Team Preview: Norcross Blue Devils
Coach Jesse McMillan’s Norcross Blue Devils are always loaded with talent. With the return of Kyle Sturdivant and Brandon Boston, Norcross looks to win its first state championship since 2013. Last year, the Blue Devils advanced to the 7A State Championship game but was picked apart by Meadowcreek. Norcross looks to grow from last year with many players stepping into new roles due to the exit of seniors JoJo Toppin (UGA) and Dalvin White (USC Upstate). Notable games include Wheeler at the On the Radar Showcase (GA), Roselle Catholic at the Spalding Hoophall Classic (MA), and Montverde Academy at the Cancer Research Classic (WV). Here are the Norcross Blue Devils who will contribute this season:
Kyle Sturdivant (Class of 2019)– Leading the charge at the point guard spot is Kyle Sturdivant. Sturdivant is a seasoned veteran who has started at guard since his freshman year. He’s coming off an impressive summer playing alongside 5-star prospect Vernon Carey with Team NTF. The Southern California commit will bring his EYBL circuit experience into the season and will elevate the play of many of his teammates. With the exit of Dalvin White, Sturdivant will have more control of the offense and will be looked upon to close games. Last year in the region championship against Meadowcreek, he nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to win the game. He is poised to repeat as First Team All-County and Region Player of the Year.
Brandon Boston (Class of 2020)– Currently ranked as the second best player in Georgia’s 2020 class, I am not sure of another player in the country whose stock increased last summer like Brandon Boston. Boston exploded on the EYBL circuit with Team AOT and caught the attention of many high division 1 powerhouses such as Kansas and Duke. Standing at 6’6 with a Brandon Ingram-like wingspan, Boston has all the tools to dominate offensively. He solidified himself as one of the best shooters in the country at his size and will be a 20+ point per game scorer this season. Boston’s great length will also help him on defense. The sky is the limit for this kid.
Daniel Ramsey (Class of 2019)– A transfer from Deerfield-Windsor HS, Ramsey is a 6’8 athletic big man who finishes very well at the rim. He is currently ranked as a top-5 player in the state and recently committed to Xavier after a good showing with Team Thad on the Under Armour Circuit. Last season, Ramsey averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game. He blocks shots at a high level and has a variety of post moves in his arsenal to score on defenders. Ramsey is a great addition to the already solid Norcross roster and may be the piece that takes the Blue Devils to the next level.
Issa Muhammad (Class of 2020)– The 6’9 forward will have a much bigger role this season with the exit of JoJo Toppin. He will be looked upon to hold down the paint defensively and finish off plays at the rim. Muhammad runs the floor well and has good touch around the rim. Due to his impressive showing during the live period, he received offers from Florida and Clemson. Look for him to lead the frontcourt this season for Norcross.
Kevon Eskridge (Class of 2020)– The brother of sharpshooter, Kenton Eskridge (Tucker HS), Kevon is looking to build off a successful season at Norcross after transferring from Columbia. Like his older brother, Kevon Eskridge is a knockdown shooter. He hit multiple clutch three-pointers down the stretch for Norcross during their region championship win against Meadowcreek. Norcross will give opponents nightmares with Eskridge and Boston on opposite wings.
Caleb Murphy (Class of 2020)– Caleb Murphy had a very productive travel season and picked up offers from Arkansas-Little Rock, Tulane, and East Tennessee State. He is a do-it-all type of guard who has high-level shooting, ball handling, and athleticism. Murphy is a sleeper but look for him to open a lot of eyes and have a breakout year this season for Norcross.
Isaac Martin (Class of 2019)– Standing at 6’5, Isaac Martin is a pure, lefty shooter. The recent transfer from Wheeler will make an immediate impact for Norcross this season. He impressed with his shot-making and athleticism last summer with Game Elite. Martin is also a very underrated passer who can create off the dribble for himself and teammates.
Alonzo Johnson (Class of 2019)– A senior, Alonzo Johnson is a strong guard who excels at getting to the rim. Johnson showcased his scoring last summer with Georgia Elite Ballers, but he will be looked to as more of a floor general who gets his teammates involved this season. Johnson brings experience and great senior leadership to the Blue Devils.
Jaden Harris (Class of 2021)– The sophomore transfer from Stratford Academy is already established as an underclassman. The 6’3 Georgia Stars product has great athleticism and finishes very well in traffic. He has already received offers from Georgia Tech, Georgia State and Ole Miss. It should be interesting to see how he fits on this year’s roster.