All Suwanee Sports Academy team: Class of 2014
Suwannee Sports Academy hosted some big time tournaments this summer.
It started in late March and ended in July with the Best of the South. The other events in between also added value to the basketball played inside the seven-court facility. There were players who made impressions in every facet of the game.
Here are some of the ones we felt stood out the most from the Class of 2014.
James Demery, SF, Team Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
BEST SSA EVENT: Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions
WOW MOMENT: Can you quantify one particular play as any one-signature performance for Demery? No. The Charlotte native was spectacular in leading his team to the Gibbons championship. Demery's’ versatility made him a must see during the TOC and it left several college programs extending offers to him. He was also named the TOC Most Valuable Player.
Temarcus Blanton, SF, Atlanta Xpress, Locust Grove
BEST SSA EVENT: Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions
WOW MOMENT: After returning from a hand and wrist injury, it was hard to imagine whether Blanton would be at full strength for the Tournament of Champions. Soon there after the Luella High product took flight for a one-handed tomahawk, followed by a long 3-pointer and then a defensive stop on a defender looking to get to the basket. He proceeded to have moments like that throughout the weekend and through July, which is why several schools are excited about his upcoming visits.
Cameron Johnson, SF, Smyrna Stars, Athens
BEST SSA EVENT: Wallace Prather Memorial Classic
WOW MOMENT: If there was a coming out party in the spring, the two-sport athlete was the guest of honor. Johnson was not afraid of the big moments and critical situations when knocking down shots and handling pressure. This Clark Central High quarterback also showed leadership qualities as the Stars finished the first live period hoisting those “V’s” up for victory and winning the Wallace Prather Memorial Classic.
Tadric Jackson, G, Georgia Stars, Tifton
BEST SSA EVENT: Best of the South
WOW MOMENT: When his team needed him the most, the Tifton County native stepped it up big time. Jackson showed why he is a sort after guard with a tremendous competitive edge. He carried the Stars with some solid performances. On one particular sequence, Jackson chased down an offensive player and plastered their shot up onto the backboard, cradled the rebound and then hit a pull-up jumper in the lane. If that doesn’t say competitor it’s hard to imagine what will.
CJ Jackson, G, Aim High, Charlotte, NC
BEST SSA EVENT: Best of the South
WOW MOMENT: The 6-foot Georgia native returned home to put on one of the best shooting displays of the summer. He knocked down seven 3’s in one game and finished the tournament knocking down a total of 31 shots from beyond the arc. Jackson was the key to Aim High’s success this summer. He was the unanimous BOTS Most Valuable Player.
Isaiah Wilkins, PF, Georgia Stars, Lilburn
BEST SSA EVENT: Best of the South
WOW MOMENT: This is a player that point totals do not necessarily tell the entire story of his value on any team. Wilkins rebounds well, plays defense, communicates on both ends of the floor and has one of the best mid-range games around. During the Best of the South, the Greater Atlanta Christian product was the glue guy in several of the Stars victories. His contribution also extended beyond the court when he went down in a game with a slight injury, Wilkins returned to help anchor the interior with teammate Noah Dickerson.