June Impact Players – 7A 2023’s Part 2

ATLANTA METRO – We gear up for what will be a near non-stop June around the state of Georgia with high schoolers returning to their school colors for one month of intense competition.

Let’s highlight more 2023 guys from 7A since travel ball got rolling in March who are key names to watch both for their own and their team’s ’22-23 fortunes as they bring their games to the critical live periods later this month.

By: Keith Agran

Keishawn Hampton  | 6-1 | PG | Collins Hill (Norcross Heat) [pictured at top]

Meadowcreek’s loss is now Collins Hill’s gain, as the scoring PG who has put in the work and seen steady and noticeable improvement across his gamut of skills joins a backcourt group in Suwanee that returns Amare Banks, Jayden Williams, Kai McArthur and fast-rising 2025 Jamari Mosley just to name a few. If Tennessee football signee Ethan Davis decides to play with his buddies instead of prepping for the Vols 2023 football season this will be a team with Hampton’s dynamic scoring ability and control of the game that has a chance to be a sleeper 7A contender even in a classification that is loaded across the board.

Keshawn McPherson | 6-5 | SF | Osborne (Wood Elite)

Tough time choosing between McPherson and his often physical dominance and 2023 compadre Justin McCarter and his versatility. Both have had strong springs, distinguishing themselves in a crowded 2023 class full of talent. McPherson under Wood Elite’s guidance has expanded his repertoire and extended things further from the basket to go with a power-inside game that is set to be featured even with outstanding 6-7 2023 forward Jon Carroll back alongside him. The backcourt loses some backbone seniors, but fast-rising 2025 Akai Fleming and 2023 Kevin Hicks are set to step into larger roles playing with McCarter.

Chad Moodie | 6-8 | PF | Grayson (AC Georgia)

The frontcourt is cleared, except for of course 2025 riser Amir Taylor, but Moodie can finally be the man and begin to assert some of his skills after waiting in line a bit and battling injuries. The work rate to go with a skillset that has been steadily developing for the last 2 years will be not just key to another Rams playoff push, but to his college fortunes as well. There are moments at full strength where he can be the best player on the floor at both ends, and it’ll be fun to see him in a spot where he can show it.

Ansar Osman | 6-6 | SF | South Gwinnett (Promise Elite)

If Osman is able to keep up the pace in June he’s established the last 3 months while posting big numbers for Promise, and playing the travel campaign with a large number of his Comet teammates means he likely won’t miss a beat, he can emerge as one of the real 2023 stock risers around town as he puts together a resume for his senior year. Wiry but quick off the bounce and possessing really underrated shooting range, he can clean the boards for you, run the floor and block shots. With stellar 2023 guards Justin Redmond, Jet Horne, Jacob Washington and Kendal Walker all back this will again be an SGHS club that will D you up something fierce and be a tough out every night.

Dastin Hart | 6-5 | PF | Cherokee (Wood Elite)

It’s easy to find the positives in the play of 2023 Warriors backcourt mates Tayden Owens and Cam Pope, both of whom have been on star trajectories for more than a year (and playing with Hart on Wood), but perhaps the true fortunes of the Warriors season lie in a more nuanced roster spot and within the improved play of Hart. Much like McPherson, Hart has added a level of toughness to his game in part under the intense eyes of the Wood staff, and that aspect gives the perimeter-heavy CHS attack a fighter inside who can change games with hustle and grit alone. Add 2023 hustle-king Mason Bennett and 2023 scoring guard Braylin Giddens and the full lineup is back in Canton and a year better and wiser.

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 has both a championship-coaching background on the HS-level and daily newspaper writing experience, both from New Jersey. You can reach him at keithagran1@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @BracketSage.