Carver-Columbus | 2028

Woodson is a scoring point guard who is methodical in running a team. His speed is the great separator as it gets him up the floor before any defender can catch up. He also looks to the push up the floor passing the ball ahead. Once in the open floor Woodson is truly creative. He gets the ball to guys in optimal scoring positions. Woodson’s court vision also finds was to thread passes into tight spots. He finds himself in the paint so often it is nothing for him to score through contact or hit a nice mid-range jumper, which extends beyond the three-point line. This two-sport athlete is highly skilled on both ends of the floor.

Tenaje Freeman |  6’9 | C | Jonesboro | 2028

Freeman is an imposing player on the floor for Jonesboro. His length and size takes up space in the lane. He is a shot blocker with tremendous timing who keeps the ball in play. Freeman gets to every rebound within range. He delivers offensively by finishing thunderous dunks. The way he works through double teams allowed him to show some touch around the basket or within 12 feet. His weekend performance helped him garner an offer from Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Trace Adcock | 6’4 | SG | Rabun County | 2029 

Adcock is truly one of the best shooters in the class. Not just the state of Georgia. He has a quick release and creates separation with the distance on his shot. There were moments on the weekend Adcock was hearing from a few fans who were trying to distract him. It didn’t work as he proceeded to hit five triples in a row. He is poised despite the extra attention he gets from defenders. Adcock can spot up or hits them off pick and rolls. His range is unmatched for a young player. He keeps defenders a little off balance playing off the dribble which usually results into a mid-range jumper. Adcock’s consistent shooting is what keeps defenders and coaches shaking their heads. He currently is one of the top shooters on Nike’s EYBL circuit. 

Jaquavion Gilmore | 6’8 | C | KIPP Atlanta | 2027

Gilmore is a new name on the Spartans roster. The South Georgia native has big time game on the inside. He does not let much get by him on the inside. His strength kept opposing bigs in control and allowed him to secure rebounds despite the arm-to-arm battles. Gilmore runs the floor well for his size. He has enough skill to attack the basket. Once he and the Spartans become comfortable with one another Gilmore will be a major contributor to the teams success this season. 

Christian Gatewood | 6’6 | F | Eastside | 2027

Gatewood is one of the more athletic players in the state. He is capable of controlling the glass, playing above the rim, and blocking shots at a high rate. Gatewood plays with a high motor and the hustle helped the Eagles go undefeated. He was catching either ally-oops or missed shots off the glass for dunks. His long limps limits opponents from getting second shot opportunities because he will find a way to get the rebound. He made plays in the lane and has shown improvement on the jumper. Look for him to begin picking up some collegiate interest. 

Reed Burrell | 6’0 | PG | Rabun County | 2027

Burrell will not get the opportunity to step out onto his own for the Wildcats. This young man has some interesting shoes to fill coming off the school’s first ever state championship. Burrell handles the ball really well and has a tremendous IQ in seeing the floor. He is not necessarily sped up in any way. Many times he is seeing things before the defense can put him into a compromising position. Burrell plays off of two-feet in the lane and looks to get easy shots for others or himself. He is excellent in the pick-and-roll and delivers many of his passes to the shot pocket. His poise and demeanor helps keep him in control. 

Martaiveis Rice | 6’4 | G | Savannah | 2027 

Rice is full of energy from the time he steps on the floor. This helps when he steps and blows by defenders every chance possible. He is at the rim and finishing at an efficient level. When left open on the perimeter Rice knocks down shots regularly. He is a nose on the ball defender always in passing lanes and deflection shots. Rice is a strong rebounder for his position. 

Christian Jackson | 6’0 | G | McDonough | 2027

Jackson has been in the gym and it shows. The War Hawks body has improved tremendously. He is much stronger overall. This is helping him play better in the open court. It has also helped in absorbing contact when in the lane. The best thing it has helped is his shooting. Jackson was 45 percent from the three-point range in the semifinals. He is a weapon ready for a breakout summer.

Chase Brown | 6’3 | F | St. Andrew’s | 2028

Brown is a name that will go down in the Lions lexicon of players to walk through the program. He is a big body, physical player capable of mixing in finesse play. Brown is a solid rebounding and defended all the spots on the frontline. Brown puts his nose on the ball and is relentless. His versatility is his calling card creating mismatches. He plays downhill and can get things done at the basket.

Jaylin Jacobs | 6’5 | W | Carver-Columbus | 2028

Jacobs is a sharpshooter with a solid upside. He used his length to hit shots off the dribble or in catch and shoot situations. His jumper is a smooth quick release. The final results usually end in it cutting through the net. Jacobs has made tremendous improvement since the end of the high school season. 

