Battle For Georgia: 17U Standouts (Pt. 1)

<p><strong>2021 6-3 PG [player_tooltip player_id="869582" first="Christian" last="Wright"] – Game Elite – TSF</strong></p> <p>Wright was one of the best table setters at Battle For Georgia. He did major damage when he got downhill and got into the lane. Wright was able to attack and get his feet into the paint at will. Through three games he averaged 10.3 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1 block. Christian’s strength and knowledge of how to probe defenses shined through time and time again. He got to the line 13 times. The veteran guard is a solid D-I option.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-8 W [player_tooltip player_id="869579" first="Kaleb" last="Washington"] – Game Elite – Wheeler</strong></p> <p>After three successful years at Pebblebrook, Washington has jumped ship to join the defending state champs. The lengthy wing went about his business and scored in a variety of ways. He handles the ball well and can get to the rim and finish without getting stripped by smaller guards. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists during the tournament. He is regarded as one of the best 2021 players left available in Georgia.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-10 F [player_tooltip player_id="754230" first="Jabari" last="Smith"] – Atlanta Celtics – Sandy Creek</strong></p> <p>The consensus Top 5 player in the nation and future All-American dominated inside against Game Elite in the 17U Championship. Smith hung 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Smith is immensely skilled for his size, able to beat defenders off the dribble with a combination of moves. In the low post, he’s got a picture-perfect turnaround that’s impossible to defend. Defensively, Jabari has the length and foot speed to guard multiple positions, able to comfortably switch screens. Smith is a complete player on both sides of the ball.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-7 W Matt Cleveland – Atlanta Celtics – Pace Academy – Florida State</strong></p> <p>Florida State-commit Matt Cleveland had a slow opening to the title game but two threes midway through the first half got him going before he erupted for 23 of his game-high 32 points in the second half. Cleveland added on 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Once Cleveland got into a zone, there was nothing Game Elite could do. He was hitting tough isolation fadeaways off the dribble and of course, still found time to rock the rim on hard drives. Cleveland’s defensive efficiency can often get lost in his highlight-filled offensive production. His elite wingspan can get into passing lanes in the blink of an eye and help recover to shut down driving lanes and protect the rim. Much like Smith, Cleveland feels like a near lock to be named an All-American in a few months.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-6 F [player_tooltip player_id="754278" first="Jamall" last="Clyce"] – Atlanta Celtics – Pebblebrook – Georgia State</strong></p> <p>You always know when [player_tooltip player_id="754278" first="Jamall" last="Clyce"] steps on the floor. He’s the loudest player in the gym every time he laces up. Clyce is a ferocious competitor and a supreme energy giver. His teammates feed off his vocal support and toughness. The Georgia State-commit finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 1 steal in the championship. He played tough defense and helped spark the Celtics throughout.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-6 W Aaron Reddish – Atlanta Celtics – Pebblebrook</strong></p> <p>Reddish’s move to Georgia hasn’t been all roses. A stint at Wheeler didn’t turnout the way he likely had hoped, not playing a role in the Wildcats’ title run. After a somewhat wasted junior season, Reddish has replaced [player_tooltip player_id="869579" first="Kaleb" last="Washington"] at Pebblebrook. Aaron has shown glimpses of his upside throughout the summer. He’s an athletic wing that attacks the rim hard and can provide a handful of “wow” moments with his leaping ability. Further crafting his jump shot and finding the right fit at Pebblebrook will determine his future.</p>