Sophomore Spotlight
This group of 2021 players are all held in high regards but don’t be surprised if they really make a bang in the Peach State as sophomores this winter.
PF Cole Middleton (Pace)- During last high school season, Middleton showed some flashes of what he could become but Pace also had senior Yale commit Isaiah Kelly on their frontline. After a huge summer with Hype Hawks, the young forward has everyone excited for what he’s going to do as a sophomore. Middleton has a better motor than almost anyone I saw on the travel circuit, playing with maximum effort every possession until he is exhausted. He is strong and skilled on the block but has also started to develop some perimeter skill to go with his inside play. He leaves his mark on each game. Look for him to put everyone on notice in 2018-19.
PG Broc Bidwell (West Forsyth)- Although Bidwell was an important piece for West Forsyth in 2017-18, he will play an even bigger role this year. The Wolverines lost notable 3 seniors and will need Bidwell to carry them offensively after a recent injury to Joseph Staiti. Bidwell has an impressive scoring package for a 2021 prospect. He is effective on all 3 levels and knows when it is best to use each of his abilities. He wants the ball in his hands during big moments and performs under pressure. I first saw Bidwell play in 7th grade; he has progressed nicely each stop along the way and should continue to.
PG Will Kolker (Pope)– After getting limited varsity minutes as a freshman, Kolker proved this spring and summer that he is ready to be a key contributor for Pope this year. I always appreciate pass-first players and Kolker is one of the best passers in Georgia’s 2021 class. He sees two plays ahead and finds openings that other can’t. Kolker is a reliable outside shooter as well and knows how to finish in the paint with floaters. Pope’s backcourt of Kolker, Ryan Billig, and Micah Paulk will lead this squad in the winter.
G George Pridgett (Roswell)- Pridgett came on strong for Roswell towards the end of last season and will be a main guard option for the Hornets alongside seniors Miles Herron and Kolby Wade. Pridgett had a nice summer for Game Elite, showing a smooth and poised game. The lefty has nice feel and does a variety of things for his team. He can play on or off the ball and is able to take on scoring or facilitating duties. Pridgett is a quiet, laid back player but his play should make some noise in 2018-19.
PF Ian Schieffelin (Grayson)– With the graduation of numerous key seniors, the doors are now open for new guys to step up at Grayson. In the frontcourt, it appears that Schieffelin and Solomon Ray will pair up with Kenyon Jackson for the Rams. Schieffelin has a great body for a young post and already knows how to use it to carve out space inside. He is an aggressive rebounder and alters shots for Grayson as well. The two-sport standout has also displayed some touch and patience when working for baskets down low. He should play a nice role for the team this year.