11U

The Georgia Jazz have played well this season and LaNeric Gill has been the catalyst. The point guard is a leader on the floor and a lethal lefty on offense. He finished with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals against Maegahoops, but more importantly was encouraging and instructing his teammates during the game.

12U

The North Carolina Heat slipped by Atlanta Xpress (Wallace) 60-50 thanks to the play of diminutive point guard Darnerian Gibson. The smallest man on the floor handled the Xpress’ full court press masterfully and was able to control the tempo. He dropped off countless assists and added 13 points in the process.

13U

Georgia Excel’s David Thomas (pictured) has been a man on a mission this weekend. The combo guard put on a show in Excel’s 57-33 win over the Montgomery Fire. Thomas went off in the first half posting 17 points and eight rebounds, outscoring Montgomery to help Excel take a 29-12 lead. He finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals and 1 block. Thomas lived at the line going 6-of-10 from the stripe, hitting his final five after struggling early. Thomas is in position to attend Luella High School in two more years.

14U

Even without Madison Durr who is on the EYBL circuit this weekend, Georgia Xclusive X8-2021 was able to dominate for a 72-35 victory. The man of the hour was Dacari Collins. The forward finished 25 points, powering his way to the rim. Collins was too strong for the West Georgia Warriors to slow down. Collins is planning on attending Woodward Academy for his freshman season. Along with Collins, Devon Cottle had a steady game. The guard knocked down three three-pointers and tallied 11 points. Center Julian Nixon caught my eye as a physical rebounder and game altering presence on the block.

Active Elite closed out the Montgomery Fire 51-47 in an entertaining game. Dezhion Carter did everything he could to carry the Fire with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals, but it was a pair of future Cherokee Warriors that came up big for the Elite. Taihland Owens finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals while 6-foot-6 center Johnny Sweeney collected 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 8 blocks. Owens, a solid combo-guard around 6-foot-1, nailed three deep balls and was the go-to guy on offense. He gave the Fire issues on the glass and was handful to keep out of the lane. Sweeney used his length to shut down the paint. He even hit a turnaround jumper out of the post. Both players will learn from one of the best coaches in the state in Roger Kvam over their next four years in Canton.