Sandy’s Spiel Fall League: Week 2 Top Performers

The reigning league MVP had a loud 36 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks in a narrow 58-57 loss to Osborne. Abernathy was unguardable, scoring from all levels with four threes and shooting 8-11 from the foul line. Jax is physically strong and plays with tremendous balance. Referees commented on how he understands the game and knows the tricks of the trades on how to draw fouls once defenders become illegal. There’s not much more for Abernathy to prove at the high school level. He will be a plug-and-play scorer at the next level. His scoring average through two weeks is up to 27.5 points per game.

A transfer from Wheeler, Nurse will see plenty of burn with the Cardinals. He went off in the second half to rally Osborne from an 11-point deficit, netting 18 of his team-high 20 points. Nurse shot well from the mid-range and got aggressive on the offensive glass, using his superior athleticism to swarm 50/50 balls. Jayvion pulled down 8 rebounds and was difficult to stop one he got a head of steam. I like his balanced offensive attack, activity and athleticism.

Caleb Samples Caleb Samples 6'5" | SF Union Grove | 2025 State GA called game, hitting two key threes late including the game-winner to knock off Union County 53-51. Samples, who I liked as one of Union Grove’s best prospects a season ago at the Fall League, has stepped into the limelight and produced, finishing with 17 points. Working double duty, Caleb came up big in Game 2 of the day, pouring in 16 points and 6 rebounds in a come from behind 51-49 win over Whitewater. Samples has a dynamic inside-out game, able to spot mismatches from all levels. He netted five threes on the day.

Union County will only benefit from the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League. The Panthers almost notched their first win before late game heartbreak. Jude Ellis Jude Ellis 6'1" | PG Lakeview Academy | 2025 State GA was sharp, netting three threes in near succession midway through the second half to add to his 8-9 free throw shooting. Ellis finished with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

Not many guards are better at finishing through contact at the rim than OB. Watkins absorbs contact and finishes with great skill and craft. When he gets momentum, he’s a nightmare to try to prevent getting to the hoop. Watkins collected 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in Carrollton’s first fall league loss in over a year, defeated 55-48 by Darlington.

At 6-foot-4, Warren has good size on the perimeter. His shot can stand to quicken a bit, but when open, Jackson can fill it up from deep. He drilled three threes en route to 16 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block in a 54-35 win over Woodland.

Burner Boy stayed hot, netting 19 points. Johnson is a fiery competitor that plays with a chip on his shoulder. Through two weeks, Johnson ranked second in points per game (21.0) and is tied for the league lead in three-pointers made (7).

Key had one of the best statlines of the weekend, compiling 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals vs. Kennesaw Mountain. He was one of many players Roane State got a chance to see on Sunday.