Georgia high school basketball delivered another slate of high-level action with multiple programs showing identity, toughness, and next-level talent. From Grayson’s mix of youth and experience, to Lambert’s inside-outside punch, to a highly anticipated Tri-Cities vs. Wheeler showdown, the night offered a clear snapshot of who’s ready for the moment as the season builds momentum.
Grayson
6’7″ 2027 F Byron Lee once again embraced his identity as the ultimate “garbage man” and energizer. Lee attacked the glass relentlessly, earning multiple second-chance opportunities and outworking bigger players for put-backs. His motor remains one of Grayson’s quiet advantages.
2026 G Marcus Curry played a balanced game, easing into the first half as freshman Austin Leonard carried part of the scoring load. But Curry elevated in the third quarter, thriving in transition, posting smaller guards, and converting defense into offense, a signature of his game.
Freshman Austin Leonard continues to prove why he’s considered one of the best young players in the state. He made timely shots, rebounded in traffic, and defended multiple spots. Leonard’s poise, confidence, and feel is impressive for a young player.
Winder-Barrow: Jerrin Samuels Fights To Keep WB Afloat
Furman signee Jerrin Samuels had to shoulder a heavy offensive load for Winder-Barrow. Without a true point guard available, the lefty scorer was forced into dual duties as the team’s primary creator and finisher. While he attacked the role with effort, his natural strength remains pure scoring, getting downhill, hitting tough jumpers, and creating his own shot. Samuels showed again why Furman is getting a true bucket-getter.
Lambert: The Dopfer–Rodriguez One–Two Punch
Will Dopfer (Longwood signee) set the tone early with two emphatic dunks, establishing physicality from the opening tip. The undersized forward thrives in contact, embraces physical play, and consistently finishes through traffic. His 26-point performance highlighted his athleticism, toughness and motor.
Isaac Rodriguez complemented Dopfer perfectly. With deep range and a quick trigger, Rodriguez spaced the floor and punished defenses for collapsing inside. His shotmaking provided the ideal outside punch to Dopfer’s interior dominance.
GAME OF THE NIGHT: Tri-Cities v Wheeler, A Heavyweight Clash
The most anticipated matchup of the evening lived up to expectations—and then some. The game was physical, chippy, and played at a high tempo from start to finish. Wheeler’s early man pressure disrupted Tri-Cities, throwing them off rhythm and forcing hurried possessions.
Colben Landrew Sets the Tone
UConn signee Colben Landrew was locked in from the opening tip. He scored at all three levels—deep threes, strong drives, and above-the-rim finishes. Landrew’s competitive fire and ability to take over stretches of the game made him the standout performer of the night.
Saulsberry & Wheeler’s Firepower
Ole Miss signee 6’6″ WG Jaron Saulsberry showcased why he’s one of the most dynamic athletes in the country. He defended at a high level, showed an improved jumper and attacked the rim with authority. Watch your head when he’s in your vicinity, lobs are coming! His two-way impact stood out.
With 2027 PG Kevin Savage III controlling tempo at point guard, Clemson’s signee Amare James stretching the defense on the wing, senior Lammarion Lewis providing defensive tenacity and timely shot-making and sophomore Shamar Madden providing an instant spark off the bench, scoring both off the bounce and with the jumper, this Wheeler team while not deep and lacking size, has the offensive tools to compete with top teams nationally. Their competitiveness, explosiveness, and defensive energy make them a legitimate favorite to win it all in Georgia.
Tri-Cities’ Bright Spot: Tre Keith
Tri-Cities’ 2027 PG Tre Keith continued to prove he’s one of the premier young guards in Georgia. His competitiveness, pace, and playmaking kept Tri-Cities fighting despite Wheeler’s pressure. Keith is firmly in the conversation with Savage as one of the top point guards in the state.
Final Takeaway
The night delivered elite matchups, breakout moments, and further clarity on which teams and players are separating themselves early in the season. Wheeler looks every bit like a championship contender, Lambert has a real inside-outside identity, and there’s no shortage of young talent emerging across the state. Georgia basketball once again showed why it’s one of the deepest and most competitive hoops states in the country.