Peach State Explosion: High School Stockrisers

Cumming, GA – This weekend’s action featured high-level talent from across the southeast region. Players not only showed skill but poise beyond their age groups. This article details some standouts from the Peach State Explosion at the high school level.

2028 Jake Neal | 5’11” PG | Scenic City Warriors (TN)
Jake Neal had one of the best overall performances of the weekend. The 5’11” PG was electric from start to finish, scoring in a variety of ways while leading his team to a championship. He exploded for 31 points in one of the more impressive showings of the event, mixing deep range with aggressive drives and timely finishes. Neal played with a level of poise that you don’t typically see in players this young. He saw the floor well, hit big shots when they mattered most and showed he can be the engine of a winning team.

2026 Cameron Niles | 6’6″ PF | Team EYA (GA)
Niles was a constant force in the paint. A 6’6” bruiser who controlled the dunker spot, rebounded everything in his area and ran the floor well. His hands were great when catching in traffic or finishing through contact. You couldn’t move him once he got position, and he consistently drew attention without forcing things. He embraced the physical side of the game but also flashed sneaky agility in transition, showing there’s more to his game than just size and strength.

2029 Ashton Jones | 5’11” PG | Team EYA (GA)
Ashton Jones played up in the varsity division and looked right at home. He scored the ball with ease, attacked defenders and never once looked like he didn’t belong. He had several high-scoring performances across the weekend, including multiple moments where he took games over late. For an 8th grader to do this while playing two age groups up says a lot.

2028 Ashton Chappell | 6’1″ CG | Formula Elite Academy (GA)
Chappell came in and left a strong impression. A physical combo guard who thrived with the ball in his hands, Chappell made an impressive array of shots off the dribble. His pull-up jumper was one of the more consistent weapons of the weekend and he used his frame well to shield off defenders and draw contact. On defense, he moved his feet and bodied up, showing he could hold his own across multiple matchups.

2027 Lenuel Narvaez | 6’10” SF | Central Florida Squad (FL)
Narvaez might’ve been the most intriguing long-term prospect in the gym. A 6’10” wing with ridiculous length, Narvaez handled the ball at times, knocked down shots from deep and was a lob threat in transition. He moved with coordination and fluidity, especially for his size. You don’t often see players this tall with his type of feel and he showed flashes of versatility. If the aggression continues to develop and his body comes together, this is a prospect that could see his recruitment explode in the next year.

2027 Tyler Younger | 6’5″ SF | 3D Elite Hoops (GA)
Younger has all the traits you want in a modern wing. Big frame, good footwork and can guard multiple spots. He looked very comfortable handling the ball in spurts, showed touch around the rim and has a smooth pull-up game. What separates him is his patience. He never forced the action but made plays when needed. You have to consider him the type of player who can impact the game without needing volume touches. Multi-sport athlete with long-term upside.

2028 Jeremiah Evans | 6’9″ PF | Team EYA (GA)
Evans showed why he continues to be one of the more promising bigs in Georgia’s 2028 class. He played with passion, never took a possession off and battled for rebounds on both ends. At 6’9”, he already has ideal length and fluidity, but what stood out was his willingness to run the floor and try to make plays off the bounce. He’s still putting the pieces together, but the flashes of a face-up game, soft touch and motor make him a clear name to track.

2027 Olabade Faduyile | 6’4” SG | 3D Elite Hoops (GA)
Faduyile is a smooth athlete who plays hard on both ends. He showed a natural feel as a slasher, consistently getting downhill and finishing through contact. Defensively, he took pride in guarding and didn’t shy away from tough assignments. What stood out most was his court vision. He made some good reads in transition that led to easy buckets. One of those wings who makes things happen every time he’s on the floor.

2028 Mekhi Hamlin | 5’11” PG | Team EYA (GA)
Hamlin is a true point guard who showed poise and leadership throughout the weekend. Took command of his team late in games and delivered in key moments. He pushed the tempo, created off the dribble and made life easier for teammates. Showed he can be trusted with the ball when it matters. Always a threat to score while being a catalyst for distributing the ball among his teammates.

2026 Elias Torres | 5’9” PG | Central Florida Squad (FL)
Torres is a fast guard who thrived in transition. He consistently beat his defender off the bounce, finished at tough angles and looked comfortable running the show. When defenders sagged, he made them pay with his jumper. His quickness was matched by his IQ. He made good reads and kept the ball moving. One of the faster guards in his division.

2027 James Lee – 6’8” PF | Team EYA (GA)
Lee made his presence felt in the paint. Big-bodied forward who rebounded everything and finished inside when he got good position. He had soft hands and a good sense for when to seal. Didn’t need a lot of touches to make an impact. When locked in, he was one of the more dominant interior guys at the event, especially on the glass.

2026 Charlie Caldwell | 6’2” SG | GCBC South (AL)
Caldwell had one of the best shooting performances of the event. He caught fire in a big game, knocking down 5 straight threes in a single quarter to help seal a comeback win. Smooth mechanics, quick release and no hesitation. He played with confidence and intensity on both ends. Once he gets going, he’s tough to stop. Very crafty lefty.

2028 Tavion “TJ” Foster | 6’3” SG | Scenic City Warriors (TN)
Foster is an athletic wing who played with purpose. He shot the ball well from deep, attacked closeouts, and used his length to make plays on defense. What stood out was his ability to guard different positions and stay locked in through momentum swings. Long, tough, and active. Put on a show on fastbreaks with several high flying dunks. College coaches should take note early.

2027 Ashton Poole | 5’11” PG | Thunder Select (GA)
Poole is a scoring point guard who consistently delivers. He excels at driving to the basket and finishing through contact. At his best getting downhill and finishing. Always a threat to throw it down when he gets a head of steam through the lane. Shotmaking ability is notable and he has great change of pace. One to keep an eye on heading into the summer.