Here are some of the top players in Class A boys basketball. We’ll take a look at some of the top girls next week.
But first, kudos to the basketball program at Landmark Christian School, which recently as a part of its “Landmark Never Stops Giving” initiative, collected toys for children at Christian City. The JV and varsity teams gave away 45 toys to Christian City, a non-profit, non-denominational organization providing ministry and care to children, the elderly and the infirmed in Union City. Nice job, War Eagles!
Send your noteworthy basketball items to me at s.thomascoleman@yahoo.com.
Courtney Alexander, Whitefield Academy. The 6-foot-7 senior forward is leading a young but talented team this season, averaging a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) in an attempt to get the Wolfpack back to the state title game.
DeAundrae Ballard, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. Sophomore guard/forward could be the state's top prospect his senior year. Ballard is already averaging 21 points and 9 rebounds per game for the Warriors.
James Banks, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian. At 6-10, the junior center has the potential to be a player of the year candidate next season.
Malik Beasley, St. Francis. Leader of perhaps the most talented team in the state, regardless of classification, the Florida State signee hopes to guide the Knights to their second straight private school state championship.
Greg Couson, Wilkinson County. The 6-6 sophomore forward helped lead the Warriors to the public school state title last season as a freshman.
Kaiser Gates, St. Francis. The 6-8 senior forward has signed with Xavier. He, Beasley, junior Kobi Simmons and several other talented players give the Knights an embarrassment of riches.
LaParis Hall, Dooly County. Versatile 6-7 senior forward is one of the most underrated players in the state.
Will "Turtle" Jackson, Athens Christian. Before the UGA signee takes his 6-5 frame down the road to Stegeman Coliseum, he hopes to lead the Eagles back to the state finals as he did as a freshman. He is already putting up player-of-the-year type numbers this season: 26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks and 5 steals per game.
Trey Kalina, North Cobb Christian. The 7-foot senior center makes it tough for opponents to score in the paint. He has signed with Chattanooga.
Kobi Simmons, St. Francis. The 6-6 junior point guard is one of the most heavily recruited players in the state with over a dozen offers from major college programs including Kentucky, Kansas, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Memphis, Cincinnati, Missouri and Ohio State. He hopes to lead the Knights to their second consecutive private school state title.
Torrico Simmons, Wilkinson County. At 5-8, the lightning-quick senior might be the most underrated player in Class A. He guided the Warriors to the public school title last year and has his team off to a quick 4-0 start this season.
Others to watch: Robert Baker, F, Walker, Jr.; Quintez Cephus, G, Stratford Academy, Jr.; Joshua Coleman, C, St. Francis, Sr.; Justin Ravenel, G, Greenforest Christian, Sr.; O'Showen Williams, G, Stratford Academy, Jr.
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