Hawks Naismith Classic: Under the Radar Performers
Adam Flagler (Duluth High School c/o 2018) – Flagler had one of the more impressive offensive performances of the entire showcase with a 34 point output against St. Francis (GA) on day 2 of the Hawks Naismith Classic. He is a flat out scorer who gets it done on all three levels but his three point shooting ability off the catch or bounce is top notch. He knocked down 5 three point field goals throughout the contest but his basketball IQ to get into the lane and find open teammates from overplaying defenders was just as impressive. The senior guard picked up an offer from Georgia Southwestern over the weekend and holds offers from Columbus State and Young Harris as well.
Nick Edwards (Grayson High School c/o 2018) – Edwards was the energizer bunny the entire night for the Grayson Rams in their victory over Discovery high school. He ended the game with 21 points and 4 assists but it was his 4 steals that turned into transition
points and made his performance more noticeable. He has a knack on the defensive end for shooting the passing lanes and always found himself near the action to add important possessions for his team late. Edwards is a speedster with the ball in his hands offensively and made a living at the free throw line from hand check fouls in an attempt to stay in front of him in the half court and transition. His basketball IQ is high and at 6’2″ he has the size to make an impact on the next level as well.
Christian Kelly (Duluth High School c/o 2018) – Kelly is an underrated wing but makes an impact in his own right playing alongside Flagler. He’s a lanky 6’4″ shooter that doesn’t mind putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket. Early in the game against St. Francis he showed his ability to hit the three ball but in the second half and primarily the 4th quarter showed his versatility with aggressive drives and an important step back 4 point play late to give them a chance to win game or push the game to overtime. His rebounding ability can help his cause as well but he is undoubtedly a key factor for a Wildcat team looking to make a deep postseason run in Georgia’s highest classification, 7A.
Tyrease Brown (Newton County c/o 2019) – One of the most underrated shooters in the peach state regardless of class probably goes to this Newton County guard. Brown has the benefit of playing with arguably the best guard in the state in recent University of Georgia commit Ashton Hagans but when his number is called, he produces for his team. In their match-up against defending 7A champion Tift County, Brown knocked down 6 threes which accounted for all 18 of his points for the game. Brown is no stranger to big games as he’s posted 20 or more points in multiple games already this season and his stock should improve with more with continued offensive production and a good spring and summer campaign in 2018.
Chase Ellis (St. Francis c/o 2020) – If you’re looking for a hard nose competitor in the low post regardless of size, look no further than St. Francis forward Chase Ellis. He is listed as a 6’2″ wing but does most of his damage in the lane on both ends. He’s capable of attaining a double-double evey night, finishes everything inside, and does the dirty work on the glass for his team. In their win against Duluth he posted 15 points and 12 rebounds and seemed to do nothing but good things in the majority of his minutes on the floor. Ellis along with sophomore standout Dwon Odom make this team go and his grit and determination throughout the remainder of the season will be key for a class 1A-Private state championship for the Knights out of Alpharetta, Georgia.
Garrison Powell (Holy Innocents c/o 2021) – If you haven’t heard of it already, you should get used to hearing this freshman’s name because he will be one to watch for years to come in the peach state. Powell is just another member of a potentially special 2021 Georgia class and he has paced the Holy Innocents Bears all year long. In the game against Mt. Bethel Christian Academy he finished with 19 points with 15 of those coming from behind the arc. His range is unlimited, as he knocked two down in back to back possession from about 22 and 27 feet out, respectively in the first half. He has great length for his age and position and doesn’t mind crashing the glass as he finished with 5 rebounds in the contest also. He’s already earned an offer from Middle Tennessee State and with performances like the one at the Hawks Naismith Classic, he should see a few more roll in during his freshman campaign and beyond.