GYBA Notebook (Jan. 9-10)

In the first weekend back to action after the Holiday break, there were a ton of good games and stand out performances during the GYBA. Watching the girls and boys in action made me excited for the future of GHSA basketball.

Top Performers

Here are some of the top performers from this weekend and a performance of theirs that got our attention.

5th & 6th Grade Boys

#2 Weyer Lambert Longhorns – 20pts vs Jr. Knights

#23 Bozel, Lambert – 23pts vs Jr. Knights

Tristan Alusma, North Gwinnett – 11pts vs Milton

CJ Terry, North Forsyth – 15pts vs SJN Crusaders

7th Grade Boys

Devin Hutcherson, Johns Creek – 22pts vs South Forsyth

Connor Coxwell, North Gwinnett – 14pts vs Alpharetta

Brian Dean, Denmark Jr Danes – 11pts vs Chattahoochee

8th Grade Boys

Cam Bland, Lambert Longhorns – 29pts vs Brookwood

Alexander Young, Brookwood – 22pts vs Milton Eagles

RJ Williams, South Gwinnett Comets – 24pts vs Duluth

5th & 6th Grade Girls

Tobi Owolabi, Johns – 19pts vs Jr. Knights

Deyva Davis, Milton – 13pts vs North Gwinnett

Chelsea Lewis, Jr. Knights – 13pts vs Johns Creek

7th & 8th Grade Girls

Tatum Brow, Grayson – 24pts vs Denmark

Jaliyah Benefield, Dacula – 19pts vs Lion Power

#44 Gedry, Denmark – 14pts vs Grayson 

Jayla Bennett, Grayson Rams – 15pts vs Jr. Hornets

One to Watch

Grayson’s Tatum Brown has a lot of upside. Her play was a huge reason why Grayson was able to outlast Denmark to win 46-42. Brown scored a game high 24 points. Her ability to score from multiple spots on the floor at her young age was impressive. She was able to blow past defenders with ease and finish under the basket in a variety of ways. Brown has a nice handle and solid court vision. This is a player that has a lot of potential as she continues to develop.

Game of the Day

Lambert took on Brookwood in what ended up as the game of the day. Coming into this matchup as the top-2 teams in the division, Brookwood made a statement. Knocking off the previously unbeaten Longhorns put the Broncos in a tie for first place. This game had championship vibes. It was even better than some of the high school games I’ve seen this season. Both teams have a lot of young talented kids who could make a big impact once they reach high school. Brookwood’s Alexander young had a stellar game. He was all over the boards and made a lot of timely buckets. He finished with 22 points and 17 rebounds. On Lambert’s side, Cam Bland continues to shine. He was a big reason as to why the Longhorns would not go away. He finished with 29 points in the loss. This game came down to the final seconds. It was a fun back-and-forth game to watch between two talented teams that traded blows.