Prep Zone

By Rock Clayton

February 4, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Have you guys lost your mind Chris Singleton for Dunwoody be for real he cant’ even catch the basketball on a good night and often falls over his two left feet and his attitute stinks. Without players like Delwan and Grayson trust me he would not be putting up those numbers and getting press time but you cant tell that to their coach his motivate is win at any cost. Start looking at the real players that continues to assist Mr Singleton to look good each and ever game night.

By Devil Lover

February 4, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

FOR MR BASKETBALL…NO QUESTION - AL-FAROUQ AMINU FROM NORCROSS. WHY? BECAUSE HE CAN DO EVERYTHING AND DO IT ALL VERY WELL. FRIDAY NIGHT HE HAD A TRIPLE DOUBLE IN THE MTN COAL CLASSIC SEMI FINALS . AGAINST THE 6TH TEAM IN THE COUNTRY (RISE MAG.) IN THE FINALS, OAK HILL, HE SCORED 35 PTS AND HAD 11 REBOUNDS. WHILE HE IS ONLY 6-8 HE BLOCKS ABOUT 2-3 SHOTS PER GAME AND PLAYS GREAT DEFENSE TYPICALLY AGAINST TALLER PLAYERS LIKE GREG MONROE 6-10 NO 1 PROSPECT IN THE COUNTRY HELD TO JUST 8 PTS ON NATIONAL TV. HE CAN LEAD THE BREAK AND FINISH BIG, ASK HELEN COX. HE CAN TAKE IT INSIDE AND SHOT THE THREE ASK OAK HILL. HE DOES ALL OF THIS AND AVERAGES OVER 23 PTS. AND THIS YEAR HE WILL LEAD NORCROSS TO THEIR THIRD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN A ROW AND DERRICK FAVORS HAS NO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS TO SHOW.

By Shamrock Shooter

February 4, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with Rock, Singleton is not the choice. He does not play with the passion that the others either. And the attitude mentioned, why is he not still at Cherokee, hmmmm?

On the girls side, Manning may be the best athlete but she has not been able to carry the team on her shoulders like Aminu. They lost a PG and Manning has suffered.

I vote Aminu and Armstrong.

By bright-one

February 4, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

NEWS FLASH… Dequan Jones is the BEST player in Georgia, and Wheeler is the BEST team in the state… period!!! Dequan should be in the top 5… yea, 5, in the nation. He’s the total package. He blocks shots, he scores, he steals, he passes. Oh, and boy does he dunk! If Norcross is lucky enough to play against Wheeler, they will absolutely get destroyed! They’re not even a 1 trick pony, they’re a 1/2 trick pony (Aminu). Richard Howell will keep Aminu in total check. If Aminu somehow gets a shot off against Howell, Dequan will simply block it… HARD! Go away Norcross, you’re simply over-rated. But don’t take it personal, no one, in any classification in the state of Georgia, can beat Wheeler. p.s. it’ll be the same next year as well.

By Camden Boy

February 4, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Ben Drayton Camden County- Leading Scorer In The State..

They Havent Moved Camden To Florida Yet, But You Guys Sure Enough Do Act Like It!!!

By Kate Lee

February 4, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

ANNE MARIE ARMSTRONG, hands down. Wesleyan has taken 5-AAAAA teams to the bank, and Anne Marie is one of the reasons. Sure she has a great, deep team that makes these wins possible, but week after week, she’s the leading scorer - in some games, outscoring the entire other team (remember Wesleyan-Buford in January?) No one else comes close.

By Justin Young

February 4, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Derrick Favors is my vote for Mr. Georgia Basketball. Al-Farouq Aminu is my second place vote. After that, it is a crap shoot.

Folks, Favors is doing things that even Dwight Howard didn’t do at this stage of the game. He’s a basketball purist’s dream player.

By Devil Lover

February 4, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

HEY WHEELER WERE DID YOU GETS ALL OF THEM PLAYERS SINCE LAST YEAR? REMEMBER WE BEAT YOU GUYS EVEN WITH JJ HICKSON LAST YEAR. SO WHERE DID YOU ALL OF THOSE GUYS?

By Nick Blaylock

February 4, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Don’t hate on my boy Chris. When that kid hit the NBA yall mouths are going to close, and completly regret what yall said.

By Derrick Mahone

February 4, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

If we were voting today, I’ll definitely give my vote to Derrick. He is definitely carrying the South Atlanta team to new heights. As stated above, like Al-Farouq because he is also putting his Norcross team on his shoulders. Looking forward to seeing Wesley Witherspoon tomorrow against Meadowcreek.

