The License to ball‘s Podcast

NORTH OCONEE MLK SHOWCASE PREVIEW

NORTH OCONEE MLK SHOWCASE PREVIEW

130PM MONROE AREA VS. BLECKEY COUNTY

3PM ALCOVY VS. HANDLEY, AL

430PM Alpharetta VS. George Walton

6PM ATHENS ACADEMY VS. PRINCE AVENUE

730PM NORTH OCONEE VS. ROME

COOPER FLAGG 42 PTS+ KENWOOD 17 PLAYERS FRAUD ENROLLMENT & MORE

COOPER FLAGG 42 PTS+ KENWOOD 17 PLAYERS FRAUD ENROLLMENT & MORE

DURHAM, N.C. -- Cooper Flagg cut across the court to catch an early kickout feed and knocked down a 3-pointer from the wing. Moments later, he was alone in the left corner and confidently had a catch-and-score for another 3.

No hesitation.

And no stopping until the 18-year-old accomplished something that no freshman had ever done in ACC history.

The 6-foot-9 Flagg scored 42 points to set a conference freshman single-game scoring record Saturday, helping fourth-ranked Duke beat Notre Dame 86-78. It was a performance that put the preseason Associated Press All-American alongside some prominent names in the history of the blue-blood program and its longtime league home.

GHSA 3A + CROSS CREEK VS HARLEM + 3SSB

GHSA 3A + CROSS CREEK VS HARLEM + 3SSB

Cross Creek’s boys have yet to lose a contest to an in-state team this season and the No. 2-ranked Razorbacks are primed for the Region 4 tournament and the postseason.

The team has two state championships – 2021 and 2022 – both Class 3A titles and if this season’s trend continues, Cross Creek could be favorited to secure the team’s third championship.

The program’s only loss this season was against River Bluff (SC) 65-64 in overtime on November 27. Cross Creek (21-1, 12-0) has won 17 games since the loss and is outscoring opponents 1,439 to 1,031 heading into Tuesday’s home game against West Laurens.

The Razorbacks will close the pre-region regular season with back-to-back away Region 4 games — Friday at Baldwin and Saturday at Harlem. The Baldwin game might be the most competitive after Cross Creek narrowly beat the Braves 45-42 on Dec. 13.

It’s worth noting that most region tournaments will begin play throughout next week. Each of the classification’s eight regions must report their respective playoff seedings to the GHSA by Feb. 15 for the state championship tournament which begins Feb. 18.

The region tournaments – for the most part – determine playoff seedings and the region tournament brackets are seeded by regular-season play. Here’s a glance at the top of the current basketball region standings below for the boys and the girls.

Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia for 1/7/2025

Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia for 1/7/2025

1- Grayson (13-1) Head Coach: Geoffrey Pierce Key Players: Jacob Wilkins, Caleb Holt, Jayvon Rempersant, Amir Taylor, KJ Garris Notable Scheduling: Tri-Cities (W), Milton (W), Cedar Grove (W), Combine Academy (NC) (W), Newton (2x), Holy Innocents, Grovetown (2x), Wheeler (W), Central Catholic (OR) (W), Columbus (FL) (L), Millennium (AZ) (W), Owasso (OK) (W), Wilson Academy (GA) (W), Sierra Canyon (CA) Last Week: defeated Archer, defeated McEachern This Week: vs South Gwinnett, vs Newton Notes: Grayson won a pair of games last week without star Caleb Holt. Grayson has a current 34-game winning streak against Georgia teams. Grayson is 4-1 vs OOS teams and still has Sierra Canyon (CA) on the schedule. Grayson showed they can win ugly, junked up games in a 46-38 victory over McEachern last week, which only featured on player (KJ Garris 14 points) in double figures.

2-Wheeler (11-3) Head Coach: Larry Thompson Key Players: Tylis Jordan, Colbren Landrew, Kota Suttle, Kevin Savage III Notable Scheduling: Cedar Grove (W), Gainesville (W), Timpview (UT) (W), Prolific Prep (CA) (W), Columbus (FL) (L), Brewster Academy (CT) (L), Paul VI (VA) (W), Imhotep Charter (PA)P (W), Newton, Pebblebrook, Etowah (2x), Walton (2x), Grayson (L). Last Week: defeated Greenforest This Week: vs Cherokee, vs North Paulding Notes: Wheeler defeated Greenforest behind 31 points from Mansur McClain. Wheeler returns to Region play this week where they are 3-0 so far this season. Wheeler is 5-2 in OOS games this season.

