Who Stood Out at the 2018 TOC Classic? (Part Two)
Atlanta, Georgia – The 2018 and third annual Tournament of Champions Classic began this week and ran over a three day span, from December 27-29th. This year’s tournament was no different really then past seasons and was filled with talent all over the two gymnasiums with some of the peach state’s best prospects. College coaches from Virginia, Georiga, Georgia Tech, UMass, Xavier, Auburn, Clemson, and few division two schools were in attendance throughout the tourney. The tournament was split into two divisions with four different brackets. Here I have pointed out who stood out in the national division.
Note: Part 2 of 3.
2020 PG Deivon Smith (Grayson, GA)
One the southeasts most emerging prospects, in 6-foot-1 Deivon Smith, contiunes to impress and put scouts on notice as the season goes along. Deivon led his Grayson High School team to the peach bracket title after wins over North Atlanta, John Marshall (VA), and Meadowcreek. At first glance you would think a somewhat small point guard like Smith cannot really do much, but he effects the game and his team in multiple ways. His athleticism comes to mind every single time due to his bounce off the floor and his explosiveness. Deivon put on display that he has more to his game and not just his athleticism. All tournament long he showed great leadership and poised and that is exactly what got Grayson the tournament title for their bracket. Rebounding as a guard is a gifted skill and Smith is averaging at least 8 rebounds per game this season at a point guard his size.
2019 PG Lance Terry (The Heritage School, GA) Gardner-Webb commit
In my opinion, Gardner-Webb is receiving a real steal in 6-foot-2 point guard Lance Terry. Most guys in high school do not play with as much hustle and energy Lance Terry plays with. Diving on the floor and playing full speed in every possession whether on offense or defense is a strong attribute the senior guard holds. The Gardner-Webb commit played extremely well leading Heritage to a super competitve 1-2 overall record at the TOC Classic. Lance is a downhill point guard who contains high level strength. He is an active defender with great hands on defense and knows exactly when to go for a steal. Connectiing on perimeter jumpers are not a problem for the senior point guard either, his shot making skills from beyond the arc are intacted.
2019 SG Ben Shepard (Greater Atlanta Christian, GA) Belmont commit
Ben Shepard is one of those prospects who is just characterized as a solid and smart basketball player. He is not a “light up the stat sheet” type of prospect but he can sure be efficient for whatever team he is on. Shepard holds great size at the shooting guard position standing at 6-foot-6 even. Belmont is certainly getting a scoring threat from the perimeter as Ben is able to knock down his shots from the three point line. He does however need to work on his ball handling skills, especially being placed at that two-guard position. Shepard is a solid on ball defender and was able to show he can run the floor well in transition at the TOC Classic.
2021 PG Peyton Daniels (Tri Cities, GA)
Georiga’s 2021 class is already loaded and looking in great shape for the future and please be aware that Peyton Daniels is one of the reasons why. This was my first time seeing the 6-foot-2 point guard play in person since his time on the AAU circuit with Adidas Stackhouse Elite (NC). I can tell his elite potentials are there, and with him only being a sophomore, it will certainly take time for him to find it and have it all come together. Peyton has a great shooting stroke and nice looking jump shot. He is a fast guard and is always engaged on the defensive end of the ball. The sophomore guard displayed his scoring assests and had two 20+ point performances in his time at the TOC Classic.
2019 F Armani Harris (Newton, GA)
One of the peach states top available seniors, Armani Harris, had a very good performance this past week at the TOC Classic in front of college coaches and scouts. Sitting at 6-foot-7, Harris plays as an under sized four-man in Newton’s offense and that is something he has been solid at doing. Finishing around the rim and inside the paint was too easy at times for the senior forward. He showed patience down low and had a few powerful finishes at the rim. Armani is not a flashy player or maybe the quickest guy on the floor, but he sure does know how to get it done and is extremely efficent.