#OTRHoopsReport: Georgia Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic Notebook – Nov. 14, 2018

Senior forward Jared Jones came up big Saturday for McEachern (GA) in a win. Photo Cred – Ty Freeman

Atlanta, Ga– The Georgia Elite 8 Tip- Off set the hottest stage in Atlanta for high school hoops this past weekend. Crowds flocked to the famed McEachern (GA) gymnasium to watch the best and brightest young stars hailing from the Peach state. Matchups featuring several nationally ranked players and a host of others committed to play basketball at institutions next Fall did not disappoint with all wire to wire games coming down to the last couple of possessions in the 4th quarter.

Leading up to the late slot game I got to watch a couple of games in TSF & Massanutten Military Academy, St Francis & Westlake followed by Meadowcreek & Wheeler. Here are some of the guys besides some of the major names who played well. 

2019 guard Mark Freeman – The Skills Factory (GA)

Freeman was one of my favorite players in the gym by the end of the night. He’s a tough guard standing about 5’10 who doesn’t mind taking the challenge on either end. He took on the challenge of guarding Massanutten’s best player and was highly effective against the 6’6 PG. Freeman is lightning quick with the ball and had a good IQ seeing plays develop and hitting own teammates. At times, it seemed hard to keep Freeman out of the lane as he attacked with crossovers and hesitation dribbles. Once inside he was able to finish amongst traffic with a stare down to match. Freeman is one of those players coaches will play any day because he brings energy and intensity to every game along with scoring. Tennessee State certainly got a quality guard in Freeman.

2020 guard Dwon Odom – St. Francis (GA)

Odom had a good showing. He was aggressive and got downhill with ease. He didn’t face much size against Westlake but finished well inside at the rim. Going up against a future ACC guard, Odom was able to get to his spots on the floor and attack the paint from different angles. He hit a jumper from the outside off the bounce and looked confident in his ability to knock down FT’s at the charity strip. Overall Odom had an impressive game and kept his team in striking distance in a tight game.

2019 forward D’Antay Page – Westlake (GA)

Page has been an under the radar player for a while but shook things up Saturday night. Page came to play and showed that instantly scoring in bunches for Westlake to start the game. He was a mismatch for forwards with his quick first step and ability to get to the lane with either hand. Page finished well around the basket and rebounded out of space for Westlake securing multiple offensive boards. Page is another player lower level schools need to see during his Senior campaign. He can bring some size, versatility, and scoring to a program with the ability to defend multiple positions on the floor. He’s always in constant motion finding himself around the rim for tip backs or open off cuts backside. Page will play a big role for Westlake this year outside of their stud guards. D’Antay brings consistency and an energy to the court that teams need when facing quality opponents every night.

@dantaye24 leads @WestlakeHoops to a 78-75 win vs @StFrancishoops1 with 18pts and 12rebs pic.twitter.com/mWG0GuZUh6

— Jalen Simmons (@jmixtape_) November 13, 2018

2019 guard Emmanuel Collier – Meadowcreek (GA)

Collier came up big for Meadowcreek this past weekend as he knocked in some big 3’s in the 2nd half to help Meadowcreek take the lead for good. He’s slender, but has good length with a sufficient handle. When he has time to set his feet off the catch, it’s a good chance the shot is going in. Emmanuel is versatile and can defend either wing positions on the other end at 6’2 maybe 6’3. An energetic, rangy shooter with confidence and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, I definitely think some lower level schools should give Emanuel a peak this season.

Emmanuel Collier hit some timely threes en route to last year’s title for @Meadowcreek_BB. @GE8TOC included, all signs point to him shooting it at an even higher clip this season…@Meadowcreek_ad @Region_7AAAAAAA @GAHoopCircle @StackhouseElite#SUVtv #ABACE pic.twitter.com/oNms9ErN3d

— SUVtv (@SUVtv) November 13, 2018

2020 guard DeAndre Brown – Holy Spirit (GA)

This junior guard proved to be a formidable guard who can bring a spark and offensive boost for Holy Spirit Prep. He was a reliable threat from hit three land and made some big shots during key stretches of the first and second half. A natural speedster, DeAndre did a good job defensively for most of the game on Cooper with intense ball pressure and creating steals and fastbreak points for HSP. Brown handled the ball in high pressure situations and created for himself and teammates as well off the bounce. Only a junior, Brown has a chance to improve his stock playing alongside one of the best in the country in Edwards.

2019 forward Jared Jones – McEachern (GA)

This was the first time I’ve seen Jones active and healthy in a long time and he played well. A big mobile forward with good hands, Jones was good for McEachern inside. He protected the rim, guarded the ball screen well, and finished inside off penetration. He was dominant on the glass at points and had some key rebounds to end possessions toward the end of the 4th. He played above the rim which was good to see, and didn’t look timid on the floor. He defended well on the low block and altered several shots at the rim making it hard for the guards to score in the lane. Northwestern has a solid big on their hands who can add depth, rebounding, and a moderate scoring immediately.

Willie Evans is a contributor to On the Radar Hoops