HoopSeen Weekly Report 01.05.26
Happy New Year! We're excited for a great 2026 ahead. High school region playoffs, state playoffs, & the spring season with HoopSeen are all approaching! Great time for hoops in Georgia where the end of 2025 & start of 2026 have started off with a bang! Our team attended three great events in the Atlanta Holiday Classic hosted by AEBL & KIPP Atlanta, Lemon Street Classic hosted by Marietta High School & the Grayson New Year's Day Classic. Throughout the week, our team attended games from these events as well as other one-off matchups on both the boys and girls side:
Best We Saw...
Bryce Howson - Decatur:Bryce Howson impacted the game in so many winning ways for Decatur to secure a big win this past weekend. Howson scored the bucket that mattered most, finishing a layup in transition to seal the victory. Beyond that moment, he was a straight dog on the defensive end, making life uncomfortable for opposing guards all night. His ability to keep his team under control and set the table for Decatur did not go unnoticed. - Mekhi Mckinney
Tobias Brinkley - Decatur:
Tobias Brinkley was outstanding with 18 points in Decatur’s win this past weekend. At 6’7, Brinkley impacted winning in a variety of ways, scoring efficiently from all three levels, consistently making the right reads with the ball, and crashing the offensive glass to create extra possessions. His skill set gives him a strong chance to be a highly utilized freshman next year in the American Conference. - Mekhi Mckinney
Isaiah Chandler - North Cobb Christian:
Isaiah Chandler was great in the win for NCC, finishing with 31 points in the victory. He consistently put pressure on the defense with downhill, straight-line drives, creating constant mismatches at the guard spot. Chandler also knocked down shots from the perimeter, showing his ability to score at all three levels. He’s been putting the state on notice that he’s one of those ones. - Mekhi Mckinney
Torian Greene - Alexander:
Torian Greene looked like the best player on the floor, scoring efficiently from all three levels while also making his presence felt on the defensive end. He continues to show why he’s one of the top available guards in the 2026 class. There’s a lot of production Greene can provide at the next level given his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways from the guard spot. - Mekhi Mckinney
Justin Wise - North Oconee:
There aren’t many kids who can do what Justin Wise does. His confidence and high-level shot-making make him difficult to cover. Wise has range well beyond the three-point line, which opens up his driving game, and he loves using his body to create space in the mid-range. He’s also grown as a playmaker, recognizing the attention he draws and consistently finding teammates for open looks. - Mekhi Mckinney
Emmanuel Alofe - McEachern:
Emmanuel Alofe had a performance that definitely had people talking for the short-handed McEachern group. At 6’7, Alofe shows legitimate two-way ability. His fluidity on the defensive end allows him to guard positions 1-5 and protect the rim at a high level. Offensively, he consistently knocked down open threes and used his springy athleticism to score on second-chance opportunities, finishing with a couple nasty dunks. - Mekhi Mckinney
Future College Stars:
Tyler Jones - Locust Grove (GCSU-Commit): GCSU commit Tyler Jones turned in a solid performance with 13 points, highlighted by a nasty two-hand poster. His versatility was on full display as he impacted the game in a variety of ways on both ends of the floor, making winning plays beyond just scoring. As a long, high-level athlete with good mobility and decision-making, he showed he could be a freshman who sees the floor a lot next year. - Mekhi Mckinney
Pops Dunson - Alexander (Colorado State-Commit):
Pops Dunson went for 28 in Alexander’s win over McEachern. We’re used to seeing Dunson get it done from behind the arc, but this performance featured a lot of scoring off pace, getting into the mid-range, and finishing through contact in the paint. Dunson remains one of the best scorers in the state and continues to produce when the lights come on. - Mekhi Mckinney
Jalan Wingfield - Tri-Cities (Georgia Tech-Commit): Jalan Wingfield looked polished in his performance this past weekend against North Oconee. He took advantage of opposing bigs by pulling them out of the paint and knocking down jumpers, while mixing in post work. He also ran the floor really well, leading to some easy dunks. - Mekhi Mckinney
Charlie Gersmehl - Gainesville (Belmont-Commit):
What stands out about Charlie Gershmehl is the consistency he brings every night. Gainesville knows exactly what they’re getting from him. He played a complete game on both ends, and his versatility continues to be extremely valuable. Gershmehl can make plays from the mid-post, score in a variety of ways, rebound, and protect the rim. He continues a steady senior season as he helps keep Gainesville undefeated and will bring that same versatility to Belmont at the next level.- Mekhi Mckinney
Duor Duor - South Atlanta (NC Central-Commit): In a matchup against Tift County in the Lemon Street Classic, Duor Duor had his hands full against another top Forward in GA, Kaden Lawson. From the very tip, Duor used his athleticism to attack the rim with a put-back dunk in the first few possessions of the game. Worked well around the free-throw line by either attacking the basket or pulling up from the midrange. Showed his versatility as a defender & his high-level shot blocking ability. Duor & his South Atlanta team walked away with the W behind his performance.
