Top Postseason Performances Pt. 1

<p><strong>Top Postseason Performances</strong></p> <p>February and March are the two craziest months of the GHSA season. With the season now wrapped up, here’s a look at some of the top performances of the GHSA State Playoffs that I witnessed, sans the State Championships.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-5 F [player_tooltip player_id="869594" first="Omarion" last="Smith"] – Douglas County – Lander</strong></p> <p>Lander is getting a defensive dynamo and a game-changer in the paint in [player_tooltip player_id="869594" first="Omarion" last="Smith"]. He collected 20 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and 5 blocks in the final game of his career. Smith scored with dunks, an up-and-under and even hit a mid-range jumper. His toughness on the glass set the tone for a 22-win Douglas County team.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-1 G Tim Loud – Winder-Barrow</strong></p> <p>Tim Loud was the X-Factor in Winder-Barrow’s upset of Douglas County. He took over in the fourth quarter, pouring in 10 points and netting 5 more in overtime as he finished with a game-high 22 points. Loud got to the rim at will in the second half, using his blinding speed and shiftiness to find cracks in the defense. Loud dropped in a pair of threes, went 6-9 from the line and was the overall catalyst for the Bulldoggs.</p> <p><strong>2021 6-9 W [player_tooltip player_id="1004875" first="Wyatt" last="Fricks"] – Winder-Barrow – Marshall</strong></p> <p>The versatility of [player_tooltip player_id="1004875" first="Wyatt" last="Fricks"] just landed him at Marshall. His ability to score from the perimeter and score in the paint make him an interesting prospect. He’s a strong athlete that can beat his man off the dribble. He did a good job trying to find mismatches vs. Douglas County, going in the post to score on smaller defenders. He finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks.</p> <p><strong>2023 6-2 PG [player_tooltip player_id="598781" first="David" last="Thomas"] – Eagle’s Landing</strong></p> <p>Eagle’s Landing’s run to a state title was powered by [player_tooltip player_id="598781" first="David" last="Thomas"]. The super sophomore guided the Eagles through their Sweet 16 glass ceiling, shattering Forest Park with an 84-43 beat down and exorcising the demons in the process. Thomas dumped in 28 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. He’s outstanding in transition, using terrific body control when getting to the basket. He can contort himself and hang in the air until defenders fly by. Thomas hit a pair of threes and was an active defender. He’s one of the best 2023 guards in the Southeast.</p> <p><strong>2022 6-5 W [player_tooltip player_id="1043319" first="AJ" last="Barnes"] – Eagle’s Landing</strong></p> <p>The Region 4 Player of the Year exploded onto the scene. His ability to snatch rebounds and ignite fast breaks made Eagle’s Landing devastating in transition. Barnes posted 18 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals vs. Forest Park. He’s a big-time athlete that has a smooth attack to the rim. Once he adds a consistent outside shot, watch out.</p>