Tynor Parker | 6’0 | PG | Hills Academy | 2027

Parker is a new name to jump out during the weekend. The floor general plays for a small private school on the Southside, which is why his name is not familiar. His game is comparable to many players in the position across the state. Parker danced into the lane with ease playing through contact and finishing among taller players. His athleticism helps him play bigger than most average guards. He has a scope from the perimeter that was hard to contest. His performances helped had many college coaches in attendance wondering who this young man was from the Conyers program.

Tyler Matthews | 6’5 | F | Carver-Columbus | 2029

Matthews is finding his way on this Columbus team. He brings versatility to both ends of the floor. There was a play on the weekend that jumped off the charts was this rising sophomore elevating off two feet to finish over a contesting defender. He then went down the floor and blocked a shot off the glass. This then turned into a mid-range jumper. All this took place in a sequence of three plays. 

Khaleb Young | 6’4 | W | McDonough | 2028

Young came into his own over the weekend. He shot the ball confidently nailing the, on an average, four triples a game. Every shot left his hand with a quick release and sliced through the rim smoothly. He mixes it up playing inside and outside. The work he has put in the weight room has made him stronger. It has built his confidence. Young will be a catalyst to the War Hawks season.

Ryan Kent | 6’6 | SF | Starr’s Mill | 2028

Kent was impressive all weekend. He fits in well with the players on the floor with him. This small forward know how to attack defenders and plays in angles for his size. Uses his length posting up inside and finishing at the rim. Then when he steps out on the perimeter his jumper is picture perfect. He can defend three positions on the floor smoothly. 

Ashir Butler | 6’2 | G | Luella | 2027

Butler showed he is ready to help lead the Lions. He shot the ball well and made some strong defensive plays. His smoothness and shifty ability in the open court led to easy baskets. Butler was serving up passes to open teammates. 

Mekihi Gaines | 5’11 | PG | Cedar Shoals | 2028

Gaines played within himself for the Jaguars. This is a young team with limited number but he did not let that stop his effort. Gaines was under control and direct in getting everyone involved despite falling on the short end of the game. He moved without the ball and always found himself open for scoring opportunities. Gaines is tenacious on defense. His leadership will be valued on the season with this team.

Chad Malone | 6’5 | SG | Collins Hill | 2027

Malone is a serviceable shooter for the Eagles. He gets good elevation and has a high release. His ability to shoot the ball at a high clip makes scoring easy. He then extends to the basket to finish through contact. A three level scorer who is consistent enough to keep everyone off balance. He will continue to grow in his role and make a jump this summer. 

Jacody Terry | 6’5 | W | South Gwinnett | 2029

Terry is one of the more athletic players in the class. When he gets out into the open floor this youngster is unstoppable playing above the rim. He has also improved on his jumper. Terry’s effort on both ends of the court is impressive. His future is bright with a high ceiling. He hold offers from Austin Peay and picked up an offer from Stetson in the latter part of the week. 

Corey Harris | 6’10 | C | Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy | 2028

Harris is one of the more imposing players in the interior. He is the state’s best shot blocker because the way he alters or blocks shots at a high clip. Harris moves laterally well and is long enough to deter players from taking shots. His length comes in big on offense, which has been polished. Harris is growing and improving regularly. He will be a sort after prospect as things continue to sharpen. 

Tyler Griffin | 6’2 | CG | Starr’s Mill | 2027

Griffin has put up solid numbers all season. There was minimal drop off over the weekend. He opened up his offensive package. Jumpers reigned from all spots on the floor then there were open court layups. Griffin moves well without the ball and keeps defenders chasing him around. When you look up at his production the numbers pop off the page shooting nearly 50% from three-point range. He also showed a level of toughness not seen by most players. Griffin was elbowed just below the chin and was bleeding like he just finished a UFC fight. This didn’t phase him because he played through it. Guys like this are rare in today’s game.

Jordan Wells | 6’8 | PF | St Andrew’s | 2028

Wells is a new name at the Savannah school and will certainly give the Lions a productive prospect. He is a stretch big who can stretch the floor. This made him a problem for defenders. His movement around the basket had him hunting defenders to keep pressure on them inside. Brown plays off of two feet for a player his size. He is slim but strong enough to handle the punishment. Brown steps out and shoots the ball. He also threw down several shots to finish at the rim. The upside when it comes to his future is bright.