#OTRHoopsReport: Ontheradarhoops.com Invitational Preview-Nov. 26, 2013
Miller Grove will have an early season test versus Luella this weekend at the On the Radar Hoops Invitational
By: Jonathan Hemingway @JLHemingwayPSB
In just it’s’ third year of existence, the OntheRadarHoops.com Invitational has become one of the state’s top one day showcase for top teams in the state of Georgia. This Thanksgiving weekend showcase will feature championship contending teams as well as some of the top committed prospects from around the state of Georgia. Here is a look at some of the storylines that you should follow this weekend.
RING CHASERS
Several teams in this year’s Invitational will be legitimate state championship contenders. Starting with Coach Sharman White, he brings his Miller Grove team in for an early season test versus Luella. Miller Grove seems primed to go after their sixth straight championship this season. Tulane signee Keith Pinckney has Miller Grove out to a quick start in this young season. Also St. Francis is motivated to chase down the championship that eluded them last year. Coach Cabral Huff brings a well-balanced team in to play a Chattahoochee team who is always well prepared. Watch St. Francis frontline play of Josh Coleman & Kaiser Gates as one of the keys for the success this year. Last year Hillgrove was the runner-up in Class AAAAAA and is poised to make another run at a ring behind the strong guard play of Kyle Castlin who has signed with Columbia. And do not forget about North Cobb Christian who is certain to be competitive in Class A ball this year. Ohio signee Kendall Crute leads the Eagles as a do-it-all guard.
ON THE RISE
This year’s invitational also features several teams that are on their way to being consistent competitors this year. Eddie Hood has a reloaded roster at Duluth that is bound to make some noise in the ultra competitive region 7-AAAAAA. Wichita State signee Eric Hamilton earned his reputation as one of the most versatile forwards in the state this summer. Pebblebrook is another team to watch as the year moves along. Behind the strong guard play of Ty Hudson, they could be a team that makes a push into the state tournament this February. Finally, Luella could become one of the biggest stories in the state this year. South Carolina signee TeMarcus Blanton is one of the most athletic wings in the state. His leadership could make Lions one of the surprises of the 2013-2014 season.
Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops scouting report. He can be reached at JonathanHemingway@peachstatebasketball.com
