Mondays in Motion: Johns Creek and Pope quarrel into OT
A 9-0 Pope High School team headed north in a re-scheduled contest to accommodate a recent Johns Creek playoff football game, and it’s not a stretch to think the Greyhounds would rather have played the game back then. A flu-bug…
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Continue ReadingA 9-0 Pope High School team headed north in a re-scheduled contest to accommodate a recent Johns Creek playoff football game, and it’s not a stretch to think the Greyhounds would rather have played the game back then. A flu-bug rolling through the Atlanta-area took a toll on their roster leaving them somewhat depleted and groggy, but by no means does that take anything away from a stellar performance by the home team Gladiators, a good-looking 8-3, as they got superb contributions from a bevy of players in the 97-81 OT win.
Jordan Johnson (Johns Creek), PG – A diminutive but tough 5-11 senior, Johnson was spectacular on the night, finishing with a game-high 34 points and going a sparkling 20-23 from the line to both help hold off several Pope runs in regulation and also push the deficit in overtime. He showed a great handle controlling the offense and setting up teammates, was fearless getting to the rim for his own finishes and overall displayed an all-around game which keeps him very much in the discussion amongst some of the stellar point guard play we see all over the Atlanta metro area.
Chase McKeyChase McKey (Johns Creek), SF – The 6-5 senior, #59 in our 2020 rankings, and part of a big and impressively long Gladiator frontline with fellow seniors 6-6 Jovani Brown and 6-8 Austin Gusaeff, was Mr. Do-It-All for his club, tallying 24 points on the night, cleaning up on the glass and showing some defensive prowess as well near the rim. Part of his athletic display were 3 impressive dunks, but he also showed both a mid-range and a dribble-drive game that combined with his length was too much for the smaller Pope frontline.
Nick Willis (Johns Creek), G – Joining Johnson in the backcourt and in the under-6 feet club was Willis, and the senior had a huge second half and overtime getting 17 of his 20 points in the back half of the contest. He showed the poise of a veteran backcourt man, particularly in his 10-point 3rd quarter when he had a flashy behind the back finish, a sweet mid-range pull-up and a soft floater in the lane.
Will Kolker (Pope), PG – No list of noteworthy guard play in Georgia right now could be comprised without at least mentioning Kolker, a silky smooth 6-0 junior lefthander who oozes confidence with the ball and has the game to back it up. It wasn’t just his 27 points, 16 coming in a second half where the Greyhounds erased a seemingly comfortable Johns Creek lead, but the full package of ball skills, long-range shooting, and most impressively the ability to find the open man with precision and flair. He’s a 2021 youngster to watch rise our rankings list.
Ross Shepherd (Pope), PF – Shepherd, a 6-5 senior, did more than hold his own against the solid and lengthy Gladiator frontline, grappling and hustling his way to a team-high 29 points. With flu-bitten wing Caden Jessop hampered by missed time (and clearly limited) and injured 6-6 center Gannon Brown out with a bum shoulder, Shepherd gallantly did his part on the offensive and defensive glass as well and showed both a face-up and back to the basket game which was very impressive. He’s clearly one of the many reasons this bunch from Marietta had gotten off to such a hot start and can clearly do damage from multiple spots on the floor.