Well the final Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA of the calendar year of 2023 is here. The are a number of teams that are in action over the next few days this week to close the calendar year. There are a number of teams in the Keeping Tabs section that will make headway or lose steam after the course of this weeks games conclude. A number of showcase events and tournaments will be held across the southeast and country involving Georgia teams that we will be following this week as well.
Grayson again is on top and has a date in the Chick-Fil-A Classic in South Carolina this week. Alexander, who has moved into the national rankings, continues to hold down the No.2 spot and will be in action at the Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic this week in John’s Creek, GA. McEachern had a very positive showing at the City of Palms last week in Florida and hold firm at the No.3 spot.
The change this week comes again at the bottom of the Hillsman Heavy. Westside-Augusta suffered another loss-to a region foe- and go from tied at 10 to holding 10 alone in the Hillsman Heavy. Westside-Augusta should be out however nobody has done enough to knock them out fully, overall.
Pace Academy has more work to do, what is not on their schedule keeps them out, McDonough is using things for good, Westside-Augusta is still better than both pound for pound THIS WEEK.
Let’s take a look at this weeks Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA…
Last week’s games are considered games that were played from Tuesday 12/19/2023 through Monday 12/25/2023. This week’s games will be considered games played from Tuesday 12/26/2023 through Monday 1/1/2024. The next Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia will be on Tuesday 1/2/2024.
Last Week 12/19/2023; 1-Grayson, 2-Alexander 3-McEachern, 4-Sandy Creek, 5-Newton, 6-Berkmar, 7-Kell, 8-Wheeler, T10-Westside-Augusta, T10-Shiloh
**PLEASE NOTE ALL RECORDS ARE AS OF TUESDAY 12/19/2023 PRIOR TO ANY GAMES PLAYED ON THAT DAY**
Here is the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 GA with last week’s ranking noted.
1- Grayson (1)- Head Coach: Geoffrey Pierce Current Record: 10-0; Last Week: Did Not Play This Week: vs Imani Christian Academy (PA), TBD at Chick-Fil-A Classic (SC) Key Notes: Grayson continues to play sound and balanced basketball. 1-0 vs OOS with multiple OOS games upcoming. Notable wins over McEacehrn, Kell, Sandy Creek, Dorman (SC).
2- Alexander (2) Head Coach: Jason Slate Current Record: 11-0; Last Week: Did Not Play This Week: vs Holy Innocents, TBD at Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic Key Notes: Alexander runs their winning streak to 19 dating back to last season and are 11-0 so far this season entering an off week. Alexander is 3-0 vs. OOS, averaging 71.6ppg and 2-0 in games decided by five points or less. We hinted two weeks ago that Alexander was beginning to get national attention and last week they moved in the Top 25 in the national rankings. Notable wins over Vashon (MO), Wheeler and Norcross.
3- McEachern (3)– Head Coach: Tremayne Anchrum Current Record: 8-3; Last Week: loss to Don Bosco Prep (NJ), defeated Westminster Academy (FL), defeated Cannon (NC), defeated North Mecklenburg (FL) This Week: vs Camden (NJ) Key Notes: McEachern posted a 3-1 record in the City Of Palms. Ace Bailey shined averaging 31.2ppg 15.2rpg 3.2apg 1.2spg and 4tpg. Jaye Nash had a solid showing as well including a 12-point, 14-assist game in a victory over Cannon School (NC). Nash averaged 10.7ppg and 7.5apg during the four games at City Of Palms. All three losses to nationally ranked teams (Grayson, Columbus (FL), Don Bosco Prep (NJ). Notable wins over Kell, Dutchtown, Holy Innocents, Westminster Academy (F), Cannon School (NC), North Mecklenburg (NC). 3-2 vs OOS with multiple OOS game remaining on schedule.
