The first trip to the gym in the new year is always about answers.
Who’s still sharp? Who’s improved? Who’s ready for region play and a serious postseason push?

As January rolls in, so does the hunt for state championships. The Grayson New Year’s Classic delivered competitive games, clutch moments, and a strong look at the next wave of talent across Georgia.

Dutchtown 48 | Greenforest 47

This was a defensive, possession-by-possession battle. Offense was hard to come by for both teams, but execution late decided the outcome.

Dutchtown trailed 41–37 before responding with a key run to take a 42–41 lead. From there, it was back-and-forth basketball until the final horn, ultimately coming down to free throws.

Dutchtown

• Jah’siah Payne stepped up in the biggest moment, knocking down clutch free throws to seal the win.
  Finished with 12 points.

Greenforest

• Kyree Taylor also finished with 12 points and nearly stole the game with a half-court heave at the buzzer that just came up short.

Gainesville 51 | Cedar Grove 46

A physical, competitive matchup that flipped late due to experience and execution.

Cedar Grove

• Emanuel “Mannie” Green is tough. Elite mid-range scorer—18 feet and in, he’s one of the best in his class.
  Finished with 14 points.
• Dontavius Stringfield had an explosive first quarter (8–10 points). A workhorse whose production lifts his team.
  Finished with 16 points.
• Kevin Rodgers is a straight toothache to deal with. Small guard, downhill driver, great instincts defensively, and hit timely shots.
  Finished with 12 points.

Gainesville

• Charlie Gersmehl looks like a future productive college player. A stretch-four who will continue to grow in the Belmont system. I was especially impressed with him accepting the defensive challenge of guarding Manny Green.
  Finished with 18 points.
• Kevin Curtis (Augusta, GA) continues to improve every time I see him. A true rim protector with a 6’11” frame and 7’+ wingspan. If Gainesville makes a deep state run, he’ll be a major factor.
• Kevin White came alive in the second half—key shots, a critical steal, and the right decision to put Gainesville up 46–44.
  Finished with 12 points.

Cedar Grove pushed the lead to nine at one point, but Gainesville’s 5A experience showed late. Full-court pressure and execution in the fourth quarter swung the game.

Alexander 66 | McEachern 57

McEachern

Playing without Chase Lumpkin, you might expect a slow start—but that wasn’t the case.

• Emmanuel Alofe set the tone early with nonstop energy on both ends, helping McEachern take a 29–25 halftime lead.
• Mason McMillan has no hesitation pulling the trigger and can score in bunches.

McEachern plays hard but missed too many easy opportunities. This loss will be a teaching moment that ultimately helps them as region play begins.

Alexander

• Gregory Dunson looks fully back in rhythm. His downhill attacks and ability to create separation at the rim are impressive.
• Torian Greene is a wing who can flat-out score. Knockdown shooter who kept Alexander alive almost single-handedly in the fourth quarter.
• Donovan Martin is a 2028 prospect worth tracking moving forward.

Alexander weathered the storm and closed strong. Their depth wore McEachern down late and will be a major advantage as the season progresses.

North Oconee vs. Tri-Cities

North Oconee

• Banks Pourchier threw down an off-the-rim dunk that turned heads. At 6’8”, he’s a load in the paint.
• Justin Wise drew the assignment guarding Tre Keith. One of the purest shooters in the state of Georgia.
• Blake Bracco is a coach’s dream at point guard—distributes, hits shots, plays with effort, and acts as an extension of the staff on the floor.
• Brayden Wise continues the Wise family shooting legacy, stepping into big moments and knocking down key shots.

Tri-Cities

• Tre Keith guards the opponent’s best guard nightly and is a walking bucket.
• Jalen Wingfield brings physicality as an enforcer and finisher inside.

Decatur vs. Grayson

I arrived late and had to leave before the final horn, but after reviewing film and highlights, Decatur earned a major program win with a tough finish at the rim.

2027 rising star MJ Curry got a clean look at the buzzer, but the shot came up short.

North Cobb Christian vs. North Gwinnett (OT)

I caught the ending of this one as well.
North Cobb Christian pulled out an overtime win, led by 2027 Isaiah Chandler, who I believe finished with around 30 points.

This is a team I’m high on—expect another deep run in GHSA 1-A Private.

Follow @Make5Media for continued in-season coverage, and for those planning ahead to spring and summer grassroots basketball, check out

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Day one at The National HoopFeast Thanksgiving Tournament, Wesley Chapel, FL brought heat from every direction. Seniors showed leadership, underclassmen showed hunger, and a whole wave of 2026–2028 hoopers showed why Florida basketball stays on the rise.

CLASS OF 2026 — SENIOR STANDOUTS

Vernon Lee Jr. — Seffner Christian (FL)

Vernon went full nuclear mode in the second half. With SCA down and needing life, he stepped into the spotlight and started raining threes from everywhere — deep wings, corners, transition. A high-level shooter with elite confidence, Vernon nearly willed his squad all the way back in the closing minutes.

