HoopSeen Weekly Report 02.10.26
BEST WE SAW:
2026 Kyler Johnson - Dodge County: Kyler Johnson stole the show with a big 23-point performance, taking control of the game as it progressed. He got going in the second quarter with 12 points, capped by a buzzer-beater heading into halftime, and continued to score by getting to the free-throw line, knocking down midrange shots, and using a strong right hook against smaller defenders.
2026 Huey Blalock - Rabun County (Navy Commit): Huey Blalock put together one of the most impressive performances of the week, showing why he’s one of the most reliable guards in the state. The Navy commit controlled the tempo from the opening tip and never let the game speed up beyond his comfort level. His feel for the game was on full display, consistently making the right reads, getting his team organized, and taking over when his group needed offense.
Blalock finished with a game-high 25 points, doing most of his damage in the second half where he completely shifted the momentum. He mixed in tough shot-making from the perimeter with confident downhill attacks, showing his ability to score at all three levels. What stood out most was his pace and poise — he never looked rushed and dictated every possession late.
When the game tightened, Blalock embraced the moment and closed it out like a veteran floor general. It was a complete, controlled performance that perfectly reflects the leadership and toughness he’ll bring to the next level. - Mekhi McKinney
2028 Jaden McCullough - Holy Innocents: Jaden McCullough delivered one of the most electric scoring performances of the night and played a major role in the win. He caught fire in the third quarter, knocking down three walk-down threes in a row and completely shifting the momentum of the game.
Once he found his rhythm, McCullough stayed in a flow state and proved why he’s regarded as one of the most gifted scorers in the state. His shiftiness, confidence, and shot-making ability made him nearly impossible to contain as he created offense from all areas of the floor.
He finished with 27 points and was a huge spark in the second half, taking control when his team needed a go-to scorer to separate and close things out. - Mekhi McKinney
2026 Devin Hutcherson - Holy Innocents (Belmont Commit): Devin Hutcherson delivered a huge performance and played a major role in the win with his relentless downhill pressure. He finished with 25 points, constantly attacking the rim and putting the defense in difficult positions all night. There simply wasn’t a defender who could consistently stay in front of him once he got going.
Hutcherson was a one-man fast break in transition, turning rebounds and turnovers into instant offense and shifting momentum with his speed and physicality. He likely posted a double-double with rebounds and made his presence felt on the defensive end as well, taking on a tough assignment and competing on every possession.
It was a complete, high-energy performance that showed his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. - Mekhi Mckinney
2027 Brandon Pemberton - Parkview: Brandon Pemberton turned in a standout performance and did everything he could to keep his team competitive. He finished with 19 points and nearly recorded a triple-double, impacting the game in just about every way possible.
Pemberton filled the stat sheet with his playmaking, rebounding, and defensive activity while still carrying a major scoring load. His versatility and feel for the game were on full display, as he consistently made winning plays and kept the pressure on the opposing defense.
Performances like this continue to show that it’s only a matter of time before his recruitment takes a significant jump. - Mekhi McKinney
SENIORS:
Hayes Free - Rabun County: Hayes Free delivered a huge all-around performance and brought consistent energy on both ends of the floor. He got off to a strong start with 11 points in the first half, attacking the paint and finding ways to score within the flow of the offense. As the game went on, his confidence only grew.
Free followed it up with a 12-point second half, punctuated by a few big-time dunks that brought momentum and life to his team. He finished with 23 points and added 8 rebounds, making his presence felt well beyond scoring. His activity on the glass, ability to run the floor, and physical play made him a constant problem for the defense.
It was the kind of performance that shows his value as a high-motor, impact forward who can change the feel of a game with his energy and toughness. - Mekhi McKinney
2026 Carlin Jacob - Columbia High School: Class of 2026 guard Carlin Jacob led the Eagles with 13 points and made his presence felt with his athleticism in the open floor. He consistently pushed the pace and finished strong in transition, helping spark the offense and secure the win.
