#NEXTSoutheastKickoff | Class of 2028 (Pool B) Standouts Pt. 1

Cartersville, Ga. — In the latest series of coverage from the inaugural Prep Hoops Next Southeast Kick-Off held last weekend in the greater Atlanta area, focus shifts to Pool B in the 5th Grade Division. This talented five-team pairing included widely-respected, in-state programs A.O.T. (GA) and Team Huncho (GA) Bridgewater, out-of-town powers E1T1 (FL), and Team Unleashed (SC), and, ultimately, the Class of 2028 event champion, Team Teague (IN) Boyd. The opening segment of this four-part feature details the top performers (in alphabetical order) from the two-day tournament…

Zavion Anthony | Irmo, SC | Class of 2028

Anthony may not have cracked the five-foot mark yet, but the floor general had a big impact in the 5th grade division at the Prep Hoops Next Southeast Kick-Off. Fearless with the ball in his hands, the lead guard attacked opposing defenses, and always seemed to be in the mix if there was a loose ball or opportunity to create pressure and force a turnover. A reliable ball-handler, the South Carolina native is also an excellent facilitator, capable of finding opening teammates in the halfcourt as well as making intelligent plays in transition. Team Unleashed (SC) will undoubtedly improve as the season progresses with Anthony at the helm.

Lincoln Bozeman | Odenville, AL | Class of 2028

Bozeman was active on both ends of the court at the Prep Hoops Next Southeast Kick-Off and proved to be one of the better athletes in the 5th grade division at the guard position. Offensively, the backcourt prospect attacked the rim with confidence, demonstrating his ability to beat defenders off the bounce and finish plays in the lane while absorbing contact. Bozeman also looked comfortable in up-tempo settings which paired nicely with an aggressive A.O.T. (GA) defensive scheme. Overall, the Alabama resident showed a ton of promise and made an outstanding first impression among his Class of 2028 peers.

Derrick Bridgewater | Stockbridge, GA | Class of 2028

Bridgewater had some superb moments at Prep Hoops Next Southeast Kick-Off while playing a combo guard role for his Team Huncho (GA) Bridgewater squad. As a coach’s son, there’s some natural pressure involved in that dynamic no matter the situation, but the talented backcourt prospect did a nice job of keeping a steady disposition on the court despite the responsibilities and expectations. A willing-passer, Bridgewater kept the ball moving in the halfcourt for his club, and took his turn when called upon to spearhead a three-guard tandem which led the team’s defensive attack.

Kaylen Brooks | Mansfield, OH | Class of 2028

Brooks was one of the most electric scorers in the 5th grade division at the Prep Hoops Next Southeast Kick-Off. Scoring in double-figures in each of his team’s five games, the Ohio sharpshooter established himself as a crucial piece for Team Teague (IN) Boyd during their unbeaten weekend run. Brooks’ multi-dimensional shooting talents were notable, as he flashed reliability as a catch-and-shoot threat but also consistently created his own offense off the dribble, utilizing floaters in the lane and a quick-release from the midrange area to further complement his range on the perimeter.

Keith ‘KJ’ Buckley, Jr. | Fishers, IN | Class of 2028

Buckley was a dependable contributor for Team Teague (IN) Boyd throughout their streak to the 5th grade championship at the Prep Hoops Next Southeast Kick-Off but appeared to save his most inspired play for the event’s final day. In an overtime win versus A.O.T. (GA) which would ultimately clinch the pool and send his team to the title game, Buckley stepped up both his scoring and playmaking output while also assisting with important ball-handling duties for his squad down the stretch. The stockpile of talent on the Team Teague (IN) roster was certainly impressive but didn’t prevent Buckley’s contributions from going unnoticed.

Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!