Previewing Georgia's Elite 8 Tip-off classic
Georgia's high school season is officially here as HoopSeen starts off with a trip to McEachern for the annual Georgia Elite 8 Tip-off Classic. For those that felt like the spring and summer breezed by and need a reason to get back involved in the high school season, below I take a look at five of this event main attractions.
A look at two of Georgia's best preps: Elias King, Moulaye Sissoko, Mark Freeman(Tennessee State) and Terrence Porter Jr(Charleston Southern) are just some of division 1 talents that will gather on the hardwood. The Skills Factory guard Tony Johnson is as good as any available guard in the state while Lincoln Prep has their own diamond in the rough in recently offered guard Mikale Stephens. Lincoln Prep boasts a ton of young talent in both their front and backcourt. Six foot six sophomore guard Rafael Pinzon, and the sophomore twin towers of Bretner Mutumbo and Frank Anselem are all headed towards the high major spotlight.
Nationally ranked prospects: McEachern and Holy Spirit is a heavyweight showdown that few states around the country could produce on their opening nights. Sharife Cooper, Isaac Okoro, and Anthony Edwards are all household names for those of us that religiously follow high school hoops. Expect gut punches to be thrown from both teams as they look to see who can survive to the last horn.
High major showdown: I don't know if there is a matchup I woke up more excited for than Xavier commit Dwon Odom and Clemson commit Chase Hunter. Both guards have enough athleticism to give away and still be counted on to produce several highlights. A fast-paced game is expected(and wanted) as both teams have several playmakers that can steer the ship at moments. Speaking of which, please get familiar with Dillon Hunter.
Both old and new at the same time: Meadowcreek features some new, yet familiar faces in UAB commit Jalen Benjamin and Temple commit Damian Dunn. This more than formidable backcourt should land Meadowcreek right back in the thick of things come March. South Florida commit Jamir Chaplin is a staple for their grind it out defense.
An early impact: The Heritage school has had its fair share of coaches come to the gym for preseason workouts. The reason? A trio of 2020 prospects in Connor Thompson, Kasen Jennings and Ebenezer Dowouna all have low to high major interest. Lead by Gardner Webb commit Lance Terry, this group has a chance to further justify their recruitment during this loaded event. Mt Bethel has their own highly sought-after forward in 2020 class by the name of Jordan Meka. The battle between himself and Dowouna could make all the difference.
Full schedule for Georgia's Elite 8 tip-off classic.
10 a.m.Walker School vs Cumberland Christian
11:30 a.m. Miller Grove vs Trinity Christian (NC)
1:00 p.m. Greater Gwinnett Christian vs Lincoln Academy
2:30 p.m. Heritage School vs Mt. Bethel
4:00 p.m. TSF Gold vs Massanutten Military (VA)
5:30 p.m. St. Francis vs Westlake
7:00 p.m. Wheeler vs Meadowcreek
8:30 p.m. McEachern vs Holy Spirit Prep