Feast Week Report 12.02.2025
Thanksgiving week means time with family, friends, & HOOPS. Our team has been out all season checking out some of the top games from across Georgia & this week was no different. Through the week, we attended great events such as the Buckhead Hoops Festival, Jared Cook Classic, Hard in the Paint @ Maynard Jackson, & the HypeSouth Hardwood Invitational. In total, our team hit 26 games (Westminster/Riverwood, North Atlanta/Lovett, HIES/Pace, Mount Vernon/Marist, Archer/Etowah, Brookwood/GAC, Cherokee/Milton, Tucker/NorthGwinnett, CentralGwinnett/Maynard, McDonough/Mays, Douglass/Newton, Jonesboro/Westlake, SouthwestMacon/Harlem, ELCA/McEachern, Gainesville/Dutchtown, Berkmar/Maynard, Newton/Mays, Dutchtown/Jonesboro, Milton/Decatur, HIES/CedarGrove, Tri-Cities/ELCA, Gainesville/Woodward, PeachCounty/Johnson(Sav), Baldwin/Beach, Monroe/SouthwestMacon, HoustonCounty/PutnamCounty). Here is our analysis on what we saw:
Best of the Week:
- Chase Lumpkin - McEachern:
Every time I watch Lumpkin, his efficiency jumps out. Not just on the stat sheet, but in every part of his game. He doesn’t need more than three dribbles to get to his spot and consistently makes quick, correct reads. He scored 21 points in McEachern’s win over ELCA on Friday night.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Caron "CJ" Howard - Southwest Macon: Our team had the opportunity to watch SW Macon twice this week through the Hard in the Paint event against Harlem and the HypeSouth event against Monroe. CJ & his running-mate Chase Dupree run the show for a SW Macon group that has their sights set on a "A Div 1" GHSA State Championship. In an OT win over a tough Monroe group from Albany, Howard showed off his ability to run an offense & create great possessions. He really impressed with his shooting range by converting 4 3pt FG's all from the volleyball line. In the clutch & OT, he was the one making decisions for his team that led to the win. He finished with 28p 7a 3r 3s in the win. Howard is coming off being named Middle Georgia POTY last season & is a name college coaches should look into for a reliable PG that already possesses skills that can translate early.
- Charlie Gersmehl - Gainesville (Belmont-commit):
Gershmehl has been a catalyst in Gainesville starting 5–0. He settles the group when pressure hits and consistently makes plays that translate to the next level. His IQ and skill at his size make him incredibly valuable. What stood out this weekend was his perimeter defense — stepping out and guarding at a high level. The versatility will help him earn early minutes at Belmont next year.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Devin Hutcherson - Holy Innocents (Belmont-commit):
Hutcherson has been playing like he’s got something to prove this year. He put up another 23-point game in HIES’s win over Cedar Grove. His pace, burst, and athleticism have looked unguardable one-on-one. He’s knocked down open jumpers, made smart decisions with the ball, and continues trending upward.
– Mekhi McKinney
- JaKobe Williams - Tucker: One of the top PG names known across the state, much of the conversation this summer was about where JaKobe was going to be spending his senior year. Back at Tucker, JaKobe Williams has taken his game to another level and this Tucker team looks ready to compete with anybody in the state of Georgia. JaKobe makes plays look effortless offensively and has the capability to hit a shot anywhere 25ft and in. This Tucker team has a cast of characters including 2028 Sterling Pritchett & 2026 6'9" Big-man Julian Glenewinkel (who has just moved in from overseas) that make them a serious threat when the GHSA State Playoffs arrive. He finished the finale of the Jared Cook Classic with 27p 7a 4r in a win over North Gwinnett.
