#OTRHoopsReport:2018-19 GHSA Point Guard Preview – Oct. 19, 2018
5-Star Sharife Cooper is one of the top guards in the state of Georgia and in the country. Photo – Ty Freeman
Atlanta, Ga -Every year On the Radar Hoops breaks down the top players from each position heading into the school ball season and we are excited to roll out our 2018-19 Georgia High School Association position previews.
By: @HypesouthMedia
Sharife Cooper, 2020, McEachern
Equipped with over 10 high major Division-I offers from programs like Alabama, Auburn, and Kentucky to name a few, Sharife Cooper is arguably the best lead guard in the peach state regardless of class. He can shoot, pass, defend, or do whatever his team needs game to game. The 6-foot junior was already teetering on 5-star status prior to the travel season and solidified that notion after dominating the Nike Circuit en route to being crowned the 2018 EYBL Offensive Player of the Year. This kid has a quiet confidence with the game to match and will undoubtedly have McEachern in contention for a state title in 2018-19.
Kyle Sturdivant, 2019, Norcross
University of Southern California commit, Kyle Sturdivant, is another nationally ranked prospect from the state of Georgia. The 4-star senior is always cool, calm, and collected on the court and is a first-class floor general. At 6-foot-3, 190-pounds, Sturdivant is a prototypical point guard that has a winning pedigree and a leader’s mentality, so expect him to guide Norcross on another deep playoff run this season.
K.D. Johnson, 2020, Soutwest Dekalb
Widely viewed as a low to mid major talent before this summer, K.D. Johnson changed that narrative with his tenacious play on both ends of the floor. He put the ball in the hole at a high-clip and imposed his will defensively. Johnson’s high energy end-to-end approach this offseason earned him a 4-star rating nationally and Power Five offers from Auburn and Georgia. Look for Southwest Dekalb to make some noise this year with K.D. at the helm.
Dwon Odom, 2020, St. Francis
4-star Xavier University pledge, Dwon Odom, is an athletically explosive point guard that thrives in transition. At 6-foot-2 with a chiseled frame, he finishes strong at the rim and physically punishes the opposition in the process. Further, he effortlessly gets teammates involved with his court awareness and high basketball-IQ. St. Francis will definitely be in the conversation following Odom’s lead.
Dwon Odom @dwonodom1 show some versatility, Knocking down shots of the dribble, and finishing in the post @DemondStephens @StFrancishoops1 pic.twitter.com/N0Z5Ug8KCk
— Kennedy Mccarty (@OTRH_knows) July 19, 2018
Zyrice Scott, 2019, Upson-Lee
Zyrice Scott is a winner in every sense of the word. He is 63-0 as a starter and is a severely underappreciated player from our vantage point. The 6-foot-1 senior has a big heart and shines bright on big stages. He has an offer from Columbus State University and is being courted by several other lower level programs such as Tuskegee and Fort Valley State. Upson-Lee is coming off back-to-back undefeated state championship seasons and look to three-peat with Scott leading the way.
Roscoe Eastmond, 2019, Wheeler
Roscoe Eastmond is probably the best facilitator in the state. This kid is a very heady player that knows the point guard position inside-out. He is known for his creative assists and loves rewarding teammates in the half-court and in transition. Right now, passing is Eastmond’s calling card, but the 5-foot-10 senior is a great anticipation defender and sneaky scorer. Stetson University extended an offer and Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Morehead State, Stephen F. Austin and Southern Utah are all keeping close tabs. As usual, Wheeler is loaded with talent and will be one to watch for come state tournament time.
Hunter McIntosh, 2019, Greater Atlanta Christian
Hunter McIntosh is a silent assassin. He isn’t a household name, but he is a big-shot maker. McIntosh doesn’t shy away from the moment and flourishes as an underdog. The 6-foot-1 score first guard can put up big numbers in a hurry with his shooting prowess from beyond the arc. At the time being, Davidson is on his trail, but look for his recruitment to heat up at any moment now. Last season, McIntosh lead GAC to a state championship and we expect the Spartans to be in the mix again this season.
Deivon Smith, 2020, Grayson
Smith exploded onto the scene this summer with his relentless approach to the game on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. Smith carried that same approach into the On the Radar Hoops Super 64 Camp in front of national evaluators for Rivals and 247 sports, which earned him a spot in the Top 100. Smith has holds offers from UAB and Old Dominion but look for more offers to pour in during the high school and travel season.
Messiah Thompson, 2019, North Atlanta
Campbell University recently got a commitment from Messiah Thompson and will not be disappointed once the 5-foot-9 sparkplug arrives on campus. He has multi-facets to his game and is the epitome of a competitor. Thompson’s passion and will to win jump off the screen immediately. North Atlanta doesn’t have the personnel top to bottom as some of the aforementioned teams, but don’t count them out with a player like Thompson in the fold.
Infinite Skills @EYASports 2019 guard Messiah Thompson @CGNsiah has made the right plays while the ball is in his hands
He is deep threat from behind the arc with his ability to make shots off the catch or dribble pic.twitter.com/5WadhSwB2T
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) July 21, 2018
Kowacie Reeves is a contributor to On the Radar Hoops.
