HoopSeen Weekend Report 11.24.25
Our team has been out & about this high school season so far and some good teams and players are starting to make themselves known. Through the weekend, we attended great events such as the Atlanta Hawks Naismith TipOff Classic, The Jared Cook Classic hosted by North Gwinnett & The HBCU All-Star Event hosted at Georgia State's Home Arena. In total, our team hit 13 games (Dunwoody/Vernon, South Gwinnett/Parkview (G&B), Lambert/Mill Creek, Vernon/Hebron, South Atlanta/Maynard, Dacula/North Gwinnett, Milton/Cross Creek, P-Ridge/Central Gwinnett, Gainesville/Kell, Westlake/Therrell, HIES/Woodward, McEachern/Tri-Cities). Here is our analysis on what we saw:
Game of the Year (so far...)
- Devin Hutcherson - Holy Innocents (Belmont Commit): Hutcherson always seems to turn it on when the lights are bright, and he did exactly that in HIES win over Woodward Academy. He put up an efficient 30 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 12 for 18 from the field. Twenty of those points came in the second half, and he scored the game winning basket as time expired. He was a blur in transition and was relentless going to the basket, finishing through contact every time he attacked. Hutcherson’s game translates very well at the next level, and I believe he will be an immediate impact player for Belmont next season. - Mekhi Mckinney
- Jaden McCullough - Holy Innocents :
McCollough was on fire to start this game. He scored the first 11 points for HIES and ended the first half with 21 points while shooting five for seven from three. I believe he has real high major potential with his shot making, confidence, and ball skills. He is making a strong case to be the number one guard in Georgia in a loaded 2028 class. - Mekhi McKinney
- Myles Hayes - Woodward Academy : Hayes shined in this matchup with college level talent all over the floor. He finished with 19 points on eight for fourteen shooting. Hayes is smooth and competitive, and he plays with that energy you love to see from high level players. His ability to get downhill and score from all three levels makes him a tough cover. His athleticism was on full display with a nasty put back dunk on two defenders and a couple more dunks in transition. The 6 foot 5 wing from the 2028 class is a serious problem for opponents. - Mekhi McKinney
- Jarvis Hayes - Woodward Academy : Jarvis Hayes is a 6 foot 6 guard and wing from the 2027 class and he is one of the best in the country. Even though this was not his best scoring game, you could still see why he is so highly regarded. Hayes made an impact on the glass, made smart reads to find open teammates, and was active on the defensive end. His presence was felt even without a huge scoring night. - Mekhi McKinney
Future NCAA Stars (Currently committed standouts)
- Peace Ashina - South Gwinnett (Liberty): The only female hooper we included on this weekend's report but she impressed in the 3 quarters we saw. Downhill attacker, 6ft wing that can handle the rock & displays leadership qualities that'll be celebrated at the next level. Had 22p in a win over Parkview. Look forward to seeing her name moving forward.
- Will Dopfer - Lambert (Longwood): In a physical matchup with Mill Creek, Dopfer got off to a slow start with only 7 points going into the half. After halftime, Dopfer got loose and netted 24 points on his way to a game high 31 points. He worked extremely well out of the high post. He consistently found his way to the rim as well as knocking down the pull up jumper. The Longwood commit has a college-ready frame and it showed at the Jared Cook Classic.
- Quintin Mansfield - Gainesville (Troy) : Mansfield looked like a college coaches dream in Gainesville’s matchup against Kell at the Hawks Naismith Classic. He had 21 points on 66 percent shooting and added 8 rebounds. What made his performance stand out was the simplicity of everything he did. He scored on straight line drives, ran the floor, attacked the glass, and played with toughness. He brought the gym to life with a few highlight dunks as well. - Mekhi McKinney
- Duor Duor - South Atlanta (NC Central): Duor flashed his versatility in a 60-50 win over Maynard Jackson where he finished with 29p 9r & 4b. The NC Central-commit showed an ability to attack the rim & fight for rebounds while being able to put the ball on the floor and make good decisions. Look for his name to be one of the top in HBCU basketball early in his college career as he'll be competing in the MEAC.
Under the Radar - Unsigned 2026's
- Kevin White - Gainesville : Since the summer I have told myself White is one of the top floor generals in the state and definitely one of the best in Georgia’s 2026 available class. He had 9 points and 9 assists in Gainesville’s win on Saturday. His patience and his ability to read the defense in ball screens and in transition help this team operate at a high level. White plays with multiple Division One players, and you can tell they trust him to set the pace and make the right decisions with the ball. - Mekhi McKinney
- Darrell Dickens III - Mount Vernon: Dickens was a force in the matchup against Hebron. The unsigned 2026 prospect scored 22 points and pulled down 9 rebounds to help Mount Vernon to a close 59-56 win. He was physical inside and at 6’4, he consistently finished over smaller guards. He knocked down 3 three pointers and showed good defensive instincts.