Future NCAA Stars:
- Malik Gillespie - Houston County (Morehead State-commit): Malik was one of the biggest impression-makers from the HypeSouth Invitational in Macon on Saturday. Signed to Morehead State in the early-signing period, he has already been a household name in Middle Georgia for quite some time now. A PG that is a great decision maker, has high-level athleticism, has a 3pt shot that fell at a high clip, is a willing rebounder & a great defender who consistently caused turnovers. Was really impressed by how he invited contact while finishing at the rim, going for loose balls, or mixing it up for a rebound. In a win against the #1 team in GHSA "A Div 1" Putnam County, Gillespie finished with 18p 7a 9r.
- Karez Demory - Baldwin (Southern-commit): Karez is an athletic guard who can light it up from behind the arc. The Southern University commit signed with the Jaguars in the early period and looks to be a great addition to the SWAC. In a blowout against Beach, Demory and his Baldwin squad made quick work of the guys from Savannah. Multiple forced turnovers which led to points in transition for himself and his teammates to widen the lead early. Throughout the game Demory hit 4 3pt FG's and showed off a shot where he gets great lift & it fell often. Multiple possessions in the half court, I watched Demory show off his patience and make the right basketball play in the action. Unselfish player who is one of the top names to know coming out of Middle Georgia.
- Jalan Wingfield - Tri-Cities (Georgia Tech-commit):
Wingfield came out swinging in Tri-Cities’ win over ELCA. He used his size and strength to get going early in the low post, then showed more of his bag with mid-range jumpers as the game went on. He also cleaned the glass and made winning plays all afternoon with 18 points in the win.
– Mekhi McKinney
Senior Standouts:
- Jayvon Rampersant - Berkmar:
Rampersant put on one of the most impressive performances of the weekend, not just statistically but with how he carried himself in Berkmar’s win. You can see him trying to get teammates going, and he never forces the issue when doubles come — he makes the right play. He was active on the glass, protected the rim, and still finished with 18 points.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Jason Welborn - Decatur:
Welborn continues to prove he’s one of the dudes in Georgia’s 2026 class. He’s shown he can be whatever a college coach needs — a floor general who runs the team or a primary scorer. In Decatur’s win this weekend, he scored it in a variety of ways and made plays off live dribbles. If I could steal him, I would as soon as possible.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Chase Dupree - Southwest Macon:
Despite the loss, Dupree put up 36 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks for Southwest Macon. He left everything on the court and impressed on both sides of the ball. Even against a very good defensive backcourt, he consistently got where he wanted. The 2026 guard currently holds an offer from Alcorn State.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Maddox Melancon - Dutchtown:
Melancon may have earned himself some looks from next-level coaches if they were in the gym this weekend. At 6’5 with a strong frame, mobility, and real skill, he brings a ton of value. He scored efficiently off catch-and-shoot looks and straight-line drives, and he just did everything his team needed.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Brayden Burns - Monroe (Albany): Brayden Burns had one of the top performances of the week in an OT loss to #2 in GHSA A Div.1 Southwest Macon. He finished with 36p 6r 3s 2b. From the opening tip, Burns took the ball straight to the hoop off the catch and had Monroe up 2-0 within seconds. His relentless pursuit did not stop as he scored 13p in the 1st Quarter all off line drives to the rim. An athletic freak, we watched Burns out-jump, out-hustle, & get what he wanted at and around the rim. He a showed a willingness to handle the ball & willingness to shoot the 3 even though he did not convert one in this game. This is a new name to our team that is seriously worth paying attention to moving forward as he had one of the most impressive performances we saw all week.
- Micah Jones - North Gwinnett: The North Gwinnett program awaits for football season for more of their starters to arrive back to the court, but Senior Micah Jones has taken a gigantic role here in the early season for the Bulldogs. In a loss to Tucker, Micah put up 22p 8r 5a. This is nothing new for the 6'6" physical wing though who has multiple 25+ point performances this season. He has a great looking outside shot, mixes it up on the glass going for rebounds, & uses his frame to fend off pressure while bringing the ball up the court. He has been NG's primary option up to this point in the season and looks to boost his stock moving forward. Under the radar Unsigned Senior with size to monitor.
