Senior Superlatives: The Best of the Class of 2013
The class of 2013 will turn the tassels this week around the Peach State and what better way to send of the graduates than with a hefty dose of senior superlatives.
Best of the class: Brannen Greene, Tift County (KANSAS)
Being named Mr. Georgia Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year, it is hard to argue with the accolades here. The future Kansas Jayhawk can dial it up in a hurry and loves to produce on the wing. He's big, strong and experienced at the highest of levels. He leaves Georgia for one of the most talented recruiting classes in the nation in Lawrence, Kansas.
Best senior season: Brandon Goodwin, Norcross (CENTRAL FLORIDA)
The best sign to determine a player's worth in college is to see how well a player does his senior season. Look no further to this point than Goodwin, who was the catalyst for Norcross's run to another state championship. The athletic combo guard got better as season went along and he was outstanding in the last game of the year, ending with the coveted trophy.
Best shooter: Frank Booker, Westside (OKLAHOMA)
The Augusta sharp-shooter earned his way to the Big 12 by firing away from deep and proving to be a major threat from beyond the arc. College programs are always looking for specialists. Booker is as good as it gets from long range in Georgia's graduating players.
Best scorer: Jarius Holder, Mt. Zion-Jonesboro (JACKSONVILLE)
The Dolphins may have stolen one here. The 6-foot-5 do-anything and do-everything prospect have a major sleeper here. Holder was one of the top scorers in Georgia this season and he helped turn Mt. Zion around. He could be coming into his own at the right time. Holder scores it at all three levels. Terrific point producer.
Best leader: Kyre' Hamer, Miller Grove
Winning a fifth straight championship wasn't in the projected storylines for most Georgia hoop heads to start the season for Miller Grove. But the Wolverines did. And they did it thanks to the leadership of Hamer. He took nearly 30 charges this season. That's almost one a game. Guys that lead do those kinds of things.
Best athlete: Isaiah Dennis, Eagle's Landing (GEORGIA STATE)
Some players were just born for the highlight reel. The state champ is going to be a fan favorite downtown this winter. We'll go out on a limb and say he'll make the SportsCenter Top 10 at least once as a rookie. The state champ is in the Shaq Johnson, Travis Leslie and Brandon Boykin athleticism category.
Most versatile: Quentin Stephens, Marist (GEORGIA TECH)
When you are 6-foot-8, long, can shoot, rebound and pass, there's a lot to like. Stephens played several positions in high school and comfortably handle his role as a wing forward and a block defender. Yes, he needs to get stronger to do the same kinds of things in college but with his skill set, Brian Gregory should be able to use him all over the court.
Best defender: Tosin Mehinti, Greenforest Christian (UAB)
Need any proof for this award? Just take a look at the playoff tapes. The 6-foot-9 man owned the paint and protected the rim like a Hollywood bouncer. The opposition simply refused to attack the rim because Mehinti was there waiting for them. Impact defender.
Best sleeper: Hulian Terrell, North Cobb Christian (RADFORD)
There is something to be said about a player that has his best season ever and it goes relatively unnoticed. Georgia is jam-packed with players like this. Let's add Terrell to this good company. The Indianapolis native had a monster final year at NCC. Perhaps the best hands of any big man in Georgia's senior class, he got better as the season went along. Now Radford is the beneficiary of the ascent.
Best point guard: Tahj Shamsid-Deen, Columbia
Best shooting guard: Tim Quarterman, Johnson
Best wing forward: Brannen Greene, Tift County
Best power forward: Jarquez Smith, Jones County
Best center: Tosin Mehinti, Greenforest Christian