SH Report Fall Jamboree – Game-Changers Pt 2
CUMMING, GA – One of the fall’s best events was filled with exciting play this past weekend as SH Report put on their Fall Jamboree at Dobbs Creek Rec, and the turnout of teams was truly outstanding.
With 6 courts going from 9 to 5pm, it’s impossible to see everyone, but here are some game-changers from the day I was able to get eyes on, Part 2 (alphabetical by team):
By: Keith Agran
Thomas McBride, G, 2024, Kennesaw Mountain >> The Mustangs are crawling back toward respectability with some good fire and guidance from their staff, McBride stood out as the team has been playing better together with more grit and stability from juniors and seniors who have seemingly had enough of mediocrity, like his versatility at 6-3 as he gains confidence with the rest.
Zak Thomas, G, 2023, King’s Ridge >> Had a day filled with confidence as he showed off his assertive game from multiple levels, can use a physical style and frame to get downhill to the basket and was hot from 3-land all day, gives the Tigers ballhandling and defensive versatility, another of those guys who will be an even better college player than what we’ve seen from him on the scholastic level.
Jack Thomas, G, 2023, King’s Ridge >> I believe the unofficial count on dunks for the day was 5 but I may even be missing one or two, but it’s that kind of explosion that has always been lurking in Thomas’ game and like unrelated teammate Zak displayed a confident game built off of last year’s playoff run and a productive spring and summer with PSB, another run at a state finals appearance is well within reach for this bunch and the kind of play we saw from Thomas at the Jamboree will have a lot to say about it.
AJ Wheeler, G, 2023, Lakeside-DeKalb >> Classmates Sebastian Reed and Ethan Sams have been all over town making strong impressions in the fall but it was Wheeler’s PG leadership and instincts that drew raves at the Jamboree, you can see how critical a component he is this veteran bunch looking to make a statement this year as he’s poised with the ball and an underrated scoring threat.
CJ Wallace, G, 2023, North Cobb Christian >> Has patiently waited for his time to be not just the defensive stopper he’s always been but to take on more scoring responsibilities and he looked the part at the Jamboree, can get hot from distance both as a scoring lead guard and wing assassin and like so many 2023’s we’ve seen of late is grabbing the “senior year-bull by the horns” and showing off their full gamut.
Ansar Osman, F, 2023, South Gwinnett >> A top overall performer on the day and part of another veteran group featuring the likes of Jacob Washington, Justin Redmond, Kendal Walker and Jet Horne just to name a few, Osman’s offensive versatility at 6-6 is what draws eyeballs, as he can knock ’em down from deep but has a really crafty game using the bounce and works hard inside even with a slighter frame than other forwards, among the day’s top “steal” recruits.
Nick Tyre, G, 2023, Walnut Grove >> Appears on this list for the opportunity before him as another Walnut Grove team will be highly thought of with talent around him, but now a senior Tyre gives this bunch veteran stability and positional options having been through supporting roles in the past for the Warriors but always flashing the talent and drive to have done more, it’s his time and he’ll have a chance to show his next-level worth in the coming months.
Alfonzo Ross, G, 2023, Woodville-Thompkins >> Continuing a consistent run that has spanned the last 2 years or so as one of the top guards outside the ATL-Metro, coming off another monster summer travel season with Georgia Ignites he was a powerhouse with the ball for WT and can be effective at either guard spot as he pushes pace like a running back when in charge but shoots it and drives it with confidence and effectiveness.
Keith Agran has lived in Georgia since 2011 and joined OTR as a National Evaluator in 2021. He previously scouted for Prep Hoops dating back to 2019 and has both a championship-coaching background on the HS-level and daily newspaper writing experience, both from New Jersey. You can reach him at keithagran1@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @BracketSage.
