GA Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic Recap
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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…
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Continue ReadingWe 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.
#18 Maynard Jackson (71) vs. Carrollton (65)
The first game of the day presented a great point guard battle between Cassius Watkins Cassius Watkins 6'0" | PG Maynard Jackson | 2024 State GA and O’Brien Watkins O’Brien Watkins 6'2" | PG Carrollton | 2024 State GA , two of the best unsigned seniors in Georgia. O’Brien Watkins O’Brien Watkins 6'2" | PG Carrollton | 2024 State GA put up 28 points but it wasn’t enough to keep up with Maynard Jackson‘s backcourt brothers, Cassius Watkins Cassius Watkins 6'0" | PG Maynard Jackson | 2024 State GA and Yusef Bowyer Yusef Bowyer 5'7" | PG Maynard Jackson | 2025 State GA , who combined for 42 points. Cam Dover Cam Dover 6'7" | PF Maynard Jackson | 2025 State GA stepped up in the absence of Mekhi Turner Mekhi Turner 6'8" | PF Maynard Jackson | 2024 State #271 Nation GA 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.
Campbell (61) vs. Heritage (49)
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.
Hillgrove (63) vs. Gainesville (52)
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, Charlie Gersmehl Charlie Gersmehl 6'7" | PF Gainesville | 2026 State GA , and they’ll be a different team when he’s back on the floor. Ultimately, Hillgrove’s experience ruled supreme over Gainesville’s youth.
#10 Kell (85) vs. Greenforest (61)
Kell was terrific on Saturday, dominating Greenforest for all four quarters. South Florida commit CJ Brown CJ Brown 6'2" | PG Kell | 2024 State #150 Nation GA led the charge per usual with 18 points and his penetration opened up a plethora of three-point opportunities for his sharpshooters. Jaylen Colon Jaylen Colon 6'0" | PG Kell | 2024 State GA , Connor Staphylaris Connor Staphylaris 6'0" | SG Kell | 2025 State GA , 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.
#9 Newton (55) vs. #21 Osborne (45)
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 Jordan Green Jordan Green 6'7" | PF Newton | 2026 State GA and Kevin White Kevin White 5'8" | PG Gainesville | 2026 State GA 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.
#3 Wheeler (52) vs. #13 Dutchtown (49)
Wheeler vs. Dutchtown was the most entertaining game of the night, both teams going back and forth until the last possesion. Ricky McKenzie Ricky McKenzie 6'4" | SG Wheeler | 2024 State GA 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. Joah Chappelle Joah Chappelle 6'8" | SF Dutchtown | 2024 State GA 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.
#2 Grayson (79) vs. #1 McEachern (62)
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. Gicarri Harris Gicarri Harris 6'4" | CG Grayson | 2024 State #86 Nation GA , Amir Taylor Amir Taylor 6'8" | PF Grayson | 2025 State #198 Nation GA , and CJ Hyland CJ Hyland 6'0" | PG Grayson | 2024 State GA were all fantastic. Ace Bailey Ace Bailey 6'9" | SF McEachern | 2024 State #2 Nation GA 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 Jaye Nash Jaye Nash 6'2" | PG McEachern | 2024 State GA and John McQueen John McQueen 6'5" | SF Eagle's Landing | 2024 State GA to contribute more in the scoring column moving forward. Expect Grayson and McEachern to swap spots in the next rankings update.