SUMMER SLAM: MIDDLE SCHOOL STANDOUTS
Cumming, GA – Summer Slam brought out a solid core group of teams at every age division. A few teams came from the Mid-West area and there was a good influx from the south. This weekend had some great talent on display and a few stars of the future were born.
Nigel Thomas, 2025 (Choice Management Knights, GA) – Despite a loss early in bracket play, Nigel Thomas established himself as a prospect to watch closely. He’s got excellent length and good height for the wing at 6’5”, but there is plenty of ability to go along with his measurables. He can make shots, finish around the basket and he causes a ton of trouble for the opposition from the defensive side of the ball. He’s the son of a coach and displays a good basketball IQ.
Tanner Savasir, 2025 (Georgia State Warriors) – When it comes to making shots, Savasir buried shots at a higher level than anyone else in the 2025 playing division. He also showed a good feel for the game and adept ball-handling skills in the open court. All summer long, he was a consistent top performer so I would expect much of the same over the course of his high school career.
Emaree Winston, 2025 (Georgia State Warriors) – Winston is a powerfully built inside outside threat that wears down the typical freshman. His combination of strength and skill made him a matchup problem that nobody was able to contain. If he continues to expand his game and develop into a marksman from the outside, he’s going to score a lot of points throughout his high school career
Jahkiel Mahon, 2026 (MB ELITE, GA) – It’s arguable that Mahon was the craftiest guard in his division. If you ever turned away from the action, you probably would miss a play that he made. He’s so quick with his decisions that defenders often don’t have the reflexes to contest his shots. In the open court, he must be picked up immediately or you can just add points to the score.
Arie Benjamin, 2026 (Dacula Elite, GA) – It was hard to not enjoy watching Benjamin as he imposed his will physically at every opportunity. He’s a high motor player that can get under the skin of anyone that doesn’t want a lot of physical contact. Currently, he’s 6’2” and sports a powerful frame. His growth and maturation will be key.
Izaac Montgomery, 2027 (U.V.E, TX)- Izaac checks a lot of boxes early on as a prospect. He’s already got excellent size and really good skill for a player with his measurables. Whenever he decided to attack the basket, he was successful. As a ball-handler, he’s got a nice bag of tricks and pace changing.
Harlen “Hawk” Graham, 2027 (Hoop Kings, GA) – Graham is a pure scorer and a bigtime shot maker. He’s one of those players that just has a nose for the ball and excellent shooting touch. It’s obvious that he’s learned the game from someone that is big on fundamentals. In addition to his shot making ability, the fact that he’s a lefty makes him even more awkward to defend.
Jahmar Maurice, 2028 (Georgia State Warriors) – In today’s edition of “You’re Too Young To Be Here”, I present Jahmar Maurice. He was absolutely unstoppable all weekend long. At this stage, he has it all. He’s got great size, athleticism, ball-handling skills and shot making ability. One thing about him that makes him somewhat of an anomaly is how well he finishes through contact. Even some high level high school athletes struggle with finishing through contact, but he’s got it. We’ll hear this name a lot sooner than later. He’s got next.