- Ramarcus Bowden - Westlake: Bowden put Westlake on his shoulders in an ugly game against Therrell. They continued to scrap and claw at the deficit & Ramarcus Bowden always seemed to be the one there to make the play whether that be a loose ball steal, dunk at the rim, or bucket whenever they needed one. The OT battle between the two teams ended appropriately as Bowden sealed it with a steal & And-1. Finished with 31p, 13r, & 3a.
- Dontrell Jackson - Cross Creek : I believe Jackson is going to be a steal for the program that signs him. The Cross Creek guard finished with 22 points and 5 rebounds in their matchup against Milton. Jackson could not be stopped in one on one situations. He consistently beat his man and finished through contact. I think he is a no brainer for high level junior college programs in the 2026 class. - Mekhi McKinney
- Micah McMorris - Peachtree Ridge: In a slow start against Central Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge found a spark through Senior transfer Micah McMorris. The 6’4 guard was consistently in the passing lanes netting 4 steals in the game. He showed good touch from outside knocking down 2 three pointers, but his steadiness and defensive pressure were key in this game. The unsigned 2026 combo guard is one to watch throughout the season.
Top-tier 2027's
- Chase Lumpkin - McEachern : There has been a lot of debate about who the top guard in the state is, and Lumpkin keeps leaving evidence with every performance. He finished with a game high 30 points and 11 rebounds while shooting eight for thirteen. He makes the game look easy. His range makes him a threat from anywhere on the court, and he gets to the rim and the free throw line whenever he wants. He showed exactly why so many schools are prioritizing him. - Mekhi McKinney
- Brandon Pemberton - Parkview: Pemberton has used 2025 to skyrocket his name through fall camp season and big-time early HS Season performances. He had another one Friday night against South Gwinnett with 25p 8a 6r where he hit a dramatic game-tying bucket to send the game to overtime. Pemberton is looking like a future Division 1 player on each watch. Excited to watch his game continue to develop.
- Solomon Bratton - Milton : I loved Bratton’s activity in Milton’s win over Cross Creek. He did not have his best scoring game, but his energy was contagious. His versatility stood out all game. At 6 foot 8 and 225 pounds, he can put the ball on the floor, beat defenders, make solid passes from the post, and defend multiple positions. He protects the rim and can switch onto guards when needed. - Mekhi McKinney
- Frashad Tisby - Cross Creek : Tisby is another player from the 2027 class whose stock is going to keep rising. At 6 foot 6 he can shoot the lights out and create his own shot in multiple ways. His length makes him a versatile defender and he competes on that end. He had a strong defensive play at the rim and grabbed 9 rebounds. His upside is very real. - Mekhi McKinney
- David Williams - Maynard Jackson: New name to us but he made a loud first impression. David came out on fire with 15 points scored in the 1st quarter alone including a buzzer-beating 3 from NBA-range inside the Georgia State Convocation Center. He continued as the pulse of the Maynard Jackson offense as the game went on but showed flashed defensively with a few steals. Name to track moving forward in 2027.
Underclassmen Standouts
- 2028 Case Presley - Dacula: Case Presley was impressive in Dacula’s win over North Gwinnett. He scored well from all 3 levels and showed off some athleticism throwing down a big dunk in the first half. He defended relentlessly throughout the game and pushed the pace well on his way to 18 points. He is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on in the 2028 class.
- 2029 Treu Taylor - South Gwinnett: Had been told a lot about Treu Taylor by his Coach at South Gwinnett, but man he impressed in our first watch. He hit 4 3's to go along with his team-high 18p on a night where LouWillVille was rocking against neighboring Parkview. While still a lot of time left in his High School career, we'll be excited to track Taylor as well as his other 2029 running-mates at South Gwinnett.
- 2028 Bentley Lusakueno - Woodward Academy : Lusakueno is ranked sixth in ESPN’s national rankings for the 2028 class and continues to show his promise every time he steps on the floor. At 6 foot 8 he shoots it well, defends multiple spots, and protects the rim at a high level. He battled injuries in the game against HIES but still showed flashes of why he is considered a top prospect. - Mekhi McKinney
- 2029 Zaiden Nelson - Hebron: The 2029 freshman prospect really does play beyond his years. Against a team of all upperclassmen, Nelson took on the point guard duties for Hebron Christian. He was never rattled and got to his spots well off the dribble. He also showed good touch from outside knocking down a couple good jump shots. Nelson was definitely one of the standout underclassmen from the Jared Cook Classic.