Ronald Clark | Impact Christian Academy (FL)

A physical, steady presence who played winning basketball all game long. Clark’s toughness at the rim, rebounding ability, and effort in traffic made him a noticeable force every time he stepped on the floor.

 Jackson Byam | Sickles (FL)

Byam showcased smooth footwork, patient scoring, and the ability to play within the flow of the offense. High IQ wing who rarely forced anything and always made the right read.

Marcis Ponder | Gillion Academy (VA)

A long, big bodied, athletic center with a motor that never shut off. He controlled the boards, protected the paint, and made life tough for anyone trying to score inside. Conditioning has improved.

Willie Burnett III | Gillion Academy (VA)

Willie was in attack mode from the jump — strong drives, confident touches, and real energy on both ends. He set the tone with competitiveness every possession.

CLASS OF 2027 — JUNIOR STANDOUTS

Cayden Daughtry | Calvary Christian (FL)

A dynamic scoring guard with lightning-quick bursts and confidence from all three levels. When he gets downhill, defenses scramble. One of the most skilled 2027 guards in the gym.

Henry Robinson Jr. — Pine Ridge (FL)

One of the most impactful forwards of Day One. Henry’s versatility jumped out immediately, finishing at the rim, creating inside-the-arc offense, and providing a steady interior scoring presence. He played with power and poise, helping Pine Ridge secure a big win.

Ayaan Bhadouria | Carrollwood Day School (FL)

Ayaan was everywhere. High IQ, good instincts, timely scoring, and active hands on defense. The kind of guy who makes winning plays every trip.

Donovan Swain | Coral Glades (FL)

Athletic, high-motor, and disruptive. Donovan’s defensive activity, rim protection, and transition ability made him a real problem for opposing guards.

Tristan Pasch | Parrish (FL)

A smooth shooter who spaced the floor beautifully and knocked down perimeter looks with confidence. One of the better pure shooters in his class yesterday.

Dwight Gaines | Westminister Academy (FL)

Strong, physical, and fearless. Gaines controlled the paint, rebounded in traffic, and gave his team a real presence on the block.

Neo Flores | Slam Tampa (FL)

Flores brought defensive fire and competitiveness to every possession. Quick feet, active hands, and the ability to guard multiple spots on the perimeter.

CLASS OF 2028 — SOPHOMORE STANDOUTS

Gabriel “Gabe” Williams — Potter’s House Christian (FL)

One of the most impactful second-half performances of the entire day. Gabe struggled offensively in the first half but stayed locked in…defending, rebounding, and doing the little things. When the second half hit, he erupted for 19 points, including four threes, to power Potter House Christian to a major Day 1 win.

Dallas Oliver | North Tampa Christian (FL)

Dallas is a  fluid athlete, confident scorer, and competitive spirit. The freshman showed flashes of real long-term upside.

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On a crisp evening in Athens, the spotlight shone on one of the most promising early season showings for prep basketball in Georgia & beyond; the OTE Athens Invasion delivered on hype, talent and high-level recruits. Two teams from the national landscape squared off, and several under-the-radar prospects made serious noise.

Team Breakdown & Stand‐Outs

Huntington Prep (WV)

•Jaak Pertel (2027) — Athletic energy explosion. That baseline dunk? It wasn’t just highlight reel, it was a statement.

•Bol Kuany (7′2″, 2027) — A true rim protector and modern big: finishes around the basket and can hit the 3-ball. The size is rare, the skill rarer.

•Taj Saragba (6′6″, PF) — Looks undersized on paper, but his athleticism plays like a 6′9″ monster. Elite around the bucket, often finishing over or through bigger defenders.

•David Johnson (2029, wing) — Freshman, but don’t sleep on him. Length, versatility, a real shooter. All signs point to big things ahead.

OTE City Reapers (GA)

Playing without Jeremy Jenkins & Blaze Johnson (both injured, expected back soon) but still brought the heat.

•Howard Williams — Big body inside, but also can stretch it. Runs the floor, finishes with emotion, exactly the type of versatile forward coaches love.

•Diamant Blazi — High-energy, versatile guard/wing. Can step out and hit open shots, or take it downhill. Rare combo of speed + strength.

•Trae Nunn — Pure shooter. Might fly under the radar amid the flashier names, but his role and shot-making matter.

•Tyler Sutton — Certified paint-finisher. If you’re looking for somebody to clean up around the rim, he’s your guy.

OTE Cold Heart (GA)

This squad is built for offense — fast, physical, unafraid to shoot from everywhere.

•Asher Elson (6′11″) — Intriguing. “Ceiling is unlimited” kind of guy. Size + skill = sleeper.

•Anderson Diaz — Strong guard who imposes his will. When he gets into the paint he makes defenders pay.

•Marcus Gillespie — Both ends of the floor. Defender with a chip, offensive creator. Likes contact. Likes finishing. Likes the moment.

•Quentin Wilson (2028) — Walking bucket alert. He fills up stat sheets and his offensive bag is deep.

Wilson Academy (GA)

Young, hungry, and building toward becoming Atlanta-Metro’s team to watch.

