5 Key Questions: Norcross vs. Southwest DeKalb
The annual Holiday Hoopsgiving Tournament at Holy Innocents once again hosted elite, national high school talent. The tournament saved the best game for last as Southwest DeKalb faced powerhouse Norcross. In a close battle, Southwest DeKalb defeated Norcross with a score of 79-69. Here are a few remaining questions after the game:
Is Eugene Brown the best shooter in the state?
Eugene Brown (pictured), 6’6 guard for Southwest DeKalb, put on a shooting clinic at Holy Innocents. The junior knocked down 4 threes in the first half and ended the game with 7 made three pointers. He excels as a spot up shooter and even hit a few threes off the dribble. Brown has good length, long arms, and a quick release on his jump shot. He embraced his matchup with 5-star prospect, Brandon Boston, and scored a team high 23 points to lead Southwest DeKalb to victory. If Eugene Brown maintains his hot shooting, he will be regarded as one of the best shooters in the state.
Will Brandon Boston and Kyle Sturdivant be enough for Norcross?
Brandon Boston and Kyle Sturdivant have established themselves as two of the top guards in the country. After coming off successful travel seasons in the EYBL, they are now top scoring options for Norcross as they play a national schedule. Boston finished with a game-high 28 points while Sturdivant chipped in with 15 points and a few assists in a 79-69 loss to Southwest DeKalb. For the Blue Devils to bounce back from this loss, they will need more contribution from other players. In particular, Norcross needs a little more involvement from big men, Issa Muhammad and Daniel Ramsey, who combined for 10 points and very little resistance at the rim defensively. I’m expecting Norcross to pick it up and shake off an early 0-2 start to the season.
Who is James Glisson?
James Glisson is the unsung hero for Southwest DeKalb. He is very Draymond Green-like in that he rebounds, finishes, and protects the paint at a very high level. Glisson is the glue and complement to top scorers, Eugene Brown and KD Johnson who both finished with 23 points. The unsigned senior plays much bigger than his 6’5 frame. Glisson also has nice touch as he proved the ability to step out and hit mid-range shots. He finished with 18 points and iced the game with a signature tomahawk dunk.
Will Southwest DeKalb win Class 5A?
Southwest DeKalb is the sure favorite to win their region, but I believe they are the favorite win Class 5A as well. They have one of the best trios in the state in KD Johnson, Eugene Brown, and James Glisson. Point guard, Jarrett Walker, also impressed with his ability to attack the lane and finish over bigger defenders. Southwest DeKalb looks to make its first return to the state championship since the exit of Shaquille Goodwin and Jordan Price in 2012. With this win over Norcross, Southwest DeKalb is making a case as the best team in the state regardless of class.
Will Norcross return to the Class 7A state championship?
Not many would guess three weeks in the season that nationally-ranked Norcross would be winless. Given they have played state championship contenders, Wheeler and Southwest DeKalb, I expect Norcross to bounce back from this slow start. As mentioned above, Norcross’ role players must step up and provide additional support to Brandon Boston and Kyle Sturdivant. To my count, Norcross potentially has 8 division 1 players on the roster who they need major contributions from this season. With McEachern, Meadowcreek, and Wheeler hungry for a state championship appearance, this 0-2 start will be a good test to see how Norcross responds to adversity. I am confident that Coach McMillan will make necessary changes to propel the Blue Devils to its first win of the season.