3-Milton (9-3) Head Coach: Allen Whitehart Key Players: Josh Dixon, Nathan Earl, Jaydon Cole, Daniel Ogunyemi Notable Scheduling: Grayson (L), Peachtree Ridge (W), Norcross (W), Etowah (W), Lake Norman (NC) (W), Central Phenix (AL) (L), St. Joseph (CA) (L), Gainesville (2x), Wheeler, Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (MO), Whitney Young (IL), Wheeler Last Week: Did Not play This Week: vs Gainesville, vs Johns Creek Notes: Milton was off last week and are in region play this week where they are 4-0 and have a test against Gainesville this week.  Milton is 2-2 vs. OOS opponents with a trip to the Bass Pro Tournament and a game against Whitney Young (IL) remaining on the schedule. Josh Dixon led Milton averaging 26.7ppg and 5apg while Daniel Ogunyemi 14.3ppg 7rpg in the four games in Tennessee prior to last weeks break.

4-Pace Academy (12-2) Head Coach: Sharman White Key Players: Eric Chatfield Jr, Chandler Bing, Notable Scheduling: Holy Innocents (W), Peachtree Ridge, Pembroke Pines Charter (FL) (L), Gray Collegiate (SC) (W), South Gwinnett (W), Maynard Jackson (2x), McEachern, Lima Senior (OH), Pebblebrook Last Week: defeated South Gwinnett This Week: vs Maynard Jackson, vs Drew Notes: Pace Academy got back in the win column with a win over South Gwinnett. The Knights are in region play this week, where they are 6-0 this season. Pace Academy is 1-2 in OOS games and has not lost to a Georgia team.

5-Holy Innocents (11-2) Head Coach: Mario Mays Key Players: Caleb Wilson, Devin Hutcherson, Kingston Witty, Jaden McCullough Notable Scheduling: North Tampa Christian (FL) (L), Pace Academy (L), Riverwood (W), Newton (W), Alexander (W), Tri-Cities (W),Hot Springs (AR) (W), East Hall, St. Joseph (CA), Grayson, Utah Prep (UT). Last Week: did not play This Week: vs Carver-Atlanta, vs East Hall   Notes: Holy Innocents has won 10 in a row since starting 1-2 out the gate. This week, they have a nitable non-refion game against a high-quality East Hall team in a showcase event. Holy Innocents is 2-0 in games decided by 5 points or less, and 2-0 in OOS games. Caleb Wilson continues to lead the way for Holy Innocents, averaging a double-double 19.3ppg 11.4rpg (including a 20p 20r 7a 6b effort vs. Hot Springs (AR). Devin Hutcherson averaged 16.5ppg in two games in Arkansas, while Kingston Whitty is averaging 11.5ppg 2.9rpg 1.7apg this season.

6-Woodward Academy  (10-3) Head Coach: Anthony Thomas Key Players: Zac Foster, Deke Cooper, Jarvis Hayes Jr. Notable Scheduling: Newton (W), Lambert (W), North Tampa Christian Academy (FL) (W), Huntsville (AL) (L), Cathedral (IN) (L), Shiloh (2x), Eagle’s Landing, Miami-Norland (FL), Roman Catholic (PA) (L), Mt. St. Joseph (MD) (W), Tri-Cities (2x), Decatur (2x), Kell, Last Week: did not play This Week: vs Dunwoody, vs Decatur, vs Tri-Cities Notes:  Woodward Academy is in region play this week where they are 3-0. The region is tough with an improved Decatur and previous HH Top 10 Tri-Cities on the schedule this week. Woodward remains unbeaten against Georgia teams this season. Deke Cooper leads the team in scoring at 19.2ppg while Foster (16.3ppg 6.2rpg) and Hayes Jr (13.2ppg 6.4rpg) continue to put together solid seasons.

