OTR Hoops – Lemon Street Classic Day 1 Standouts – December 26, 2023
The historic Lemon Street Classic is always one of the best events of the season and this year’s tournament was full of headlines and drama. College coaches from across the country gathered at Marietta as some of the top programs in the region battled it out. We saw a number of D1 prospects, some big-time upsets, and a tournament scoring record broken. These are a couple of players who came to play on day one.
By: OTR Staff
Brock Bass-Bonner – 6’7 – SF – North Cobb Christian – 2027
Brock Bonner was undoubtedly the best freshman we saw at the Lemon Street Classic. Bonner led North Cobb Christian with 20 points in a nail-biter win over Clarke Central. Bonner hit 3 three-pointers, had some powerful dunks, and utilized a mean hop step on multiple occasions. Bonner has the early makings of a national prospect and already holds offers from St. Louis and Butler.
Marcus Gillespie – 6’4 – CG – Clarke Central – 2025
If there was a MVP for the Lemon Street Classic, Marcus Gillespie would likely be the guy. Gillespie went for 32 points on Thursday and single-handedly took a good North Cobb Christian team down to the wire. He’s a true three-level scorer with a nifty handle and the size to brush off weaker defenders. Gillespie gets to his spots with ease and can knock down shots from all over the floor, even with a hand in his face. Later in the weekend, Gillespie would go on to break the Lemon Street Classic scoring record with a 47-point outing against Therrell.
Joah Chappelle – 6’8 – SF – Dutchtown – 2024
Joah Chappelle has been a hot name ever since the season tipped off in early November. He finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds in a win over Cherokee as they didn’t have the size or athleticism to contain him. The 6’8 lefty has great feel in the open court and his jumper has come a long way in the past year. Chappelle also thrives defensively, able to guard nearly every position on the floor. Chappelle plans to visit UMass in coming weeks and currently holds offers from some of the top JUCOs.
Tanner Savasir – 6’0 – SG – Cherokee – 2025
Despite a relatively quiet game from Lawrence Sanford, Cherokee refused to throw in the towel and took Dutchtown into the 4th quarter. The production from Tanner Savasir was a big reason why as he stepped up and delivered 21 points. He connected on 3 three-pointers and was constantly attacking gaps in the defense. Savasir has certainly stepped up this year, proving to be a viable second scoring option next to Lawrence Sanford.
Zach Bleshoy – 6’4 – PG – Pope – 2025
Pope came out of Day 1 with a 54-50 win over South Paulding behind 27 points from Zach Bleshoy. Bleshoy was the best player on the floor and he made sure everyone knew it. The 6’4 point guard pairs elite level creativity with a knockdown jumper and athleticism that allows him to play above the rim. He’s a smooth and patient finisher around the rim, the game clearly moving at a different speed for him. Expect Zach Bleshoy to be a very popular name amongst D1 coaches in the spring.
