Battle For Georgia: 17U Standouts (Pt. 1)
2021 6-3 PG Christian Wright Christian Wright 6'4" | PG TSF | 2021 State GA – Game Elite – TSF Wright was one of the best table setters at Battle For Georgia. He did major damage when he got downhill…
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Continue Reading2021 6-3 PG Christian Wright Christian Wright 6'4" | PG TSF | 2021 State GA – Game Elite – TSF
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.
2021 6-8 W Kaleb Washington Kaleb Washington 6'8" | SF Wheeler | 2021 State #120 Nation GA – Game Elite – Wheeler
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.
2021 6-10 F Jabari Smith Jabari Smith 6'10" | PF Sandy Creek | 2021 State #5 Nation GA – Atlanta Celtics – Sandy Creek
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.
2021 6-7 W Matt Cleveland – Atlanta Celtics – Pace Academy – Florida State
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.
2021 6-6 F Jamall Clyce Jamall Clyce 6'6" | SF Pebblebrook | 2021 State GA – Atlanta Celtics – Pebblebrook – Georgia State
You always know when Jamall Clyce Jamall Clyce 6'6" | SF Pebblebrook | 2021 State GA 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.
2021 6-6 W Aaron Reddish – Atlanta Celtics – Pebblebrook
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 Kaleb Washington Kaleb Washington 6'8" | SF Wheeler | 2021 State #120 Nation GA 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.