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OTR Hoops – TOC Classic STANDOUTS – December 4, 2023

OTR Hoops - TOC Classic STANDOUTS - December 4, 2023
December 4, 2023

MARIETTA, Georgia, – Wheeler High School played host to the Tip-Off Classic this past weekend. The On the Radar Staff got a courtside look at some of the top talent in the state of Georgia as well as one team from the state of Texas. This early season showcase gives us a good idea of which teams to look for when the postseason arrives in February. We also gained valuable information on which underclassmen college coaches ought to track next spring and summer and which seniors are poised to contribute next fall on college campuses.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Tylis Jordan – Shiloh High School – 2025

Jordan is off to a hot start to this high school season. The 6-foot-8 forward is a versatile threat for the Generals. He can dominate the game with his scoring as he can rattle the rims with dunks or splash jumpers from the top of the key. Yet it is passing ability that excites us the most. He plays the game like a veteran, seeing the play before it develops and leading teammates to easy scores with timely dimes. He finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Kimball High School on Saturday afternoon.

Braeden Lue – Alexander High School – 2024

In one of the featured matchups of the night, the Cougars of Alexander took down the host school in an impressive performance. Coming off a state championship in the 2022-23 season, there appears to be no slippage this year. Lue looks to be the centerpiece of coach Jason Slate’s plan this season. The Kennesaw State commit is athletically dominant in the middle of the floor. He can change the game with a highlight dunk or a well-timed block shot. Lue’s offensive production continues to be on the uptick as he has tuned in his perimeter jumper as a terrific counter to his at the rim theatrics. He finished with a game high 21 points in Saturday’s win.

Gicarri Harris – Grayson High School – 2024

Much has been written about Harris over the last six months. There is a temptation to move past Harris and look to other players from the Rams, but it is impossible to write a recap of the day and at least not mention him within the standout category. The Purdue commit is a steady producer and a leader for coach Geoffrey Pierce’s program. He pushes the issue with his scoring, which he does by attacking the rim or with his jumper. He finished with a game high of 19 points in the win. Yet it is the things he does outside of the frame that one should pay attention to get a full understanding of what Harris brings to the floor. He defends, is active for loose balls, and provides the vocal leadership needed for this talented roster. The Rams with Harris at the helm are poised for a championship run come March.

Jaylon Dean-Vines – Kimbrall High School (TX) – 2025

Dean-Vines represented the lone team that came to compete from outside of the state of Georgia. His Kimbrall High School squad gave a good effort against Shiloh, but ultimately came up just short. Amid the contest, we were able to get a solid look at Dean-Vines. He is a 6-5 prospect with serious athleticism and skill to match. He flashed his leaping ability with a couple of dunks and a well-timed block in transition. His scoring ability is what will attract college coaches this spring. He proved he can connect on long range jumpers off the dribble. His high release and consistent form point to a bright future on the hardwood at this level and the next.

Mike White – Berkmar High School – 2024

White surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his high school career on Saturday in a win over Greenforest. His addition to the Berkmar roster should be key for the Patriots success this year. The 6-3 combo guard has a nose for scoring the ball. Add in his willingness to handle and distribute from the back court and the Patriots have a well-balanced roster given the size that Mekhi Ragland adds on the inside. White cemented the win with five straight points in the game’s final minutes to seal the victory.

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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