GHSA State Playoffs Stock Risers: X-Factors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state champions for each respective classification will be crowned soon. With that being said, the playoff production of some, helped their teams fight until the final buzzer. Whether their teams advanced or not, these hoopers elevated their game when it mattered most. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2328883"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Donaven had a very productive, sophomore season for his Jackson Jaguars. The 6'2u0022 combo guard is just that...a combo guard. He has the ability to handle to the ball under pressure and be a playmaker when needed and be a 3-level scorer, forces opposing coaches to use their best defenders to guard him. He pushes the ball well in transition and looks to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.  In the first round of the state playoffs, he scored 25 points, on the road, against #1 seeded Clarke Central. He's a kid that can play at the next level, especially as he adds muscle to his frame and become more physical on his drives. Donaven is definitely one the top players in the class of 2026 in Georgia.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e55be15f79b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2173403"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"AJ is a true floor general that has the IQ, that mirrors upperclassmen, and will make you forget he's just a freshman. His ability to control the pace of play is one of his strongest attributes. He sees the court well and can put the ball on the floor while creating for others. He can knock down shots beyond the arc and can finish around the rim. He helped lead a fairly young New Hamstead team to the Class 4A Elite 8 before falling to North Oconee, who will be playing for the state championship this week. At 6'1u0022, he's set to have a big spring and summer travel season and will be looking to add to his team's success next season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e55be15f7fe"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1765473"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The North Oconee Titans will be playing for the state championship this Wednesday, and look no further than their biggest, playoff x-factor, [player_tooltip player_id='1765473' first='Khamari' last='Brooks']. The Titans typically have balanced scoring from their starters, finishing most of their games, with 3 or more of them scoring in the double digits. With a team filled with 3-point shooters, he's right there with the rest of them. He's a 6'4u0022 220-pound Forward who now plays on the wing more than in the post, and he's the Swiss Army Knife for his team. He can shoot well, sees the floor well, runs the floor well, he can dribble with minimal mistakes and turnovers, he can post up, as a good second jump, can get the rim with power and strength while finishing through contact, he can knock down free throws, he gets rebounds, has good interior passing skills, plays with a good IQ, and most importantly, has elevated his game this post season. He was the second leading scorer, for his team, in the Elite 8 with 17 points, and scored 28 points in the Final Four, including a tip-in for the final two points, off his missed attempt, to put his team ahead by one point right before the final buzzer. Khamari is arguably having the best state playoff surge, of anyone, in the state of Georgia, and is looking to add to that on Wednesday, March 6th in the state championship game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e55be15f85e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2336410"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Kurston is one of the newer faces, on the Prep Hoops scene, and rightfully so. He took what was an incredible Freshman regular season and boosted his level of play into the state playoffs, helping his Hart County Bulldogs reach the Class 3A Elite Eight. Not often is a freshman asked to contribute in a mighty way, but Kurston did it and with maturity. He's one of the best shooters, from behind the arc, in all of Georgia, in the class of 2027, and understands how to manage the game without too many turnovers. He takes what the defense gives him and isn't afraid to use the mid-range game to knock down higher percentage shots. He averaged close to 13 points per game in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 and should now look to be mentioned with the best of the freshman group in Georgia.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e55be15f8b3"} /-->