By bright-one

February 4, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Excuse me, Mr Mahone, but Derrick of South Atlanta and Al-Farouq are both 1/2 trick ponys. They’re the only thing their teams have. Wheeler is the total T-E-A-M package. They would beat South Atlanta like a drum! We already know Wheeler will beat Norcross… like a drum. It’s very easy to put up big numbers when you’re the ONLY thing your team has! Derrick is too young to do anything against Wheeler. Aminu is just… well, like Derrick, not ready to face Wheeler. It’s Wheeler, and everyone else… or no-one else!

By afan

February 4, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

I just have one question, if these are the candidates for Mr. and Miss GA. basketball, why are all the candidates from Atlanta? I’m not hating or anything, im just saying that there is more talent in Ga. besides in the Atl. It might as well be called Mr. and Miss. Atlanta basketball.

By chamblee fan

February 4, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

i saw singleton play chamblee a few weeks ago he can do it all low post game, play defense blocked louds of shots and made a couple of 3 pointers, diffenently one of the states best players

By chamblee fan

February 4, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

i saw singleton play chamblee a few weeks ago he can do it all low post game, play defense blocked louds of shots and made a couple of 3 pointers, diffenently one of the states best players

By Ashley Brown

February 5, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

Nothing against Singleton, I think he is a very good player, but Mr. Basketball? No. As a matter of fact you really did not even have to name 7 players this is a 2 or 3 man battle. Derrick Favors (favorite for sure) Al Farouq Aminu Howard Thompkins (he is putting up sick numbers too)

And maybe Dequan Jones. However, Bright one you go so overboard with your comments it makes people discount what you say. I do think that Wheeler is probably the top team in GA. this year, but to toally ignore the 2-time defending champs, and a VERY GOOD Souuth Atlanta team is stupid. Wheeler is good, but if you think Aminu & Favors are not the Elite of the Elite, and if you truly think Aminu will not get off a shot against Wheeler, you have a lot to learn about the game.

By chuck B

February 5, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

If you want to hand down throphy and talk about the top five my vote is for Delwon from Dunwoody he is the real deal and as far as Chris Singleton goes the only way he will get to the NBA is not on his skills but his Height, dont get it twisted.

By gwinnett co

February 5, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Derrick Favors is best in the state, and Aminu is a close second. Kind of like 1 and 1-A. Wesley Witherspoon is over rated. He’s weak with the ball, and is defense is below average. I’ve seen Berkmar play in a couple of games, and he NEVER guards the other team’s best wing. He’s not even the best player in his region, probably third behing Gwayu from Parkview and Teondre Williams at Meadowcreek.

By gwinnett co

February 5, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Derrick Favors is best in the state, and Aminu is a close second. Kind of like 1 and 1-A. Wesley Witherspoon is over rated. He’s weak with the ball, and his defense is below average. I’ve seen Berkmar play in a couple of games, and he NEVER guards the other team’s best wing. He’s not even the best player in his region, probably third behing Gwayu from Parkview and Teondre Williams at Meadowcreek.

By gwinnet county bball

February 5, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Derrick Favors is best in the state, and Aminu is a close second. Kind of like 1 and 1-A. Wesley Witherspoon is over rated. He’s weak with the ball, and his defense is below average. I’ve seen Berkmar play in a couple of games, and he NEVER guards the other team’s best wing. He’s not even the best player in his region, probably third behing Gwayu from Parkview and Teondre Williams at Meadowcreek.

By TMROB

February 5, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

For the girls, everyone named is from Atlanta GA. Surely there is more talent throughout the state of Georgia that shines with girls basketball talent, other than Atlanta. There are several good players from Liberty County, Houston County and Bibb County. Players that can run circles around some of the players named in the article, like Parrisha Simmons or Tonia Williams! Who determines the candidates for this prestigious title? I am truly disappointed, even though girls like Manning may be deserving, you’re leaving out many other talented girls that may not have the privilege of living in Atlanta or access to the level of exposure ATL girls have. How fair is that?

By Outside the ATL

February 5, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious you do not travel outside the ATL area to views games. Please do a little research outside the area first. Albany and Macon areas have always produces NBA prospects and players.

By Norcross2007

February 5, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Aminu and Armstrong….enough said!

By MR. DEES

February 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

NO I THINK IT SHOULD BE TWO SENIORS. MY PICKS ARE AMINU AND STEPHENS.

By Mike

February 5, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

My vote is for Delwan Graham of Dunwoody, every night is a good one for him. He does all the dirty work and plays bigger than his size. LSU really got a “steal” on their hands. As far as Singleton I think he’s not playing to full potential b/c he’s already signed.

By Bholder

February 5, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I guess you people only see the players in Atlanta. We have some fine athletes in middle and south GA. You have Tony Mitchell from Swainsboro and the boy from Savannah High (sorry can’t remember his name). Writers in Atlanta or so subjective.

