Standouts: Best Of The South (Day 1)
It was a fun-filled Thursday at Lake Point Champions Center for the Best Of The South presented by Hoop Seen.
Day 1 started with some fine games and ended with some memorable ones that will be discussed below.
Here's a look at the top performers that I watched.
Brandon Boston (Georgia Norcross/AOT)
What a memorable night it was for 2020 Norcross forward Brandon Boston. The No. 2 ranked Prep Hoops Georgia junior dropped 52 points in an 82-81 win over EAB in the final game of the Thursday slate. He was dunking, hitting 3's, driving inside routinely and getting 10-foot floaters to go. Everything was falling for Boston and that is scary at his size of 6'7" and mix of athleticism.
2020 Georgia Norcross F Brandon Boston brings out the windmill. @bboston_ @norcrosshoops @AOTBasketball #bestofthesouth pic.twitter.com/bAGyuTUb63
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) July 20, 2018
KJ Johnson (Tennessee Marshall/EAB)
Opposite Boston was 6'2" 2019 Marshall guard KJ Johnson. The No. 15 ranked Prep Hoops Tennessee junior was driving to the cup routinely and winning battles against the AOT guards. Johnson was tough and really played with purpose on the night. He scored 34 points and at times, made it look rather easy. Johnson earned a Lipscomb offer after the game.
Jaren Phillips (Tampa Prep/AC Georgia)
Prior to the ending of the game against the Louisville Magic, I'm sure Jaren Phillips wasn't too happy with his performance. However, he made things happen down the stretch and it paid dividends. The 6'6" 2019 Tampa Prep guard had the game-winner off an inbound pass with 10 seconds left (VIDEO). Prior to that, he made a ridiculous bucket you can view below. Phillips was clutch in the 56-55 victory.
2019 Tampa Prep G Jaren Phillips out here being tricky. @TPrep_BoysHoops @1kid_bigdreams @GeorgiaPhoenix #bestofthesouth pic.twitter.com/lgvwQAgcqu
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) July 19, 2018
Ezekiel Williamsonbey (Villages/Balkman Elite)
2020 Villages guard Ezekiel Williamsonbey really stood out in the win over Atlanta Xpress Hook. The 6'1" rising junior showed off his strength at the rim, his ability to generate steals and be scrappy and his overall tenacity defensively. Williamsonbey set the tone for his group and it went a long way.
Terry Ivery (Villages/Florida Elite)
It wasn't the performance Florida Elite wanted in a loss to GA Elite Ballers. However, there was a bright spot in 2019 Villages guard Terry Ivery. Undersized but full of determination and grit, Ivery is a 5'8" guard who loves to attack and carry the brunt of the load on his shoulders. He was getting into the lane routinely.
Isaiah Josue (Mater/SOH Elite)
A 2020 guard, Isaiah Josue was popping out shots from deep routinely. The 6'2" Mater guard hit back to back 3's in the first quarter against the Gametime Ballers. He's a confident young shooter who has room to improve as a defender but his outside shot gives him a true advantage.
Njogu Bah (Georgia Cedar Grove/Gametime Ballers)
For the Gametime Ballers, there wasn't a better player on their side than Njogu Bah. The 6'2" 2020 Cedar Grove guard is naturally athletic. He's a really talented attacker who gets up the court on the break with ease. He can surprise you with his bounce on dunks and lay-ins.
Jyre McCloud (Central Florida Rising Stars/Leesburg)
A rising junior, Jyre McCloud is going to make an impact this season at Leesburg. The 6'4" 2020 forward was showing off his range and ability to get inside and finish. McCloud was on JV last year as Leesburg won its second straight title. He'll get his chance this year with varsity and with his play on Thursday, I wouldn't be shocked to see him make an impact as a pure athlete right away.
