Bruton’s Scouting Notebook: ATL HoopFest (3/15-3/17) High School

Recently, ATL HoopFest took over Dobbs Creek Recreation Center in Cumming, GA. Looking back, the gym was full of energy, talent, and names to remember. Here are a few that stood out.

Brayden Byard | 6’6″ SG | Section Six | Class of 2026
Byard is a long, confident shot-maker that checks a lot of boxes early. Smooth off the catch, comfortable putting it on the deck, and doesn’t shy away from the moment. Defensively, his length bothers opposing guards, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can become. He showed flashes of being able to create separation off the bounce and didn’t over-dribble. Still maturing physically, but the upside is clear.

Caleb Drummer | 6’3″ PF | Reach Higher Kings | Class of 2026
Drummer might be undersized, but he plays like a grown man. Fundamentally sharp, knows how to finish through contact, and brings toughness around the basket. Plays smart and doesn’t try to do things outside his lane—which is why he’s so effective. He embraces physicality and never takes plays off. Always seems to be around the ball and outworks bigger opponents inside. Don’t be surprised if he grows into a productive combo forward at the next level.

Chol Shannon | 6’2″ PG | Section Six | Class of 2026
Shannon is one of those guards you trust with the keys. Strong frame, never sped up, and makes the game easier for everyone around him. He doesn’t wow you with flash—he wins with control, IQ, and being in command from start to finish. He got wherever he wanted on the court and kept his dribble tight under pressure. He also had several big-time passes that showed next-level court vision. Floor general energy through and through.

Jack Rinehart | 6’7″ SF/PF | Reach Higher Kings | Class of 2026
Rinehart is a left-handed hybrid forward that brings a mix of athleticism and decision-making. Whether he’s attacking downhill or working the block, he keeps defenders guessing. Has good bounce, timing, and energy—makes plays without needing the ball in his hands. Finished with either hand and rebounded outside of his area. Showed the ability to switch on screens and defend multiple positions. He checks a lot of boxes.

Carson Kelly | 6’7″ PF | Team Takedown | Class of 2027
Kelly runs the floor like a deer and finishes with authority. Athletic post that plays with a big motor and is always around the rim—either catching lobs or cleaning up on the glass. He embraces contact and plays the game the right way. Also showed signs of developing a soft touch in the short corner. His timing as a weak side shot blocker stood out, and he plays with real edge. As his offensive bag continues to grow, his stock will too.

Landen Render | 6’4″ SG/SF | Team Takedown | Class of 2027
Render is a smooth athlete that fills gaps all over the floor. He defends, rebounds, scores in transition, and just makes winning plays. Doesn’t need a bunch of dribbles to be effective. Has a great feel for spacing and knows when to cut or spot up. Guarded 1–4 at times and didn’t shy away from physicality. One of those guys who may not wow on first glance, but becomes more valuable the more you watch him.

Amir Jackson | 6’1″ SG | Above The Line | Class of 2028
Jackson is a crafty guard that gets buckets in a hurry. Whether it’s the floater, pull-up, or catch-and-shoot, he’s comfortable in all scoring situations. Shifty with the ball and knows how to keep defenders off balance. He made great reads in transition and played with poise beyond his years. Never rushed, even under pressure, and has the tools to develop into a true three-level scorer. Could become one of the more complete guards in a loaded Georgia 2028 class if the development continues in the current trajectory.

Bryson Parks | 6’2″ SG | YBG | Class of 2028
Parks is a strong-bodied guard who creates for himself and others. Confident with the ball and plays with good pace. Physical when he attacks and knows how to make defenders pay if they give him space. He’s comfortable scoring off the bounce or off the catch and plays through contact well. Has the tools to transition into a high-level high school two-way guard as he continues to build his frame and refine his handle.

David Tatmon Jr | 6’2″ SG | Hoop Dreams (TX) | Class of 2028
Tatmon moves well off the ball and finds ways to make an impact. Strong finisher around the rim and doesn’t force bad shots. Makes intelligent cuts and plays like a vet. His timing on backdoor cuts was impressive, and he stayed locked in on defense throughout. As his handle tightens up, he’ll become even more dangerous. One of those guards who thrives off movement and playing within a structured offense.

Donovon Bish | 6’1″ PG | Conyers Kingsmen | Class of 2028
Bish is the definition of well-rounded. Handles pressure, makes sound reads, defends his matchup, and brings consistency. Doesn’t try to do too much but still controls the tempo. He reads help defense well and knows when to shift gears. One of the more reliable floor generals in his division with legit two-way value. Just plays a complete brand of basketball.

Dreylon Brown | 5’9″ PG | Georgia CAVS | Class of 2028
Brown is a high-energy floor general who gets under your skin in the best way. He’s crafty, relentless, and doesn’t back down from anyone. Always pushing the pace and finding ways to impact the game. Had multiple sequences where he strung together steals, assists, and buckets in under a minute. His speed is a weapon, and when he stays under control, he’s a handful for defenses.

Gabe Clark | 5’11” CG | YBG | Class of 2028
Clark is a pure scorer who can make the tough ones look easy. Shot creator who doesn’t need a screen to get his look. He’s wired to get buckets and brings confidence every time down the floor. What stood out was how he created space without wasting motion. Great rhythm on his pull-up and didn’t shy away from clutch moments. Killer instinct.

Gihad Taylor | 6’0″ SG | Waycross SuperSonics | Class of 2028
Taylor is built like a truck and plays like one. He attacks with force and lives at the line. Strong enough to bully smaller guards, quick enough to keep them honest. He created a ton of pressure off the dribble and forced help constantly. His free throw rate alone shows how much he put his stamp on the game. Physical guard with a real presence.

Isaiah Gordon | 6’8″ PF | Bo Bell | Class of 2028
Gordon is a big with an excellent frame and a nose for the ball. Finishes through contact and dominates the glass on both ends. Still growing into his skillset, but the size, strength, and motor are already there. He contested shots well and looked comfortable stepping out to defend on switches. Rebounded in traffic and stayed engaged for second chances. Raw but impactful right now.

Ron’Tavious Pomier | 5’8” PG | Hoop Dreams (TX) | Class of 2028
Pomier might’ve been the best on-ball defender in the gym. The pressure he applied changed games. Locked in for 94 feet, forced turnovers, and made life miserable for opposing ball handlers. Offensively, he was just as aggressive—always downhill, always a threat. What made him special was how he set the tone early and refused to let up. Game-changer on both sides of the ball.

Tucker Engert | 6’1″ SG | YBG | Class of 2028
Engert is a smooth scoring guard that thrives in pace. Gets buckets in transition, creates off the bounce, and shoots it well off movement. Looked comfortable as a secondary PG too. His footwork on pull-ups and step-backs stood out, and he never looked sped up. Right now, he’s already one of Georgia’s more polished ‘28 scoring guards and that’s saying something.