4-Sandy Creek (4) Head Coach: Jon Nickerson Current Record: 8-1; Last Week: defeated Buford This Week: vs White Hall (AR), vs TBD King Cotton Invitational (AR) Key Notes: Sandy Creek continues to do it with defense and have won six in a row. The 60 points allowed to Buford snapped a five game streak of holding opponents to 49 points or less. Micah Smith scored a career-high 26 points in the victory over Buford, Amari Brown added 14 points. Sandy Creek now faces OOS competition for the first time this season in Arkansas. Sandy Creek is 1-1 in games decided by 5 points or less.
5- Newton (5)- Head Coach: Barry Browner Current Record: 8-1; Last Week: Did Not Play This Week: vs Greenforest, vs TBD Tournament Of Champions Holiday Classic Key Notes: Newton has won seven in a row including a win over Kell. Newton is 2-0 in games decided by 5 points or less.
6-Berkmar (6)- Head Coach: Greg Phillips Current Record: 11-1; Last Week: defeated Wesleyan, defeated The Academy (FL). This Week: vs Wheeler, vs TBD Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic Key Notes: Berkmar has won 4 in a row since the loss to Norcross and are 2-1 in games decided by 5 points or less. Berkmar continues to balance the wealth with Mekhi Ragland, Eddie Cooke III, Mike White, and David Culbreath-Martin.
7- Kell (7) Head Coach: Jermaine Sellers Current Record: 7-3; Last Week: defeated Carter (TX), defeated Hudson Catholic (NJ), defeated North Broward Prep (FL) This Week: vs Greeneville (TN), vs TBD Arby’s Classic (TN) Key Notes: Kell is 3-0 vs OOS after winning their bracket at The Kruel Classic (FL) last week. Jaylen Colon led Kell is scoring over the event averaging 20.3ppg while CJ Brown (16.3ppg) and Cannon Richards (8ppg) were named to the All-Tournament team. Chris McLavish broke out for a 25-point effort knocking in five three-pointers in a victory over North Broward Prep (FL) in the bracket championship game. Kell has won six games in a row since dropping three straight earlier this season and are 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less.
8- Wheeler (8)- Head Coach: Larry Thompson; Current Record: 8-2; Last Week: Did Not Play. This Week: vs Berkmar, vs TBD Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic Key Notes: After a week off Wheeler has Wheeler cleaned up some issues? Berkmar is up next. Wheeler is 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less and are 2-0 vs OOS.
9- Shiloh (T10) Head Coach: Kim Rivers Current Record: 9-1; Last Week: defeated Carrollton This Week: vs Tucker, vs TBD Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic Key Notes: Shiloh’s seven game winning streak was snapped by Berkmar last week. Tylis Jordan scored 28 points in the defeat while Julien Cole finished with 13 points, which is below his season average of 20.5ppg entering the contest. The Generals picked up their first OOS win, defeating Oxford (AL) behind 24 points from Jordan.
10- Westside-Augusta (T10)– Head Coach: Jerry Hunter Current Record: 10-2; Last Week: defeated White Knoll (SC), defeated Keenan (SC), loss to Butler (GA). This Week: vs Gray Collegiate (SC) Key Notes: Westside showed well defeating two more OOS opponents but suffered a loss to Butler. Both losses (Thomson and Butler) have come to area and region teams where rivalries are serious. Westside will get another shot at both Thomson and Butler but right now the margin of error is at zero. Westside is a very good basketball team, however, will have to take care of business in their region rival games where tension is high. Quality wins over Cross Creek and McDonough helped them out this week, plus their overall team chemistry. They stay in at No.10 alone this week but barely.
OUT- None
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR: Pace Academy, McDonough, Carver-Columbus, Portal, St. Anne Pacelli, Norcross, North Oconee, Columbia, Winder-Barrow, Madison County,
KEEPING TABS ON (alphabetical order):
**PLEASE NOTE ALL RECORDS ARE AS OF TUESDAY 12/26/2023 PRIOR TO ANY GAMES PLAYED ON THAT DAY**
There are a number of teams headed into important weeks with quality scheduling in front of them and will need to show well as we get closer to separation season. Teams in bold are teams in this section for the first time this season. All teams are GHSA unless otherwise noted.