2026 Deven Nelson - Columbia High School: Class of 2026 guard Deven Nelson added 12 points and provided steady scoring alongside Jacob. His offensive production played a key role in helping the Eagles move into first place.
2026 Duor Duor - South Atlanta (NCCU Commit): 6’9” North Carolina Central University commit Duor Duor showcased his versatility with a dominant all-around performance. He finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks while impacting the game on both ends of the floor and showing the ability to play positions 1 through 5.
2026 Galvin Hilburn - Dodge County: Galvin Hilburn added 12 points and provided valuable secondary scoring throughout the game. His offensive contribution helped Dodge County maintain control and close out the win.
2026 Jaydon Johnson - East Coweta: Class of 2026 guard Jaydon Johnson delivered a clutch moment late, scoring the go-ahead basket during East Coweta’s fourth-quarter run. His play helped secure a big road region win in a tightly contested game.
2026 Harper Rife - East Coweta: Columbus State commit Harper Rife added 13 points and provided steady scoring throughout the game. His offensive production helped East Coweta maintain momentum in a tough road environment.
2026 Ramarcus Bowden - Westlake: Ramarcus Bowden added 17 points and played a major role in Westlake’s offensive effort. His scoring helped keep the game close down the stretch.
JUNIORS:
David Askew - East Coweta: Class of 2027 big man David Askew made his presence felt inside, finishing with 13 points and 8 rebounds. His size and activity in the paint were key factors in East Coweta controlling the interior.
Sean Smith - Holy Innocents: Sean Smith proved to be the X-factor in HIES’s win with a defensive performance that changed the game. His pressure in the second half created constant disruption, making every possession uncomfortable for North Oconee and preventing them from ever getting into a consistent offensive rhythm.
Smith’s energy, activity, and ability to create chaos on the perimeter fueled momentum and helped swing control of the game. His impact went far beyond the box score, as his defense set the tone and played a major role in closing out the win. - Mekhi McKinney
2027 Kylan Thomas - Marietta High School: Kylan Thomas brought the energy that helped spark the second-half turnaround, adding 8 points and 2 steals. His defensive activity and hustle plays helped shift momentum and ignite his team after halftime.
2027 Ke'Muary Lee - South Atlanta: Class of 2027 forward Ke’Muary Lee chipped in 11 points and provided valuable support offensively. His scoring helped keep the Hornets competitive throughout the matchup.
2027 Adam Wells - Dodge County: Adam Wells delivered a strong all-around performance with 9 points and 9 rebounds. His work on the glass and interior presence played an important role in Dodge County’s victory.
UNDERCLASSMEN:
2028 Johnquell Garner - Westlake: Class of 2028 Johnquell Garner brought high energy and constant pressure attacking the rim, finishing with 24 points. His ability to slash and score kept Westlake in the fight all night.
2028 Julian Lanier - Marietta High School: Class of 2028 guard Julian Lanier had a huge impact, finishing with 15 points and completely taking over in the third quarter with 10 of them. He knocked down two threes, was efficient from midrange, and showed strong control of the game during the stretch that helped create separation.
2029 Braylon Whitfield - Marietta High School: Braylon Whitfield delivered a strong shooting performance, finishing with 14 points while going 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. His ability to space the floor and knock down big perimeter shots gave his team a consistent offensive boost.
2028 Merrick Ham - Marietta High School: Merrick Ham chipped in 14 points, doing most of his damage in the third quarter. He was effective attacking the rim and sealed the win with a clutch catch-and-shoot three late in the quarter.
North Oconee Duo:
2026 Banks Pourchier (Stetson Commit) & 2027 Justin Wise: Banks Pourchier turned in a strong performance despite the loss, finishing with 19 points while making his presence felt in the paint. He was physical around the rim, finished through contact, and showed soft touch on interior scoring opportunities. His inside production kept the offense steady and gave his team a consistent scoring option throughout the night.
Justin Wise matched him with 19 points of his own before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. He provided a major offensive spark, scoring at key moments and helping keep the game competitive. Wise’s ability to step up and produce when needed was a big factor in his team staying within striking distance. - Mekhi McKinney
