Road to the Georgia Cup: Highlighting Standouts from GA Cup II
Our Mekhi McKinney was on hand all weekend at the Georgia Cup II. Here are just a few players that stood out to him...
Hot Hand: Lester Allen Takes Over
The Class of 2027 guard put on one of the event’s most dominant scoring displays at Georgia Cup II. He poured in 22 points in one game and then erupted for 33 in a big 69-47 win over HoopAthens. Allen scores from all over the floor—he’s lethal from three-point range and just as effective in transition. He consistently makes winning plays, whether it’s drilling a deep three, pushing the pace for a fast-break bucket, or energizing his team with a hustle play. When Allen heats up, he can seize control of a game and carry his team to victory.
Spark Plug: Marciano Bruno Brings the Juice
Marciano Bruno has been one of the driving forces behind Hoop United’s strong run at Georgia Cup II, combining high-level effort with consistent production all weekend long. In a big 69–47 win, he dropped 23 points and continued to showcase the well-rounded game that’s made him a standout.
Bruno has been lights out from three throughout the weekend, stretching the floor and making defenses pay for giving him any space. His confident stroke from deep has opened up driving lanes and created scoring opportunities for his teammates. But it’s his energy that sets the tone—he crashes the boards hard, hustles in transition, and defends with intensity. Add in his ability to handle the ball and make smart passes, and Bruno’s impact goes far beyond the box score.
Full Throttle: The Young Bull Sets the Tone
Ayden McDonald has been a tone-setter all weekend long at Georgia Cup II, and his latest performance in a win over Hoops United (Avery) only added to his growing momentum. The 6th grade guard poured in 19 points, consistently attacking in transition and keeping the defense on its heels.
What separates McDonald from the pack is his relentless motor—he plays with a level of effort and intensity that’s hard to match. Whether it’s making the right read, diving for loose balls, or pushing the pace off every miss, McDonald does all the little things that help his team win. He’s the type of player whose energy is contagious and whose presence is felt on every possession.
Sharp Shooter: Carter King Delivers from Deep
Carter King has been a steady offensive weapon for Atlanta Xpress 2028 throughout Georgia Cup II. He kicked off the weekend with a smooth 20-point performance, catching fire from beyond the arc and knocking down four threes in the win. His shooting stroke and ability to space the floor made him an early standout.
In a hard-fought 50–47 semifinal win over Promise Elite, King continued to shine—this time showing off his versatility. He added 13 points and dished out 6 assists, making timely plays and keeping the offense flowing. Whether he’s spotting up from deep, creating off the bounce, or setting up teammates, King brings poise and production every time he steps on the floor.
High Motor, Big Impact: Ramarcus Simpson II Sets the Pace
Ramarcus Simpson II set the tone for Hoop Athens 17U this weekend en route to their Georgia Cup II championship. Simpson’s motor was nonstop and it matched the intensity of his whole team. In their run-n’-gun offense, he made play after play—leading the break for easy layups and consistently hitting timely buckets. A very impressive first watch for the 2026 guard out of Hart County High School.
The General: Zeke Locus Steers the Ship
Zeke Locus has been a standout all weekend for Hoop Athens, playing a pivotal role in their dominant run at Georgia Cup II. The 2026 guard from Morgan County High School was a problem for opposing defenses, consistently getting downhill, breaking down defenders, and making high-IQ decisions with the ball.
In their 79-32 win over Team SMASH Grey, Locus dropped 11 points and created havoc on the defensive end. His ability to set the tone with ball pressure, jump passing lanes, and control the pace of the game made him one of the most impactful players on the floor.
Locus brings a poised but aggressive style to the backcourt, balancing scoring with playmaking and making winning plays on both ends. His steady production and leadership throughout the weekend helped guide Hoop Athens to an undefeated run—ultimately leading them to a Georgia Cup II Championship
Engine of the Offense: Cameron Charleswell Delivers
Cameron Charleswell made his presence felt from the opening tip of Georgia Cup II, and he never let up. In Hoops United (Avery)’s opening win over Young Bull Elite, Charleswell was the difference-maker—consistently making the right reads, scoring when his team needed a bucket, and keeping his squad composed in a tight game.
Across all three games, Charleswell was the engine that kept Hoops United moving. He led the team in both scoring and assists on the weekend, showing off a smooth, confident game well beyond his years. Whether it was attacking the paint, pulling up for jumpers, or finding teammates in stride, he made it look effortless.
Finishing with a 2-1 record, Hoops United leaned on Charleswell’s leadership and poise in every matchup. He stood out as one of the better guards in the 6th grade division and proved he’s a name to keep an eye on moving forward.
Dog Mentality: Jason Hendrix Brings the Edge
Jason Hendrix played with a true dog mentality all weekend for Georgia Eclipse 2030. He competed with toughness and confidence, showing maturity beyond his years. Hendrix used his strong frame to bully defenders, absorb contact, and finish through traffic. He combined that physicality with a polished skill set—tight handle, smooth footwork, and the ability to score from all levels. His aggressive mindset and well-rounded game made him one of the toughest matchups in the 7th grade division.
Relentless Rim Pressure: Demarion Benson Impresses
Demarion Benson continues to turn heads with his play at Georgia Cup II. The long, athletic guard out of Hewitt-Trussville High School thrives at getting downhill, using his length and burst to blow by defenders and finish strong at the rim. He plays with confidence and control, showing off a smooth handle that allows him to create space and make plays in tight windows. Whether he’s slashing to the basket or making the right read, Benson brings a tough, fearless edge every time he steps on the floor.
Next Up: Dalton Black Keeps Rising
Dalton Black continued his stellar play at Georgia Cup II, building off his momentum from earlier this spring. The 2027 guard was locked in all weekend, showcasing his smooth scoring touch and high-level feel for the game. He knocked down shots from deep, attacked closeouts with control, and made tough finishes in traffic look routine.
Black’s poise, pace, and ability to create for himself stood out as he helped lead Refuse 2 Lose to a strong 3-2 showing. His confidence with the ball, combined with his length and skill, makes him a tough cover at the guard spot. Coaches should start tracking Black closely—he’s consistently producing, and he’s proving he can impact games at a high level.
