HoopSeen Weekly Report 12.24.25
Merry Christmas Eve to you and your family and thank you for taking time to check out our notes from this past week & a half of the Georgia HS Basketball schedule. Along with individual one-off games, our team attended the HoopAtlanta Holiday Classic & the Lanierland Tournament. Lanierland is a great annual tradition in Hall County that features each school in the County playing in a single-elimination tournament-style format to determine the best in the county. Gainesville walked away with the title in this year's edition behind the play of a talented senior-led group that'll be featured below. Over the week, our team covered North Gwinnett v Norcross, Hillgrove v Pebblebrook, Campbell v Sprayberry, Bethlehem Christian v Landmark Christian, Morgan County v Starr's Mill, Midtown v Lovett, Decatur v Walker School, St. Pius X v Calvary Day, Flowery Branch v Lakeview Academy, Gainesville v North Hall, Lakeview Academy v Chestatee, Cherokee Bluff Girls v North Hall, Gainesville v East Hall, Gainesville v Cherokee Bluff. See below for our notes:
BEST WE SAW THIS WEEK:
2026 KJ White - Gainesville: Pest on defense, locking up everyone he guarded this week at Lanierland on his way to a Lanierland championship for the Red Elephants. Pushed the pace & finished at the rim well. Scored from all 3 levels. Unsigned 2026 PG prospect that should be at the top of the list for schools looking for a HS guard. Picked up a Young Harris offer after a run of great performances this week.
2026 Jason Welborn - Decatur:
Jason Welborn continues to show why he’s one of the best available players in Georgia and across the Southeast in the Class of 2026. He’s been a major piece of Decatur’s success with his scoring ability and the grit he brings. He finished with 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in a tough win over The Walker School.
–Mekhi McKinney
2028 Bryson Jatta - Hillgrove:
Bryson Jatta was as good as I’ve seen him in Hillgrove’s win over Pebblebrook. He used his defensive tools to create transition offense, jumped passing lanes, and got out on the break. He consistently got into the lane, finished with both hands, made strong reads, and ended with 31 points.
–Mekhi McKinney
2026 Darrion Hadley - Midtown:
Darrion Hadley continues to be productive, averaging over 24 points per game this season for Midtown. He can score from all three levels, power his way to the basket, guard the perimeter, help protect the rim, and rebound from the wing. He’s shaping up to be a productive college player and remains available in Georgia’s Class of 2026.
–Mekhi McKinney
2027 Max Patterson - North Gwinnett: The football players, including Patterson, are back for North Gwinnett and have their team looking like a potential region champ contender again. In a win against Norcross, the high-level football recruit who just received an offer from Maryland, finished with 18p 7r 2a 2b. His sheer size & strength make him a matchup nightmare but add in his ability to handle the ball & his comfortability playing within the offense, it makes Paterson a tough cover. Be on the lookout for North Gwinnett in the New Year with their full roster back.
2026 Brandon Nelson - Gainesville: Major stock-riser throughout the week at Lanierland. Showed above the rim finishing ability. Was the best defensive player in the entire tournament throughout the weekend. Can play the 1 or 2, high-motor. On a team with a ton of talented players - Nelson deserves more recognition for what he brings to the table. Unsigned 2026 to pay attention to.
FUTURE COLLEGE STARS:
Tobias Brinkley - Decatur (Tulane-commit):
Tobias Brinkley is an intriguing 6’6 prospect with guard-like skills. His ability to pass with both hands and make college-level reads stands out. He shoots the three consistently, rebounds, protects the rim, and he is looking primed to make an immediate impact at Tulane next year.
–Mekhi McKinney
Harris Reynolds (Clemson-commit):
Harris Reynolds put together a 30-point performance despite battling the flu in St.Pius overtime win over Calvary Day School. He scored from all three levels, finished above the rim, and got teammates involved. The Clemson commit continues to look like a productive high-major player.
–Mekhi McKinney
Quinten Mansfield (Troy-commit): Energy. Crazy motor athlete, wing-runner that gets up and down the court. Finishes everything at and above the rim. Defends well from the help side & on-ball. Forces turnovers. Rebounds extremely well & has great positional size. Impact much larger than stats would appear.
Bristol Kersh (Notre Dame-commit): Committed to Notre Dame for soccer, the 2025 Georgia Gatorade POTY showed that she might be just as dominant on the basketball court as she led her Cherokee Bluff group to a Lanierland Championship coming off a State Championship last season. The on-ball guard had a "wow" moment in the first :43 seconds of their semifinal win over North Hall where she had 8p 2s before you could blink. Her future is on the soccer pitch but she's worth the price of admission for the Cherokee Bluff girls.
Zyree Brown (Kennesaw State-commit):
Zyree Brown is always in attack mode. His first step and ability to create off the bounce make him a tough cover. He draws extra attention with his scoring and has shown he can make the right reads and finish effectively among bigger defenders.