By Bholder

February 5, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I guess you people only see the players in Atlanta. We have some fine athletes in middle and south GA. You have Tony Mitchell from Swainsboro and the boy from Savannah High (sorry can’t remember his name). Writers in Atlanta are so subjective.

By Bholder

February 5, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I guess you people only see the players in Atlanta. We have some fine athletes in middle and south GA. You have Tony Mitchell from Swainsboro and the boy from Savannah High (sorry can’t remember his name). Writers in Atlanta are so subjective.

By black

February 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Let’s give it to the player that’s in his right school. Give it to Favors. Not anybody from dunwoody, norcross, or wheeler. Give it to the real mr. basketball. Someone that’s committed to their school. Hey, Derrick M, why not call a spade a spade. let’s talk about non recruiting schools with real players that’s committed to their school.Stop giving all these coaches credit for recruiting. martin, Bracco, Lipscomb, etc….. Keep it real. Somebody needs to stand up. Oh don’t hate on the email.

By Devil Lover

February 5, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

LET ME SAY A FEW THINGS ABOUT DERRICK FAVORS AND HIS RECENT OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE. AJC WAS BRAGGING ABOUT FAVORS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AGAINST TERRELL WHEN HE SCORED 40 PTS. FIRST OF ALL WHY WAS HE ALLOWED TO STAY IN LONG ENOUGH TO SCORE 40 PTS? I DON’T UNDERSTAND A COACH (OR MAYBE I DO) WHO WOULD LEAVE IN THE SO CALL BEST JUNIOR IN THE COUNTRY AGAINST TERRELL WHO IS RATED 10,745 IN THE COUNTRY SO HE COULD RUN UP THE SCORE.

WHILE SOUTH ATLANTA HAS PLAYED TWO OR THREE GOOD NATIONAL TEAMS WELL, THE NUMBERS SHOW THAT SOUTH ATLANTA IS PLAYING PRIMARILY SUB PERFORMING TEAMS. WHILE PLAYING 23 GAMES, THEIR OPPONENTS HAVE ONLY WON 187 GAMES WHILE LOSING 250 GAMES OR JUST A 43% WIN PERCENTAGE. TAKE SOMEONE LIKE WHEELER WHO HAVE PLAYED 25 GAME, THEIR OPPONENTS HAVE WON 316 AND ONLY LOST 223 OR A 59% WIN PERCENTAGE. NORCROSS HAS PLAYED 22 GAMES WHILE THEIR OPPONENTS HAVE WON 241 GAMES AND LOST ONLY 190 GAMES OR A 56% WIN PERCENTAGE.

BOTTOMLINE, I DON’T THINK THAT SOUTH ATLANTA OR DERRICK FAVORS HAS BEEN WELL TESTED YET TO CLAIM TO BE THE “BEST IN THE LAND.” OR TO BE CROWNED MR GEORGIA BASKETBALL.

By Retired Coach

February 5, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Derrick Favors has my vote. He is the #1 ranked junior in the country. If he does not win, what does that say about Georgia basketball. It’s a “no brainer”. Wake-up everone-SA are nationally ranked. What do you think Rivals.com would say?

By Marietta Fan

February 5, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Alright Derrick, the day came… We knew it was coming. Finally, the shots didnt fall… Against McEachern the Devils came out flat and played flat, Tanzy’s loss was felt, there didnt seem to be any fight in the Devils. Tanzy was gone, Stanley Jennings got into foul trouble early and played less than a minute in the second half… Golden got unexpectedly cleared to play… referees weren’t great but all in all the devils got beat.

By Derrick Mahone

February 5, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Just got back from the Berkmar/Meadowcreek game. Was a very sloppy game with Berkmar winning. Wanted to see Wesley Witherspoon play. He started slow but picked up some in the second half.

Heard the Marist/Miller Grove game was exciting with Marist winning in triple overtime. Look like Dee Goens and Mfon battled.

By BGood

February 6, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

DERRICK FAVORS is as good as advertised. South Atlanta’s schedule may not be as challenging as Norcross or Wheeler. But DERRICK FAVORS (a Junior) played for the 2007 Atlanta Celtics AAU 17 year old Team at 16. (www.atlantaceltics.com)

By the way, he started every game last summer. He dominated the paint and will play Major Div I anywhere he wants in 2009.