7-Newton  (10-4) Head Coach: Barry Browner Key Players: Davin Neal, Bryce Jackson, Marcus Smith II, Jordan Green Notable Scheduling: McEachern (W), Peachtree Ridge (W), Woodward Academy (L), Impact Christian (FL) (W), Cedar Grove (L), Holy Innocents (L), North Mecklenburg (NC) (L), South Gwinnett (W), Florida State University (FL) (W), Grayson (2x), Grovetown (2x), Wheeler, Tri-Cities, Coral Springs (FL)  Last Week: did not play This Week: vs Archer, vs Newton Notes: Newton has won six of its last seven games and their four losses are all to high quality teams. Newton is 3-1 vs OOS and 4-3 in games decided by 5 points or less. The tighter the games are the more Newton is going to grind you until the end. Marcus Smith II and RJ Wilson stood out for Newton in the Legacy Sunshine State Explosion the last Newton was on the floor in Florida. Newton enters region play this week against Archer and Grayson in one of the toughest regions in all of Georgia.

8-McEachern  (10-3) Head Coach: Tremayne Anchrum Key Players: Jayden Bynes, Chase Lumpkin, JD Palm, Isaiah Dulaney, Mason McMillan  Notable Scheduling: Westlake (W), Newton (L), Alexander (L), Gainesville (W), Pebblebrook (W), Kell (W), Hillgrove (W), Westside-Augusta (W), Riverwood (W), Campbell (2x), Norcross  Last Week: lost to Grayson This Week:  vs Osborne, vs Campbell Notes: McEachern’s 9-game winning streak was snapped in a hard fought loss at Grayson last week. McEachern’s three losses this season are to Newton, Alexander and Grayson. Defensively McEachern may be one of the tougher teams in the state. Defense and rebounding will always keep you in games and McEachern is showing that. Offensively they’ll have to find more consistent offense as the season goes to really turn heads. McEachern enters region play this week 4-0 and have a feisty Campbell squad on the slate this week. McEachern is 1-1 in games decided by 5 points or less and do not have an scheduled OOS game this season.

9-North Oconee (13-2) Head Coach: Rick Rasmussen Key Players: Justin Wise, Blake Bracco, Thrasher Wilkins, Kamari Brooks Notable Scheduling: Habersham Central (L), Winder-Barrow (L), Cedar Shoals (W), Dorman (SC) (W), Bartow (FL) (W), East Hall (W), Buford  Last Week: defeated Buford This Week: vs East Forsyth, vs Walnut Grove, vs Clarke Central Notes: North Oconee is in the HH Top 10 for the first time ever. North Oconee has won 11 in a row with their strongest win of the season coming over Bartow (FL). Kamari Brooks’ return from football bolsters the North Oconee line up in the frontcourt. Justin Wise continues to shine while Blake Bracco provides the steady hand at the point guard spot. North Oconee is 2-1 in games decided by 5 points or less. The defending 4A state champion is no stranger to close games as they were 3-2 in games decided by 5 points or less including their state semifinal and state final win. North Oconee’s lone non-region game left is against Rome. North Oconee is 2-0 in OOS games and their two losses are to Habersham Central and Winder-Barrow. North Oconee is geared up for another run at the 4A state title.

10-Cedar Grove(12-3) Head Coach: Camden Terry  Key Players: Emanuel Green, Keith Gillespie, Yusef Bowyer  Notable Scheduling: Grayson (L), Wheeler (L), Newton (W), Columbia (W), Westside-Augusta (W), The Villages Charter (FL) (L), Douglass (2x), Jonesboro   Last Week: did not play This Week: vs Stone Mountain, vs North Clayton  Notes: Cedar Grove has quietly moved to 12-3 with 3 quality losses (Grayson, Wheeler and The Villages Charter-FL). The best win of the season is over Newton and quality wins over Jonesboro, Luella and a statement win over Westside-Augusta. Cedar Grove is 4-1 vs OOS winning games they were suppose to win but slipped up to The Villages Charter (FL). Emanuel Green is averaging 24.7ppg 8rpg over the last four games while Yusef Bowyer is averaging 16ppg 5.5apg 4spg over the same span. Cedar Grove stays in by a very slim margin. They are the most enigmatic team in the state. Cedar Grove is in region play the remainder of the season and enter the week 4-0 in the region.