•Culen Browne (2028) — Stepped up in a big moment. With UGA’s assistant coaches on-site for the game vs. Cold Heart, he earned more than just eyeballs, scholarship offers in the mix. Composed, scores at will, defends.

•Shaheem Barbosa (2029) — Freshman wing with swag. Smooth finisher, skill set beyond his years. Very much one to keep on the radar.

•Jordi Musafiri — Beast in the paint. Physical, aggressive, loves battling inside and finishing strong.

Recruiting & Scouting Notes

•When you have a 7′2″ big who can shoot threes (Kuany), and a 6′6″ forward whose athleticism maps at 6′9″ (Saragba)  that changes spacing and match-ups at every level.

•Versatility is the theme: guards who can size up forwards (Gillespie, Diaz), bigs who can stretch (Kuany, Elson) and role players who can shoot off movement (Nunn, Blazi) coaches will eat that up.

•For the Wilson Academy crew: they’re young, but relative to the field they’re ahead. Browne and Barbosa give them a strong foundation; Musafiri brings the inside presence. If they stay hungry, they will be the talk of Metro ATL basketball.

•Injuries removed Jeremy Jenkins & Blaze Johnson from the Reapers, but the next guys stepped up. That speaks to program depth and culture, which scouts value.

•Freshman/underclassmen are showing early. David Johnson (2029), Shameem Barbosa (2029)  had solid showings. If you’re a college coach looking to lock down early, these names are yours to track now.

 Final Take

The OTE Athens Invasion delivered not just a showcase, but a statement event for Georgia high-school basketball. From national power visiting (Huntington Prep) to deep local talent (Wilson Academy, City Reapers, Cold Heart), the level of competition was crisp.

The post OTE Athens Invasion appeared first on Make5.

This year’s CP3 Rising Stars Camp delivered non-stop excitement and emerging talent. Across
two action-packed days, we tracked standout performances and highlighted reel moments. Here’s
a polished breakdown that brings out the energy, polish, and promising futures of these rising
stars.
Day One Highlights: High IQ, High Flying, and Eye-Catching Skill

• Gabriel Williams (6’2, Potter House Christian, FL, PG) Smooth, mature game. He controls the pace patiently, picks his spots, and shoots with confidence. A cerebral guard showed great promise early on.
• Brady Pettigrew Athletic dynamo. Plays fast and fearless, taking on top-tier competition on both ends.
Already ranked top 10 in his class, and it’s easy to see why.
• Jeremiah Anderson (Duluth HS, GA) Pure shooter. Hits the deep ball consistently and scores with flair. Watch for him to be a top freshman threat in Georgia.
• Abraham Cogan (OR) Silky shooter with a smooth flow. A 2029 prospect worth monitoring—he’s got rhythm and touch.
• Brielen Craft (6’2, Pace Academy, GA) One of your sleepers turned standout. Seasoned guard with great IQ and scoring versatility. His poise stands out in any setting.

• Cody Rader (5’9, 2029)Full of energy—this mini-guard is relentless. Defensively pesky, offensively  aggressive. Hits threes, disrupts passing lanes. Reminds you of Pat Beverley with style and attitude.
• Nekeyma Martin II (6’5, 2029) Stroke alert. His back-to-back threes turned heads immediately.
• Asher Shepard (6’9, Clarke Central, GA) Plays with excitement and raw energy. Potential front court force down the line.
• Jordan Mitchell (6’4, 2028) Athletic guard with Handles and finishes like butter. A smooth scoring guard in the making.
• Joshua Lindsey (6’2, 2028) Posted the dunk of the day. Explosive athlete who impacts both ends—and threw in some defense to match.
• Anthony Sprat Jr. (6’6, 2028) Recently offered by Arkansas. Long, skilled, and scoring from multiple levels—he’s a budding star. Look fir him to make huge gains in the rankings this year.
• William Nelson Jr. (6’7, 2028) Length and versatility—he looks the part and moves like it too.
• Baer Bailey (6’8, SF, Greater Atlanta Christian, GA, 2028) Possibly the weekend’s most impressive 2028. Think Jabari Smith Jr.—he’s that smooth, long, and athletic.
• Kevin Wheatley (6’7, 2028) Big guard who can match up defensively across positions. A high-upside, versatile wing.

• Draydne McDaniel (6’8, 2029) Footwork and high effort define his game. Energizer with a refined touch.
• Bryce Wiersma (6’7, 2028) Crafty and savvy. Uses size well, plays with basketball IQ.
• Benji Berrouet (6’7, 2028) Moves well, shoots well, can create off the bounce. A productive wing with real feel.
• LJ Byrd (6’5, 2028) Athletic downhill wing who attacks the rim with authority. Georgia product headed to
Norcross.
• Braxton Bogard (6’8, 2028) Stretch big with elite passing chops. He can shoot, dribble, and dish—very rare for a frontcourt piece.
• Jermaine Agyeman (6’10, 2028) Tall, talented, still developing—and already poised and loose around the rim.
• David Johnson (6’8, 2029) Length, versatility, upside. A forward still molding—but with tools that stand out today.
• Xavier Hall (6’10, 2028) Gentle hands, court vision near the basket. A future playmaker inside.

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