OTRHoopsReport: Tip-Off Classic Standouts – 11/23/21

Norcross, Georgia – On the Radar Hoops presented six games in its annual Tip-Off Classic last weekend. The eyes of the city were on the teams and standout individuals who are positioning themselves for the 2021-22 season. All of the city’s top media representatives were present on Saturday. Follow @OntheRadarHoops, @DrKrisWatkins and @BracketSage for recaps and highlights. Here are the players who shined the brightest on Saturday.

By: Jonathan Hemingway (@JL_Hemingway)

Kyle Keener – Sequoyah High School – 2023

It was Keener’s teammate, Dylan Wolle, who put the Chiefs on top with 11 first quarter points. But in the moments when the game was still in doubt, Keener came up the biggest. His 20 points were only a part of the story on the day. It was his blend of playmaking and poise that cemented the win for his team. Meadowcreek brought their signature pressure defense, but Keener was able to navigate out of traps and put the ball in scoring positions.

Kaden McArthur – Collins Hill High School – 2022

As predicted, it was McArthur who provided the offensive punch for coach Joe Dix’s Eagles. He finished with 20 points in the win. The 6-1 combo guard plays the game in a blur at times. He rushes the ball up the floor often leaving defenders flat footed in his wake. But when it comes to time to display finesse, McArthur can gear down and finish with touch around the bucket. Combined with his long-range jumper and McArthur is on a trajectory to be one of the Region’s top guards this year.

Vic Newsom – Sandy Creek High School – 2023

Newsom led the way for the Patriots with 18 points in a win over Providence Christian. While the win might be most attributed to Sandy Creek’s stifling defense, Newsom’s timely buckets earned the headline. The 6-foot guard displayed a steady hand at the point guard spot. However, it is his confidence with pull-up jumpers that elevated his game in this match-up.

Dennis Scott III – Mount Vernon Academy – 2024

Scott earns a spot of this list after a 15-point outing versus Collins Hill. The 6-9 forward/center has the skill set that college coaches desire from a front-line player. He can produce on the low block, but also has the agility to play in the high post. He is far from a finished product and as he matures physically, we expect to see him become one of the premier names in the state.

Kami Young – Pebblebrook High School – 2022

The formula for the George Washington coached Falcons in the past has been simple: team defense and efficient offense led by experienced guards. Young and his teammates appear to be bought into this equation early on this season. Young provided the scoring punch with spot up 3-pointers and transition finishes. Young, who signed with Rider earlier this month, looks to be a key for coach George Washington’s squad this season.

Isaiah Collier – Wheeler High School – 2023

Collier lived up to expectations on Saturday night with a 23-point outing and a win for the Wildcats. The 6-3 guard showed his competitiveness and provided the emotional leadership for his team down the stretch. His team found themselves trailing by double digits midway through the third quarter. However, Collier led the comeback with timely full court pressure and transition buckets. With more performances like this one, Collier should be in the conversation as one of the top prospects in the state.

Chauncey Wiggins – Grayson High School – 2022

The night began very well for Wiggins and the Rams in their match-up versus Wheeler. Wiggins paced his team with 11 first half points and a lead heading into the locker room. The Clemson signee puts us in the mind of Jaron Blossomgame who also signed with Clemson after graduating from Chattahoochee High School in 2011. Wiggins can do damage on the interior with post ups and above the rim finishes. However, he fits the mold of a modern stretch forward who is well suited in pick and pop situations around the arc. As he adds core strength and explosiveness, we expect to hear more from Wiggins at the collegiate level.

Stephon Castle – Newton County High School – 2023

Fresh off declaring his verbal commitment to UConn, Castle and company locked up a win versus Norcross in the House of Blue. It was a dominating team performance and Castle led the way with 22 points. The 6-6 guard is polished and explosive. He exhibits all the qualities that you would want to find in an elite prospect. He is skilled and can find his own shot late in the clock. At the same time, he shows a presence of mind to distribute and get others involved at all the right moments. Castle and the Rams made the case that they are the top team in the state at this moment.

Jakai Newton – Newton County High School – 2023

It should be discouraging for opponents in the state of Georgia that the core of this Newton County team will be around for another year after this one. Newton, an Indiana commit, is at the heart of what makes this team special. In many ways he is the fuel that makes this engine burn so hotly. He finished with 19 points in the win over Norcross. He is a high energy scorer that attacks the basket with intensity. He is a superb athlete who can also split time as a playmaker at the top of the key in coach Charlemagne Gibbon’s offense. The Newton-Castle 1-2 punch will be hard for any defense to contain this year.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him at JLHemingway@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.