Even though it may have been State Championship day in football, there was a lot of exciting basketball played at Greater Atlanta Christian School for the GACS Showcase. Here are a few of my notes from today’s action:

• Laney has left an impression on the state. They have played a number of tough games, and won games in multiple ways. They’ve won high scoring affairs, tough nosed defensive games, and had multiple guys stand out in wins. The one common denominator: they always play a very fast brand of basketball.
• Gwinnett County has some elite prospects for 2017. Norcross’ Rayshaun Hammonds, Berkmar’s Al Durham, and Peachtree Ridge’s Jay Estime all have high major potential and were standouts today. Also point guards Zach Cooks (Norcross) and Brian Coffey (GACS) will be two guys to watch for.
• McIntosh will be a contender in AAAAA. The Chiefs are out to make a name for themselves as they have has an impressive start to their season, including a big win tonight against GAC. Jordan Lyons has been a man on a mission and is out to put this southside team on the map.
• Since he showed out last week against Pebblebrook at Nike Explosion, Laney 2016 point guard Zep Jasper has heard from Richmond, College of Charleston, South Alabama, & Baylor as well as the interest from multiple teams that he had previously earned.
• GACS’s Garrett Covington has added a new dimension to his game: rebounding. He has been hitting the glass hard all year while continuing to shoot the ball well.
• Embry Riddle is getting a steal with Pope’s Garrick DeBowles. The senior forward did it all today: shot it well in the midrange, rebounded, blocked shots, and showcased his leaping ability.  
• Jared Harper looked very comfortable with the ball in his hands in clutch situations. Pebblebrook looked for him to score the basketball late, and he responded with buckets and free throws.
• Greenforest may be known for their size, but their guard play has been solid. John Ogwuche, Justin Ravenel, and Justin Forrest all played well today. Ogwuche is one of the more slept on players in the 2016 class.
• When it comes to good backcourts, McIntosh has to be in the conversation. Jordan Lyons has been a scoring machine playing with a lot of physicality and Will Washington has great vision and can kick it into another gear with his speed.