Non-Senior Backcourt Duos – Looking Ahead Pt 3

CUMMING, GA – Part 3 now of non-senior backcourt duos I’ve seen that are impacting seasons as we speak and will into the future.

By: Keith Agran

Christian Anderson Jr and Kyle Walters | 2024 and 2023 | Lovett

Anderson continues to assert himself on the scene as one of the top scoring PG’s in the ATL-Metro, defying the limits of size to consistently post numbers any coach or player would envy. The sophomore already has committed to Michigan, but having the security of such a high-profile offer hasn’t stopped him from continuing to be an elite worker and do it all for the Lions. Walters is one of the underrated gems of a junior class of guards with a ton of big-names and big reps. But watching Walters you get terrific hustle, great understanding at both ends, and the kind of multi-level attack game that has room to grow into an even more formidable package and will fit nicely at the next level.

Quin and Lamarius Jackson | both 2023 | Social Circle

A key part of a 22-0 squad that is playing some terrific basketball this year and an obvious favorite in the A-Public bracket. With KJ Reid, Cam Gaither and Tyhrell Branch moving on after this year, it will be “Jackson Time” out in Walton County as the two are versatile multi-level scorers who play a lot bigger than their 6-0 frames, often dipping down to the paint to play as 4’s. There’s hustle and smarts galore, and like the whole program, some serious in-your-face defense.

AJ Patterson and Kenny Southall Jr | both 2023 | Mt Vernon

Became really enamored with Patterson after seeing him run PG at the TOC in Syncere Harris’s absence. Seems bigger than 6-1 as he can go on the attack with both strength and finesse, and it was more his decision-making and controlled play that really stood out. He’ll likely man the lead guard spot permanently next year, and has a lot of intrigue in his skillset at that spot for coaches to ponder. Southall has always been a physical presence, and it seems Coach Tarrik Mabon has found the switch in the motor category as the 6-3 power wing is bringing the thunder more often than not these days. The body will draw eyeballs, the game is there to impress at both ends too with skills that translate to the next level.

Malik Ferguson and Markel Freeman | both 2023 | Grovetown

The deep stable of juniors across the roster is what has these Warriors surging and looking like a contender for a deep run in 6A. But we’ve got to pick two, and Ferguson and Freeman (pictured above) are often the headliners with their all-around excellence. Ferguson has been handling a lot more PG, and that can be frightening to defenders as his stout 6-4 frame comes barreling at you. Whether that spot is his future at the next level or not, the versatility is so compelling. Freeman is terrific in the open floor and off the break, and gives Grovetown someone who can break down a defense in a key spot and get you a bucket all on his own.

Will Hopkins and Caleb Wilson | 2024 and 2025 | Holy Innocents’

Two of the more exciting young prospects in the state, and both occupy spots on Coach Mario Mays’ roster. Hopkins at 6-5 already and filled with confidence and moxie has the look of a burgeoning star, can play either guard spot and get you scoring numbers from the wing or assists as a point man. It’s a stat-stuffing kind of skillset. Speaking of stat-stuffing, arguably the state’s best 2025 prospect is Wilson, who at 6-7 has been showing off the multitude of things he can already do at both ends. Ballhandling, vision as a passer, defending the rim, and an advanced offensive arsenal, it’s going to be nothing short of awesome to see his development roll along.

Parrish Johnson Jr and Jaylen Colon | 2023 and 2024 | Kell

Clutch is the first word that comes to mind when  I think of Johnson’s game, and that doesn’t mean he’s just involved late in the game. He sort of quietly goes about beating you, a winning player, someone who every team at the next level should covet. He can handle it, shoot it, distribute it and guard it, and stepping into a larger role this season has fit him like a glove. With exciting breakout potential just steps away I feel, Colon has the look of someone who’s going to make that steady progression each year toward becoming one of the state’s best PG’s. The deep shooting is already elite, as you’d better get up on him once he crosses halfcourt, but the mind is there as well and as his body matures his game closer to the basket is sure to blossom.

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.