Gaston Christian/Rabun Gap – Recap/Standouts
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With the Ish Smith Showcase by Phenom Hoops kicking off last night, I was able to be in attendance to watch three good basketball games yesterday evening. The first game of the evening was between Gaston Christian and Rabun Gap,…
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Continue ReadingWith the Ish Smith Showcase by Phenom Hoops kicking off last night, I was able to be in attendance to watch three good basketball games yesterday evening.
The first game of the evening was between Gaston Christian and Rabun Gap, both solid squads looking for a big win. The game began at a frenetic pace. Joe Rhyne Joe Rhyne 6'3" | SG Gaston Christian | 2024 State NC opened the game with 3 threes in a row, while on the other end, Andria Siamshvili offered meaningful contributions on both ends of the floor to keep Rabun Gap competitive and in the game, ending the first quarter with Gaston Christian up 21-13. However, GCS used offensive rebounding to create plenty of opportunities. After a transition block and a thunderous Makoi Mabor Makoi Mabor 6'11" | C Gaston Christian | 2024 State NC dunk, Rabun Gap called a timeout to stop the bleeding with the score 33-17, with 3 min left in the second quarter. At half, it was 38-19, with the physicality and rebounding making it happen for GCS all over the floor.
Halfway through the third quarter the score was 46-30, Rabun Gap couldn’t cut the lead any more because of defensive rebounding struggles and offensive looks not going down. Cameron Newman Cameron Newman 5'11" | PG Gaston Christian | 2026 State NC decided it was his time to shine, making plays for others and scoring with ease against defense. Douglas Adiok also played with tenacity on the glass for the Eagles. At the end of three quarters it was 54-32, and while GCS had dominated the game, Zayne Vernon had been hustling, scoring tough buckets inside, and working hard on both ends for Rabun Gap. With the benches in to play the fourth quarter, the final ended up being 65-42, a comfortable Gaston Christian win.
Newman took charge as the game went on as a dynamic primary playmaker, as well as showing off an ability to score the ball at multiple levels. He made plenty of great reads in transition and the half court, punishing defenders all night long. Had some good finishes around the rim and made a couple of perimeter shots on the night. Defensively is scrappy and fights to create turnovers despite ideal positional size.
Trandafir showed off some really intriguing ability for a prospect I hadn’t seen before, knocking down perimeter jumpers, showcasing touch in the paint, and showing a willingness to screen and rebound. Ideally needs to put some more weight and strength on his frame, but didn’t need it last night with the way he attacked and played. Should be a name to monitor over the coming seasons at Rabun Gap.
Knockdown shooter who got hot in a hurry last night, knocking down all 3 of his threes in the first quarter to score his 1000th point of his high school career. Transitioned to a secondary playmaker throughout the first half and the rest of the game, and excelled with making simple reads with the ball in his hands. Should be a name for many D3/D1 schools to get an eye on as a sniping wing.
Highlights
Mabor brought his usual intensity and length to the game last night, reinforcing why is a bonafide D1 prospect. He altered shots, cleaned the glass with ease, and even showed a perimeter game that could be expanded on. He’s getting better as a finisher around the rim, even though he can just overpower people and play pinball if he really wanted to all night long. He could be a project for a HM team to look at, but LM and MM schools could land a stud immediately.
Andria Siamshvili
Andria Siamshvili
Siamshvili was another wing I hadn’t seen before, and he made meaningful contributions on both ends of the floor. He was able to score early inside as well as rebound the ball well for his positional size. Made contributions guarding smaller guards/wings on the defensive end as well. He should be someone for local schools to monitor going into his senior season.