The Hawks-Naismith Classic Produced another Great Weekend of Basketball

Lamariyon Jordan 6’6 W/F 2023 Norcross (UGA Commit)

LJ really picked it up second half for Norcross and was a deciding factor in the final moments of their win. He got active inside hitting a couple of floaters and mid-range jumpers. He then stepped out and knocked down a couple of threes including the game winner. He has a smooth game and knows how to use his length to be affective.

Bilal Abdur-Rahman 5’11 G 2023 Norcross
(Alabama A&M commit)

Bilal has been making waves for quite some time dating back to his WD Muhammad days. He knocked down some big time shots against Newton as well as assisting in some big plays late in the game. He is a a well rounded player at the guard position. He had a few wild misses on the attack but you can see as he settled and his nerves calmed down the flow started coming. This was a big matchup for him coming over to 7A hoops and he delivered with a team high 22pts. He’s in a great spot a for competition and coaching. I think this will be a huge year for him leading Norcross. He is a player that will contribute and do great things at the next level.

Stephon Castle 6’7 G 2023 Newton (UCONN Commit)

He gave what it looked to be the most effortless 28 point performance. Castles strength and skillset allows his to get to the basket at will which is why he dominates at the high school level. All In all he showed why he’s one of the highly touted recruits in not only the state but country. Coming from a high level hoops bloodline I expect him to turn it up a notch as the season goes on and have Newton fighting deep into the playoffs.

Gicarri Harris 6’3 CG 2024 Grayson

Through NGS I’ve been able to follow Gicarri since his 8th grade summer going into his freshman year. He plays with such a care free energy and has a flair to his game that shows he’s always having fun with it. He’s been tested at multiple positions through his Grayson tenure and they seem to have him in the right fit at that combo guard role. He has playmaking ability, knows how to find his teammates and can score on all 3 levels.

CJ Brown 6’0 G 2024 Kell

The more I watch CJ the more I love his game. A guard that controls the pace, knows when his team needs a bucket and has surprise athleticism that can change the momentum of any game. His strength is that first step and getting to the basket and he showed it with ease. Still would like to see him develop his jumper and work on his release. A lot of his shots looked flat and once teams keep watching tape they will force him to shoot more and that can keep teams in the game closer than they need to be. 

Mekhi Ragland 6’9 F 2025 Berkmar

Mekhi was the new find of the day. While I was waiting to speak to another team I caught Berkmar warming up and Mekhi is a BIG dude up close and in person vs viewing from the stands. He started off the game showing a sweet stroke knocking downs 3 straight 3s. He showed he can work in the post as well and his passing ability really stood out. He made some nice cross court passes and lead some transition lay. All in all solid performance and one to monitor over the next few years.

Bryanna Preston 5’10 G Lovejoy

BP inserts herself into the lineage of Lovejoy guards that can hoop. She scored in bunches and did it at will. She had a quick first step and showed she can take contact on multiple possessions which allowed her to capitalize at the free throw line as well. She controlled the game from start to finish and her tenacity showed in her performance as she was playing with a visible limp. Look for her to continue to make headlines over the course of the season.

Danielle Osho 6’1 F 2025 Brookwood
To only be a sophomore she had the size and efficiency that you want to see in a young prospect. Osho played well around the basket, was a force on the glass, and a reliable bucket when counted on. She has a good touch on elbow jumpers to go along with a strong post play presence.  Shows a high IQ on the court and will be one to monitor as this Brookwood group continues to roll