North Georgia Showcase: Standout Juniors

<p><strong>Standout Juniors</strong></p> <p><strong>2022 5-10 PG Sean Teasley – Hart County</strong></p> <p>While [player_tooltip player_id="934249" first="Shone" last="Webb"], [player_tooltip player_id="820299" first="Tahj" last="Johnson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1054258" first="JC" last="Curry"] get all the headlines, it was Sean Teasley’s steady play that really stuck out in Hart County’s loss to Lanier. Once Teasley fouled out, the Bulldog offense came to a screeching halt. Teasley provides toughness in the backcourt. He can help handle the ball and does a good job of setting up the offense. At 5-foot-10, Teasley plays with a high motor and an aggressive style, sticking his nose into countless plays. He will be an important piece all year long for Hart County.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-1 G Justin Birch – Lanier</strong></p> <p>Justin Birch hit big shot after big shot down the stretch in Lanier’s thrilling 72-69 win over Hart County. With [player_tooltip player_id="754293" first="Andrew" last="McConnell"], [player_tooltip player_id="1047092" first="Iajah" last="Phillips"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1036814" first="Makai" last="Vassell"] all fouled out, it was Birch’s time to shine. He scored 10 of his team-high 14 points in the fourth quarter, hitting two big threes during the comeback. Birch scored it from the mid-range and had some soft floaters in the lane. Without his heroics, Lanier does not win.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-0 W Kenny Simpson – White County</strong></p> <p>An interesting player that doesn’t really have a position, Kenny Simpson had an eye-opening performance vs. White County. Simpson is half guard, half undersized forward. He’s a strongly built player that uses his strength and athleticism to play bigger than his size. He hurt the Golden Bears in different ways. He stretched the floor with 2 threes, hit some shots from the mid-range and was a handful in the paint. Simpson has a great nose for the ball and a high motor to boot. He can find mismatches all over the floor. Simpson tacked on 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.</p> <p><strong>2022 5-11 PG Josh Pittman – Mill Creek</strong></p> <p>With the paint locked up inside by [player_tooltip player_id="869635" first="Corey" last="Thomas"], Mill Creek had to find offense in different areas. Josh Pittman took the lead, bombing away from deep to keep the Hawks in it. Pittman found spots on the perimeter and torched the Bears when they left him open. Pittman sank 4 threes and finished with 12 points. Defensively, he was opportunistic and able to earn 3 steals.  </p> <p><strong>2022 6-9 C Blaine Bell - Lanier</strong></p> <p>The big junior was effective early on against Hart County. He showcased a nice touch around the basket and converted when given the chance. Bell was able to protect the rim and change shots up close. He’s a solid rebounder and was mobile enough to change directions easily. Bell won’t be a go-to option this year in a guard-heavy offense, but playing big minutes this season will only benefit him down the road. He could be an option at the smaller levels.</p>