2019 Battle for Georgia Stock Risers

<ul> <li>Before the hectic month of July kicks off for most AAU teams around the state, Lakepoint held it's 2nd annual "Battle for Georgia" tournament this past Sunday. The tournament committee invites eight teams throughout the state in the 15U, 16U, and 17U age groups for a single elimination tournament, which crowns a champion in each age group by days end. The second year of this event was a success and these players in particular helped themselves as well as their teams advance in tournament play, and in some cases helped their team take home the championship and bragging rights as Georgia's best travel team for another year. </li> </ul> Players: <ul> <li>2022 G David Thomas - Team YRN <ul> <li>Having seen Thomas last summer as a rising freshman, I was blown away with his basketball IQ, tight handle, and ability to get to the rim. One year later those attributes remain true as he did all those things and more at the 2nd annual Battle for Georgia tournament. Thomas, who poured in 28 points in YRN’s semifinal matchup, got it done on all three levels, particularly showing his ability to knock down shots from behind the arc. Even though his scoring ability was on display, Thomas always does a good job of making an impact on games regardless of his offensive output. His performance this past weekend should be good momentum for him and a solid YRN team as they continue to match-up against the shoe sponsored teams in various tournaments throughout the month of July.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>2021 G Myles Rice - Atlanta Celtics <ul> <li>So much attention is put on recent USA U16 Gold Medalist and teammate Jabari Smith, however it was the floor general out of Eastside high school that led the way to a semifinal appearance for the Atlanta Celtics. Miles has a stringy frame with a lot of good weight to add but he has always had a good feel for the game and that was evident in both games Sunday afternoon. Mid-range fade-away baseline jumpers and lay-ups off initial free throw misses from teammates made up some of the nontraditional plays but the consistency during more traditional play is what makes you fall in love with Rice’s game. He is an excellent defender, using that on ball tenacity to create turnovers and fast break opportunities for his team.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>2020 F Eric Grier – Ga Knights <ul> <li>Grier who came into the Battle for Georgia as more of an unknown prospect, held his own with some of the more well-known big men in state on the way to the 17U championship. The 6’8” forward from Mt. Zion in Jonesboro, Georgia has tremendous athletic ability and did as good a job of any big man at the Battle for Georgia rim running for baskets after his team secured defensive rebounds. Grier has long arms which allow him to block and alter shots at the rim as well as deflect passes in the paint for potential steals. Georgia’s NCAA Live Period Team Camp as well as the Battle for Georgia were beneficial for Grier and playing alongside one of the hotter players in the state (Kennesaw State commit Chris Youngblood) could be even more beneficial moving forward during the July live period.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>2020 F Rayshaun Frederick – Ga Knights <ul> <li>Frederick was another player on the Ga Knights’ roster that benefited from the Battle for Georgia tournament at the Lakepoint Champions Center. The lefty wing plays fast and did a good job of getting to the rim in transition. The 6’4” state champion from Therrell high school was also streaky from the perimeter knocking down multiple attempts in his semifinal game against a lankly and lane clogging Team Forrest squad. Ultimately Frederick had some very good moments this past weekend and with a championship mentality on the floor developed during his junior season combined with his athleticism, some school could find a diamond in the rough at the next level this time next year.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>2021 F Ja’Heim Hudson – Game Elite <ul> <li>Hudson is more of a household name throughout the state of Georgia however his play over the course of the day at the Battle for Georgia could not go unnoticed. Hudson is another forward on this list of stock risers that has Division I size at 6’7” and I was most impressed with Hudson’s touch and ability to finish with his back to the basket comfortably over both shoulders. He has very long arms and like Grier did a good job of running the floor for easy points in transition. He has worked on his game and wasn’t uncomfortable putting the ball on the floor in the half court, even finishing over defenders on occasion. The rising junior from South Gwinnett high school was active on the boards and was a key piece to Game Elite’s championship run in the 16U division. Mid-Major programs have started to reach out to Hudson and his performance over the weekend could be even more of a confidence booster for him going forward on the Adidas Gauntlet.</li> </ul> </li> </ul>