HypeSouth Hardwood Invitational Top Performers Pt. 2

<p><strong>HypeSouth Hardwood Invitational Top Performers<br /> </strong></p> <p>The Demon Den at Warner Robins was host to HypeSouth Media’s Hardwood Invitational, featuring top programs from Middle and South Georgia. </p> <p><strong>2022 6-0 CG Elijah West – Dougherty</strong></p> <p>Elijah West kept Dougherty afloat through the good times and bad times on Saturday. He was consistent throughout with a team-high 20 points. West, a defensive back in football, drilled four threes and had some good moments when attacking the basket. A solid all-around athlete, West finished with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in a win over Westside-Macon in OT.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-6 C Jadyn Shider – Dougherty</strong></p> <p>The Trojans were in trouble. Down 18 points early, Dougherty could have sauntered off to an 0-3 start to the season but instead, Bakari Bryant’s team lived up to their nickname and battled back. Jayden Shider was a difference maker before fouling out. He scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half, dominating around the rim. The big bruiser collected 8 rebounds as well. His soft hands and gentle touch inside couldn’t be denied, especially considering his robust weight easily surpassing 240 pounds. Shider’s physical play helped spark the Trojans to a 76-71 overtime win.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-7 SG [player_tooltip player_id="806710" first="Kowacie" last="Reeves"] Jr. – Westside-Macon</strong></p> <p>It wasn’t his best game, but that goes to show you just how good Kowacie is when he can put up 27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block and still could have played a little better. Reeves did everything he could to lead Westside. The Florida-signee caught fire in the third quarter when Dougherty was surging on a 20-2 run. Reeves answered the bell with 12 points in the quarter. What stood out most to me, was Reeves’ leadership. He was in constant communication with his young backcourt members and would be the first one to pick them up both literally and figuratively.</p> <p><strong>2023 5-10 PG Shannon Fountain – Westside-Macon</strong></p> <p>Though he got out of control a few times, Shannon Fountain’s aggressiveness bodes well for the rest of his career. He’s quick and strong. Fountain sits down low in stances and can lock-up guards in stretches. His activity is apparent all over the floor. Fountain flies around and earns extra possessions for the Seminoles. He had 18 points (8-11 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 7 steals. The more experience he gets, the better he will be. Fountain has a bright future as he learns to change speeds.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-5 SG [player_tooltip player_id="934248" first="James" last="White"] – Heritage-Conyers</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="934248" first="James" last="White"] is hungry to score. When the Ole Miss-signee leaves the floor, he’s often full. He gobbled up 35 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals in an 82-69 OT win over Warner Robins. White excels from the mid-range. He gets good lift on his jumper as he snaps his wrist and the net. He drilled four threes in the second half and piled in 11 of the Patriots’ 13 overtime points.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-4 PG [player_tooltip player_id="806714" first="RJ" last="Noord"] – Heritage-Conyers</strong></p> <p>Elon-signee [player_tooltip player_id="806714" first="RJ" last="Noord"] is the catalyst for the Patriots on both ends of the floor. He sets the pace when he gets the offense off and running. Defensively, he’s an aggressive defender with quick hands. In the open floor Noord is tough to slow down. He can get to the rim in a blink of an eye and finish through contact. What makes Noord so good is his effectiveness in multiple areas. If he has an off-night scoring, he can make it up as a distributor or defender. He had 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in the win.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-5 F [player_tooltip player_id="1043314" first="Greg" last="Jones"] – Warner Robins</strong></p> <p>Heritage-Conyers has seen enough of [player_tooltip player_id="1043314" first="Greg" last="Jones"]. The senior pounded the Patriots into near submission, posting 29 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Jones is the epitome of a grinder. He straps up his boots and goes to work inside, providing a physical onslaught with his terrific motor. He went 9-12 from the foul line as the Patriots could only foul him to slow him down at times. Small schools in attendance fell in love with Jones. The Hypesouth Hardwood Invitational provided him with a platform to showcase his abilities and he seized the moment.</p> <p><strong>2024 5-10 PG Camryn Perkins – Warner Robins</strong></p> <p>Only a freshman, Cam Perkins drew rave reviews for his poise and composure at point guard. Perkins played nearly the entire game as he was thrown into the fire against one of the best backcourts in Georgia. Perkins held his own. He’s a high IQ guard with great vision and feel. Perkins dissected the defense with his passing and helped get teammates open. He tacked on 10 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists and 3 steals while defending [player_tooltip player_id="806714" first="RJ" last="Noord"]. Perkins has a great future ahead of him.</p>