Travel season is getting into gear, and the first night of the Georgia Cup has wrapped. Here are some quick thoughts from the night. 

S.M.A.S.H.ING IMPRESSION
Team S.M.A.S.H. was easily the first day’s most visually-striking team. With most of its roster listed at 6-foot-5 and above, Team S.M.A.S.H. looks more like a meticulously-assembled college team than a pack of high school kids. Their size and length proved to be smothering in their first game of the weekend. They held PE 2022 to 16 total points by generating turnover after turnover and altering every shot that PE took. 

Coming from the Kevin Durant mold of big men, 6-foot-10 Elijah Chol has a slender frame but can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. He also has no issue with letting the ball fly from 3-point range if given the space. 

There’s no shortage of potential on this team. Don’t be surprised to hear more from them in the future. 

IBALL TANDEM
Despite losing their game, iBall’s young, talented duo of Ethan Carter (2025) and Ryan Cooley (2024) stood out as players to monitor moving forward. Cooley scored 23 points, and Carter scored 18 points in the game. 

Both are 6-foot-4 wings that can fill multiple spots on the floor. They can each handle the ball well enough to lead the offense, and as they continue to develop, their guard skills will refine more and more. If needed to be used as catch-and-shoot guys, they both showed the ability to knock down jumpers. Carter especially showed his range connecting on four 3-pointers. 

WINNING WAYS
Fresh off of a dominant state championship run with Eagle’s Landing, Fabian DeSilva continued his winning ways by leading Quiet Storm with 16 points in a 57-33 win over Apalachee Elite. DeSilva dominated around the rim, but he also showcased his ability to stretch the floor by hitting a couple of shots from long range. 

It’s evident that DeSilva has a knack for winning, so keep an eye out for Quiet Storm.