Baldwin (8-1; 6 game win streak snapped in loss to Lee County; have won 2 straight since; 71.5ppg vs 54.6ppga), Brookwood (8-3, 2-2 in games decided by 5 points or less), Bradwell Institute (12-0; 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less, 1-0 vs OOS; 10 of 12 wins by double digits, 61ppg vs 41.6ppga), Brunswick (6-5; have lost 3 of last 4 games; 2-1 vs OOS; 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less), Buford (7-2, both losses to Hillsman Heavy teams, 2-1 in games decided by 5 points or less, quality schedule)
Camden County (10-1; split with Glynn Academy, current 10-game win streak; 4-0 vs OOS; Junior Elyiss Williams 15.3ppg 10.7rpg since joining team; senior-laden team has four seniors averaging 9+ppg), Campbell (5-7; 1-1 vs OOS; snapped 5-game losing streak with a win over John Milledge), Calhoun County (8-3; two straight losses to Christian Heritage and Portal which were highlighted games last week.; 1-2 in games decided by 5 points or less), Carver-Columbus (10-0; 8 of 10 games have been decided by less than 10 points; 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less; Tony Montgomery 24.2ppg 2.4apg), Carrollton (6-3; 4-game win streak snapped in loss to Shiloh), Cedar Grove (7-4; have won 2 in a row after alternating wins and losses previous 7 games; Manny Green 19ppg this season), Cedar Shoals (5-5; 1-3 in games decided by 5 points or less. have lost 2 of last 3 games), Central Gwinnett (5-6; 3 bad losses, 1-3 in games decided by 5 points or less), Chapel Hill (5-3; current 3-game winning streak) Christian Heritage (8-2; won 3 of last 4 games), Clarke Central (5-7; went 1-1 at Lemon Street Classic last week), Collins Hill (8-4, 4-2 vs OOS, have won 3 of last 4 games, chemistry still developing), Columbia (12-0; 5-0 vs OOS, more OOS games upcoming), Creekside Christian (GAPPS; 9-4, 7-1 vs GHSA, 2-2 vs OOS, have won 3 straight games including a pair of OOS games), Cross Creek (6-6, 3-5 vs OOS, have loss last 2 games, 2-2 in games decided by 5 points or less)
Dacula (11-1, 4-game winning streak, OOS event upcoming), Douglass-Atlanta (9-6; 1-4 vs OOS), Decatur (9-2; current 3-game winning streak; 4-2 in games decided by 5 points or less), Dougherty (9-2, 2-0 vs OOS, split with Westover), Dutchtown (8-5; 49.4ppg in 5 losses; 63.7ppg in 8 wins; 0-1 vs OOS, 4 of 5 losses by double digits),
Eagle’s Landing (7-5; 2-2 vs OOS; 1-3 in games decided by 5 points or less) , Etowah (7-4; averaging 49.5ppg in four losses; averaging 64.5ppg in seven wins),
Fayette County (7-2; 3-1 in games decided by 5 points or less, 1-1 vs OOS),
Glynn Academy (12-2; current 4-game win streak; 1-0 vs OOS, losses to Camden County and Bradwell Institute), Greenbrier (6-7; 0-2 vs OOS, up and down so far this season), Greenforest (6-4; 2-1 vs OOS, 2-1 in games decided by 5 points or less, 2 of 4 losses to Hillsman Heavy teams), Grovetown (3-6, 1-1 vs OOS, have lost 5 of last since since season opening Norcross win, OOS schedule upcoming),
Hillgrove (10-4; 3 of 4 losses by 5 points or less, 1-0 vs OOS, quality scheduling), Hebron Christian (10-0; 2-0 vs OOS, 2-0 in games decided by 5 points or less), Heritage-Newnan (GIAA; 10-1, 10-game winning streak, 5-1 vs GHSA), Holy Innocents (7-4; 2 of 4 losses to Hillsman Heavy teams, 0-1 vs OOS, very strong scheduling, Caleb Wilson is averaging 21.9ppg 13.8rpg 5.4apg 3.8bpg)