By Rock Clayton

February 6, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Crazy packed out game yesterday Dunwoody against Bless Trinity and if you had not heard the news , Dunwoody defeated Bless trinity by nine points I was’nt really impress with Chris Singleton but I had to go see what the hype was about, would somone please tell the Dunwoody coach that Mr Chris is not a point guard he needs to be posted up under the basket instead of trying to play point does he even now what his position is on that team. also I was up in the stand not too far from him while we all had to solute the National Athem and he was texing during that moment which I thought was disrespetful. there was other that Impress me like Player #12 he had heart play with lots of excitement and establish himself as a true Guard with 12 points 15 assist and 3 rebound, Delwan took it to the hole as usual great form.I am not hating but the Dunwoody wild Cats needs lots of disciplin and lots of denfensive control, over all it was a great game and they took home the win.

By basketball

February 6, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Stop hating on Aminu. Derrick Favor has played a weak schedule and his coach allow him to play a full 4-quater game(very smart Ha Ha). Eddie Martin pull his starters in the 3qt and sometime sooner than that. Aminu has won on the AAu circuit and played on television twice this summer. Did we see Derrick favor on tv this summer? How many tournments did he win? Aminu did beat both celctics team as a 16-under GA Star in there tourment. So, Aminu has earn the right to be called Mr. Georgia Basketball.

By Devil Lover

February 6, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Derrick, why do you(or the AJC) take the major basketball blogs off of the front page so quick so that some have a hard time finding it? This is basketball season not football season so we want more basketball blogs.

We need more bloggers too guys so that the AJC will do more basketball articles and blogs.

By Derrick Mahone

February 6, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Devil Lover The blogs are handled by our online department. I have no control on when it goes up or comes down. I just have to submit two a week to them. I know we all like basketball, but National Signing Day is huge. Hopefully the new basketball poll and blog will be up pretty soon or in the morning. We currently have three basketball blogs. I have one of Mondays and Thursday and Jeff Haws has one of Wednesday. They decided to keep Todd Holcomb’s football blog because it was popular and the fans love football. You can always find my blog under my picture in the top left hand corner on the high school page.

By Greenwave

February 7, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Don’t forget about Monshay Thomas for the Terrell County Greenwaves. Who are #1 In Class A.

By True Baller

February 7, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

I was at the Berkmar/Meadowcreek game so that I could see Witherspoon and Willams play. Witherspoon did it all in the 2nd half. Breathtaking dunks, shot the 3, made great passes, block shots and handled the ball. The kid gets my vote for Mr. Basketball. He did it all!

By knowthegame

February 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Toby Veal - Johnson of Sav. - he’s mentioned under every hoop, scout, prep, report. Colorado D1 signee - the kid can really play.

By Lou Anne Spain

February 7, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Seems like Anne Marie Armstrong has the most consistent record for the girls. Not tomention she plays Volleyball and Track while keeping her grades. Let’s look at the all around package!

By reasonable minds

February 8, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Ralph Sampson III is the best defensive player in the state.He averages over seven blocks per game and has quickness to guard on perimeter. He also is the most versatile big man on offense. He shoots the three, scores on low block, and has awesome mid range jumper. Extremely efficient, shooting over 65% from field and averaging over 21 points per game despite constant double and triple teaming. He’s a game changer and a constant triple double threat. He definitely should be in consideration for Mr. Georgia Basketball and All-Star game.

By bball friend

February 8, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Not to mention that Armstrong’s 2A Wesleyan team has beaten both Manning’s 5A Etowah team and McCall’s 5A Marietta team.

By fosterjoiner

February 9, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

Dequan Jones is the real thing. Ralph Sampson III did not impress me at Wheeler Tuesday. He could not defend against Wheeler and his offense did not keep the game close. He will probably have a second chance in the region semis next week. Wheeler is the “best team” in the state averaging 4 to 5 players in double figures a game. They are very hard to press because everyone can handle the basketball.

By kj dad

February 10, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Derrick Favor is the best hands down i’ve seen all the kids u guys are talking about and he is Georgia top high school baller if u knew the game u would know that it not about being a fan of one team but but being a fan of basketball

By reasonable minds

February 11, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Ralph Sampson III had 22 points and 8 assists against Wheeler. What’s not impressive about that. He can’t defend 5 positions on the court. Wheeler forced tempo and Northview got caught up in transition game. If Northview slows the game down, the next game could be different. Sampson had an assortment of jump shots, jump hooks, and dunks in that game. He only missed three shots and there will propably be more touches for him on inside next game.

By AAA

February 12, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

When you are the best post player in the world you have to gain Mr. Basketball honors so give the award to Derrick Favors. If there was no age restriction in the draft this kid would be a lottery pick coming out this year and he has to come back and finish his senior year next year

By AAA

February 12, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

When you are the best post player in the world you have to gain Mr. Basketball honors so give the award to Derrick Favors. If there was no age restriction in the draft this kid would be a lottery pick coming out this year and he has to come back and finish his senior year next year