SUWANEE, GA - Opening night of the 2021 HoopSeen Atlanta Jam is in the books. What were my biggest takeaways from my slate of games on Friday night?

TOP DOG

Yerald Mieses, Tennessee Tigers: New weekend, same story. The Hamilton Heights (TN) available senior continues to shine for the the Tigers, one of the top teams in the HoopSeen Association. Paired against a talent-rich Griffin Elite team out of Kentucky, the Tigers leaned on the hot hand of Mieses in the second half. His ability to get into the paint with the dribble was unparalleled in my viewing on Friday night. He converted at the foul line when gifted the freebies. His aggressiveness put the Griffin Elite defenders on their heels. Mieses is a talented mid-major prospect that warrants attention from recruiters at this stage of the game. If this were a NCAA Live Period, he’d finish the weekend with options. Hopefully that feeling translates on film as college coaches watch online.

HI, MY NAME IS…

Justin Becker, Griffin Elite: In the best game of the night, the 6-foot-6 forward from Kentucky was a problem inside and out. Becker brings a toughness to the table that should carry Griffin Elite along nicely the rest of the weekend. His strength is hard to guard out on the wing and his strength causes problems in the paint. Becker will be a fun player to chart the rest of the weekend. Really nice first impression with 21 points and a number of rebounds in a tough loss to Tennessee Tigers.

Kennedy Hayden, Manimal Elite: The 6-foot-4 guard from Nicholasville, KY was one of several players on this impressive Manimal team that caught my attention. He’s a long guard with big game. Hayden has big strides and makes tough shots in the paint. With great positional size and, at first glance, impressive upside, Hayden could be a guy that catches more attention with his play throughout the weekend.

SENIOR MOMENTS

BCB is off to a hot start this travel season and one of the reasons why is the play of 6-foot-9 forward Corey Thomas of Cherokee Bluff (GA) HS. Thomas is a hot-shooting big man that has shown a keen ability to be a difference-maker in the clutch. Thomas and his BCB mates dismantled the Miami Prep team on opening night, making it known of their continued readiness to show out on the big stage. Thomas has been one of the most productive seniors early on the HoopSeen platform.

Tennessee Tigers have Riggs Abner back on the roster again this weekend. He was one of the top players for coach Chip Smith last year on our platform. The 6-foot-5 wing is a shot-maker and a tough match-up inside and out. For the non Division I schools watching online and in person, he’s a nice deep dive player to spend some time with.

NOTES FROM THE NOTEPAD

BCB class of 2023 guard Jaden Yeh has been a steady force for his team’s strong start to the travel season. The junior from White County (GA) has been coming to HoopSeen events for years with his father, Jon (who is the head coach at Truett McConnell University). The younger Yeh is taking the knowledge gained from being a coach’s son and transferring it onto the hardwood with his play. Smart play. Winning player.

Class of 2022 guard Paxton Davidson of the Tennessee Tigers continues his hot shooting touch with four triples on opening night. He was the best shooter last weekend at the Bama Jam.

Speaking of shooting, the Atlanta Timberwolves Green guard Will Kelly dropped in a cool 28 points and four three-pointers in a big opening night win.