Emerging Prospects: Sophomores Pt. 1

<p><strong>Emerging Prospects: Sophomores</strong></p> <p>A look at some sophomores across the state that are starting to make a name for themselves. </p> <p><strong>5-7 PG Authur Johnson – Bowdon</strong></p> <p>Undersized but stacked with muscle, skill and style, Authur Johnson has Bowdon off to a hot start at 11-2 with the Red Devils pouring in 78.3 points per game. Johnson has the neon green light, able to score from all over the floor. He’s a high-volume shooter that can pile in points in bunches. He plays at a breakneck pace when he wants to, able to weave through defenders to get to the cup. AJ will shoot from anywhere, already hitting 40-135 (30%) threes. Johnson has showmanship as well, making dazzling moves with the ball in his hands. He is averaging 21.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals. Size is his main deterrent, but Johnson is one of the most fun players to watch in Georgia’s lowest classification.</p> <p><strong>6-3 SF Dexter Holloman – Chattahoochee County</strong></p> <p>A wiry wing that excels at getting to the hoop, Dexter Holloman has carried the Panthers averaging 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He’s tough inside, able to score in the post. Holloman can finish through contact and elevate over defenders. His long arms make him an impactful rebounder that can snag caroms and earn second chances offensively.</p> <p><strong>6-0 G [player_tooltip player_id="820312" first="Jaylen" last="Sanford"] – Jones County</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="820312" first="Jaylen" last="Sanford"] is a tough athlete that has a knack for playing in transition and getting downhill. He’s got some shiftiness to his game and can slice into the teeth of the defense at will. Sanford isn’t afraid to challenge shot blockers at the rim and will go into their chests to finish. Jaylen has upside as a defender with his lateral quickness and instincts. He can easy change directions to make up ground and cut off lanes. Sanford is putting up 18.1 points, 6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks.</p> <p><strong>6-7 F Dylan Faulkner – Calhoun</strong></p> <p>The mobility, touch and IQ of Dylan Faulkner make him an interesting prospect. Faulkner runs the floor well and can finish on the move. He cleans up misses and can power through contact to finish above the rim. Faulkner has shown growing range on his outside shot which should continue to develop over the course of his career. Improving his ability to consistently attack off the dribble will help diversify his game. The 4.0 GPA student is averaging 17.8 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks while shooting 64% from the field.</p> <p><strong>6-4 G [player_tooltip player_id="957136" first="Saulamon" last="Evans"] – Mays</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="957136" first="Saulamon" last="Evans"] has the tools of becoming a big-time player. He’s a powerful guard that can bully his way to the basket but can also hurt teams with his three-point shooting and passing. Evans has some creativity to his game, able to lose defenders with his crafty handle and can pull-up from the mid-range. Averaging 17 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3.5 steals, Evans is already a grizzled vet after pouring in 15.1 points per game as a freshman in the state’s toughest region a year ago.</p> <p><strong>6-3 G [player_tooltip player_id="1020688" first="Antonio" last="Baker"] – Johnson-Savannah</strong></p> <p>Up to 15.5 points per game, [player_tooltip player_id="1020688" first="Antonio" last="Baker"] could be the next big thing to come out of Johnson-Savannah. He’s a wiry guard that scores at all three-levels. He’s got wiggle with the ball and has a variety of finishes in the lane. Baker can do a little bit of everything. He’s a capable rebounder, playmaker and can use his length on defense to knock away passes. His continued development alongside [player_tooltip player_id="869592" first="Emondre" last="Bowles"] will determine how far the Atomsmashers go this season.</p> <p><strong>6-1 PG Jamichael Davis – Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe</strong></p> <p>Recently exploding for 41 points, Jamichael Davis’ dynamic athleticism and pace of play give him a high ceiling moving forward. He’s electric in the open court, able to beat everyone down the floor and break off a eurostep in stride if need be. Davis can explode to the basket and finish with authority when opponents try to jump with him. His quickness makes him an above-average defender and it’s his first step that helps him break down defenses with ease. He’s posting 15.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 4 steals per game.</p> <p><strong>6-2 G Jeremiah Taylor - South Paulding</strong></p> <p>Over the course of South Paulding's 9-2 start, Jeremiah Taylor has had some head-turning performances. Most recently, he dropped in 35 points in a 2OT thriller vs. Rome. Taylor is a tremendous athlete with a mature feel for the game. He doesn't force the issue on offense and can settle into games while getting his teammates involved. He helps out on the glass and can make plays with his defensive instincts. He's the best guard South Paulding has had since Kane Williams of Georgia State and has shown glimpses of a similar skillset at times. </p>