–Mekhi McKinney
Charlie Gersmehl (Belmont-commit): Do it all Forward. Can score out the low post, midrange, or outside. Rebounded well throughout the Lanierland tournament. Solid, steady presence who impacts winning every time he takes the floor.
Claire Carlson (Middle Georgia State-commit): In a backcourt between Carlson & the previously mentioned Kersh - Cherokee Bluff girls look to be a contender for another State Title this upcoming year. Carlson is a scorer. Great catch & shoot guard who isn't afraid to mix it up on the glass & attack rebounds. Look for her in the Peach Belt next season as she has already signed with the newest PBC member, Middle Georgia State.
SENIORS STANDOUTS:
D'Marley Elliot - St. Pius X:
D’Marley Elliott had a big impact in Saint Pius’ win over Calvary Day. His post presence was needed, as he showed good footwork and a soft touch around the basket. He was very active on the boards and finished the game with 15 points.
–Mekhi McKinney
Bryce Howson - Decatur:
Bryce Howson shows the value of a guard who can consistently get paint touches. He understands his role within this Decatur group, attacks the basket, finishes through contact, and creates quality looks for teammates.
–Mekhi McKinney
Demetrius Brown - Calvary Day:
Demetrius Brown did a great job managing the game for Calvary Day. He got downhill, finished through contact, knocked down the mid-range jumper, and found open shooters. He finished with 17 points and several assists.
–Mekhi McKinney
Jack Huey - Flowery Branch: Huey exploded for a 37pt outburst in a 1st Round of Lanierland win over Lakeview. Shot the ball extremely well with a ton of confidence. Pushed the pace & found teammates in transition. High energy defender on the ball.
Adian Grady - Bethlehem Christian:
Adian Grady scored in a variety of ways around the basket, mixing in floaters, finishes through contact, and smart kick-outs. He controlled the paint and finished with 25 points in the win.
–Mekhi McKinney
Anderson Carey - The Walker School:
Anderson Carey was on fire in the first half for The Walker School in their battle against Decatur at the Hoop Atlanta Holiday Classic. He moved well off the ball, found open space, and was shot-ready whenever the ball came his way. He ran the floor for transition threes and competed on the defensive end.
–Mekhi McKinney
Bryce Jackson - Gainesville: Lockdown defender. Steady at the top of the press. Looks best in transition, finishes well going fast. Good catch & shoot guard, doesn't force anything. Athlete who gets up on the rim in a hurry.
Gunner Spain - North Hall: 3-level scorer who showed off his ability to get to his spots at will throughout the week at Lanierland. Improved vision and ball handling that is allowing him to play the 1 or 2 spot for his North Hall team. One of the biggest sleepers out of North Georgia. Solid defender, won't get beat off the dribble.
Zeki Locus - Morgan County:
Zeki Locus impacts the game in a variety of ways. Whether it’s scoring, playmaking, or rebounding, his versatility stood out in Morgan County’s win at the Hoop Atlanta Holiday Classic. He’s a true do-it-all guard.
–Mekhi McKinney
Chol Kiir - Calvary Day: High-potential forward who is a legitimate 6'8" out of Savannah. Comfortable shooting from the mid-range and strong on the glass. Great wingspan and frame that he can mature into. His best basketball is in-front of him.
Westin Keppen - St. Pius X: Highly confident shooter that came out firing for St. Pius in a win against Calvary Day. Pesky defender who will dive on loose balls to create extra possessions for his team. One of many deadly weapons for a talented St. Pius group that looks to make a run in February.
Lawrence Barreau - Midtown:
Lawrence Barreau made his presence felt beyond the box score in Midtown’s win over Lovett. He protected the rim, rebounded on both ends, and brought value as a low-maintenance, high-impact player.
–Mekhi McKinney
Lawson Harris - Landmark Christian:
Lawson Harris was aggressive early for Landmark Christian, knocking down tough shots off the dribble and pushing the pace in transition for easy scoring chances.
–Mekhi McKinney
Kobi Jefferies - Morgan County: High motor wing that makes a positive impact in his first game back with Morgan County in a win against Starr's Mill. Good size & activity. Comfortable driving to the basket. Worth a look for college programs in need of a high activity 3/4.
JUNIOR STANDOUTS:
Lorenzo McCorvey - The Walker School:
Lorenzo McCorvey had the gym buzzing with his defensive effort. He was aggressive offensively, finished above the rim, protected the paint, guarded on the perimeter, and stayed active on the glass. A true two-way prospect in the Class of 2027.