Manny Green - Cedar Grove (Tennessee-Commit): Manny Green is coming off a tear of high-scoring performances, including multiple 30-point games and a 40-point outing. People often want him to be more aggressive, and he answered that call. While being aggressive as a scorer, Green still made his impact felt all over the floor by rebounding at a high level, making defensive plays, and facilitating offense. His role flexibility prepares him well for the next level. - Mekhi Mckinney
Kennedy Deese - Kell (Howard-Commit): The Howard-commit is a wing with a great frame that uses it well to excel on the defensive end. Her whole Kell team takes pride on creating possessions for themselves and she's a big part of that. On offense, she plays within the gameplan & often takes the right shot when it's given to her, in transition she's a serious threat that can attack the rim. Good spot-up shooter that hits at a high-rate.
Tatum Holmes - John's Creek (North Georgia-Commit): Tatum is an Iso nightmare for defenders and creates a lot with his handle against opponents. The future UNG Nighthawk plays with the same infectious energy that caught our team's attention this summer with SEBA. High-level shooter that makes defenders pay for giving him space.
Gabbie Gilatta - North Forsyth (Emmanuel-Commit): Quick off the dribble, lethal first step. Scrappy defender who causes havoc. Great catch&shoot guard. Gets to her spots with ease & understands the shots she's trying to take. Can score it or create for others, makes the right read consistently.
Senior Standouts:
KJ White - Gainesville: KJ White came up huge for Gainesville in the second half of their comeback win over Cedar Grove. White completely controlled the pace, getting his team organized and executing every possession. After nearly every key bucket, it was White setting it up. Big-time plays from the 2026 point guard as Gainesville fought to pull out the win. - Mekhi Mckinney
Vincent Kray - Drew Charter:
6’7 Vincent Kray had a big-time showing with 30 points, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. He was active on the glass and protected the rim with 4+ blocks, consistently making his presence felt defensively. Offensively, Kray operated comfortably out of the mid-post, attacking defenders for strong finishes at the rim while also stepping out and knocking down three triples. - Mekhi Mckinney
Chris Person - Decatur:
Decatur may not leave Grayson with a win without Chris Person’s performance. He left his imprint all over the third quarter, throwing down a momentum-shifting dunk and providing much-needed second-chance points. His motor was relentless and proved too much for the Grayson bigs. - Mekhi Mckinney
CJ Lewis - Locust Grove: CJ Lewis is the perfect combo guard for this Locust Grove group. His ability to get hot from deep was on display as he knocked down three triples, but he also showed his ability to get to his spots off the bounce and score in multiple ways. - Mekhi Mckinney
Bryce Jackson - Gainesville: Bryce Jackson continues his steady senior season, giving Gainesville exactly what they need from him. He takes pride on the defensive end, guarding well on the perimeter and using his athleticism to jump passing lanes and create easy offense. Offensively, Jackson has been reliable getting downhill and knocking down shots at an efficient rate. - Mekhi Mckinney
Blake Bracco - North Oconee: It was a pleasure watching Blake Bracco compete this past weekend. He was one of the hardest-playing kids in the gym all day. Along with that effort, he showed poise at the point guard spot, keeping his group level-headed. Bracco knocked down open jumpers and consistently found his scorers in the right spots. - Mekhi Mckinney
Jason Welborn - Decatur: Jason Welborn plays every game like he has something to prove. His competitiveness and intensity were on full display as he made timely buckets and big defensive plays. His team clearly feeds off his energy, and another weekend went by with Welborn continuing to make statements. - Mekhi Mckinney
Luke Lawson - North Oconee:
