OTR Hoops – Tip Off Classic Standout Guards – November 21, 2023

NORCROSS, Georgia, – Norcross High School hosted the OTR Tip-Off Classic on Saturday, the first of two On The Radar showcases this high school season. Top teams from around the state squared off and we saw some fantastic finishes, none better than the Sandy Creek-Mt. Vernon game which ended with a Jared White three at the buzzer.  Here, we break down the top performing guards from Saturday’s event.

By: Cam Rickers 

Amari Morgan – 6’5 – SG – Lanier – 2025

Amari Morgan kicked off the morning with a 27-point game, showing off the many impressive facets of his game. He hit two early threes, multiple mid-range pull-ups, had some tough finishes at the rim, and even threw down a lob in the 2^nd half.  You couldn’t ask for a more complete scoring performance. Morgan’s combination of size, athleticism, and skill on the wing should garner plenty of attention from colleges.

Caleb Thomas – 5’9 – PG – Pebblebrook – 2025

It was a slow start for Pebblebrook but Caleb Thomas came on strong late, 17 of his 22 points in the 2^nd half. Thomas has one of the quicker first steps you’ll find around the state which allows him to get to the pull-up jumper and rack up paint touches. His three-point shot is looking more confident and consistent than ever. Caleb Thomas is the man for Pebblebrook this year and he’s playing it like through their first couple games.

Marcus Smith – 6’0 – PG – Walnut Grove – 2025

It was an impressive showing from Walnut Grove on Saturday as Marcus Smith led them to a big win over Pebblebrook. Smith applied the pressure early, 11 1^st quarter points to put Walnut Grove out in front. With Deston Christian now gone, the show is Smith’s to run and he’s looked comfortable in the role thus far. Smith is one of the bounciest guards in the state, able to finish over or around bigger defenders at the rim. His stock could continue to rise throughout the season.

Amari Brown – 6’3 – PG – Sandy Creek – 2024

Sandy Creek – Mt. Vernon was the game of the day, back and forth until the final possession when Sandy Creek hit the game-winner. Amari Brown was the catalyst for Sandy Creek and came up big in the 4^th, several huge shots to keep it tight. The lefty point guard finished with 21 points to lead all scorers. Brown is one of Georgia’s best point guards still on the board and his recruitment will be something to follow this season.

Eric Chatfield – 5’11 – PG – Pace Academy – 2025

Eric Chatfield was huge for Pace on Saturday, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Pace frustrated Langston Hughes with their full-court press and Chatfield played a vital role in that. The sweet stroke and deep range were on display too as Chatfield hit 4 three-pointers, accounting for 12 of his 17 points. Chatfield and Greene make for one of the deadliest backcourts in the state and Pace belongs in the conversation with top teams like Grayson and McEachern.

Cam Rickers has lived in Georgia his whole life and joined OTR as scout/evaluator this spring. He spent the year prior scouting for PrepHoops, working hard to make a name for himself within the grassroots scene. In addition to his work for OTR and PrepHoops, he is also the Recruiting & Scouting Director for Wood Elite. You can reach him at camrickers12@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @CamRickersHoops