- Jack Sparks - Mays:
Instant offense is the first thing you think of with Sparks. He was handing out buckets in every way this weekend and playing with extreme confidence. He’s earned the green light to take any shot on the floor, and it’s because he’s put the work in to make those shots. He scored 28 points in a Mays win over the weekend.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Emmanuel Alofe - McEachern:
Anybody in the gym noticed the impact Alofe made in McEachern’s win this past weekend over ELCA. He was a monster on the glass, took a big defensive assignment and took it personally. At 6’8 he protected the rim and was an active defender on the wing. He made multiple plays above the rim and controlled the boards all game.
– Mekhi McKinney
- J'Mari Greene - Putnam County: A scorer in the purest sense. Gets to the rim, makes a middy with comfort, will pull from deep and yell to the stands before it even goes in. Confident player who dropped 30 in a one-point loss to Houston County in the premiere matchup of the HypeSouth event. J'Mari and his Putnam County squad continued to go back&forth with Hoco, & when they needed a bucket it seemed to be Greene who always was converting. Outside of scoring, I'd like to see him get more involved in other parts of the game, but Greene showed a willingness to defend & had tough assignments with some high-level guards on Houston. 2026 to track moving forward. Was named Region POTY last season as a Junior.
Top-tier 2027's:
- Tre Keith - Tri-Cities:
A smooth operator who can’t be kept away from his spots. Keith is a scoring guard who can hurt you from all three levels while also having every pass in his bag to be a high-level PG at the next level. When you watch him, his pace and maturity make it look like he’s already played college basketball. He had a game-high 28 points in a Tri-Cities win.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Jackson Harrison - Milton: One of the best shooters I've seen thus far this High School season. A recent move-in from out west, Harrison is at Milton now and has acquainted himself quite nicely with the group. In a tight W against Cherokee in the Jared Cook Classic, Jackson had 30p with 6 3pt FG's. Down the stretch, he hit reliable buckets to give Milton the W. New name in GA that needs to be seen by college coaches in the area.
- Ty Shine - Harlem:
Ty Shine showed just how versatile of a scorer he can be, finding ways to put the ball in the basket from all over the floor. When the game tightened up, he stepped into pressure shots with confidence and delivered. And even on the stretches when his jumper wasn’t dropping, he turned into a straight-up dog on the defensive end — locking in, forcing tough possessions, and turning his stops into easy transition opportunities for his team. - Mekhi Mckinney
- RJ Scott - North Atlanta: In a win against Lovett in the Buckhead Hoops Festival, Scott was impressive finishing with 21p 8r. Scott uses body-contact to his advantage offensively as he drives to the rim. Plays off 2 feet well & initiates contact on every drive. A physical rebounder who just snatches the ball from an opponent. Plays passing lanes well & created multiple steals for a North Atlanta group that looks to be much improved in AAAAAA this season.
- Braylon Luster - Cherokee: High-level ballplayer. The Cherokee guard is one of the higher regarded guards across the State of Georgia and has multiple D1 offers at this point. In a tight loss against Milton in the Jared Cook Classic, Luster finished with 26p 6r 2s. He battles on the glass and creates extra possessions for him and his teammates. Has an extremely strong handle & minimizes turnovers. Cherokee has given him an ultimate green-light but he shows an ability to make the right play while still applying pressure to his individual defender. One of the tougher on-ball assignments in GA High School basketball this season for defenders.
- David Williams - Maynard Jackson:
Williams is another kid who is simply a bucket. Almost every time he touches the ball you know points are coming, or at worst you’re fine with the outcome. He’s a strong downhill driver with a deep bag of finishes. Williams consistently knocked down jumpers off the bounce and on catch-and-shoot looks.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Solomon Bratton - Milton: Another strong showing for Solomon Bratton. The 6'8" F physically looks the part of a future high-level basketball player. Finished with 19p 11r in a win in the Jared Cook Classic against Cherokee. Strong, physical forward who is comfortable handling the basketball in transition. Rebounds the ball at a high-level. One of the better Forward's across the state.
