Metro Atlanta Big Hoops Weeked Recap
Metro Atlanta was home to several top nationally known prospects this weekend for the class of 2021, 2020, and 2019. Prospects such as Jaden Springer, Anthony Edwards, Kyree Walker, Jalen Suggs, Brandon Boston, Isaac Okoro, Josh Christopher and more. This weekend in Atlanta was the host of the Nike EYBL Athletes of Tomrrow (GA) Tip Off Classic, the Lakepoint Sports Academy Classic, and the 3rd Annual UnderClassmen All American game. We recap a busy weekend of hoops with a couple shoe program matchups, player matchups, and the UC All American game standouts.
Under Armour B Maze Elite (TN) vs Nike EYBL AOT (GA) – AOT Tip Off Classic Showcase Game
The B Maze Elite and AOT 17U matchup featured one the nationally known matchups most of us have been wanting to see. 2020 guard Brandon Boston (Norcross HS) of AOT (GA), who is currently ranked #15 according to ESPN, against 2020 guard Jaden Springer (Rocky River HS) of B Maze Elite (TN), who currently ranked #16 according to ESPN. The game itself was also a pleasure to watch and evaluate. B Maze pulled out the win over AOT with a 97-90 comeback win. Jaden Springer, even while battling ankle injuries on both ankles, finished with 20 points for B Maze Elite. Springer is always in attack mode when the ball is in his hands. Being able to finish on his opponents has come easy to him, especially with his tremondous body control. Jaden was also able to stop on the dime and knock down his pull up jumpers. He also hit a couple three balls from beyond the arc as well. While Springer was out with injury, emerging prospect 2019 point guard Jaques Glover (Knoxville Bearden) came to life. Jaques was able to run the offense, with Springer set aside, by penetrating and hitting a couple contested jump shots. He is able to get his shot off the dribble and his toughness and poise caught my eye as he led B Maze’s comeback. For AOT Brandon Boston was the star and might have been for the entire game. Brandon finished with a game high 29 points. Boston showed everyone all the work he has been putting in in the gym by knocking down several three’s, attacking off the dribble, making his way to the basket, and just being active offensively. He can be known as a very underrated passer and rebounder. His growth on the court is happening right in front of us and he will be a huge perimeter threat for AOT (GA) in the Nike EYBL.
Under Armour Atlanta Express (GA) vs Nike EYBL GA Stars (GA) – Lakepoint Tip Off Classic Semifinals
The B Maze (TN)-AOT (GA) matchup was not the only shoe sponsored matchup we had in the peach state. This weekend we also had an in state battle between two of Georgia’s known grassroot programs in Atlanta Express against Georgia Stars. Georgia Stars defeated the Atlanta Express in a score of 78-70. Atlanta Express features top-25 nationally ranked prospect in 2020 guard Anthony Edwards (Holy Spirt) aka “Ant Man”. Edwards is a very patient guard on the offensive end and is incredibly efficient for his squad. Edwards is able to knock down his jump shots off screens and also able to get into the lane with no question. His vision is also something college scouts should keep an eye on this summer and throughout his high school career. He is able to see the floor and finish in transition and will not hesitate to throw one down for the crowd with a nasty dunk. Anthony finished with a game high 24 points. For the Georgia Stars, their back court this spring and summer will consist of 2019 point guard Kira Lewis (Hazel HS) and 2019 point guard Trey McGowens (Hargrave Military). The Stars were led by Kira Lewis, who led with 22 points. Lewis is a fast point guard with John Wall type speed. He is very active and aware on both side of the ball. Kira was able to connect from downtown a few times and was able to drive and disrupt the Atlanta Express zone. He could be one of the underrated point guards in the star studded EYBL and maybe even the country for the class of 2019.
3rd Annual 2018 UnderClassmen All American Game (Pictured Above)
The famous Wheeler High School was host to the 3rd Annual UC All American Game. The UC All American features some of the top nationally known sophomore prospects in the nation. This year the game featured prospects such as Kyree Walker, Greg Brown, Josh Christopher, Jaemyn Brakefield, Jalen Suggs, Isaiah Todd, Jaden Springer, Brandon Boston, and more. The East squad defeated the West sqaud 129-108. Guard Dwon Odom (St. Francis) and guard Josh Christopher (Mayfair) shared the MVP honors for the East squad while guard Brandon Boston (Norcross) was honored with the West squad MVP. Guards Kyree Walker (Hillcrest Prep) of the East squad and Noah Farrakhan (IMG Academy) of the West squad also stood out as well. The UC All American game was pre McDonald’s All American game for this loaded class of 2020 group. It was also a great way for everyone to be together before they compete in their respective shoe circuits.