The state of Georgia is loaded with talented players and college prospects. Here are five boys and girls from metro Atlanta who could turn the state tournament into their own personal showcase:
Boys
Nick Jacobs, South Atlanta: The Alabama-bound Jacobs gets major props from Miller Grove coach Sharman White: "Nick is a true brute in the paint. He's like a man among boys in the post area." The 6-foot-8, 260-pound Jacobs averages 23 points and 13 rebounds despite rarely playing much after halftime in recent blowouts.
Marcus Hunt, North Clayton: The 6-5 junior averages 25 points, including a season-high 47 against Jonesboro. Hunt has early offers from Alabama, Miami, Florida State, Auburn, South Carolina, and Nebraska, among others. Said coach Martisse Troup, "The colleges like his overall athletic ability, his basketball IQ and his versatility."
Tony Parker, Miller Grove: You know you're good when North Carolina coach Roy Williams and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski make scouting appearances at your games. Sometimes it's hard to remember that the 6-8, 270-pounder is only a junior because his game is so advanced. He averages 20 points and 17 points while helping Miller Grove contend for a third consecutive Class AAAA championship.
Shannon Scott, Milton: Talent never has been an issue with Scott, the son of former North Carolina and NBA standout Charlie Scott. The 6-1 point guard has vastly improved his consistency as a senior, turning out an all-star effort nearly every game. He averages 13 points and seven assists, while managing a team of college prospects. Scott, an McDonald's All-America selection, signed with Ohio State.
Adam Smith, Fayette County: Smith is the state's best player that nobody really knows about. He's a scoring machine -- some say the best overall in Georgia since Jodie Meeks at Norcross High in 2006. Smith averages 26.2 points and can score from outside (65 percent on 3-pointers), by penetrating off the dribble, and with each hand.
Girls
Queen Alford, Decatur: Few can fill it up like Alford. The junior guard averages 26 points and has scored more than 20 points in 17 games, including performances of 48, 38 and 35 points. Said Buford coach Gene Durden, "She's a really good offensive player. She can score in all kinds of different ways. You've got to make sure you know where she is at on the court at all times."
Brianna Banks, Fayette County: The 5-10 guard was the lone Georgia girls player picked for the McDonald's All-American game. The left-handed Banks recently helped Fayette County win its fourth region championship in the past four seasons. Banks can do a little bit of everything, including scoring (averages 17 points) and managing the offense. She signed with Connecticut.
Kaela Davis, Buford: After being a key contributor on Norcross' state championship team last year, Davis transferred to Buford. It has been a smooth transition for the daughter of former NBA player Antonio Davis. Said Durden, "Kaela has the 'It factor' -- the ability the light up the scoreboard in a very short amount of time very easily. She is the type of player to get a blocked shot, a big rebound, or one of the little things to turn the momentum of the game into our favor."
Diamond DeShields, Norcross: What do you do for an encore after leading your team to the state championship and winning All-American honors as a freshman? Play even better, as has been the case with the 6-1 DeShields, who averages 20 points and nine rebounds. Said Brookwood coach Scott Terry, "She's a once in a lifetime player. People thought there would never be another female basketball player like Maya Moore. I think some people are taking those words back after what [DeShields] has shown as a sophomore."
Jazmine Jackson, Brookwood: The 5-7 point guard is one of the state's best-kept secrets, averaging 13.5 points for the 25-2 Broncos. Jackson signed early with Auburn-Montgomery before many other schools could find out about her. She has superior speed which makes her nearly impossible to guard in the open court.
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