#OTRHoopsReport: GHSA State Tournament Stock Risers

Ikechukwe Obiagu proved once again that he is one of the nation’s premier big men nationally. Photo cred – Ty Freeman

MACON, Ga., – Despite the nightmare of players shooting 16-foot free throws, there were several good takeaways from the GHSA state championship games last weekend. A number of players stepped up big on the largest stage in the high school basketball season. Here is our #OTRHoopsReport take on last week.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB & @OntheRadarHoops

Jamie Lewis – Westlake HS, 2018

Lewis showed his talent and moxy by leading a comeback win for Westlake Saturday evening. His 21 points and 9 assists should put him atop of the guards in the class in the state of Georgia. Lewis is also making a push to be mentioned along many of the elite nationally. #OTRHoopsReport Director of Scouting, Shun Williams, pointed out that Lewis’ game is polished and balanced as he scored at all three levels. Iowa State offered the 6-1 point guard earlier this season while Baylor has been in to watch him play.

Jamie Lewis scoring at all three levels

Three Pointer. Mid Range. Finishing in the lane

Pebblebrook 44 @WestlakeHoops 35

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) March 6, 2016

Ikechukwe Obiagu – Greenforest Academy, 2017

We tabbed the 7-foot center a top ten prospect nationally last spring. His ability to shut down the lane by blocking shots and starting fast breaks with defensive rebounds is rare at any level. We saw those exact skills in a championship win over St. Francis in the Class A Private division last Saturday. His offensive skill continues to polish and look for Obiagu to be equally effective on both ends of the floor this year with the Georgia Stars. The fact that Obiagu was able to anchor a team that knocked off Kobi Simmons and St. Francis proves the worth of the junior. His offers range from Baylor to UConn with many more on the way.

Will Richardson – Liberty County HS, 2018

Perhaps the biggest stock riser of the weekend was the 6-4 point guard from Hinesville. As we predicted in our GHSA preview before the state tourney began, the guard play from Liberty County would carry the Panters to a state championship. What we did not predict was the fact it would be Richardson who would be the catalyst for his team’s success. His 19 points and critical ability to make plays helped lift his team to a win over Jonesboro, the defending state champions. Richardson picked up an offer from the University of Georgia in the process. Expect many more on the way after this performance.

 

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. He is also 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