ATL-Metro Guys Asserting in GHSA Playoffs Pt 1
By: Keith Agran
Mari Jordan | G | Norcross | 2023 (pictured at top)
Better not gloss over the defending 7A champs especially the way UGA-commit Jordan is showing off the kind of diverse scoring package that has had coaches and scouts drooling over his ability for years. Together with the Blue Devils returning core from last year and speedy PG Bilal Abdur-Rahman, consecutive titles would surprise no one despite 7A’s strength around them.
Luke Flynn| G | Walton | 2024
Tall task ahead visiting Grayson in the Elite 8 but kudos to the full Raiders roster for showing off a ton of toughness, resiliency, and quality when it mattered most, led by the indomitable Flynn. You think you have a sound plan for stopping him going into the game, but he finds a way with guts and craftiness and undeniable skill, all of which illustrates what makes him special.
Jayce Nathaniel | F | Lanier | 2024
Has taken game to the next level for most of this season with a much more varied package of multi-level scoring to go with the elite athleticism and power. Superb help from guys like Boogie Morgan in the backcourt and do-it-all Osmar Garcia from the 3-spot makes these Horns so tough, but the leadership and assertiveness from this must-know name in the 2024 class has stood out.
Braedan Lue | F | Alexander | 2024
6A is no cakewalk as a trip to UWG and the semis now goes through Jonesboro Wednesday, one of the toughest gyms in the Metro to traverse, but Lue will be a centerpiece if the Cougs are to push on. The 2023 class he takes the floor with is on a mission and has names that have been on the lips of scouts for years, but the finesse/power combo Lue brings to the table can be a game-changing force.
Kelvin Hunter | F | Chapel Hill | 2023
Big guys getting some love on this list as Hunter is leading a veteran group of Panthers with the likes of senior guards Khirus Doucet and Oray Towns III doing some serious work as well. But seeing Hunter assert more at both ends and look more like the player many of us knew he could be has been great to watch, and a trip to UWG for the semis is within their grasp if they don’t look past a scrappy Union Grove team.
Jay Boyd | G | Hiram | 2023
Boyd vs Jones County’s Jaylen Sanford is as good a guard matchup as you’ll find in the remaining playoff games, and the way Lincoln Memorial-commit Boyd is playing and taking over in spots along with dynamic 2024 Chase Tyler bodes well for the Hornets. Home-cooking, where Boyd feeds off the great crowds, should be a key to get to UWG later this week and a potential titanic matchup with runaway train Eagle’s Landing.
Keith Agran has lived in Georgia since 2011 and joined OTR as a National Evaluator in 2021. He previously scouted for Prep Hoops dating back to 2019, and also spent 3 years as a sports writer at two newspapers in New Jersey. After a championship-coaching background on the HS-level also in NJ, he accepted the Girl’s Basketball Head Coaching position in May 2022 at Mt Bethel Christian Academy and now balances scouting and coaching still with a keen eye on talent around the region. You can reach him at keithagran1@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @BracketSage.