OUT-Norcross

GRAYSON NEW YEARS CLASSIC RECAP

GRAYSON NEW YEARS CLASSIC RECAP 

The biggest Grayson New Year’s Classic ever! And since we’re in the spirit, use code GNC25 for a 25% discount until 12/24! Tap in! 📆 SATURDAY January 4th, 2025 📍 Grayson High School #Grayson #TheGWay #HighSchoolBasketball #GraysonNewYearsClassic Gymratinsider is a collective focused on spreading the spotlight for young basketball talent across the United States. Gymratinsider is based out of Atlanta, Georgia and founded by Hip-Hop Braggs. Since 2008, Gymratinsider has made a name amongst high school basketball talent with board members in both Chicago, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia.

Peachtree Corners Invitational Classics Recap

Peachtree Corners Invitational Classics Recap NORCROSS — The Norcross boys basketball team held on for an 81-80 win over Bartow (Fla.) in the Peachtree Corners Invitational on Friday. The Blue Devils surged to a 47-34 halftime lead thanks to 29 second-quarter points. Bartow surged back with 46 points over the final two quarters. Gymratinsider is a collective focused on spreading the spotlight for young basketball talent across the United States. Gymratinsider is based out of Atlanta, Georgia and founded by Hip-Hop Braggs. Since 2008, Gymratinsider has made a name amongst high school basketball talent with board members in both Chicago, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia.

ISAIASH CHANDLER DUNK OG YEAR OTR WINTER SHOWCASE

ISAIASH CHANDLER DUNK OG YEAR OTR WINTER SHOWCASE

This Saturday On the Radar Hoops will host the Winter Showcase at North Cobb Christian in Kennesaw, Georgia. The four game set features familiar programs and a few teams that we have yet to evaluate this season. Here is what you need to know heading into this weekend’s event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

7:30pm North Cobb Christian vs. Campbell

North Cobb Christian is off to a 7-1 start this season. Aside from a loss to Chaminade, a nationally renowned program, the Eagles have run through their opponents. Coach Greg Matta is riding the talent of a talented sophomore class. Wing Brock Bass Bonner leads the way with shot making and athleticism. Bonner notched a season high of 30 points and nine rebounds in their latest win over Union County. He is joined by fellow sophomore forward Xavier Butler who is a double-double machine. His notable game was a 28-point, 24 rebound outing over Ringgold. Watch for guards Grant Roblich and Isaiah Chandler to play big roles the rest of the season. And Jordan Wiseman and Will Russell have shown promise as well.

Coach James Gwynn has the Spartans off to a 6-2 start on the season. They pulled out an impressive overtime road win versus Chattahoochee at the beginning of the month. A trio of senior guards have led the way this season. Point guard Sharif Mosley provides shot making and ball handling. Senior guard Kaylan Robertson is a player with talent and promise. He is regularly one of the Spartans leading scorers. Add in the effort that Jaelen Cheaves routinely offers, and the Spartans are poised for big things this season.

6pm Chapel Hill vs. North Atlanta

The Panthers of Chapel Hill are off to a respectable 6-3 start to the season. Their wins include a victory over Canarsie (NY) at the TOC Classic and another over Lakeside-Dekalb at the Double Trouble Invitational. Senior guard CJ Geathers looks to be the key to the Panther offense. He is an athletic, slashing guard who can fill it up in the lane. He is joined in the back court by senior Christian McAllister who can fill up it with jumpers from the perimeter. Keep an eye out for Jasiah Devone and Breon Barnett who are also senior guards that have the experience and toughness necessary in this environment.

Krystal Wells has led the Warriors to a 9-3 start this season. Senior point guard Mason Sampson is a talented guard on the roster. He recently had a 26-point outing in a win over Alpharetta. He is joined by senior wings Mayson Baker and Kai Bryant-Strother. Both have contributed early this season with points and defense. Junior post Kevin Curtis holds the lane down for Wells’ squad. He is a nightly double-double threat.

