2023 Rankings Release: Top 5
Photo by Ty Freeman (@TyPhotog) The younger the player, the harder it is to put a rank on them. Each player’s journey is different. Some may make an immediate impact on varsity from Day 1 while others may mature at…
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Continue ReadingPhoto by Ty Freeman (@TyPhotog)
The younger the player, the harder it is to put a rank on them. Each player’s journey is different. Some may make an immediate impact on varsity from Day 1 while others may mature at a more gradual rate. Through a collaborative effort our 2023 Rankings have been released. Here’s some insight on the Top 5.
1. 6-2 CG Kanaan Carlyle Kanaan Carlyle 6'2" | PG Overtime Elite | 2023 State #16 Nation GA – Milton
Blessed with a handful of High Major offers before he even stepped foot on a high school campus, Kanaan Carlyle Kanaan Carlyle 6'2" | PG Overtime Elite | 2023 State #16 Nation GA did not disappoint. He won Class 7A Freshman of the Year after posting 12.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Carlyle is polished on both ends of the floor. He is an active defender with quick hands while on offense, he is a savvy guard that can play either on or off the ball. Kanaan scores at all three levels. He does a nice job of creating separation with his dribble and has a pretty mid-range pull-up. Carlyle is the head of his class for good reason.
2. 7-0 C Gai Chol Gai Chol 7'0" | C Greenforest Christian Academy | 2023 State GA – Greenforest
Ruled ineligible his freshman season, Gai Chol Gai Chol 7'0" | C Greenforest Christian Academy | 2023 State GA will have to make up for lost time in 2020. Aside from Chol’s obvious size and length, his mobility and skill set for his age are what stand out most. Chol runs the floor exceptionally well and can handle when needed, able to euro step around defenders. He has a nice touch from 15-feet and is impossible to block when he goes to his turnaround out of the post. A 7-footer with a motor will always be a hot prospect. St. John’s and Tulane have already offered.
3. 6-7 SF Tahj Johnson Tahj Johnson 6'7" | SF Hart County | 2023 State GA – Hart County
The bouncy swingman from Hartwell doesn’t benefit from playing in Metro Atlanta, but that doesn’t stop Tahj Johnson Tahj Johnson 6'7" | SF Hart County | 2023 State GA from being the real deal. Johnson is a game-changer on both ends. His length and activity help him get into passing lanes and block shots at the rim. On offense, Johnson moves like a guard. He is quick and covers a lot of ground with his first step. He elevates over defenders to finish with a punctuation at the rim but also is a quality three-point shooter that can stretch out defenses. Johnson has all the tools to become one of the best players in Georgia. He averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
4. 6-1 CG David Thomas David Thomas 6'2" | PG Eagle's Landing | 2023 State #197 Nation GA – Eagle’s Landing
David Thomas David Thomas 6'2" | PG Eagle's Landing | 2023 State #197 Nation GA might not have the elite athleticism as some other guards in his class, but his polish and maturity separates him from most of the field. Thomas is a tough leader and well-rounded scorer. He strokes it from deep and can score all over the floor. David does a good job accepting contact on drives and powering through for And-1s. He has a nice pull-up from the foul line as well. Thomas has great instincts on defense leading to deflections and steals. With Kirshon Thrash Kirshon Thrash 6'5" | CG Eagle's Landing | 2020 State GA and Keith Lamar Keith Lamar 6'5" | SG Eagle's Landing | 2020 State GA graduating, expect Eagle’s Landing to run everything through the star sophomore.
5. 6-2 PG Isaiah Collier Isaiah Collier 6'4" | PG Wheeler | 2023 State #8 Nation GA – Wheeler
Isaiah Collier Isaiah Collier 6'4" | PG Wheeler | 2023 State #8 Nation GA has as much upside as any guard in the state. Collier blends athleticism with a high IQ and a winning mentality. Collier routinely makes difficult plays look easy. He’s a crafty finisher when he cuts to the basket and is strong three-point shooter. Collier broke his shoulder socket midway through the season and had to watch his Wildcats win the state championship from the bench. Before he was hurt, Collier was Wheeler’s best guard averaging 11.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals. He drilled 19-48 three-pointers good for a 40 percent clip. Collier should have a breakout sophomore season once he’s 100 percent and should quickly climb up the rankings.