Takeaways from Tucker @ Southwest Dekalb
Decatur, Georgia – Last night two programs who are expected to make a deep playoff run this season in the GHSA playoffs squared off for an exhibition game at Southwest Dekalb High School. The Tucker Tigers, who used to be one of Georgia’s top programs, were coming into this season with a chip on their shoulder. As of Southwest Dekalb, who are favorited by most to win Georgia’s class 5A title, have a unique starting five and was looking to build chemistry in this one. Both squads are set to tip off their regular season next weekend at the SWD Showcase back at Southwest Dekalb High School on November 10th. Southwest Dekalb defeated Tucker at a score of 70-60 in this one.
Who is 2020 W Terrence Edwards of Southwest Dekalb?
That is a great question for those of you who do not know who Terrence Edwards is. The junior wing has recently transferred from powerhouse Miller Grove High School (Decatur, Georgia) to neighborhood rival Southwest Dekalb High School (Decatur, Georgia). Edwards made his Panthers debut against Tucker and boy what a showing he had. Terrence finished with a solid 13 points and 10 rebounds and while getting to the free throw line often. The 6-foot-6 junior will certainly be SWD’s hustle player this season and that is saying a lot from a team that coaches hustle and energy. Terrence’s role this year will be the same as a Draymond Green type role. He will be playing as an undersized center and is able to guard every position on the floor. The Panthers will need Mr. Edwards this season, especially if they are looking to win that state title.
This Could Be Tucker’s Jermontae Hill’s Breakout Season
The 2020 wing Jermontae Hill of Tucker High School was in his bag tonight as he made his Tiger debut. Hill, a 6-foot-6 or possibly 6-foot-7 wing, made a statement tonight against a scrappy defensive Southwest Dekalb squad by putting up 20 points, 9 rebounds, and snatching 3 steals. After transferring from Grady High School (Atlanta, Georgia), Jermontae is looking to have a breakout junior season after already having a solid summer with AJ Bouye (GA), a non-shoe organization. He has already received multiple high major offers including Florida State, Kansas State, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, and others. He is an extremely strong wing with very very long arms. Jermontae is able to attack the rim with his strength and finish with his length. He is not a great shooter but he can connect from the outside on certain occasions. With his move to Tucker, who plays a tougher schedule then Grady, will this be a breakout season for Jermontae Hill? We will certainly found out.
Defense Wins Championships
This one here is for Southwest Dekalb. The Southwest Dekalb Panthers were already going to be a solid defensive squad with all of the scrappy guards they have on their roster. Adding Miller Grove transfers in Maurice Harvey and Terrence Edwards, that definitely added fuel to the fire. From the looks of the score you would think it was not a defensive type game from Southwest Dekalb, who gave up 60 points tonight. But as a team, the Panthers forced a plethora of turnovers, especially in the first half. 2020 PG KD Johnson and 2019 G Maurice Harvey both ended up with three steals each. The 94 feet pressure Southwest Dekalb intends on putting on their opponents this season will be exciting to watch. Their real test, in my opinion, will be when they face powerhouse Norcross High School (Norcross, Georgia) in a few weeks at the annual and famous Holiday Hoopsgiving showcase. If their defense contiunes to get better then they will be on their way to a state title.
2019 G Maurice Harvey’s impact
Here we have one of Georgia’s top sleepers, who is now at Southwest Dekalb. Like his teammate Terrence Edwards, Maurice decided to leave powerhouse Miller Grove and come play along side KD Johnson. Harvey made his name known early for the SWD community after dropping a team high 16 points in his debut. Maurice has always been a tough guard and tremondous player, even at his days at Miller Grove. He has plenty of varisty experience and also has made deep runs in the GHSA playoffs with Miller Grove in the past. Maurice gives the Panthers another key scorer and player who can get his points off his own dribble. When KD or Eugene are not feeling it, the Panthers can lean on Maurice to get things going for them in the long run.
How Good is 2020 PG KD Johnson?
How good is KD Johnson actually? The question should be, how much better will he actually become? Johnson is in the race for this seasons Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year award. KD had a fantastic summer running with Game Elite in the Adidas Gauntlet and that certainly got his name in the national spotlight. Only a four star prospect as of now, but KD is on the rise to that five star status. Johnson only finished with 12 points and 3 steals tonight, but again this one only an exhibition and with the new pieces they have added on this SWD squad, everyone was getting a feel for everyone. Johnson averaged about 17 points per game in his sophomore season and could possibly average more this year. Without question, Johnson is the engine and tone setter for this seasons squad. He is a tough point guard who able to take contact and finish when attacking the rim and that is exactly what he showed tonight. The sky is the limit for this kid.