ISAIASH CHANDLER DUNK OG YEAR OTR WINTER SHOWCASE

ISAIASH CHANDLER DUNK OG YEAR OTR WINTER SHOWCASE

This Saturday On the Radar Hoops will host the Winter Showcase at North Cobb Christian in Kennesaw, Georgia. The four game set features familiar programs and a few teams that we have yet to evaluate this season. Here is what you need to know heading into this weekend’s event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

7:30pm North Cobb Christian vs. Campbell

North Cobb Christian is off to a 7-1 start this season. Aside from a loss to Chaminade, a nationally renowned program, the Eagles have run through their opponents. Coach Greg Matta is riding the talent of a talented sophomore class. Wing Brock Bass Bonner leads the way with shot making and athleticism. Bonner notched a season high of 30 points and nine rebounds in their latest win over Union County. He is joined by fellow sophomore forward Xavier Butler who is a double-double machine. His notable game was a 28-point, 24 rebound outing over Ringgold. Watch for guards Grant Roblich and Isaiah Chandler to play big roles the rest of the season. And Jordan Wiseman and Will Russell have shown promise as well.

Coach James Gwynn has the Spartans off to a 6-2 start on the season. They pulled out an impressive overtime road win versus Chattahoochee at the beginning of the month. A trio of senior guards have led the way this season. Point guard Sharif Mosley provides shot making and ball handling. Senior guard Kaylan Robertson is a player with talent and promise. He is regularly one of the Spartans leading scorers. Add in the effort that Jaelen Cheaves routinely offers, and the Spartans are poised for big things this season.

6pm Chapel Hill vs. North Atlanta

The Panthers of Chapel Hill are off to a respectable 6-3 start to the season. Their wins include a victory over Canarsie (NY) at the TOC Classic and another over Lakeside-Dekalb at the Double Trouble Invitational. Senior guard CJ Geathers looks to be the key to the Panther offense. He is an athletic, slashing guard who can fill it up in the lane. He is joined in the back court by senior Christian McAllister who can fill up it with jumpers from the perimeter. Keep an eye out for Jasiah Devone and Breon Barnett who are also senior guards that have the experience and toughness necessary in this environment.

Krystal Wells has led the Warriors to a 9-3 start this season. Senior point guard Mason Sampson is a talented guard on the roster. He recently had a 26-point outing in a win over Alpharetta. He is joined by senior wings Mayson Baker and Kai Bryant-Strother. Both have contributed early this season with points and defense. Junior post Kevin Curtis holds the lane down for Wells’ squad. He is a nightly double-double threat.

4:30pm Pebblebrook vs. Woodstock

Pebblebrook is 5-4 to start the year, but George Washington has chosen to play a very tough pre-region schedule. Close losses to Norcross, Kell, and McEachern are evidence of the Falcons potential and talent than otherwise. Junior point guard Zyree Brown has been a revelation this season. He can push the tempo and score buckets in the half-court set. Senior guard Jaiyvon Nurse is one of the more well-rounded prospects in the Metro area. Senior guard Max McNeil provides a nice complement to Brown in the back court as he is a threat to score on the weakside reversal. Washington has size along the front line as well. Sophomore wing-forward Anthony Moon (6-foot-7) looks to be coming into his own as a contributor.

Woodstock is experiencing some growing pains early this season. But they do have a bright future with freshman guard Jahmar Maurice. He recently went for 30 points in a win over Sprayberry. Coach Eric Blair also looks to senior guard Joseph Tully and sophomore forward Taj Saragba for production. Tully is a steady handler who can shake free for points as well. Saragba is a force in the middle of the lane. He is earning recruiting attention with his production and potential on the court.

3pm Fayette County vs. Mount Bethel

The program has a 23-year streak of making the state tournament and they certainly looked poised to add another year to that record. Coach Andre Flynn has a budding star in Jackson Rutley. He is a junior who is earning plenty of attention in this early season. He is flanked in the backcourt by seniors Taj Jawwaad and AJ Perry who provide experience and toughness for the Tigers.

Coach Cal Boyd opted for a tough pre-region schedule, but he still has the Eagles entering the week with a 6-4 record. Senior guard Tej Efemini is a capable leader with athleticism and talent. Sophomore guard Alex Kiumijian is an emerging shot maker in the Metro area. While freshman center Peter Julius is a big man ready to make a big impact this season. He is a capable double-double threat nightly while also being a shot blocking rim protector.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.