There was a lot to like from Luke Lawson’s performance this past weekend. The 6’8 big man accepted the challenge defensively against a solid Tri-Cities frontcourt and was very active on the boards. He scored around the basket with touch and also stepped out to knock down a couple jumpers. - Mekhi Mckinney
Donaven Thomas - Grayson:
Donaven Thomas gave Grayson a nice spark off the bench this past weekend. He’s one of the better scorers in the state when he gets going, and he delivered a couple highlight plays that energized the crowd. Much of his scoring came from the mid-range, knocking down tough shots that only a few guys can consistently make.- Mekhi Mckinney
Kaden Lawson - Tift County: The Tift product made his way up to the Atlanta area for a big-time matchup against South Atlanta in the Lemon Street Classic over the holiday season. High-level athlete that excels at scoring at & around the rim. Along with that, Lawson showed off his range as he knocked down 2 3pt FG's against South Atlanta in a tight loss. Outside of scoring, his shot-blocking will be able to transfer to the next level for whatever college program grabs him.
Bol Deng - South Atlanta: Deng has a nice handle that allows him to run the offense for South Atlanta. He gets downhill in a hurry & puts pressure on help-side defenses by finding open teammates or attacking the rim himself. If left open, he hits outside shots & forced turnovers as an on-ball defender.
Malik Rideout - Grayson: Malik had a standout performance in the Atlanta Holiday Classic against Cedar Grove. He excelled in getting downhill & finishing through contact. Knocked down multiple mid-range buckets & threes. High-effort on defensive side of the ball and made multiple hustle plays in the W.
Nate McDaniel - Sprayberry: A SCORING THREAT. In a huge win for the Sprayberry program over Sandy Creek, Nate McDaniel was an offensive weapon for the Jackets. He hit a plethora of 3's & scored in bunches to lead his squad to a W. Picked up an offer from Minnesota North College after the performance.
Junior Standouts:
Xavier Butler - North Cobb Christian:
It was a strong week for Xavier Butler, as he put together two high-level performances. His ability to knock down the three ball with range, combined with his athleticism, is going to open the floodgates for offers. Butler has a high motor, can guard multiple positions, and is versatile offensively. There’s a lot to like about the 2027 prospect. - Mekhi Mckinney
Grant Robich - North Cobb Christian:
Grant Robich had a great showing this weekend in both viewings. He’s a poised point guard who knows how to manage the talent around him while still getting his own. Robich operated well out of the pick-and-roll, and what stood out most was his willingness to make winning plays, diving for loose balls and sneaking in for offensive rebounds to create extra possessions. He’s a quality college-level point guard. - Mekhi Mckinney
Jace Edwards - North Atlanta:
Jace Edwards is a guard whose stock should rise significantly once travel ball starts in the spring. He’s crafty and plays with a burst that allows him to get to the rim at will and make shots off the bounce. When Edwards gets going, there’s not much defenses can do to slow him down. - Mekhi Mckinney
Tre Keith - Tri-Cities:
Tre Keith put together a strong weekend with a 25-point performance. His pace and craftsmanship helped him create easy offense, scoring from all three levels. That scoring ability opens up his playmaking, as there aren’t many passes he can’t make. He held his own in a big-time matchup against North Oconee. - Mekhi Mckinney
MJ Curry - Grayson: MJ Curry had a solid first half in an absolute battle between Decatur and Grayson. He knocked down big shots from the perimeter and mid-range, and his elite athleticism showed up on a breakaway dunk and a few rim-protection plays. Curry took a hard fall late in the second quarter and was shaken up, but his impact was clear. - Mekhi Mckinney
Alyko Raphael - Greenforest: 6'10" Forward out of Greenforst that showed a ton of upside in a loss to Dutchtown. Moved well, rebounded well, blocked multiple shots and was a presence inside. Made multiple good passes out of the post to open teammates for assists. Gets up in a hurry while catching a lob for a dunk late in Q4. Big-time potential in this kid.
