With the New Year here, that means region play is ramping up. We’ve been in the gym this week for some key games that will play into the top of some of Atlanta’s top regions. Here’s a quick snapshot of lessons learned inside the gyms of some of Atlanta’s best teams.

The value to Chuma Okeke is this – he’s always at the right place at the right time. Much like current Virginia sophomore forward Isaiah Wilkins, who was the No. 2 overall player in the class of 2014 in Georgia, Okeke is a five-tool basketball player. He’s always making the right play. Okeke, a 6-foot-7 forward at Atlanta Westlake, is a fine rebounder with good interior skill. His length is probably his best physical trait and he uses it well in several facets of the game. As we approach the April live period, Okeke will be a priority guy for high-majors and a player that will demand the attention of head coaches.

Outside of Alterique Gilbert, the best point guard I’ve seen in Georgia is 2018 floor general Jamie Lewis. The Westlake guard has great vision and a nice balance of scoring and passing. For a young player, he has a nice calm control to his team.

Shiloh has pieces. Lots of pieces. Anchored by the steady and mature play of Georgia Tech bound wing Josh Okogie, the Generals go hard. We know this. On the right Wednesday night, Shiloh had a three-quarter test from 10-win Brookwood. The Broncos had Okogie & Co. up against the ropes for 24 minutes. But senior Dejon Waters and Perry Battle made some big plays when they were needed. Waters especially. The bowling ball guard, who is unsigned, made a couple of threes – big threes – and grabbed five rebounds and handed out four assists. It was a strong win for Shiloh and an important one at that. The Generals begin a long, grueling stretch here in January. The next seven games are on the road. Seven.

I’m interested in seeing how Brookwood big man Amari Kelly develops as a four man. The sophomore is very long at 6-foot-7. In the 2018 class, we just don’t have a lot of size in the Peach. Kelly could carve out a niche for himself as one of the better big men in the class statewide.

Derek St. Hilarie committed to Xavier University of Louisiana last week and you could almost here the grunt of displeasure by a number of non Division I schools. St. Hiliare was one of the better non D1 prospects on the board in the Atlanta area. He scored a game-high 28 points against Grayson.

There’s a nice group of unsigned seniors in Region 8-AAAAAA. Austin Dukes, Trevian Sconiers and Alphonso Willis of Grayson are all great options for non Division I schools moving forward. All three can play at the next level. Same goes for Brookwood point guard Micah Kinsey and Shiloh’s Waters and Malik Chandler.

Remember this name: Kenyon Jackson of Grayson. The sophomore is a long and athletic forward and good on the glass. Word is, he’s also a great football prospect.