–Mekhi McKinney
Cameron Cannon - Lovett:
when you think of Cameron Cannon, you think of buckets. There isn’t a shot on the floor he doesn’t feel confident taking. His shot-making ability and skill in creating space are special. He’s a crafty ball handler who can get to his spots and draws so much attention with his scoring that he consistently finds open teammates. As the veteran on this young Lovett group, he’s really taken a step this year to show his elite scoring ability.
–Mekhi McKinney
Asa Montgomery - Hillgrove:
Asa Montgomery finished with 21 points and completely dominated the second half in Hillgrove’s win over Pebblebrook. He was active on the offensive glass, knocked down shots from deep, and controlled the mid-post. When he turns it on, he’s one of the best in the state.
–Mekhi McKinney
Tyce Curtis - Campbell:
Tyce Curtis used his speed to consistently get downhill and create offense. He read the floor well, punished mismatches, played through contact, and finished with 24 points in Campbell’s win.
–Mekhi McKinney
Isaiah Wright - Decatur:
Isaiah Wright provided Decatur with a steady interior presence. He altered shots, finished through contact, stayed active on the glass, and made his impact felt on both ends.
–Mekhi McKinney
Landon Grundy - Hillgrove:
Landon Gundy impressed with timely scoring, downhill pressure, and confidence from the mid-range. He used his length defensively to disrupt ball handlers and continues to trend upward in the Class of 2027.
–Mekhi McKinney
Tyler Griffin - Starr's Mill:
Tyler Griffin continues to dominate offensively, averaging 34 points per game. He’s a knockdown shooter who thrives in transition and can score at all three levels for Starr’s Mill.
–Mekhi McKinney
Braydon Langston - East Hall: High ceiling Forward who is still getting back in the swing of things after an early season injury. Great frame. For his size & position, he can handle the ball pretty well. Very high-level defensive versatility. Will be worth tracking as he gets back to full health and confidence throughout region play. The 2027 already holds multiple offers from D1 programs.
Jamin Martin - Calvary Day: PG that continued to hit timely shots against St. Pius that led them to OT. Small guard who can penetrate into the paint to find open teammates & high level shooter off a catch.
Daniel Gadsden - Lovett: Athlete that looks great at and around the rim. Uses his wingspan and athleticism to grab rebounds and get on the rim in the hurry. Showed an ability to hit open 3's but his best when attacking. Great frame that he can mature into.
Josh Smith Jr. - Norcross: High activity Wing that does a little bit of everything for Norcross. Relentless rebounder that fights for everything. Can score at the rim and from the outside. Physical defender that forces a ton of turnovers. A lot to like about Smith Jr. & what he brings to a team.
Kaden Jackson - Bethlehem Christian:
Kaden Johnson provided a spark for Bethlehem, scoring timely buckets and consistently getting downhill. He showed good ball skills and delivered an extra scoring punch when they needed it most, helping push them over the edge. He finished with 11 points.
-Mekhi Mckinney
Dallon Looney - Landmark Christian: Shifty guard who makes a lot of positive plays. Gets downhill in a hurry. Good floater he can make over taller defenders. Gets consistent paint touches and finds open teammates around him.
Remington Akins - Flowery Branch: Finished in transition, can push the pace of the game. Good size for his position at 6'4". Solid jumper, hits shots. 2027 to note heading into the 2026 calendar year. Will be interesting to see how his game matures.
UNDERCLASSMEN STANDOUTS:
2028 KD Hernandez - The Walker School:
KD Hernandez showed his potential as a top Class of 2028 guard. He got downhill with ease, made strong reads, and finished with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists at the Hoop Atlanta Holiday Classic. Hernandez is a do-it-all guard and soon we'll see the offers flowing in for The Walker School product.
–Mekhi McKinney
2029 Trey Carter - Morgan County:
Trey Carter finished with 16 points in Morgan County’s win over Starr’s Mill. He attacked the basket, ran lanes in transition, defended hard, and continues to show promise as a Class of 2029 prospect.
–Mekhi McKinney
2028 Garrett Ward - Morgan County:
Garrett Ward scored 15 points on three threes, rebounded well from the guard spot, finished in transition, and added grit to an already gritty Morgan County group.
–Mekhi McKinney
2029 David Omogbehin - Landmark Christian:
David Omogbehin had a very impressive game for the Landmark Christian freshman. He showed a variety of post moves, protected the paint at a high level, and consistently knocked down the mid-range jumper. There’s a lot of upside in the freshman Landmark Christian prospect, and he’s definitely a name to know in Georgia’s Class of 2029 as he continues to develop.
–Mekhi McKinney
2029 Tristan Alusma - North Gwinnett: Continues to impress in a key role for North Gwinnett. With a ton of talented upperclassmen around him, Alusma continues to hit big shots (& a lot of shots). Would like to see his handle improve with pressure on him but gets North into their offense and can score the ball at a high-clip. A lot to be excited for with his future with the Bulldogs.