Top performers from GACS/BCB Showcase
The GACS/Blue Collar Basketball Showcase was a full day of good games, good players and great finishes. Who was the best of the very best? Well, that's a tough question to answer. Our HoopSeen.com deliberated and came up with our top five performers from a loaded day.
Kyle Castlin, Hillgrove: In a back-and-forth game between two teams hat should make some noise in Febraury, the Columbia bound guard did what you want your studs to do - make plays. Castlin played tough against a tough team and had what could be his best game of the young season. The 6-foot-4 guard pumped in 29 points and was as difficult of a player to defend all day long. Castlin was a catalyst in his team's overtime win over Cartersville.
Alterique Gilbert, Miller Grove: Once again, the 5-foot-10 sophomore guard came up huge when it mattered for the Wolverines. He sank a huge three-pointer with less than 25 seconds left to play to cut his team's four-point deficit. Then, after a St. Francis turnover, he drove from the top of the key to the rim for the go-ahead lay-up with three seconds left on the clock. Gilbert was fearless in the final seconds and stole the victory out of the hands of a talented St. Francis team. He finished with 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and a pair of steals. Truth be told, this wasn't his best game but it was his best finish of the year. Even more impressive considering the opponent and stage he delivered on.
Stephon Jelks, North Cobb Christian: Coming into the NCC/North Gwinnett game, we believed this was the best overall match-up of the day. It was two similar teams with similar talent. What would be the difference maker? It turned out to be who would be the difference maker? Jelks was. The Mercer bound wing drilled four three-pointers en route to 22 points and a huge win in what has been a very good week for NCC. He also grabbed 11 rebounds and was as good as any wing that stepped onto the GAC floor on Saturday.
Doral Moore, Luella: The near 7-footer was outstanding in his match-up against GAC and Isaiah Wilkins. This was his best offensive game of the year, showing an improved back-to-the-basket game and scored in a variety of ways. He rebounded well and, of course, owned the paint with his tremendous shot-blocking ability. Moore pumped in 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked five shots in his team's loss to GAC.
Isaiah Wilkins, GAC: There will come a point when you just run out of positive things to say about a player because the words have all been used. We're getting close to that point with the future Virginia Cavalier. The 6-foot-7 forward had his toughest interior match-up all season long against Moore but performed quite well against the near 7-footer. Wilkins scored 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out three assists. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Wilkins and GAC? Luella only had 15 rebounds as a team.