2020 GHSA Preview – Juniors

JABARI SMITH

Sandy Creek High School
Class of 2021

RANKINGS as of 9/18/2019

[ESPN 100: No.6] [Rivals 150: No.5] [247 Sports: No.5]


At 6-foot-9, 190-pounds, Smith is a consensus top 10 prospect nationally. His measurables are next level and the upside is limitless. Last season, he tossed in 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2 blocks per contest and was a key piece for Sandy Creek’s (GHSA Class AAAA) Final Four squad. The long framed junior will see an expanded role this year which will allow him to showcase more facets of his game. Regional programs such as Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Alabama have already threw their names into the hat with offers, but bluebloods like Duke and Kentucky have started to sniff around. Monitor Smith’s progression closely and don’t be surprised if he ends up the top overall prospect in the 2021 class.


MATTHEW CLEVELAND

Pace Academy
Class of 2021

RANKINGS as of 9/18/2019

[ESPN 100: No.49] [Rivals 150: No.35] [247 Sports: No.24]


Cleveland is a big athletic wing that already possesses a collegiate level physique. The 6-foot-6 junior went from being relatively unknown entering the spring to a national household name by summer’s end. His travel ball production with the HYPE Hawks, one of Georgia’s top independent teams, was consistent from April to July. On the school ball side he will look to blend in and make a title run with GHSA Class AAA power Pace Academy. Cleveland holds over twenty offers and is a top priority for several southeast programs.


KOWACIE REEVES, JR.

Westside-Macon High School
Class of 2021

RANKINGS as of 9/18/2019

[ESPN 100: Not Ranked] [Rivals 150: No.43] [247 Sports: No.84]


Over a one year span Reeves Jr. grew six inches and made a quantum leap forward in his overall development. He now stands at 6-foot-5 and is much more than a spot up shooter. The bouncy junior finishes strong above the rim, creates shots off the dribble, and defends at a high level. Being 1:30 away from a (GHSA Class AAA) state championship game appearance two years ago and getting bounced in the Sweet Sixteen last year has Reeves Jr. eager to get Westside-Macon over the hump in 2019-20. Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, and Stanford to name a few have extended offers.


PEYTON DANIELS

Tri-Cities High School
Class of 2021

RANKINGS as of 9/18/2019

[ESPN 100: Not Ranked] [Rivals 150: No.118] [247 Sports: No.113]


Daniels is a crafty player that facilitates well and scores in bunches. He patiently waited his turn running with SE United and it paid off big this summer. The 6-foot-1 lead guard reeled in a handful of high major offers and is primed to add to that list this school ball season. Daniels has the keys to the team and will be relied upon to guide Tri-Cities back to the promised land to defend its GHSA Class AAAAAA State Title. Alabama, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Troy, and James Madison have pulled the trigger with offers.


Written by KowacieReeves of @HYPESOUTH, a contributor to On the Radar Hoops.