OTR Hoops – Featured Riverwood Duo – Karis Bilal and JR Leonard – December 19, 2023

Riverwood’s Dynamic Duo
Featuring Karris Bilal and J.R Leonard

By: Bilal Benjamin

This feature looks at two high major star guards aiming for a state title. Will the Riverwood pairing be able to get it done when it matters most? We will see, but they are off to a solid start this season.

Karis Bilal, a senior and a Vanderbilt commit, is a sharp shooting talent that is determined to lead his team to a state championship victory this season. He has improved drastically with his pace and patience within the game. Bilal is easily one of the best microwave scorers in Georgia. He’s leaving an ever-lasting impression with the career that he has built. The cherry on top would be a state title.

J.R Leonard, a junior, is a perfect back court compliment to Bilal. Leonard is a big guard that can handle pressure. He takes a lot of the load from Bilal with his ability to control the game from the mid-range area. Leonard is one of a few players that effectively knocks down the short corner and elbow jumper to keep the defense honest. His defense is outstanding as well. Leonard takes on the challenge of defending every position for Riverwood. He has a great body build to uphold the task.

Leonard holds offers from the likes of Tennessee, Georgia, Wake Forest, South Florida, East Carolina, Mississippi State and Kennesaw State. The high major prospect has another summer to catch the eyes of many more Division 1 schools. Leonard has trended upward every year he’s been in high school.

The experience and leadership Bilal and Leonard garnered over the past two seasons should be enough to have them in the race for a title in March. They have the skill set and team first mindset to get it done. We are looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. Riverwood is poised for success with these two at the helm.