The 2018 Best of the South was loaded with talented players and teams. Our staff has poured through our piles of notes and worked through our notes to identify the very best players in this year's field. 

RELATED: Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V

Brandon Barron, Smyrna Stars, 2019: My first encounter with Brandon Barron was an 8am matchup game that had no bearing on how the Smyrna Stars would go forward in the bracket. I don't think that mattered one bit to this sharpshooting guard. His ability to knock down shots from deep would put the defense on notice and once they tightened up he would penetrate to his spots. He's a calming presence on the court and doesn’t show any lack of poise during the rare times his team goes into a scoring drought. Brandon Barron strikes me as a prospect that's going to show up big for his high school team this season. - Tai Young

Garrett Hicks, JSI Elite, 2019: Solid and steady is the name of Hicks' game, and he was nothing short of that this weekend. The 6-foot guard was consistent each time out, whether it be with his shooting and scoring or facilitating. He converted double-digit three-pointers over the course of #BOTS, while also showing the ability to handle point guard capabilities. Alabama A&M extended an offer to Hicks after his solid weekend and don't be surprised if more start inquiring about him, too. - Garrett Tucker 

DeMarcus Johnson, South Fulton Lions, 2019: In a tough overtime loss, this tough South Fulton Lion displayed all the traits that make Demarcus Johnson a name that our HoopSeen staff has raved about all spring and summer. He was masterful with the ball in his hands, not allowing his team to be rushed into bad shots when his opponent sat back in zone. When given the opportunity he made sure to pace his teams offense while picking his spots to use his explosiveness in the paint. The south Atlanta guard is one of the most competitive guards in the state. - Tai Young

Xavier Johnson, Team Parsons, 2019: Johnson is the epitome of an old-school floor general and set-up point guard for Team Parsons. The 6-foot-1 point guard is aggressive on both ends of the floor, but he plays calm and composed from game to game. Johnson kept defenses honest with his ability to hit open shots, but the most impressive aspect of his game is his defense. Johnson is a menace on the defensive end of the floor with his on-ball defense. He caused havoc for opposing guards with his defensive abilities. - Garrett Tucker 

J.P. Robinson, Nike Elite Stars, 2019 (pictured): Robinson started out #BOTS on a slow note with a couple of quiet games, but boy did he end it on a high note. A classic pot stirrer, the 5-foot-10 lead guard is an x-factor on his team that gets everyone else going. Robinson was terrific in a win over Pro One Select Navy, as defenders could not keep him out of the lane in the second half. He followed up that game with an eye-opening 33-point performance in a loss against EAB. - Garrett Tucker