OTR Coverage – SHR Showcase – September 15, 2023

CANTON, Georgia, – More than 150 high school aged prospects piled into the Etowah gyms to showcase their skills at the annual Southern Hoops Report Showcase last weekend. Kris Watkins, the event organizer, does a first-class job of organizing and promoting players from the event. For all evaluations, video, and recaps follow him at @SHReport or @DrKrisWatkins. Here is the second edition of standouts from the event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

James McGriff – Wesleyan – 2024

McGriff is an intriguing prospect. At 6-foot-7, he has the size to affect the game in the paint and around the bucket. However, he displayed footwork and agility beyond the arc as a shooter and a handler. We particularly enjoyed his willingness to cut to open spots when overplayed on the perimeter. He also brings enough muscle to finish through contact. Expect McGriff to have a big season for the Wolves.

#SHReportShowcase
‘24 WF James McGriff (Wesleyan) catches the eye with his versatility.
Spaces the floor with some corner shooting, also quick to cut back door when over played, and can use some muscle to finish vs contact.

— SouthernHoopsReport (@SHReport) September 10, 2023

Juan Wharton – Druid Hills High School – 2024

If you are looking for a prospect who has the potential to exceed expectations at the collegiate level, put your money on Wharton. He is a 6-8 forward who excels in fulfilling his role as a rebounder, screener, and finisher at the rim. We watched him start the break with defensive rebounds and quick outlets. Then saw him run hard to the mouth of the rim after setting solid screens. But he also flashed perimeter skills with footwork and agility, which should be intriguing for college coaches. He is worth checking into this season at Druid Hills.

’24 6’8 Juan Wharton can do a lot on the basketball court. At his height his handlevwas good with an above average IQ. He switched up to play where he was needed and was effective all over the court.@hills_druid #SHReportShowcase pic.twitter.com/JmSuowNDb9

— SouthernHoopsReport (@SHReport) September 10, 2023

Carter Galbreath – Mt. Paran – 2024

Finding the right chemistry on a roster is important if you are looking to compete for championships. Galbreath is one of those prospects you would like to have in the mix with your team, because of the energy he brings to the court. He makes timely cuts, gets his hands on loose balls, and defends multiple positions. We like his size and his general demeanor in the back court. Galbreath will likely be key to any success that coach Chuck Frierson and company have at Mt. Paran this season.

#SHReportShowcase
‘24 G Carter Galbreath (Mt Paran) is carving out a nice afternoon for himself today.
High energy, active, always around the ball. Opportunist on the offensive end – cutting and finishing at the rim.

— SouthernHoopsReport (@SHReport) September 10, 2023

Jackson Houston – Buford High School – 2024

We loved the energy and activity that Houston brought to the floor during the camp. He was active on the glass. He flew in from out of area to snag rebounds in traffic. He also showed versatility as a transition finisher. He is a good athlete with size (6-5) and strength. Look for him to play a big role for the Wolves this year as a producer on the wing and in the paint.

#SHReportShowcase
‘24 Jackson Houston (Buford) was a blur today in his first game. Soaring in from the rafters to snatch rebounds, running the court to finish in transition. 6-5 wing will be impactful for the Wolves this year.

— SouthernHoopsReport (@SHReport) September 10, 2023

Ted Neal – Newton High School – 2025

Neal will be a prospect that will earn attention this season with the Rams. The 6-6 wing-forward is a defensive specialist given his ability to alter around the rim, but also his footwork to get into the passing lanes on the perimeter. Offensively, Neal showed off his finishing skills in the open court which will be a big weapon for coach Barry Browner this season.

’25 Ted Neal of Newton HS showed great athleticism and instinct for the game. He changed plenty of shots around the basket and wasn’t afraid to attack anyone under it.#SHReportShowcase pic.twitter.com/74GnYXr1Jf

— SouthernHoopsReport (@SHReport) September 10, 2023

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 JLHemingway@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.