POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. — High school basketball is back in the Peach State. The Georgia Elite Eight Tip-Off Classic annually ushers in the season with high-level competition that pits some of the best teams in the state against each other. 

This was another great year for the event with prospects for all levels taking center stage. 

These are some of the standouts from the two nights at McEachern High School:

Chase Lumpkin - McEachern - Alabama Commit

Lumpkin’s 41-point outing to headline the first night of games was the individual performance of the event. Lumpkin put on a show. His elite scoring was on full display with shotmaking from all over the floor, and impressive athleticism at the rim. Lumpkin made 41 points look casual. He has a smooth offensive game and makes things look easy. It’s not hard to see why the Alabama staff prioritized him. McEachern pulled away early on, so Lumpkin never got out of second gear. He very well could have flirted with 50 or 60. 

MJ Curry - Grayson - George Mason Commit 

Grayson picked up a sterling win to end the weekend. Curry was a difference-maker for the Rams. He stepped up and gave Grayson a star performance they needed to combat a tough Hillgrove team. Curry went for 23 points which showcased his patented athleticism. It was evident that Curry wanted this win. He was all over the place on both ends of the floor. He pursued loose balls assertively and unafraid of contact. 

Asa Montgomery - Hillgrove - Duke Commit

After a slow start by his standards, Montgomery got going for the Hawks and showed flashes of why he skyrocketed nationally this year. Montgomery finished with 25 points for Hillgrove. It was his jumper and athleticism that led to most of his production. Montgomery has a combination of power, athleticism and skill that make him difficult to stop. He got to the free-throw line often with physical play down low, and he even drew multiple fouls on 3-point attempts. 

Isaiah Dorsainvil - Dutchtown - 2028 

Dorsainvil was the hot hand for Dutchtown on Saturday evening. The rangy guard had a huge offensive day with his 3-point shot leading the way. Dorsainvil buried multiple triples and hit the game-winning layup at the buzzer. Dorsainvil is going to step into a more spotlighted role this season. His 26-point outburst is just the beginning of what looks like will be his breakout season. 

Landon Evans - St. Francis - 2028

It’s a new era at St. Francis, but continuity remains in Landon Evans. The junior forward has been a productive star for them, but his game looks like it’s going to level up this season. Baseline production from Evans is activity on both ends, rebounding and a mismatch option on offense. He’s shown to be a lights out mid-range shooter in the past and did more of that on Friday too. Where his game looks like it’s taken steps forward is in his expanded skill. Evans has gotten better as a handler and has expanded his shooting range and confidence. He should be on mid-major radars going into the spring.

Noah Brady - Mount Vernon - West Georgia Commit 

Brady had a slow start for Mount Vernon, but when they needed him to turn it on, he did. He exploded in the second half to give the Mustangs the push they needed to walk away with a W. Brady is at his best when he’s able to be a slashing hybrid forward. He got his opportunities late and made athletic, momentum-changing plays at the rim. He got up for big dunks and overpowered smaller players at the rim. For Mount Vernon to be at their best, they will need Brady to have a big season, and he’s off to a good start. He had 17 points. 

Amare Medhin - Redan - 2029

Yeah, everyone in Georgia is starting to learn about Redan’s Amare Medhin if they weren’t already familiar. He put up a pair of big games, as Redan was the only team to play twice. Medhin is a smooth scorer for being as young as he is. He has an advanced skillset and three-level approach that has already earned him high-major attention. Medhin can create his own shot off the bounce and is a good 3-point shooter. As we get through the winter and into the spring, he will be picking up plenty of attention as Redan becomes appointment viewing. 

Ash Vollrath - Gainesville - 2027

Vollrath was the breakout player of the event. He was among several hybrid forwards and played just as well as any of them. He set the tone for a young Gainesville team early with physical, patient play in the post. He was able to muscle his way to baskets but showed plenty of skill with touch away from the basket, good foot work, and perimeter game. The Red Elephants had a crowded frontcourt last year, so Vollrath didn’t get to show the breadth of his game too much, so he could be one of the winter’s stockrisers. He looked like a player D2 coaches should be connecting with. 

KD Hernandez - Walker - 2028

Hernandez has been a consistent presence at Walker. It’s hard to believe he’s only a junior. His season got started on a high note when he led Walker to a win with 23 points. Hernandez is a shifty guard who can score on all levels and get to where he wants to go with the ball in his hands. His approach makes him hard to guard. He is the show at Walker now, so we should be expecting big games from him all season. 

Anthony Moreno - Kell - 2030

Moreno is going to have a chance to be one of the most electric players in Georgia throughout his high school career. His offensive game is exciting to watch. Moreno is a skilled point guard with the ability to hit tough shots and make plays for everyone around him. Moreno was able to make timely plays throughout the game whether it was scoring or facilitating. As time goes on, he should be able to shake some of the freshman mistakes, but as it stands, he’s already pretty damn good for being a young starter.