GHSA Team Preview: Alexander Cougars
The high school season is going to be here before we know it. In anticipation, HoopSeen has decided to start the countdown by previewing some of Georgia’s most anticipated, intriguing teams.
Starting with A and working our way through the alphabet, we’ll highlight some of the Peach State’s teams to know.
We’re kicking things off with Alexander.
When looking at the revamped GHSA region alignments, Alexander looks to be one of the clear favorites in 6A.
Last season, the Cougars went 24-5 overall and 13-1 in their region. Ultimately, they were knocked off in the second round of the state playoffs by the eventual champions, Grovetown.
While they lost some significant pieces to last season’s successful team, the Cougars should be vying for a No. 1 seed in the 6A tournament this season. They return a good amount of production, and in June, those guys showed that they’re ready to carry the torch passed on by the graduating seniors.
Players to know
Lue is going to be a mismatch in just about every game that the Cougars play this season. On this team, he’ll likely be utilized around the basket because of his size, length and physicality. The 6-foot-7 junior will be on double-double watch every time Alexander plays. He’s also shown plenty on terms of a developing perimeter skillset. Lue is adept when it comes to attacking from the wing, and his 3-point shot has grown into a serious weapon. His versatility extends to the defensive end too. Lue will be an integral piece to Alexander’s disruptive defense whether he’s guarding near the basket or out on the perimeter. He was one of the state’s biggest risers this summer.
This cougars squad is going to run out multiple 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-7 wings that can switch on defense and disrupt with their length. Marvin McGhee is part of that group. With Alexander in June, McGhee was a standout because of how well he shot the ball. He’s got a clean jumper and can pour ‘em in from 3-point range. When McGhee’s shot is falling, he’s a difficult player to stop. He utilizes his physical attributes well around the basket and can take advantage of a versatile offensive bag. Look for him to continue his rise this winter.
Not many players in the state had a better July than Noah Melson. With the Atlanta Allstars, the 6-foot-6 guard, picked up several D1 offers before ultimately committing to the Mocs in Chattanooga. His quality defense will help Alexander frustrate opponents. Offensively, Melson has built a reputation as a shooter, and he has a knack for hitting timely shots. He has continually gotten better as an offensive creator too. Melson should be in line for a productive senior season.
Look out for
The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard has a lot of experienced players ahead of him in the rotation, but don’t sleep on him to show flashes of potential when he’s on the floor. Hutchinson has good length and can shoot the ball well from deep. Once this group of seniors moves on, Hutchinson will take on a more prominent role on the team, but he’s still someone to monitor this coming season.
HoopSeen prediction
Without knowing the totality of their schedule, I’d expect the Cougars to finish with a similar record as last season’s team if not a better one. If we were ranking 6A teams, I’d slot Alexander at the No. 2 spot behind Grovetown.
Anything can happen during state playoff time, but Alexander should be one of the preseason favorites to make the final four of the tournament.
