HoopSeen Tip-Off: Monday Preview
With the first event of our High School June season ready to tip-off, we look at some of the programs coming Monday & their players to watch for:
Hancock Central:
Hancock Central is coming off a Region Championship season where they finished 18-8 and undefeated in Region 5-A D2. The Middle Georgia program from down near Lake Oconee is ready to make their name known early in the June Period behind 3x Region POTY Josiah Ingram & 2028 Najee Reynolds. We've seen both of these guys perform on the AAU circuit this spring on our HoopSeen platform & look forward to seeing them with their HS program.
Alpharetta:
The Raiders have a new leader in charge as successful Middle Georgia-area coach, Ben Smith takes the reins in Alpharetta. As common with Smith's teams, look for this Raiders group to be disciplined and playing with a ton of energy when they take the floor. In the backcourt, look for 2028 Neb Yilma to make an impact after a great Spring. Yilma was named a Top Performer in the 16U division at Bob Gibbons this spring and looks to bring his scoring prowess back to the prep circuit.
Bethlehem Christian:
After huge strides forward the past few seasons, Bethlehem Christian hands leadership of the program over to the accomplished Chris Palmer this upcoming season. Palmer has worked multiple roles in hoops most notably as the Interim HC of D1 Morehead State WBB & most recently with Overtime Elite. Palmer takes over a BCA group with a ton of talent including 2027 Kaden Jackson & Kayle Meeks. Jackson is a long, athletic wing that can get to the rim while Meeks is a sniper that won't come across a shot he doesn't like.
South Forsyth:
South Forsyth is coming off a Sweet 16 appearance in Georgia's highest classification after a 1st Round win on the road over traditional power East Coweta in the 1st Rd of the GHSA State Tournament. They graduated 8 seniors but still have one of their key pieces in 2027 Jayden Harris returning the run the show in his senior season. Harris is a stretch-forward who shoots the ball well for the War Eagles and should be a big part of the offensive gameplan this upcoming year.
White County:
Despite a disappointing regular season record last year, White County is looking forward to the 2026-2027 season led behind Seniors Blayne Gunter & Cooper Adam. Gunter, a move-in last season, is now situated with this Warriors group and is ready to lead them to more wins this upcoming season after a successful spring with the Atlanta Timberwolves. Gunter is a 6'6" Guard who can light it up offensively and is worth the price of admission every time he takes the floor.
Lovett:
This Lovett squad features 2027's Cameron Cannon & Daniel Gadsden coming into their senior year with expectations the highest they have been for this group. Pair them with 2029's Phillip Claybrooks (who just received a D1 Stetson offer) & Benny Crane - you have a core that should be able to compete with any program in the state. We look forward to getting a first look at this veteran Lions group at the HoopSeen June Tip-Off.
Middle Georgia Prep:
Middle Georgia Prep comes into Suwanee Sports Academy with a cast of high-caliber players that will attract of ton of collegiate attention during the live periods. Leading that crew will be 2027 Chris Wray, a 6'5" PG who uses his size and offensive versatility to score at will. Look for MGP to kick their June off with energy and effort as they consistently due each season they take the floor.
Discovery:
2027 Dennis Estrella is coming off a great Junior campaign where he received All-Region HM Honors for the Titans. Due to the graduation of a few guys, look for Estrella's role to continue to increase as he'll be moving much more into an on-ball role. Alongside him, 2027 Will Liddell is a 6'5" 230lb stud who has blown up in football with multiple D1 offers over the past few weeks. He's due for double-digit rebounds almost every time he touches the floor and should lead the Discovery front court.
Promise Prep:
Coming off an appearance in the GAPPS State Title game last season, Promise Prep kicks off the 2026 June period with a brand new roster filled with tons of youth. Loaded with 2029 talent, Kameron Purdiman & Jayden Faulkner should carry the backcourt for Promise Prep. Purdiman is 6'2" slasher that's already playing above the rim while Faulkner is your prototypical PG prospect who will control the tempo for this young squad.
