Timely Seniors
PG Kam Oyola (Peachtree Ridge)- Oyola was pretty much unheard of before the Jared Cook Classic, but he made sure everyone knew his name by the end of the event. Against GAC and Lambert, Oyola went up against top guards Hunter McIntosh and Mitch Ganote, and just about matched their level of play. He is capable of hitting tough outside shots and goes into the paint without any fear. There were multiple times where Oyola would go up in traffic and grab a rebound off his own shot over much bigger defenders. If Oyola continues to lead the Lions and produce like he did at the Jared Cook Classic, he’ll get lots of calls from college coaches.
G Julian Alexander (Sandy Creek)- It is easy for Alexander to be an unsung piece on Sandy Creek’s team that features TJ Bickerstaff and Jabari Smith. On Friday night at Hoopsgiving, he was key for the Patriots in their win over GAC. Alexander connected on 5 3-pointers and finished with a total of 21 points in the matchup. With GAC putting their energy into the two previously mentioned players, Alexander stepped up in a big way. He never hesitated when a scoring opportunity arose, and was very efficient in his attempts. Alexander is one who is under the radar currently but will be a good pickup late.
W Tyrel Morgan (Langston Hughes)- With Landers Nolley gone, Morgan looks to lead the Panthers this season. His play was a big part in keeping the game tight on Friday when Langston Hughes faced Greenforest. Morgan has a unique, impressive scoring package from 15 feet and in. He converts on a variety of shots and has great dexterity inside the lane. Morgan plays much bigger than his height, providing his team with a tough, physical presence who is a big rebounding boost. He and PJ Carter are a versatile duo that will help the Panthers a great deal in 2018-19.
SG Kenny Burns (Wheeler)- Burns is also on a team with well-known names like Charles Smith, Roscoe Eastmond, and Malachi Rhodes. He has to be efficient with the looks he gets, and against Holy Spirit on Friday night, he was. In the Wildcats’ big win over HSP, Burns hit 4 3’s and had 18 points, including some important FT’s late. Like we saw when Wheeler played Newton last year, Burns can be dangerous if he gets hot. If he can be a nightly threat, it will go a long way in helping Wheeler in their quest for a state championship. With Roscoe Eastmond running the show, the shooting ability of Burns and Charles Smith should continue to thrive.
G Stevin Greene (Morgan County)- Alec Woodard and Tyrin Lawrence did what they were expected to do at Hoopsgiving, but it was Greene whose name was buzzing for Morgan County during the event. After an 18-point outing on the main court in a victory against Pebblebrook, Greene followed it up by scoring 29 points on Day 2 as Morgan Co. defeated St. Francis. A small, lightning-quick guard, Greene flies all over the court for the Bulldogs. He racks up steals with active hands, sneaks in for rebounds, and gets loose balls. He is athletic enough to convert in traffic and has also displayed a great pull-up jumper. Greene had numerous coaches talking about him over the weekend, his interest should pick up soon.