Jordan Wiseman - North Cobb Christian: Jordan Wiseman gives a loaded North Cobb Christian team another valuable scoring option. His quick first step getting downhill was on display in their win over Lake Oglethorpe. When he finds a rhythm, Wiseman can score in bunches. - Mekhi Mckinney
Kevin Rogers Jr. - Cedar Grove: Great sidekick for Tennessee-commit Manny Green over at Cedar Grove. With so much attention on Green, Kevin Rogers Jr. consistently makes teams pay for leaving him open. High motor guard who can get downhill and a hurry. Uses his physical build to play through contact & finish strong at the rim. 2027 to pay more attention to moving forward.
Kyann Senior - Marietta: Heartbeat of this talented Marietta group. Ultra aggressive defender who loves physicality. Despite her size, she's one of the top rebounders of the group just based off of effort & will. She excels on the offensive glass & a lot of scoring comes from put-backs. Has the ability to hit a open mid-range or outside shot off a catch as well.
Ian Kelly - Whitefield Academy: Strong, physical guard that doesn't mind playing through contact. Pushes the pace in transition. Led his Whitefield Academy team to a big win over River Ridge on a big stage at State Farm Arena. Look to hear more out of Kelly over the next few months.
Brandon Flint - River Ridge: Has to be one of the higher-level shooters in the 2027 class in Georgia. In a loss to Whitefield, Flint kept his team alive by hitting numerous shots from deep. Moves well without the ball. Willing defender.
Maliyah Gilbert - Kell: Confident player that can get a bucket when her team needs it, high-level junior that can score from multiple places on the floor. Makes good reads in the half-court to find open teammates & like the rest of her Longhorn squad - a high-level defender.
Underclassmen Standouts:
Morghan Reckley - Sandy Creek: Considered one of the top prospects in the country for her class, Reckley dropped 40 in a loss against Kell. She's a high-level shooter but can also get to the rim. Elite ball handler & is relied upon to take on the majority of the offense for Sandy Creek. Good on-ball defender that creates transition opportunities. Holds multiple High Major D1 offers already as a sophomore.
Leah Dewitt - Marietta: One of the top prospects on the girls side for 2028, Leah put on another show against South Gwinnett. Point Guard that can push the pace in transition and is looking to score as soon as she crosses half court. With that, Leah surpassed the 1000pt mark on this night as only a sophomore. Currently, she's the leading scorer across the state in GHSA AAAAAA division. On top of the scoring, she's a high level shot blocker who picks up at least 2-4 blocks per game. We look forward to see where the rest of her high school career takes her.
Kendall Arnett - North Forsyth: Great in transition, finishes well around the rim with contact. Versatile defender who can guard 1-5 on the court. Extremely strong for her age & uses physicality to create advantages.
Brayden Wise - North Oconee:
There’s another Wise coming out of North Oconee, and his future looks bright. The young guard shot the ball with confidence and played with poise beyond his years, never looking like a freshman. There’s a lot to like about Wise’s game, and North Oconee has another strong guard prospect to build with moving forward. - Mekhi Mckinney
Zoe Williams - Marietta: Freshman that plays beyond her age. An elite finisher that can blow by defenders and finish at a high % around the rim. High motor defender who forces turnovers. 2029 to track on the girls side on a loaded Marietta team.
