Georgia Summer Awards (Tier 1)
MVP- Chris Youngblood In a state with so much talent, it can be hard to choose one player for MVP, but I think most would agree with this selection. If you look at Youngblood’s individual performances to go along with…
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Continue ReadingMVP- Chris Youngblood
In a state with so much talent, it can be hard to choose one player for MVP, but I think most would agree with this selection. If you look at Youngblood’s individual performances to go along with his team’s success, it is clear that he is deserving. He has put together an impressive resume over the last two travel season with huge wins and 30+ point outings against all types of elite competition. I believe the Knights went 46-1 this season, taking down sponsored teams with big-name prospects multiple times along the way. Youngblood was finally seen and recognized on a national scale when he suited up with Game Elite FL at the Adidas Gauntlet Finale. His combination of skill, strength, and rare competitive nature have produced great results. I’ve said it before, but it is just unfair that Kennesaw State was able to get him. The Owls don’t seem to be done in 2020 either.
Biggest Stock Riser- Caleb Murphy
No one has burst onto the national scene like Murphy has since the start of the spring. The very first night of the Adidas Gauntlet, I saw Murphy dominate against Team Carroll and he hasn’t disappointed at any stop since then. Murphy is next to impossible to keep in front of at the high school level; his first-step is a sight to see and he changes speeds extremely well while using his length to his advantage also. HM schools finally started to jump in early in the summer and Murphy has picked up 18 new offers since the middle of June. Murphy has a unique ability to glide and finish in the lane to go along with being able to penetrate the defense whenever he wants. He has continued to make strides in his jumper as well. The trio of him, Deivon Smith, and Toneari Lane at Grayson will look to lead the Rams in 7A this year.
Most Upside- Christian Fussell/Brandon Stroud
Both Fussell and Stroud provide a nice mixture of production and potential, having very nice travel seasons on successful non-sponsored teams. Fussell’s touch and shooting ability at 6’10” force college coaches to watch and be interested. He falls in love with it at times but is an effective shooter from behind the line. Fussell has a body that will fill out and adapt to the college game, and moves quite well for a prospect his size. Once his motor becomes more consistent and he commits to staying locked in, he’ll have a very nice college career.
Already at 6’6’”, there have been rumors that Stroud is not done growing and could stretch out and eventually grow to 6’8”. Giving him another 2 inches would further add to his value as a tall, long perimeter player with skill. Stroud is one of the most competitive players you’ll watch and brings vocal energy on both ends each game. He has a reliable lefty shot that he shoots with great confidence off both the catch and dribble. Stroud isn’t an elite vertical athlete but he is adept at drawing fouls when he gets in the paint. In California, he did that, along with showing improved shot selection. I’m very interested to see how his body and game continue to develop after high school because he could be a scary final product.
Mr. Cool- Kirshon Thrash
Thrash never changes his expression, never gets out of control, and always looks relaxed. He is one of the most unique players I have watched in the region; a thick 6’3”, Thrash plays on the ball well and excels as a facilitator while also proving he is capable of putting up huge rebounding numbers. Although he won’t wow you with athleticism, Thrash has some leaping ability and uses his body to create space and angles as well as anyone. On the excellent Knights team, Thrash and Roman Son made everything going with their ability to get in the lane almost on command. It could be a hectic, up and down contest but Thrash would still play his calm, methodical game and make the correct decision off of penetration. He is an ultimate stat sheet stuffer who doesn’t play a conventional style but always produces. Presbyterian was very smart to be the first Division 1 program to offer him.
The Sleeper- Achor Achor
Achor is far from a finished product, but with the tools he possesses currently and flashes of other things he showed throughout the travel season, I think he will be a successful college player. Achor runs the floor passionately and never gives up on a play. He is particularly good on the offensive glass where he pursues the ball aggressively, keeps it high, and goes right back up to finish. Achor has sufficient touch and has pretty good-looking form on his shot. He stays aware and active on both ends, allowing him to produce without requiring many touches. As he becomes more polished and gains experience, Achor will be a well-rounded player that could surprise some people at the college level.
The Enforcer- Sam Hines
No one leaves his mark on a game physically while not being overly wild like Hines does. His tough, rugged style is one I’ve appreciated and highlighted for quite some time. No matter the scenario, Hines brings the mindset that he’s going to dominate you with his strength, athleticism, and effort. Whenever he is in the paint, you need to watch out because Hines is looking to tear down the rim. He is productive against bigger opponents, rebounds aggressively, and has continued to add to his ball skills the past two years. Although he is under-recruited currently, I think whatever school gets him will be very happy down the road.