GA Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic Recap

<p>We kicked off the 2023-2024 season this weekend with the Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic, pairing some of the state's top teams against each other as early as game 1. The day was full of action as we saw multiple games come down to the last possesion. Here, we break it down game-by-game.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#18 [player_tooltip player_id='2297280' first='Maynard' last='Jackson'] (71) vs. Carrollton (65)</h2>   <p>The first game of the day presented a great point guard battle between [player_tooltip player_id='1967644' first='Cassius' last='Watkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1267166' first='O'Brien' last='Watkins'], two of the best unsigned seniors in Georgia. [player_tooltip player_id='1267166' first='O'Brien' last='Watkins'] put up 28 points but it wasn't enough to keep up with [player_tooltip player_id='2297280' first='Maynard' last='Jackson']'s backcourt brothers, [player_tooltip player_id='1967644' first='Cassius' last='Watkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1654188' first='Yusef' last='Bowyer'], who combined for 42 points. [player_tooltip player_id='2281462' first='Cam' last='Dover'] stepped up in the absence of [player_tooltip player_id='1223239' first='Mekhi' last='Turner'] and did some good things around the paint too. Both squads will be tough to beat this year, especially when they get their big men back on the floor.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Campbell (61) vs. Heritage (49)</h2>   <p>This one was tight through three quarters but Campbell pulled away in the 4th and proved to be the more talented team. Both teams struggled to take care of the ball, clearly working out the kinks still, but Campbell was able to capitalize on Heritage's mistakes and that was the difference. Skidmore did everything he could to keep Heritage in it, 22 points to lead the game. Campbell's role players like Kaylan Robertson and Jaelen Cheeves were huge in the 2nd half and the Spartans proved they can win games without Fe'Royre High carrying the load. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hillgrove (63) vs. Gainesville (52)</h2>   <p>It was an impressive showing from Hillgrove as they led for the majority of the game and took care of Gainesville with little issues. Hillgrove may not have the big names but they're very well-coached and have some strong returning seniors. All of their guys play together, making for a very unselfish brand of basketball. Gainesville was missing their sophomore stud, [player_tooltip player_id='1543522' first='Charlie' last='Gersmehl'], and they'll be a different team when he's back on the floor. Ultimately, Hillgrove's experience ruled supreme over Gainesville's youth.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Kell (85) vs. Greenforest (61)</h2>   <p>Kell was terrific on Saturday, dominating Greenforest for all four quarters. South Florida commit [player_tooltip player_id='1201630' first='CJ' last='Brown'] led the charge per usual with 18 points and his penetration opened up a plethora of three-point opportunities for his sharpshooters. [player_tooltip player_id='1215446' first='Jaylen' last='Colon'], [player_tooltip player_id='1742164' first='Connor' last='Staphylaris'], and Chris McLavish were raining threes all game. Few teams in the state can shoot it like the Longhorns and they could beat anyone when the shots are falling.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Newton (55) vs. #21 Osborne (45)</h2>   <p>Osborne gave Newton a good run for three quarters but didn't quite have enough to go the distance. It was obvious that all of their new guys are still learning how to play together. Newton received excellent production from their bench and that proved to be the difference. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1543533' first='Jordan' last='Green'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2046362' first='Kevin' last='White'] came in with little to no drop-off. Newton is still without their full squad as multiple pieces are playing football. Their variety of weapons will be tough to stop this year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Wheeler (52) vs. #13 Dutchtown (49)</h2>   <p>Wheeler vs. Dutchtown was the most entertaining game of the night, both teams going back and forth until the last possesion. [player_tooltip player_id='1201629' first='Ricky' last='McKenzie'] led the Wildcats with 18 points. Whenever they needed a bucket, McKenzie was the go-to guy. It was a strong showing from Dutchtown as they proved that they can play with anyone. [player_tooltip player_id='1300737' first='Joah' last='Chappelle'] was fantastic but he fouled out with 3 minutes left and that's when Dutchtown lost their fire. Still, the Bulldogs will move up in the rankings after a hard-fought battle with one of the state's best.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Grayson (79) vs. #1 McEachern (62)</h2>   <p>Grayson was clearly out to make a statement on Saturday night and they did just that. The Rams were dominant from the opening tip to the final whistle. [player_tooltip player_id='1131773' first='Gicarri' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='1383021' first='Amir' last='Taylor'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1131772' first='CJ' last='Hyland'] were all fantastic. [player_tooltip player_id='1122508' first='Ace' last='Bailey'] posted 29 points for McEachern but he needed 40 to keep them in it. Outside of Bailey, the Indians lacked offensive firepower and three-point shooting on Saturday. They'll need [player_tooltip player_id='1140764' first='Jaye' last='Nash'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1223238' first='John' last='McQueen'] to contribute more in the scoring column moving forward. Expect Grayson and McEachern to swap spots in the next rankings update.</p>

We kicked off the 2023-2024 season this weekend with the Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic, pairing some of the state's top teams against each other as early as game 1. The day was full of action as we saw multiple games come down to the last possesion. Here, we break it down game-by-game.