Johnson-Savannah (5-5; 0-1 vs OOS, OOS games upcoming), Jones County (14-2; quietly have won 9 in a row, 4-1 in games decided by 5 points or less, Jayden Stanley 15.7ppg 2.9apg; Kaden Douglas 14.7ppg) Jonesboro (8-5; 2-2 vs OOS, already 5-0 in region play; Montrez Redding 16.2ppg 4.2rpg, Cortez Redding 9.8ppg 6.2apg, Izaiah Thurman11.4ppg 3.4rpg),
Langston Hughes (7-1; 7-game win streak since season opening loss to Pace Academy, 2-0 in games decided by 5 points or less, Brentis Schaeffer 19.6ppg 2.9apg), Lee County (7-1; have won 6 in a row, have 2 wins over both Monroe and Sumter County, Josiah Parker leads team in points and rebounds), Long County (9-1; 7-game win streak, have allowed only two opponent to score more than 50 or more points; 44.4ppga this season, 0-1 in games decided by 5 points or less),
Madison County (10-2; 1-0 vs OOS, averaging 83.4ppg in wins; averaging 51.5ppg in losses; zero games decided by 5 points or less), Marist (5-5 0-1 vs OOS, 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less), Maynard Jackson (9-0; 2-0 in games decided by 5 or less points, strong region; have scored 80+points in last 2 games), Mays (7-2; 0-1 in games decided by 5 points or less), McDonough (10-1; 1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less, current 3-game winning streak, lone loss to Westside-Augusta [held to only 44 points, allowed 76]; 2-0 vs OSS, averaging 67.1ppg and 48.2ppga in wins, OOS schedule upcoming, Keenan Gray leading scorer), Milton (4-6; 0-3 vs OOS, 3-game losing streak-all to OOS teams), Mt. Vernon (8-5; 1-1 vs OOS 3 of 5 losses to Hillsman Heavy teams, have win over Wilson Academy, 2-0 in games decided by 5 points or less), Mountain View (8-5; current 2-game win streak, 4 of 5 losses decided by 5 points or less, 0-1 vs OOS, 3-4 in games decided by 5 points or less),
Norcross (6-6; 2-1 vs OOS, have not won more than 2 in a row this season,2-2 in games decided by 5 points or less, in the midst of heavy OOS schedule), North Oconee (10-1; 0-1 in games decided by 5 points or less, OOS schedule coming up, strong region, current 4-game win streak),
Oglethorpe County (8-5; have lost 2 straight, 0-1 vs OOS, 1-2 in games decided by 5 points or less, solid schedule upcoming), Osborne (3-7; have lost 4 in a row, one of toughest schedules in state; Akai Fleming has been out with injury, could return soon)
Pace Academy (9-2; 2-0 vs 7A, 3-2 vs OOS; split four games in Hawai’i at Iolani Classic; have not loss to a Georgia team, in losses averaging 70.5ppga vs 53ppga), Paideia (5-8, lacking consistency vs quality schedule, much needed break before OOS games), Peachtree Ridge (8-5; current 3-game win streak including 2 wins over OOS, 2-1 vs OOS), Pebblebrook (2-10, 1-4 in games decided by 5 points or less, 0-4 vs OOS, the schedule is not for the weak) , Portal (10-0; 4-0 in games decided by 5 points or less, 4 seniors averaging 10+ppg, have won 33 of last 34 games dating back to last season, how good are they?, schedule is ok, quality wins over Johnson-Savannah, Calhoun County, only 3 non-region games remain ),
