The 12U Division continued to shape as the Georgia Canes notched a couple more victories on Saturday. Last night Andre Young did the majority of the damage but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the play of Michael Matthews. Sometimes overshadowed by Young’s steady play from the guard spot, Matthews is a versatile forward that carried the load while Young was on the bench against the Georgia Kings. Matthews scored 13 points last night and for an encore led the Canes with 16 in their 56-22 Day 2 victory. He finished well with his size when attacking the basket, leaving the smaller Kings defenders helpless. Young played another all-around strong game alongside Matthews with 10 points, four rebounds and five steals.

13U TNBC 2021 Select used rock-solid defense to pull away from the Montgomery Fire late for a 47-35 win. TNBC’s perimeter defenders stayed low all game long and the defense moved on a string, making it difficult for the Fire to ever get hot in the half court. TNBC was led by Derek McDonald’s 19 points and Landon Kardian’s 12.

Individual talent and team talent were on display in the 16U Division. Mervin James (pictured) had a nice game to help Georgia Stars Murray earn their first W of the weekend, beating Georgia Orangemen Elite 1, 66-52. The springy forward should see a major increase in minutes this upcoming season at Pebblebrook.

On the team side of things, the Georgia Bulls boasted a bevy of talent from Lakeside-Evans High School. Kalen Williams and Brad Hilley took care of business in the fourth quarter, combining for 10 of the Bulls’18. Williams finished with 19 points, using a tight handle to squeeze into the lane and finish at the cup. Hilley knocked down four threes – two in the fourth quarter – to give the Bulls the separation they needed in their 64-58 victory.

17U Atlanta Timberwolves withstood a 23-point outburst from Active Elite’s Adrian Cohen to nab a 58-53 decision. Cohen looked like a man amongst boys at points in the game with his physical build and downhill approach. Grant Frerking and Austin Deckard were steady throughout for the Timberwolves, especially when Active Elite started to make things interesting late. Frerking netted 17 points and Deckard added 12 while hitting two three-pointers. Everett Lane played tough from his guard position, scoring eight points all from the line and drawing two charges.