Longhorns 5-Star Classic: Standout Forwards

Keshawn McPherson Keshawn McPherson 6'5″ | PF Osborne | 2023 State GA had the hot hand on Saturday and showed no hesitation going up against one of the top teams in the state. Osborne hung around for most of the game, largely because of McPherson, but ultimately fell short 67-57. While he’s typically known as a bruiser that will beat you up inside and score around the paint, McPherson put together a shooting display from all over the floor on Saturday. He finished with 21 points including 3 three-pointers and hit several tough, mid-range jumpers as well. This single performance could go a long way in rising McPherson’s stock at a crucial point in his high school career.

Micah Smith Micah Smith 6'8″ | SF Sandy Creek | 2024 State #106 Nation GA had a solid outing on Saturday and played well despite losing to a tough Gray Collgiate team 59-58. He finished with an efficient 19 points coming on a number of two-hand slams. Smith is a big, long athlete and once he gets to the launching pad, there’s pretty much no stopping him. On the defensive end, Smith has great hands and was able to get several steals and deflections which often lead to transition dunks. He picked up a number of HM offers last spring and should receive a lot of attention this time around too.

Amir Taylor Amir Taylor 6'8″ | PF Grayson | 2025 State GA has been a steady stock riser from week 1 of the season and continued his streak of dominance on Saturday. Taylor finished with a team-high 18 points in a win over Osborne. He had several tough finishes around the basket and got to the free throw line repeatedly all game. Taylor has added a lot of toughness and moxy to his game in the past 6th months and it really takes his impact to another level. With the way that Taylor has been playing as of late, he’s making a strong case for a rise in the rankings. UGA and Kennesaw St. both offered him last summer, wisely making pushes to keep the 2025 big in Georgia.

Avantae Parker Avantae Parker 6'9″ | PF Gray Collegiate | 2023 State SC was one of the headlining talents on Saturday and didn’t disappoint. He led Gray Collegiate with 16 points in a win over Sandy Creek that came down to the wire. His full repertoire was on display, knocking down perimeter shots and throwing down poster dunks. At the college level, he’ll have limitless potential as an athletic stretch 4 and his unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism make him a very attractive prospect. Parker is currently committed to Georgia Southern.

Micah Hoover Micah Hoover 6'5″ | PF King's Ridge | 2023 State GA was huge for King’s Ridge in a 19-point win over Goose Creek on Saturday. He led the Tigers with 20 points and had some tough finishes around the basket. Whenever King’s Ridge was beginning to look stagnant, Hoover would string together some big plays to rejuvenate his squad. He was big on the boards too in this one and he’ll need to continue to rebound at a high level if King’s Ridge wants to get back the state championship. Hoover currently sits with offers from Maryville, Covenant, and Piedmont but has yet to make a decision.