All effort all the time, Dastin Hart Dastin Hart 6'5" | PF Cherokee | 2023 State GA has to be among the state’s top stock risers over the past month. The undersized Warriors turn to Hart to set the tone in the paint with his toughness, athleticism and hunger to compete. Dastin is a great leaper with strength to boot. He flies in for offensive rebounds, keeping possessions alive. Hart can finish at the rim but also has shown through his senior season that he’s a threat to shoot the three. Hart, all by himself, had more offensive rebounds than Wheeler, gobbling up 8. Dastin finished his career with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals. He plays with inspiring effort. He’s another prime candidate for NAIA and D-III schools.

Hart is a high-motor forward that’s been a huge part of Cherokee’s success this year. Loves to compete around the paint and grabs a ton of rebounds. Offensive skillset has shown a lot of growth in the past year and he’s shown the ability to knock down shots from mid-range. If Hart was an inch or two taller, I think his recruitment would be a different story but schools will soon realize that his energy and toughness make up for it. I’ve heard Dalton State has been showing interest.

An early ankle injury held Hart out of the lineup for a few games but on Saturday it looked like Dastin is about ready to hit his stride for the rest of the season. Hart posted 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He had his way around the rim against Darlington, elevating to score over the defense. Dastin’s athleticism and improved guard skills were on display when he went coast-to-coast for a bucket in the fourth quarter. Defensively, he anchored the back line and altered shots in his area.

On of the biggest stock risers from Tuesday’s scrimmage vs. King’s Ridge had to be Dastin Hart Dastin Hart 6'5" | PF Cherokee | 2023 State GA . At around 6-foot-5, Hart played above the rim and showcased a lot of skill. He stymied the Tigers’ height advantage, using his physicality to secure the paint. Offensively, Hart helped stretch the floor with a pair of threes and converted an And-1 inside. Dastin brings great energy and a reliable motor. In total, Hart finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks. For a small team as far as Class 7A is considered, Hart is an integral piece that must solidify the interior nightly while exploiting mismatches against taller opponents.

Dastin Hart Dastin Hart 6'5" | PF Cherokee | 2023 State GA is a perfect example of a guy that excels in his role. While Hart may not have the offers or scoring numbers that some of his Wood Elite teammates do, he’ll be a valued recruit for a lot of college programs in the spring because of the intangibles. Throughout the morning, Hart was effective as a screener in the pick & roll and scored it well around the basket. He also showed that he can pass it really well for a big. Hart’s got a solid frame to pair with an improved skillset and should play a key role for Cherokee this year.