The Opening Notebook Part III – March 30, 2021

Simeon Cottle put up big numbers at The Opening. Photo – Stan Johnson

Powder Springs, Georgia – On the Radar Hoops presented “The Opening”earlier in the month, which provided many of the state’s top teams a chance to compete. It is unclear whether college coaches will be able to travel at all this spring or summer for the viewing periods. This creates an important need for prospects to start building recruiting momentum as soon as possible. Here is a final look at players who should be popping up on recruiting radars in upcoming months.

By:Jonathan Hemingway

Kevin Anderson – Team Dickerson, (Alpharetta, Georgia) – 2023

Fresh off helping his Valor Christian Academy team to a state championship, Anderson showed up in a big way for his travel team last weekend. He scored 15 points in his team’s opening game. More importantly we took note of his poise at the point guard position. The strong framed sophomore displayed an understanding of when to look for his shot and when to get the ball to his teammates. He is off to a good start this spring and this should not be the last that we hear from him this calendar year.


Simeon Cottle – B.A.N.G. Up, (East Point, Georgia) – 2022

Cottle headed up a talented trio of guards for the B.A.N.G. Up program last weekend. He showed an array of skills to find his shot consistently. He can get defenders leaning the wrong way and quickly pull-up for open shots in the opposite direction. He is also a threat to fire shots up from beyond the arc in transition. Throw in his ball handling skills and Cottle has the blend of scoring accumen and poise that is needed to be successful.

Damoni Harrison – Promise Elite, (Lawrenceville, Georgia) – 2022

Harrison has been tabbed as a forward by some in previous months, but on this weekend, he showed himself to be a lead handler. The 6-4 junior proved to be an effective playmaker with range to the arc with his jumper. Add in his ability to finish above the rim and Harrison has a lot of tools that make him an intriguing prospect. He finished with a team high 15 points in a Saturday game at McEachern High School. We will be keeping a close eye on his development during this travel season.

Mason Kemp – Wolfpack, (Roswell, Georgia) – 2022

There were not all that many kids at The Opening who shot the ball as well as Kemp did last weekend. In an early game on Saturday, he connected on four 3-pointers en-route to a team high 16 points versus Promise Elite. What could potentially separate Kemp as more than just a shooter is his willingness to play hard. He brings a high energy on both ends of the court. Those intangible qualities make coaches happy and help teammates be better.


Greg Jones – Warner Robins All-Stars, (Warner Robins, Georgia) – 2021

Jones was one of a few available seniors looking to increase their recruiting value at last weekend’s tournament. He is a 6-4 wing with a high motor and a nose for scoring the ball in transition. His length and shooting touch are tangible qualities that should perk up the attention of next level recruiters. Jones can get to the rim or hit floaters in traffic. He has picked interest from a handful of programs throughout the high school season. With more outings like the one he had at The Opening, he should be on his way to furthering his playing days.

Kai Simmons – Georgia Canes, (Alpahretta, Georgia) – 2021

Simmons is another available senior looking to increase his recruiting profile before crossing the graduation stage in a few months. He is a high energy forward who specializes in rebounding the ball. He seems to have a knack for finding the right spot to be at the right time. He is also adept at drawing fouls and getting to the foul line. While the 6-8 forward has length, the more intriguing part of his game is his ability to play hard both inside and out. Being a switchable perimeter defender is a trait that the right coach could look to develop.

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