Every year we see young players break out in the postseason and help lead their team to a deep playoff run. Last year, it was Justin Wise of North Oconee who recently just passed the 1,000-point mark as a sophomore with two more seasons to go after this season. Who will be the next young guy to lead his teammates and make his mark in the peach state? As a disclaimer, there are a few names I left off because they have already shown they are a huge part of what their team does and are highly touted prospects in McEachern G Chase Lumpkin and Woodward Academy G Jarvis Hayes Jr. Let’s take a look at some of the upcoming youngsters who look to leave an indelible mark this postseason.
Wheeler G Kevin Savage- Savage is a flamethrower from beyond the arc and a very efficient three-level scorer. He has dealt with an injury this season for Wheeler where he has missed time. He was back and ready to go in the region championship against rival Walton knocking down three-point shots and contributing to his team. Wheeler is a loaded team on both ends of the court but the addition of Savage this postseason could be the ultimate x factor in them hoisting a state championship. Yes, he is that good. He’s improved his game in every facet and can be a go-to scoring option on offense when needed. He is also an underrated defender who is good on the ball and can cause deflections and steals on the defensive side of the ball. He is known around the country but can elevate his stock even more with a great playoff run.
Hillgrove G Bryson Jatta- He leads his team in scoring as a true freshman this season for Hillgrove and is averaging 16.9 PPG to go along with 6.3 rebounds per game. He’s been playing some of his best basketball as of late and hit a career-high in points and rebounds against Harrison. Jatta scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the 69-64 victory. He’s also hit double-figures in every game but two of them. He’s been a go-to scoring option for the Hawks this year and led them to a 20-9 record. Jatta was named Region 3-6A first-team all-region after a great regular season. He will be one to watch in the playoffs.
Dutchtown W AJ WIlliams- What an incredible season for the freshman wing player. He started his varsity career on a scoring rampage averaging 18.4 PPG and 12.5 RPG over the first 10 games of his young career. He’s continued that on the hardwood helping lead Dutchtown to a 24-2 record. He was named Region 3-5A Co-Player of the Year along with his teammate Maddow Melancon. In a wide-open 5A, Williams has a chance to establish himself as one of the best players in the state and help lead his team to the state championship. Although he is just a freshman, he is more than capable.
Pace Academy F Bentley Lusakueno- He’s gone through some of his freshman growing pains this season but has continued to get better for the Knights throughout the year. I had the chance to see him twice this season against McEachern and Pebblebrook and was impressed by how he impacted the floor on both ends. Lusakueno does a lot of his damage on the glass securing rebounds on the defensive end and keeping opportunities alive on the offensive end. He is also really good at rolling to the rim in pick-and-roll action or getting into his sweet spot for a nice mid-range jumper. He was named second-team all-region for Region 4-4A this season for Pace Academy. Lusakueno won’t get a lot of attention because Pace Academy has some of the most prolific guards and wings in the state in Eric Chatfield and Chandler Bing, but he could be that critical piece in helping deliver a championship for Pace Academy.
Mount Paran G Shaine Goines- He is the second-leading scorer for the Eagles this season with 13.5 PPG and was a big part of the puzzle of their team winning its first-ever region championship this year. He’s been playing some of his best basketball as of late. He scored 19 points against King’s Ridge, 21 points against Walker, 17 points against Mount Bethel, and 15 points against St. Francis. He’s still only a freshman but has packed a scoring punch this season for the Eagles being a reliable option. He is already a step ahead of his competition at an early age. His coach describes him best.
“Shaine Goines is a gym rat. He is a 15-year-old young man. I can honestly say this year has been a lot of growing pains. When you’re young, they try to push you. They try to bully you, try to make you tougher. Every day I see him mature and grow into the person that he is. Skill-wise, if you sit in one of our practices, Shane can do things on the offensive end that very few people can do period, and he’s growing day by day. He hasn’t even hit his growth spurt.”
Honorable mentions: Nasir Anderson, Tre Keith, and Justin Wise. These young players have made their mark and are widely known in the peach state as top-end prospects.
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