- 2028 Nathan Pemberton - Parkview: The Pemberton brothers continue to impress this season and the younger brother Nathan is showing why he could be in similar conversations as his older brother. Nathan hit 6 3pt FG's in an OT loss to South Gwinnett on Friday night in a packed road atmosphere. Parkview looks like a brand new team this year & ready to compete in a loaded 7-AAAAAA with Meadowcreek, Berkmar, Norcross, Peachtree Ridge amongst others.
- 2028 Mason Pridgett - Milton : I was impressed with Pridgett this weekend for Milton. I have seen him score 30 in AAU settings, but at Milton he has taken on a true point guard role surrounded by talent. He made strong reads with the ball and stepped up with important buckets when Milton needed them. He is someone to watch closely in Georgia’s deep 2028 class. - Mekhi McKinney
- 2029 JaCody Terry - South Gwinnett: Expect to hear this name for years to come. In a loaded group at South Gwinnett that features 5 freshmen who get significant playing time, JaCody Terry is the one who jumps off the page as a prospect. He's physically imposing for his age and doesn't look like a freshman when he's on the court. Comfortable handling the ball, getting to the rim and making the right play. Activity-level is great and motor is there. Finished with 13p 8r 2a 3s against Parkview & has already had games of 24p 10r in a win against Norcross as well as 14p 9r in a win against Shiloh. Name to know.
Floor Generals - PG Standouts
- Gabe Alterman - Mount Vernon: Alterman was one of the best guards throughout the day at the Jared Cook Classic. He played with great pace and set the tone early for Mount Vernon School on their way to a 59-56 victory over Hebron Christian. Alterman finished the game with 12 points while also adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists. He played with a lot of poise and let the game come to him. This 5’8 guard is not the biggest but he is smart, strong, and does not get rattled.
- Zachary Graves - McEachern : Playing next to a highly recruited guard like Chase Lumpkin is not easy, but Graves makes the most of every opportunity. He is another strong floor general who makes the game easier for everyone around him. He uses his strong frame to get into the paint, plays with great pace, and knocks down open threes. - Mekhi Mckinney
- Emerson Mitchell - Dunwoody : In my opinion, a lot of Division Two and top Division Three programs should be trying to recruit Emerson Mitchell right now. Mitchell is a true floor general who can make any pass on the court. His ability to control pace and manipulate defenses is impressive. He is a smaller guard, but he uses it to his advantage by drawing fouls and splitting defenders. He is one of those players coaches need to trust their eyes on. - Mekhi Mckinney
- Bol Deng - South Atlanta: Deng has really shown a ton of improvement over the past year. Physically-imposing at the PG spot for South Atlanta, the 6'3 physical guard did a great job for the Hornets in a win over Maynard Jackson. Finished with 14p 4a 5s 4r. Junior College programs should be reaching out in masses to Deng for an opportunity to work and develop him.
- Jojo Pressil - South Gwinnett: As one of the few upperclassmen on this South Gwinnett group, Pressil showed the motor & instincts that fed into the other guys on his Comets squad. He finished the night with 12p 9a 4s in an OT win over Parkview. Flies around defensively and had 9s against Norcross in their win last week. High-energy guard who makes winning basketball plays.
Standout Forwards
- Charlie Gersmehl - Gainesville: Gersmehl was great in Gainesville’s dominant win over Kell with 14 points and 6 rebounds. His game brings balance to this team on both ends. He can post up defenders, score from the free throw line and the three point line, and he is a great screener who works well in actions with Kevin White. Defensively he was impressive with two blocks off the glass and the ability to guard on the perimeter. He has a chance to make an immediate impact next year at the college level. - Mekhi Mckinney
- MJ McWhorter - Therrell: Physically imposing. Hit a big-time shot against Westlake to send the game to overtime over 3 guys. Caught the ball at the wing and took his defender down to the opposite block with ease. Finished the game with 29p 11r 2b. Played with Atlanta All-Stars this past season.
- Micah Jones - North Gwinnett: At 6’6, Micah Jones really showed his versatility at the Jared Cook Classic. He scored 26 points and snatched 8 rebounds in a tough loss to Dacula. He scored well from all 3 levels and even spent some time as his team’s primary ball handler. He defended every position on the floor and was a good break starter for North Gwinnett. Micah Jones is an intriguing prospect and one of the more underrated forwards in Georgia.
- Noah Brady - Mount Vernon: The 6’7 forward was solid for Mount Vernon School in their win over Hebron. He showed good versatility being a force inside but also having the wiggle to maneuver off the dribble. He defended the paint well and handled switches with ease defensively. The 2027 prospect has a lot of upside to his game and it will be interesting to see his further development.