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.
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