ATLANTA — There’s no better way to shake off holiday malaise than by spending a few hours in the gym with quality hoops. 

That’s what the AEBL Atlanta Holiday Classic delivered. 

Despite only being able to be there for the evening games, there was still more than enough fodder to get into. Great performances aplenty, here’s who stood out: 

Malik Rideout - Grayson - 2026: Grayson remains undefeated, but there’s a realistic alternate universe where a 2-0 AEBL weekend is an 0-2 one. Back-to-back 20-point games from Malik Rideout helped the Rams through two tight contests. Against Cross Creek, Rideout was a go-to guy for Grayson in crunch time. He was able to consistently pressure the defense by getting into the paint and finishing or getting to the free-throw line. He was tremendous when playing through contact in both games. Rideout was their best option to make a play when nothing else was working. 

Austin Leonard - Grayson - 2029: On Friday, Leonard turned in the kind of performance that has scouts excited about his future. 20 points and 12 rebounds is mighty impressive for anyone let alone a freshman. He has an advanced maturity about his game. Leonard makes good decisions and plays at his own pace. Through multiple viewings against good competition, he’s shown that he can score on all levels, that he can create with the ball and make the right pass when appropriate, and, most impressively, he’s shown that he’s one of the better rebounding guards in the state. His Atlanta Holiday Classic outings bolstered the nice resume he’s been putting together over the last few months. 

Manny Green - Cedar Grove - Tennessee commit: With a future coach in attendance, Tennessee commit Manny Green put on what has to be his most impressive performance of the season. He netted an impressive six 3-pointers en-route to a 32-point game. Is that his personal record for 3pm in a high school game? It’s the most I’ve seen him make. In addition to his shot-making, he employed the typical physical, bruising style of play that has made him so productive over the years. His ability to dominate inside and out make him as unique a prospect as there is in Georgia. Schools like Tennessee don’t come callin’ for nothing, and they got to see a hell of a performance from one of their upcoming stars. 

Frashad Tisby - Cross Creek - 2027: After a slower first half, Frashad Tisby exploded onto the court after halftime against Grayson. It was a flurry of varied offense from Tisby. Using his athleticism, knocking down the three ball, post ups, put backs. He did a lot on that end in a short amount of time. What was more exciting, though, was his passing. Tisby used his 6-foot-6 size to see and pass over defenders while making tremendous finds. Even when he’s not scoring, he can help account for points going on the board. In flashes, he showed the high major potential that earned him early offers and interest in the summer. 

King Jones - KIPP - 2026: Jones finished with 24 points in a win for the home Kipp Warriors, but it was effort, leadership that was a separator for him. So much of his production on both sides of the ball stems from playing hard. Jones is a max-effort kind of player who can guard multiple positions, rebound, and thrive in a physical game. He’s a constant communicator on the floor as well. It’s rare to go a few possessions in a row without hearing Jones talk on defense, encourage or motivate teammates. 

Jacody Terry - South Gwinnett - 2029: Freshman wing Jacody Terry has spent the fall and winter building a nice reputation within the Georgia basketball community. Friday of the AEBL Atlanta Holiday Classic was another good one for him. He was the catalyst for them in their win over Eagle’s Landing. Their best option in that game was to give Terry the ball and let him work. He can make things happen off the bounce through traffic with a poised, patient attack, or he can use his athleticism to fly through open lanes. He’s a productive rebounder too. Terry battles on the glass and gives the Comets a boost in that department. 

Kerrington Moore - McDonough - 2028: Sophomore guard Kerrington Moore may have had the most eye-opening performance in the games I was able to see. He was McDonough’s most reliable shot-maker and was able to use his speed to get by guys and into the paint to score or distribute. Moore is an excellent passer who can pull out creative finds and get guys good shot opportunities. He was a disruptive defender too. He utilizes his length well on that end. Look for him to continue to build positive momentum heading into the spring.