Riverwood (10-4; 2 of 3 losses to Hillsman Heavy teams, Karris Bilal and JR Leonard can score) ,
Savannah (7-3), Seckinger (8-3;0-1 vs OOS), Sequoyah (7-4) , Southwest-Macon (5-4, 0-2 vs OOS, 2 sophomores. Chase Dupree and Tobias Rice averaging in double figures scoring), Spencer (6-0; Gary Gaither 16ppg 6.6rpg 3.3apg), St. Anne-Pacelli (GIAA;5-2; 3-2 vs GHSA, schedule filled with a number of GHSA teams; TJ Smith 19.8ppg 6.8rpg and Jaydence Ford 19.6ppg 2rpg 2apg lead the way) St. Pius X (7-3; 7-game win streak snapped with loss to Mt. Bethel, 2-2 in games decided by 5 points or less) Swainsboro (2-4; still under construction),
Thomson (6-0;1-0 in games decided by 5 points or less-beat Westside-Augusta, Jahkiaus Jones and Daquon Young lead the charge for Thomson), Tri-Cities (5-3; 1-1 vs OOS, Freshmen Tre Keith and senior Malique Johnson could form a solid backcourt into January and February), The Walker School (9-3; have lost 2 of last 3 games, Moustapha Diop leads team in scoring, rebounding and block shots),
Union Grove (7-6; 0-2 vs OOS, 0-2 in games decided by 5 points or less, OOS upcoming, 3 of 6 losses in region games),
Walton (8-2; quality win over Dutchtown; 0-1 in games decided by 5 points or less), Walnut Grove (9-3; 3-1 in games decided by 5 points or less), Ware County (8-5; have won 4 of last 5 games, Jarvis Wright leads team in scoring), Warner Robins (6-5, have lost 4 of last 5 games), Westlake 5-4, have dropped 2 in a row since 4-game win streak, 1 loss to Hillsman Heavy team), Wilson Academy (10-2, 4-1 vs GHSA, 6-1 vs OOS) , Winder-Barrow (12-3, , 3-1 in games decided by 5 points or less), Woodward Academy (9-3; 2-1 in games decided by 5 points or less).
NOTABLE DIME DROPS:
Clarke Central’s Marcus Gillespie scored 34 points in a loss to Cedar Shoals to surpass 1,000 career points. Gillespie also set a new Lemon Street Classic record with 47 points in a victory over Therrell. Gillepsie averaged 39.5ppg over the two games in Lemon Street Classic.
Walnut Grove head coach William Witherspoon won his 100th game with a victory over Chestee last week. Witherapoon has won all 100 games at Walnut Grove.
McEachern’s Ace Bailey tallied his second 40-point game of the season with a 43-point 19-rebound effort in a McEachern win over Cannon School (NC) at City Of Palms.
Sandy Creek’s Micah Smith scored a career-high 26 points in a victory over Buford. Smith is committed to James Madison
Fayette County’s Keith Gillespie was named to the All-Tournament team in The City of Jasper (AL) Christmas Classic. Gillespie tallied XX in two games.
Thomson’s Daquon Young posted a triple-double in a victory over Monsignor Donovan Catholic (GIAA) last week. Young had 23 points 15 rebounds 6 assists 10 steals. Thomson is 6-0 this season and owns a win over Westside-Augusta.
Pace Academy’s Kyle Greene and Eric Chatfield were named to the All-Tournament team for the Iolani Classic this past week in Hawai’i
NOTABLE EVENTS (notable games):
Arby’s Classic at Tennessee (TN) High School 12/26-12/30; Bracket Play; Kell (GA) in the field. Other notable teams in field : Jackson -Reed (DC), Dorman (SC), Imhotep Charter (PA), Mater Lakes Academy (FL), SOuth Shore (NY), Harlen County (KY).
