#OTRHoopsReport: Thanksgiving Week Standouts – November 29, 2015

 Class of 2017 Jordan Usher is emerging as one of the top talents in the state of Georgia in his class. Photo credit – Ty Freeman/Jared Cook Classic

Our #OTRHoopsReport coverage team was in full effect last week watching basketball from all over the metro-Atlanta area. The were plenty of usual suspects who performed at high levels. However, there were new names that emerged as must-watch prospects both in the region as well as nationally. Here is a mix of both types of prospects in this recap.

By:  @JLHemingwayPSB

Editor’s note – We will look at standouts from the #OTRThanksgivingShowcase later this week.

2016

Ronald Bell – Westlake HS

Bell helps lead a Westlake team that is quickly emerging as one of the best team’s in the Atlanta area. The unsigned senior showed his trademark strength and hustle on the wing in a match-up versus Gray Collegiate Academy last Saturday at the Run-n-Shoot showcase at Berkmar High School. His strength going towards the bucket and his ability to rebound make him a consistent impact player. Bell should be tabbed as one of the best uncommitted prospects in the Southeast.

Darrion Taylor – Archer HS

Taylor first landed in our report last year at the #OTRThanksgivingShowcase. Since then, Taylor built his reputation at the #EBATop40 Camp and on the summer circuit with Heat Check. He is fully primed to be a lead play-maker for first year coach Joel Lecoeruvre at Archer. He is off to a quick start this year as he scored 23 points on seven 3-pointers at the Jared Cook Classic last Monday afternoon (watch here: Archer vs. Alpharetta).

2017

Michael Durr – Westlake HS

The 6-10 post was one of the pleasant surprises of the Run N’ Shoot Showcase at Berkmar High School. While Durr came off the bench, he played with newfound energy on both ends of the floor. He ran the court with purpose while affecting shots in the paint. His offensive production is blossoming as he finished jump hooks and completed 3-point plays with his back to the basket. If Durr can show this production consistently, expect him to become an ELITE 100 Watch-list player in the BrandonClayScouting.com rankings.

Justin Forrest – Greenforest HS

Forrest is a strong, tough point guard who blows by his defender to get to the rim. He finishes strong inside and is not afraid to mix it up against bigger players. He pushes the ball well in transition and puts tremendous pressure on the ball on defense. He can matchup with any of the top point guards in Georgia’s 2017 class.

Chuma Okeke – Westlake HS

What impressed us the most about Okeke is how he continues to polish his skill set. A legit athlete with length, he has added the polish that makes him a wing that can produce inside and out. To illustrate, Okeke put a stat line of 23 points and 15 rebounds, which included an efficient effort from the 3-point line. His versatility combined with productivity should gain the attention of Power Conference schools nationally.

Jordan Usher – Sequoyah HS

Fresh off an offer from Arizona State, the 6-foot-5 wing showed off his skills a the Jared Cook Classic at North Gwinnett High School. We watched Usher and his Sequoyah teammates hold off a second half rally from Buford on Monday night. His 21 points were key in the win, which was broadcasted live via the @SUVtv (watch here: Sequoyah vs. Buford). His ability to hit the outside shot, get to the rim combined with his length point to a high ceiling for the junior from Canton.

2018

Jamie Lewis – Westlake HS

Lewis is a player who is emerging. The sophomore point guard set the table for his teammates in their match-up versus Gray Collegiate Academy last weekend. Although he is a superb handler, he has the ability to get to the lane and finish off the move. The 6-3 guard is proving that he can be a legitimate dual contributor as a handler and scorer. Westlake is loaded with talent this year, however expect Lewis to be a big reason behind their success.

2019

Juwan Gary – Gray Collegiate Academy

Gary is fully On the Radar after his showing at the Run N’ Shoot Showcase. The 6-6 wing forward showed his exceptional athleticism and versatility in the open court. At one point he ran down and blocked a shot from Chuma Okeke, which shows the athletic upside of the freshman from South Carolina. However, the highlight of the night was when Gary snagged an offensive rebound and jammed it home with two hands. Court Cred captured the highlight, which you can see here: Run N’ Shoot Highlights.

 College Coaches can get the full report by clicking here! 

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on  twitter @JLHemingwayPSB