- Rowan Woodrich - Peach County: A 2027 worth tracking. Still developing his complete skillset, he has a lot of tools that can't be taught. Great activity level, more athletic than I thought, physical & a tendency to attack the rim and inviting contact. Would like to see him develop his outside shooting and to see him comfortable driving to the rim from an outside catch but Woodrich has a lot of things to like about his game and where he could potentially take it.
- Masai Knight - Brookwood: Masai Knight & Cameron Knight lead the backcourt for a Brookwood team that looks much improved and a threat in Gwinnett County this season. The undersized guard plays with a ton of energy on both sides of the court and makes winning plays throughout. Handles pressure well and initiates the offense off multiple paint-touches, defensively pressures the ball & a pest. Finished a win against GAC with 10p 6a 2s 2r & a charge.
- Mahkel Stephens - Houston County: Like the long-term potential for Stephens. Physical forward who plays his role well. Finished with 8p 10r 2a for Hoco in a win over Putnam. Good rebounder who relentlessly attacks the glass. Makes the easy buckets, cleans up a lot on the offensive glass. Isn't a black hole inside, great about looking opposite wing for shooters. Good frame on him & look forward to seeing him more moving forward.
Super Sophomores:
- AJ Williams - Eagle's Landing Christian:
When you watch Williams, it’s hard not to think “pro.” His aggressiveness, ability to take contact, and the blend of skill and size he plays with are unmatched. Anybody who knows basketball can see it — it’s written all over him, and there’s a reason he’s rated No. 1 in the class of 2028.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Calvin Goss - Jonesboro:
Goss went viral over the weekend for a sequence that had the whole gym out of their seats. But just because the athleticism popped in those clips doesn’t mean this young guard isn’t skilled. Goss has real long-range shooting ability while also being an uber-athlete. He’s going to be a hot commodity in Georgia for years.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Jaden McCullough - Holy Innocents:
“Special” is the only word I can use to describe McCullough after the last two performances I’ve seen. He’s one of the best guards in the state regardless of class. His shot creation and shot-making ability are second to none. He can play on or off the ball, but when it’s in his hands you know something special is about to happen.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Conrad Ogden - Westminster: Physically has bulked up a ton. Opened the game against Riverwood with a thunderous dunk off a dribble-drive from the wing that pumped energy into the gym at HIES. The X-factor for a Westminster group that has high expectations this season with Seniors Emory-commit Nico Searl & William & Lee-commit Zade Elshihabi. Look for his name to continue being seen amongst high-level 2027 lists.
- Jamar Johnson - Peach County: Volume shooter who was letting it fly in a win against Johnson-Savannah. Was great off a catch and gets it up in a hurry, finished the game with 29p and a W. Sophomore out of Middle Georgia worth tracking.
Freshmen Standouts:
- Tristan Alusma - North Gwinnett: Freshman PG for North Gwinnett that is playing valuable minutes for the Bulldogs. In a competitive battle with a high-level Tucker backcourt, Alusma finished with 19p 4a 6r. Not afraid to mix it up on the inside, I watched Alusma display a lot of toughness not common for a freshman. Unconventional shot, but it kept falling as he converted 5 3pt FG's with many right in the face of traffic. With this start, look for Tristan to become one of the top 2029 names in Georgia.
- Symeon Watson - Jonesboro:
This young guy oozes potential. He’s a 6’8–6’9 wing who can shoot it and put it on the floor. His ceiling is nowhere near where he is now, and he’s already a solid player. He came in and knocked down three straight threes for Jonesboro in their win.
– Mekhi McKinney
- Phillip Claybrooks - Lovett: Claybrooks did a bit of everything for Lovett in a loss to North Atlanta as he finished with 18p, 8r, 3a, 4s. High-energy player who handles pressure well and is a great compliment to Junior Cameron Cannon who leads the show for the Lions. Look for him to become a household name over the next few months.