Pope High Holliday Classic Standouts
The Pope Holiday Classic showcased an impressive array of basketball talent on Friday, featuring teams from Adairsville, Pope, Banneker, Walton, Heritage, and North Cobb. This annual tournament provided a competitive platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills in a spirited atmosphere perfect for a holiday hoop session.
Ben Abernathy
Ben
Abernathy
6'7" | PF
Adairsville | 2025
State
GA
has a strong inside-out game. His motor around the basket is exceptional, allowing him to i relentlessly pursue rebounds and scoring opportunities. Abernathy effectively utilizes his length to convert challenging finishes, showcasing their skill set in high-pressure situations. Additionally, he a one the "glue guys"—players who may not always shine in the spotlight but are essential for team cohesion and success. His comprehensive understanding of these attributes makes him an invaluable on thew floor.
Highlights

Drew Abney
Drew Abney
Drew Abney quickly established himself as an immediate spark off the bench, showcasing his impressive rhythm as a shooter. His ability to maintain control on offense is complemented by a solid pace and decision-making skills. Abney's knack for executing the occasional heat check demonstrates his confidence, while his leadership on the floor enhances team dynamics and elevates overall performance.
Tre Winters
Tre
Winters
6'5" | SG
Adairsville | 2025
State
GA
plays the guard position like it's second nature, and he shines as a defensive anchor for his team. Not only can he lock down his opponents, but he also has some serious hops—when he's out on the break, you better believe he'll throw down some jaw-dropping dunks. Plus, he's great at finishing in transition; once he gets that fast break going,

Elijah Grimes
Elijah Grimes
Elijah Grimes showcased a versatile skill set that distinguishes him as a formidable three-level shot creator. His ability to effectively play multiple positions allows for seamless integration into various offensive schemes. Notably, Grimes exhibits remarkable craftiness around the rim, making him adept at finishing through contact and navigating defensive traffic. Additionally, he stands out as a textbook spot-up shooter, consistently demonstrating proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations.

Xavious Nails
Xavious Nails
Xavious Nails stands for his impressive 8-point athleticism on the open court. His ability to maintain 94 feet of intense on-ball defense showcases not only his quick-twitch reaction but also his strategic understanding of the game. Utilizing his length and athleticism, he effectively disrupts opposing plays by breaking out in transition and capitalizing on passing lanes. This combination of skills emphasizes Nails' potential to excel at both ends of the court.

Emmanuel Ogebeifun
Emmanuel Ogebeifun
Emmanuel Ogebeifun stands out as a strong point forward, demonstrating exceptional poise in controlling the game's pace. Known for being a three-level scorer, Emmanuel effectively utilizes his strength to create space on the perimeter, enabling him to attack defenders with confidence and precision. Leader on both ends of the floor, Emmanuel can be dangerous in every facet of the game.