Braggin' Rights GA vs AL
Huntsville, AL - Dec 8, 2018 - Columbia High School was the site of Braggin' Rights - Alabama vs Georgia. I was on the road again, as I pulled out of my drive-way and punched in the address to Columbia High School (Huntsville, AL). I was completely surprised at how long it would take to get there and the route I had to take. For some reason, in my mind, I just knew it would only take a couple of hours but I was wrong.....3h 49min!!! I double checked to make sure I put the correct address into Waze but there it read again 3h 49min!!! So off I went down the road as my Grandmother would say.
I arrived just before the tip of the first game, found a good spot and got down to business.
Game 1 - Wenonah HS (AL) vs Morgan County HS (GA)
Morgan County HS
Tyrin Lawrence - Put constant pressure on the defense as they could not stop his straight-line drives from the corners and top of the key.
Alec Woodward - Showed great athleticism as he got out on the break, finished in traffic, knocked down open 3pt shots and defended the perimeter well.
Wenonah HS
Justin Minter - Has good size and strength. He was a one-man wrecking crew who started his team's offense, distributed to open teammates, got his shot off in the mid-range and finished around the rim with contact.
Game 2 - Columbia HS (AL) vs Holy Innocents Episcopal School (GA)
Holy Innocents
Was led by a trio of C/O 2021 guards, Justin Wilson, 5'11 PG, Garrison Powell, 6'3 SG, and Chance Moore, 6'5 SG.
Chance Moore - Has the physique of an elite DI athlete with long arms and broad shoulders and explosive first step. He was impressive on the defensive end guarding multiple positions and showcased at times a high basketball skill set.
Columbia HS
Larry Penn - Is a do-it-all wing that shot it well from mid-range and around the rim, he rebounded well for his position, pushed it on fast-breaks & found open teammates and, he gave a good effort on the defensive end.
Maxwell Rone - Was great at protecting the rim from the weak side, blocking several shots, he ran the lanes well and, he finished around and above the rim.
Game 3 - Sidney Lanier HS (AL) vs Southwest Dekalb (GA)
SWD was missing three starters Eugene Brown III, Maurice Harvey, and Terrence Edwards, Jr. and one key role player Dajon Dancil in this game. So the load was carried by KD Johnson a 6'1 PG and James Glisson, III a 6'6 SF.
SWD
James Glisson, III - He was off from the mid-range but got to work on the block, scoring on several post touches. He also rebounded well and he had to guard a bigger and stronger post on the defensive end.
Kadarius (KD) Johnson - Did everything he could on the offensive end, dropping 30 the night before against Lithonia HS. He poured in 29, knocking down 3's, he made some tough mid-range jumpers and got to the rim whenever he wanted.
Lanier HS
Keonte White - A big lead guard that likes to facilitate and can get his shot off over most defenders.
Rongie Gordon - The big fella, scored it on the post in the midst of traffic, he rebounded at a high clip and I was most impressed by his ability of pass out of the post, double teams and from the high post/elbow area.
Antwan Burnett - Was dominate, creating for himself off the dribble, getting into the lane and finishing above the rim. He also was able to knock down open shots on catch and shoot opportunities.
Game 4 - Jamison HS (AL) vs Pebblebrook HS (GA)
Jamison HS
Brandon Nicholas - Came through early and often for his team knocking down countless 3's from well beyond the 3pt line. He also displayed a good ability to put the ball on the floor and create for his team.
Pebblebrook HS -
Derrick Harden - Showcased his entire arsenal as he knocked down several mid-range jumpers, passed well from the high post, filled the lanes on the fast break and protected the rim on the weak side.
Jalen Harper - Was in attack mode the entire game as he continually broke down his defender and penetrated into the heart of the defense collapsing everything around him. By the time the game got to overtime, he was able to get to the rim and finish at will - steadying his team to Georgia's lone win in the event.
Game 5 - Mountain Brook HS (AL) vs Meadowcreek HS (GA)
Meadowcreek HS
Jamir Chaplin - Was very impressive, he seemed to try to dunk the ball every time he was near the rim. He plays with a very high motor on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for his team as the game went back and forward.
Mountain Brook HS
Trendon Watford - Was the best player on the court, knocking down an early 3 to start the game and finishing with a game-saving block as time expired. In between, he handled the rock, rebounded at a high clip, banged on the interior and talked a little trash for good measure.
In closing, Chris Williams and the rest of the staff put on a great event and I truly appreciate the hospitality they showed me. I was impressed with the high level of DI talent showcased in every game of the event. I plan on keeping an on a few of these prospects to see where they end up. Until next time......