Jared Cook Classic Preview
North Gwinnett is hosting the Jared Cook Tip-Off Classic. The classic is benefitting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
This is the fifth-year of the event bearing the name of the current St. Louis Rams tight end, who played for the Bulldogs. Since the tournaments inception, North Gwinnett has had some of the top teams in the region provide some intense competition and intense games. This year’s schedule is no different.
Here is the schedule for the three-day event.
Nov. 23, 2013
4:00 pm – Tucker vs. North Cobb Christian
These are two teams expected to make a deep run into the state tournament this season. The matchup worth watching here is Tucker’s 6-foot-5 junior Shembari Phillips and NCC’s 6-foot-5 senior Stephon Jelks, who has signed with Mercer.
5:30 pm – Seneca (SC) vs. Greater Atlanta Christian
The South Carolina school won its region title last season and finished 19-6 its first winning season since 2005. This matchup is how will the Bobcats stop the depth and experience on GAC’s roster.
7:00 pm – Buford vs. Miller Grove
Buford has the interior presence of 6-foot-8 Rakim Lubin, who has signed with UCONN. He is a presence inside that will help the Wolves. Omar Venable is the Wolverines interior presence that will be in charge of guarding the Alabama native.
8:30 pm – Effingham County vs. North Gwinnett
When you think of the Rebels Jakeenan Gant is the name that comes to mind. He is a 6-foot-7 forward who does it all. His counterpart in this matchup is Malik Carter, who is a 6-foot-8 post player who has come on in own over the summer. The Bulldogs will be looking forward to a big season from Carter.
Nov. 25, 2013
4:00 pm – Sequoyah vs. North Cobb Christian
Senior Dalton Satterfield, from Sequoyah, is not a name many people know but if you’re looking for a shooter it’s one you might want to remember.
5:30 pm – Collins Hill vs. GAC
Devin Mitchell has provided the scoring load for the Eagles the last three seasons. The Alabama signee is expected to do the same this season and will garner the attention warranted to a prolific shooter. Virginia signee Isaiah Wilkins is the anchor of the Spartans team. At 6-foot-7 he is capable of playing both ends of the floor comfortably.
7:00 pm – Peachtree Ridge vs. Buford
This is another battle of interior players. Amir Warnock, a Jacksonville signee, is going to be matched up with Buford’s Rakim Lubin, a UConn signee. Both guys bring something different with their game. Warnock is a solid back-to-the basket player. Lubin is a beast inside with his strength.
8:30 pm – Tucker vs. North Gwinnett
If you are looking for guards there are some in this game worth watching and the matchups are intriguing. North Gwinnett has Tobias Howard, Ahmed Caver, Owen Lewis (pictured) and Kameron Calhoun. Tucker has Jon Dunmeyer and Shembari Phillips. The pace of the game will be loaded with their contributions. Whoever gets consistent play from their guards could walk away victorious.
Nov. 26, 2013
4:00 pm – Sequoyah vs. Greenforest Christian
Welcome to the Class of 2017. This game will take a glimpse into the future of Georgia High School basketball as two of the states young guards will take the floor. The Chiefs have Jordan Usher, while Greenforest has Luis Hurtada. Both are long, young and worth taking an eye on this matchup moving forward.
5:30 pm – Collins Hill vs. North Cobb Christian
This is a matchup of two teams with Eagles as mascots. Collins Hill’s Jalen Mitchell is coming into his own this junior season. He is needed to help the scoring load. However, NCC will have the advantage with 6-foot-9 Trey Kalina inside.
7:00 pm – Peachtree Ridge vs. Miller Grove
Let’s get to the point in this game. Miller Grove has Keith Pinckney, a Tulane signee, and sophomore Alterique Gilbert. Peachtree Ridge has Aaron Augustin running the show. This game could be played at a neck-breaking pace.
8:30 pm – Hillcrest vs. North Gwinnett
North Gwinnett will close the evening showcasing its inside muscle. Junior Malik Carter has a chance to dominate the paint. Look for the Bulldogs to get this one, even though it will not be a cakewalk.