McDonald’s Invitation at Tift High School; 12/27– Crisp County/Fitzgerald, Irwin County/Cook, Lanier County/Tift; 12/28 Fitzgerald/Lanier County, Cook/Crisp County, Tift Irwin County
Tournament Of Champions Holiday Classic at Chattahoochee High School; Bracket Play; 4 brackets per National and American Divisions; 12/27–12/28; National: Holy Innocents/Alexander, Mt. Vernon/Oak Ridge (FL), Wheeler/Berkmar, Tri-Cities/Sagemont (FL), Chattahoochee/Dutcthown, The Walker School/Peachtree Ridge, Shiloh/Tucker, Osborne/Chapel Hill. 12/27-12/28;American; Miller Grove/KIPP, Cross Creek/Meadowcreek, South Gwinnett/Ware County, Carrollton/Heritage-Newnan, Archer/Jonesboro, Hillgrove/Cedar Grove, Langston Hughes/Fayette County, Newton/Greenforest.
Florida Get Down New Years Showcase at St. Francis (FL) High School; 12/29; Fort White/Union Grove, Creekside Christian/Bell Creek, 12/30; Union Grove/Stranahan, Blanche Ely/Creekside Christian, Ft. Peirce Central/Johnson-Savannah
Lanierland Tournament at West Hall (1st Rd), at Lakeview Academy (Semifinals), at Johnson-Gainesville (Finals) High Schools; Bracket Play 12/27-12/29; Gainesville/East Hall, Flowery Branch/West Hall, Cherokee Bluff/Lakeview Academy, Chestatee/North Hall
Battle At The Border SC vs GA at Fox Creek (SC) High School; 1/1/2024; Richmond/Fox Creek, Greenbrier/Strom Thurmond, Orangburg-Wilkinson/Lakeside-Evans, South Florence/Cross Creek, Keenan/Grovetown, Gray Collegiate/Westside-Augusta
Sunshine State Explosion at North Broward Prep (FL) and Coconut Creek (FL) High Schools 12/28-12/29; 12/28; Paideia (GA)/Coral Springs, Valdosta (GA)/North Broward Prep, 12/29; Paideia (GA)/Stranahan, Coral Springs/Valdosta (GA)
King Cotton Holiday Classic at Pine Bluff (AR) Convention Center 12/27-12/29 Sandy Creek (GA) and McDonough (GA) in the field: Other notables; Westminster Academy (FL), Gonzaga College (DC), St. Frances Academy (MD), Duncanville (TX), Archbishop Wood (PA)
Chick-Fil-A Classic at River Bluff (SC) High School; 12/27-12/30; Grayson (GA) in the field. Other notables: St. John’s College (DC), The Rock (FL) and John Marshall (VA).
Adairsville Tiger Christmas Clash at Adairsville High School 12/28-12/30: Bracket Play: Excel Christian/Calhoun, Peach County/Sonoraville, Long County/Sequoyah, Chattooga/Adairsville
Battle In The Bull Holiday Invitational at Falls Lakes Academy in Creedmoor (NC) 12/27-12/29; Grovetown (GA) in the field.
As a reminder The Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia considers all basketball playing schools in the state from the GHSA, GISA/GIAA and GICAA/GAPPS associations. The Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia IS NOT ranked by association or classification within an association. It is one all-inclusive ranking.
The Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia is in its sixth season, fourth of public publication, and ranks using the following criteria; OVERALL performance, Team Chemistry, Coaching, Schedule (quality In-State, Out-Of-State [OOS], Head-to-Head opponents, Common Opponents are all heavily considered) and Scheduling For Roster Talent (meaning is the team very talented but stacking up wins against lesser talented teams but struggling against teams equal or greater in roster talent and vice versa; yes a team with more losses can be better than a team with fewer losses because of scheduling and the other criteria previously mentioned.
While player recruiting status is not a heavy focus and determining factor, it is considered when looking at a team’s overall performance, especially against equal or greater competition.
When we load and unload the bus and plane with these 10 teams these are the teams that we can take anywhere as they are the best 10 in Georgia for the 2023-2024 season for each week of the Hillsman Heavy Top 10 Georgia.
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