OTR Hoops: Playing for a Change RECAP – January 18, 2025

January 20, 2025
ATLANTA, Georgia, – Pace Academy hosted the annual Playing for a Change. The six-game lineup featured some of the top teams in the Atlanta Metro area. Teams were matched up with out of region opponents that gave every team a challenge and chance to showcase their individual talents. Here is a rundown of the top performers from the event.
By: Jonathan Hemingway
Orion Wilson – Greenforest Academy – 2025
Wilson is a terrific complement to teammate Daniel Damarola on the frontline for the Eagles. He is an athletic forward with quick leaping ability. His afternoon was highlighted by a thunderous rebound tip-dunk which helped tip the momentum in his team’s favor. As Damarola attracts defensive attention and double teams, this will only open the door for Wilson to shine even more as the post season is on the horizon.
Byrce Irby – Greenforest Academy – 2025
Irby is another steady performer for the Eagles this season. While the Eagles have long been noted for their frontline size and athleticism, Irby has found his niche for his shooting on this squad. He stretches the floor with his quick release and his timely cutting to the open area. Irby, along with his back court teammates, are also proven as perimeter defenders.
Zach Graves – Kell High School – 2027
Graves once again showed himself to be an up-and-coming prospect in this showing. The lefty point guard exuded confidence as a playmaker and is showing promise as a scorer. Coach Jermaine Sellers will lean heavily upon his growth this season and beyond. Graves, however, is proving to play with poise that is distinguished as a underclassman.
Zac Foster – Woodward Academy – 2025
Foster is a model of consistency for the Eagles. There are nights when he is the lead scorer in the book and there are nights like to night where he picks his spots and defers to the hot hand. The Clemson bound guard is an elite prospect given his athleticism and exceptional length. He possesses the instincts and quick twitch reactions to attack the gap and seize a scoring opportunity. Look for Foster’s name to be emerge in years to come as a college contributor.
Chase Lumpkin – McEachern High School – 2027
Lumpkin put the decisive points on the board in the second half to secure the Indians a win over the host team. He connected on three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, which proved to be the difference in the ballgame. Lumpkin has the luxury of playing opposite of experienced ball handlers, which allow him the ability to spot up and find shots around the arc. His confidence, skill, and athleticism have him on a trajectory to become a prime recruiting target.
Chandler Bing – Pace Academy – 2025
Bing had to fill the gap left by Eric Chatfield’s absence on Saturday. He did his best in adding a team high 21 points. Bing is active on the glass and in the high post. He shows shooting range and will run the court with purpose. Bing’s productivity on a nightly basis makes him one of the top prospects in the city.
Colben Landrew – Wheeler High School – 2026
Landrew came through with a team high 18 points in a win for the Wildcats. His shooting range along with his presence in traffic make him a consistent producer for his team. He has a solid frame at 6-foot-6. His versatility along with his skill make him a key piece for Wheeler as the eye another deep post season run.
Notable Names
Senior forward Daniel Damarola continues his consistent senior season. He finished with a game-high 20 points in a win over Decatur. He is locked in as reliable scorer in the pivot.
Decatur point guard Quintavios Strozier flashed potential for coach Rory Welsh. The lefty junior handles the ball with confidence. We will pocket his name for future evaluations.
Kell guard Connor Staphylaris led the Longhorns with 19 points on Saturday afternoon. He is proven as one of the state’s top shooters.
Jarvis Hayes Jr. remains one of the top sophomores in the state. He finished with a game high 27 points and earned player of the game honors on this night. He has an all-around-game, but his 3-point shooting remains second to none.
Pace Academy guard Jackson Ferry showed his talent on Saturday evening. The left-handed senior stroked in three second half 3-pointers which helped pull the Knights within striking distance in the game’s final minutes.
Marcus Smith II continues to be the engine for the Newton County Rams. The senior guard is an electric slasher who creates scoring opportunities with his athleticism. He ought to be a top target for college coaches who need a floor general to add to their roster.
Senior post Tylis Jordan of Wheeler High School is a player with so much promise. He has a reliable turnaround jumper that can serve as a go-to move in traffic. He also projects as a defensive disruptor as a shot blocker and rebounder.
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.
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