#OTRHoopsReport: GHSA Class AAAAAA Recap – March 1, 2015

Pebblebrook celebrated as they knocked off Shiloh in the Final 4 on Saturday night. They will face Wheeler on next Saturday at the Macon Coliseum at 8:45pm. Photo cred – Ty Freeman

Our OTRHoopsReport.com team covered the GHSA Playoffs this week by hitting some of the areas best games. Here are several of the story-lines from this week in the state’s largest classification. We also take a look at individuals who are rising to the top at the most important time in the season.

College Coaches can get the full report by clicking here! 

CLASS AAAAAA Recap

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Pebblebrook Riding a Wave of Momentum

In two games in three nights, the Falcons ran away with double digit victories over Norcross and Shiloh. Although coach Washington’s team has scaled back the full-court pressure that we saw early in the season, they still make life miserable for teams on the defensive end. The quickness of guards Ty Hudson and Jared Harper combined with the length and athleticism of center Derek Ogbeide  make Pebblebrook the most balanced team in this bracket. Their match-up with Wheeler next Saturday will be one for the ages.

Jaylen Brown carries Wheeler into the Finals

One could make the argument that Wheeler may not have enough front line height or enough depth to win a championship. However, when it comes to post season play coach Doug Lipscomb might have the most important ingredient: The Best Player. The 6-foot-7 Brown is not only the best player in the state, but regarded by many as the best in the country. On Saturday night versus a spry Tucker team, it was Brown’s calming influence that kept the Wildcats on track to a double digit win. If all goes right for the Naismith National Player of the Year Finalist, Brown should be lottery pick in the 2016 NBA draft. What should be noted about Brown’s game right now is how he affects the game outside of scoring the basketball.

Stock Riser: Trhae Mitchell

Norcross coach Jesse McMillan’s plan to slow down Pebblebrook on Thursday night was a great one. His triangle and two defense actually confused the Falcons for a period of time in this game. Extreme pressure on Harper and Hudson got coach Washington’s offense out of rhythm and for a moment appeared would give the Blue Devils a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter. Insert unsigned senior forward Trhae Mitchell on the scene and all momentum shifted back in favor to Pebblebrook. The 6-6 forward knocked down multiple jumpers and found holes in the defense to finish at the rim. Mitchell followed up his clutch performance with another solid outing on Saturday afternoon versus Shiloh. Mitchell has shown progression in his skill set since this summer and should be regarded as one of the city’s top unsigned seniors.

It is Time to Recognize Jared Harper 

Although we have written about the 5-11 junior many times in the past nine months, it is time to move Harper into the discussion of the ELITE in his class. His big shots versus Norcross and Shiloh this provided exactly what Pebblebrook needed to win in each of those games. Harper seems to rise to each occasion to make the plays necessary to win each time. He is efficient with his jumper from beyond the arc and he is crafty on the drive to the basket. When it comes time to expand the BrandonClayScouting.com ranking in the class of 2016, Harper will have my vote.

Around the Rim

Class of 2016 forward Josh Okogie from Shiloh scored a team high 19 points in their Final 4 game versus Pebblebrook. He hit multiple shots from beyond the arc.

Class of 2017 guard Zach Cooks made another good impression in Norcross’ Elite 8 game versus Pebblebrook. The combo guard can hit the 3-point jumper and make plays with the bounce.

Auburn bound point guard Bryce Brown made big plays for Tucker last night. His skill set and athletic frame should be a solid fit for coach Bruce Pearl.

Unsigned senior Avinde Russell of Tucker gave a great spark in their match-up versus Wheeler. His athleticism and play-making ability is worth a look at the back court position.

Exposure & Showcase Opportunities

 

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy.  He is the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB