NORCROSS, Georgia – The Tip-Off Classic provided a platform for players to showcase their skills while also tuning up for the upcoming season versus quality competition. While known stars lived up to expectations, there were also players who are still emerging onto the Atlanta basketball scene. Here is a look at those players who are trending upward after Saturday’s action.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Klalid Jones – Tri-Cities – 2027

In a game full of Power 4 signees, Jones more than held his own. He pushed the momentum in favor of the Bulldogs. He hit big shots in moments when the game was still in doubt. Jones proved he can run the show at the point or slide to the wing to hit a jumper. Jones is proving that his talent alongside fellow junior guard, Tre Keith, the Bulldogs will form one of the top backcourt duos in the state.

Austin Leonard – Grayson – 2029

He may only be a freshman, but Leonard is fast becoming a hot name in grassroots conversations. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard showed touch around the bucket while in traffic. He also has advanced footwork and body control for a prospect his age. He scored 13 points in a win over Winder-Barrow on Saturday. With a skill set and athleticism, we expect to see many more results similar this season.

Isaiah Dorsainvil – Dutchtown – 2028

Dorsainvil plays next to an experienced point guard in Bobby Buggs. He is quickly solidifying himself as more than a complementary player in the Bulldog system. He is showing that he can be counted upon to deliver consistent buckets and defend his position. With Dorsainvil maturing and Buggs peaking, Dutchtown should be a favorite in Class 5A.

Jamaal Oliver Jr. – Mount Vernon – 2029

Oliver Jr. stepped up in a major way on Saturday afternoon to help his team earn a win over Berkmar. He drained four threes and a couple of them at critical moments in the fourth quarter to give the Mustangs the edge. The freshman is young and he looks it. However, his game exudes confidence and everyone in attendance could see that this will not be the last that we hear from Oliver Jr.

Will Gause – Berkmar – 2027

We became familiar with Gause on the OTR Circuit with his play with Triangle Elite. His reputation as a bully with the ball and as a tenacious defender earned attention from evaluators all spring and summer. He is a well-built guard who can dish out contact and will not be moved off his spot when defending the arc. We penciled him with 20 points in Saturday’s game. Gause’s name will be at the forefront of any conversation of top junior guards in Gwinnett County this season.

Kamari Kilgore – Kell – 2028

Kilgore is another player that our staff has become very familiar with over the past year through his play with Sewer South on the OTR Circuit. The sophomore is comfortable as a scorer and ball handler. He is filling a role for the Longhorns this season and he is off to a quick start. He scored a game-high 18 points in a win and from all indicators, we will see many more of these performances this year.

Raheem Dyce – Archer – 2026

Dyce is one of those players who a coach can build around. A tough, talented, and unselfish senior who balances scoring with passing in the half court. He finished with a team-high 24 points in the Saturday morning game. He plays with pace and patience, but he can also take the contact in traffic and still finish. Coach Antoine Stroud ought to be hopeful given the senior leadership he has on this roster. Keep an eye on the Tigers and how they develop this season.

Marcus Green – Lanier – 2027

The Longhorns from Sugar Hill have depth to work with this season. Green looks to be a big part of the equation for Coach Mayweather’s squad. He is a dependable combo guard who can hit shots from distance or mix it up in the lane off the dribble. We like his quick feet and his ability to stay in front of ball handlers on the perimeter.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com and follow him on X @CoachHemi.