4:30pm Pebblebrook vs. Woodstock

Pebblebrook is 5-4 to start the year, but George Washington has chosen to play a very tough pre-region schedule. Close losses to Norcross, Kell, and McEachern are evidence of the Falcons potential and talent than otherwise. Junior point guard Zyree Brown has been a revelation this season. He can push the tempo and score buckets in the half-court set. Senior guard Jaiyvon Nurse is one of the more well-rounded prospects in the Metro area. Senior guard Max McNeil provides a nice complement to Brown in the back court as he is a threat to score on the weakside reversal. Washington has size along the front line as well. Sophomore wing-forward Anthony Moon (6-foot-7) looks to be coming into his own as a contributor.

Woodstock is experiencing some growing pains early this season. But they do have a bright future with freshman guard Jahmar Maurice. He recently went for 30 points in a win over Sprayberry. Coach Eric Blair also looks to senior guard Joseph Tully and sophomore forward Taj Saragba for production. Tully is a steady handler who can shake free for points as well. Saragba is a force in the middle of the lane. He is earning recruiting attention with his production and potential on the court.

3pm Fayette County vs. Mount Bethel

The program has a 23-year streak of making the state tournament and they certainly looked poised to add another year to that record. Coach Andre Flynn has a budding star in Jackson Rutley. He is a junior who is earning plenty of attention in this early season. He is flanked in the backcourt by seniors Taj Jawwaad and AJ Perry who provide experience and toughness for the Tigers.

Coach Cal Boyd opted for a tough pre-region schedule, but he still has the Eagles entering the week with a 6-4 record. Senior guard Tej Efemini is a capable leader with athleticism and talent. Sophomore guard Alex Kiumijian is an emerging shot maker in the Metro area. While freshman center Peter Julius is a big man ready to make a big impact this season. He is a capable double-double threat nightly while also being a shot blocking rim protector.

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.

2024 HAWKS NAISMITH RECAP

CHANDLER BEING BODY COY TERRY @HAWKSNAISMITH

The crowd at the Hawks Naismith Showcase was electric, every possession fueling the atmosphere with a sense of awe and anticipation. Chandler was in the zone, already putting up 38 points in a scoring clinic that left the opposing team searching for answers. With each basket, the gym seemed to shrink, Chandler’s presence taking up more space than anyone could handle.

Late in the fourth quarter, the momentum shifted dramatically. Chandler received the ball on the wing, scanning the floor. With a quick crossover and a burst of speed, he darted into the lane, his eyes locked on the rim.

Standing in his path was Coy Terry, a gritty defender known for his willingness to sacrifice his body for the team. Seeing Chandler barrel down the lane, Coy planted his feet, hoping to draw the charge and spark a comeback.

But Chandler had other plans. Rising into the air, his body seemed to defy gravity. Coy stood his ground, but it was no use—Chandler soared over him, delivering a thunderous dunk that shook the backboard and sent the gym into chaos.

Coy hit the hardwood as Chandler hung on the rim for an extra beat, staring down at the fallen defender before dropping to the floor. The crowd erupted, phones capturing every angle of the poster-worthy moment.

Coy grimaced as he got up, but even he couldn’t hide a smirk. The dunk was a reminder of why Chandler was on another level that night. The final buzzer sounded soon after, cementing Chandler’s 38-point masterpiece and a highlight that would live on in showcase lore.

TOC CLASSIC PREVIEW

TOC CLASSIC PREVIEW

MARIETTA, Georgia, – Wheeler High School played host to the Tip-Off Classic this past weekend.

GYMRATINSIDER 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.

GHSA 7A BOYS FINAL FOUR RECAP

GHSA 7A BOYS FINAL FOUR RECAP

Five-star Rutgers signee Ace Bailey put his team on his back. Scoring 32 points and 15 rebounds to lead McEachern to a 63-56 victory over Wheeler.

Josh Hill led Wheeler with 20 points.

Amir Taylor, game high 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the win. Gicarri Harris chip in with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. 

Rams will face off against McEachern in the 7A state title game. Grayson beat the Indians 79-62 in their Elite 8 over at McEachern begin of the season.