5 Names to Know: Region 7-AAAAAA
You may not know much about these Region 7-6A players now, but by season's end you should.
2018 W Ryan Jenei (Alpharetta)-
There have been some questions surrounding Alpharetta after losing some key players from last year's team, but with a senior leader like Jenei, the Raiders should find success once again. Jenei made noise in July as a three-point marksman, but he is more than just that. He is a strong perimeter player who is physical inside and always seems to be involved in the action. Jenei is one of those guys who will do a lot of different things and just plays the right way. As a senior leader, he will set a great example for this Alpharetta team.
2018 SG Nathan Gauthreaux (Johns Creek)-
The Gladiators are returning a healthy amount of guys this year and Gauthreaux is one of their key returners. He is a scrappy player who has an impact on defense, makes hustle plays, and gets on loose balls frequently. On offense, he is an excellent shooter with a high IQ, allowing him to get clean looks often. Gauthreaux uses his defensive ability to create easy looks in transition as well. With him setting the tone with active, energetic play, Johns Creek should be in the mix for one of the region's state playoff spots.
2018 SG Andrew Stimpson (North Atlanta) (pictured above)-
After battling injuries throughout his high school career, Stimpson is ready to show what he is made of as a senior. Playing with one of the best travel programs around in AC Georgia, he benefited from going against top competition in the Southeast this summer. Stimpson is a solid shooter off the catch or bounce and fairly athletic also. He has good length as well, and uses it to make things happen on the defensive end. Stimpson might not get all the oohs and ahhs but he makes fundamental, winnings plays constantly.
2019 PG Joseph Jones (Northview)-
The departure of Justin Brown means that the Titans will be looking to Jones to carry them this season. It will be an adjustment, but he is well-suited for such a role. Jones is an electric athlete who excels in the open court and attacks the basket fearlessly. His athleticism allows him to blow past defenders and get anywhere on the floor, which will be crucial in manufacturing baskets for him and his teammates. Jones has the tools to handle these responsibilities and will have to bring it every game for this Northview team.
2019 F Jared Whitehurst (Dunwoody)-
Like Jones, Whitehurst is another junior who will have to step up this year after his team lost a key player to transfer. In Dunwoody's case, it was leading scorer Ty Lilly who left. However, Whitehurst has proved that he is capable of taking on a bigger load. Whitehurst is a versatile forward who has the size and strength to be effective inside. He has also displayed the ability to step out and hit perimeter shots consistently, which will help this team a lot. Whitehurst and senior forward Turner Nims will lead the Wildcats in 2017-18, creating a nice frontcourt duo.
