GHSA State Championships: Day 2 Standouts

<p><strong>GHSA State Championships: Day 2 Standouts</strong></p> <p><strong>2021 6-7 W [player_tooltip player_id="754231" first="Matthew" last="Cleveland"] – Pace Academy – Florida State</strong></p> <p>Matt Cleveland put the finishing touches on his career with a second state title. Cleveland dominated with 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 5 blocks. He blocked shots early on and broke Columbia’s spirt in the third quarter. He shot 10-13 from the field. Cleveland will now lead Pace into the Geico Nationals.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-6 W [player_tooltip player_id="677695" first="Josh" last="Reed"] – Pace Academy</strong></p> <p>Who will fill the massive void left behind by Cleveland? It will be [player_tooltip player_id="677695" first="Josh" last="Reed"], who finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 2 blocks. While he may not be as explosive as Cleveland, he has similar length and is a dangerous three-point shooter. Reed exploded last year on the circuit. Expect him to do the same this summer.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-4 PG [player_tooltip player_id="754260" first="Madison" last="Durr"] – Pace Academy</strong></p> <p>The big guard stuffed the stat sheet one final time with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. He will be an attractive option for schools looking for a guard with big game experience that has been coached well.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id="869578" first="Peyton" last="Daniels"] – Tri-Cities – Vanderbilt</strong></p> <p>Daniels’ career didn’t end how he wanted, but he went out with a bang with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. The Vandy-signee is so sharp with the ball. He creates off the bounce and has enough combo moves to score in isolation settings. He hits step back threes, gets to the rack and can play make for others.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-0 PG [player_tooltip player_id="870187" first="Simeon" last="Cottle"] – Tri-Cities</strong></p> <p>The overall feel and savvy of [player_tooltip player_id="870187" first="Simeon" last="Cottle"] will take him a long way. He’s not a freak athlete, but Cottle is so reliable with the ball and makes every play. Cottle sees the court exceptionally well and has functional strength when attacking the hoop. He had 13 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Colleges will want to track him.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-5 W [player_tooltip player_id="1043319" first="AJ" last="Barnes"] – Eagle’s Landing</strong></p> <p>21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. [player_tooltip player_id="1043319" first="AJ" last="Barnes"] can do it all. He’s such a good athlete and can play nearly any position on the floor. He’s explosive to the basket and has nice footwork. Barnes is a premier slasher and energy guy.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-2 PG [player_tooltip player_id="598781" first="David" last="Thomas"] – Eagle’s Landing</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="598781" first="David" last="Thomas"] got his first ring as he shot 7-11 and finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and only 1 turnover. He’s an elite guard in the 2023 class. His polish and composure along with his raw skill makes him a can’t miss prospect.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-0 PG Jaylon Hand – Eagle’s Landing</strong></p> <p>In search of a reliable third scorer in the state title game, Jaylon Hand stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park. Hand was money from deep with 3 threes and did a great job probing the defense and kicking out to teammates. He had 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.</p>