The Sweet 16 gave us some memorable performances from countless prospects all over the country who made their mark and continue to add to their high school legacies. Now with the Sweet 16 behind us, it is a great time to look at some of the top performances from the past round and who made a big impact on their teams.
Woodward Academy F Jarvis Hayes Jr- It doesn’t get much bigger than hitting a game-winner to send your team to the next round, and that is just what Hayes Jr did for his team. As he made his move to the basket, he hit a one-legged floater over Josh Dixon that went through the net as time expired. He finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. Hayes Jr is already considered a top prospect in the 2027 class but is continuing to add to his legend especially if Woodward Academy wins a championship. The moment people will remember is his game-winner that sent the War Eagles to the Elite 8. He’s continuing to make quite a name for himself.
Tucker G Jakobe Williams- He scored five points in the final nine seconds of the game and was instrumental in a comeback win for Tucker in the Sweet 16 over East Forsyth. Williams poured in 25 points and was a go-to option on offense as the Tigers clawed their way back into the game. The junior guard was named Region 5-4A player of the year this season and showed that when his team needs him the most he can come up with big buckets to lead his team to victory.
Mays OJ Sparks- Sparks finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 74-34 victory over Allatoona. He was a second-team all-region selection for Region 4-4A this year but has hit another gear in the postseason. Sparks is a versatile wing player for the Raiders that can orchestrate the offense and also get his own bucket. He is the second-leading scorer for Mays finishing with 14.4 points per game, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. Sparks has scored in double figures in each of the last eight games. Sparks will be a valuable piece if Mays hoists a state championship.
Jonesboro G Cortez Redding- We know how elite Redding is on the gridiron but he is just as good on the basketball court. The two-sport star was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to victory over Cambridge finishing with a double-double scoring 21 points and dishing out 11 assists. Redding was an all-region selection for Region 3-4A this year after another great year where he averaged 12 points per game and six assists. He runs the show for the Cardinals and always gets them in the best play offensively. He is great at attacking downhill and getting to the rim while finishing through contact. Don’t sleep on his jumper either because he can light you up from beyond the arc. You may remember his brother Montez Redding who was also a stud on the gridiron and the hardwood who is now at Arkansas State. Cortez may have big brother beat him in both and will still have another season after this one to build on his legend.
Best Academy Jacob Mickell- He finished with 25 points in a 72-59 victory over Rabun County and has been a valuable player in the resurgence of the Best Academy basketball program. I saw the Mickell twins a year ago with Douglass-Atlanta and they put on a show against powerhouse Norcross in a victory in the Corky Kell Dave Hunter Classic. Mickell was instrumental in the win. This year he took his talent to Best Academy and is the leading scorer averaging 18 points per game. He does a lot of his damage from beyond the arc where he has the best percentage on the team shooting at a 36% clip. His ability to heat up from three-point range gives defenses fits, and his performance against Rabun County punched the Eagles ticket to the Elite Eight. The all-region player has Best Academy in a position to contend.
Putnam County G Jmari Greene- It’s been a resurgent season for Putnam County which is having one of its better seasons in program history. In a comeback effort against Commerce, Greene was instrumental finishing with 26 points to lead all scorers. He led the second-half comeback in a game they trailed for the majority of it with his scoring prowess helping the War Eagles make it to the Elite 8 for the first time since 1991. Another thing of note for Greene is he was named Region 4-Div I Player of the Year after averaging 18.7 points per game and three steals. Greene has eclipsed 20 points in each playoff game and is putting his team in prime position to hoist its first-ever state championship in program history.
Savannah G Maki Joyner- Joyner has been a standout prospect for years for Savannah and a major difference maker for the Blue Jackets. He crossed 1,000 career points in January and was named Region Player of the Year for Region 3-Div II. In a dominant 65-49 victory over Manchester, Joyner finished with 28 points. In every year he has played on varsity he has improved his numbers. Joyner is averaging a career-high 18.4 points per game and 9.7 rebounds. Every year, he has improved his game and is a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor. To put it frankly, he could lead Savannah to its first title since 1998. Yes, he is that good and that talented.
Loading ...
