Night 1 of the HoopSeen Super Regional tipped off at Suwanee Sports Academy on Friday Night. I was hunkered down and caught some impressive performances out of the 13U Division.

13U Who’s Who

All-In Elite’s length and size powered them to a 71-34 victory over the North Georgia Warriors. Big man Daniel Martin (pictured) was a standout inside for All-In. The lefty used his size to his advantage and was patient when catching the ball on the low block and would work his way closer to the rim with two to three dribbles, backing his man underneath the basket and finishing easily. Martin, who attends Lanier Middle School, was one of three players to score 13 points on the night. Dylan Hume scored his 13 from the perimeter, knocking down a pair of threes while Justin Birch did his damage on fast breaks and slashing to the hoop. Birch also added 7 rebounds and 3 assists from his off-guard position. North Georgia received a team-high 11 points from sharpshooter Brady Hall. Hall drained three deep balls to pace the offense. Alexander Simonton put on the move of the night when he crossed over a defender, leaving him on the floor as he calmly stepped back a drained a long two from the top of the key.

Maegahoops made a statement with a 63-33 win over the Gwinnett Hawks. Alexander Diggs was the straw that stirred the drink. The athletic playmaking guard who is set to attend Brookwood High School in two years poured in a game-high 24 points. Diggs sliced and diced his way to the cup and created for teammates when getting into the lane. Zakary Thomas was a beneficiary of the attention drawn to Diggs, finishing with 9 points. Amari Henderson and Alexander Newberry were difference makers as well. Newberry was active, finishing with 6 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals while Henderson collected 13 points and 6 rebounds. Maalik Leitch put forth a great effort for the Gwinnett Hawks, posting 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

Georgia Excel overwhelmed Atlanta TapOut 51-17. David Thomas excelled as a large and versatile guard with fluid movement.  He netted a game-high 20 points, hitting two triples but doing most of his work around the hoop able to finish above smaller defenders. Thomas has strong court vision and looks like a promising player to keep an eye on this spring/summer.