Dynamic Duos at GE8TOC
The pairing of “trios” in basketball has now shifted to dynamic duos. Many players wanted to make a statement with their play in the 2019 Georgia’s Elite Tip Off Classic tournament as it officially started the Georgia high school basketball season for several teams. Here are the dynamic duos who impressed at the 2019 Georgia’s Elite Tip Off Classic:
Alyn Breed, KJ Martin (IMG Academy)– Alyn Breed, recently committed to Providence College, emerged last season as a reliable scorer and playmaker on McEachern’s championship run. Now at IMG Academy, he showcased a similar skillset at GE8TOC. Breed proved throughout the game that he is the more than just a scorer as he managed the game and set up teammates for easy finishes at the rim. Among those teammates, includes KJ Martin, son of NBA legend Kenyon Martin. KJ Martin played like a man among boys against TSF. He is an athletic slasher who finishes well above the rim in transition. In a win against a solid The Skills Factory team, KJ Martin finished with 21 points and Alyn Breed finished with 13 points.
Jalen Deloach, Elijah Wood (Berkmar)– Jalen Deloach and Elijah Wood both play with a very high motor. Deloach led Berkmar with an impressive 32 points and 15 rebounds in a loss to McEachern. He played with a chip on a shoulder and a point to prove against the defending state champions. Deloach is a coach’s dream at the next level as he is a forward with good size who plays extremely hard. Rhode Island commit, Elijah Wood, finished the game with 19 points. He did a good job of using picks to create scoring opportunities for teammates. Wood also has a silky-smooth jump shot and managed to knock down a few three-pointers. In all, Deloach and Wood are a duo to keep your eyes on as the season continues.
Isaiah Collier, Sam Hines (Wheeler)– Collier is a highly touted freshman at the point guard position. The recent TSF transfer showcased his ballhandling and playmaking abilities in a loss to Greenforest. He excelled at attacking the lane off the dribble and making the proper decision at the rim. As a freshman, his court vision and passing is far ahead of his years. On the other hand, Sam Hines is already an established player for Wheeler. Hines, committed to the University of Denver, did a good job of finishing at the rim after Collier drove and dished. Collier and Hines are a duo that could shock many teams in the state tournament.
Myson Lowe, Jaylon Simpson (Campbell)– Lowe and Simpson were one of the top backcourts at the tournament. Lowe, a recent Alcorn State commit, is a score first point guard who is always in attack mode. He is very quick off the dribble and is very streaky from three-point distance. Myson Lowe has the potential to be one of the elite guards in his class. On the other hand, Jaylon Simpson is an athletic shooter who knocked down shots when Lowe found him in the corner. Lowe and Simpson may be one of the most dynamic backcourts in 7A.
Sharife Cooper, Bobby Moore (McEachern)– Sharife Cooper (pictured) put on a show in a win against Berkmar with 37 points. He started the game off hot with two back to back three pointers off the dribble. The Auburn commit is the unquestioned leader of the team and will carry much of the offensive load this season. Unfortunately, 6’10 Oak Hill transfer Dylan Cardwell is not yet cleared by the GHSA but Bobby Moore has stepped up in his absence. Moore blocked shots at the rim and finished well in the paint against Berkmar. Cooper is going to need a little more help from his teammates but thus far, Moore has stepped up to the challenge.