Eagles Landing High School Season Preview

Eagles Landing Projected Starting five of Seniors (from left to right)
Trevin Joseph, Desmond Ringer, Isaiah Dennis, Chris Davenport, Eric Wortham

Eagles Landing HS has quietly won 54 games and made back to back Final 4 runs the past two years, only to lose to eventual State Champion Columbia twice.  This season, head coach Clay Crump may have the most talented starting five in the entire state of Georgia. Speaking with BCB, Crump speaks candidly, "Well, expectations have never been higher at Eagle's Landing as we are pre-season #1 in some polls and we have the ability to live up to it if we play our roles, play defense, stay humble, rebound the ball. We definitely have the talent to do it.”

With new imports 6'2 senior guard Trevin Joseph from Stockbridge HS and 6'8 senior forward Chris Davenport from Montverde Academy (FL) to compliment three returning senior starters, it is easy to understand why there is great excitement and optimism in McDonough, GA this time of year.  The coach states, "Chris brings a lot of experience – incredible athlete, really good competitor, very good defender-understands timing, is a good teammate, blends well and makes other people around him better. He takes pressure off Desmond inside.  Trevin is a scorer. He's a very good finisher in transition, really solid and good athlete. He is learning what we need him to do defensively. He stretches the floor with his shooting."  The newcomers join reigning Region Player of the Year Eric Wortham, South Carolina big man commit Desmond Ringer, and the electric, athletic PG in Isaiah Dennis. As juniors Dennis led the balanced team in scoring at 14ppg, Wortham (13.7ppg), and Ringer (12ppg).  Dennis's progression at the point guard position has the coaching staff feeling even more comfortable than last year.  Crump believes, "Isaiah’s development at point-learning to put people in the right position. He made huge strides this summer. He is incredibly fast in transition and now his better understanding of pick n’roll situations and [overall basketball IQ] are so much better this year."

A freak accident derailed the Golden Eagles title run last year when Wortham went down with a season ending and life threatening seizure that shocked the Eagles Landing community. Wortham has fully healed and Eagles Landing offers a balanced attack that will have opposing coaches scratching their heads trying to game-plan to stop them. The only weakness appears to be a short bench. However, Crump feels good about his depth, "We can play deep. There is a drop-off [because of how good that first five is] but we have enough depth to get it done." Eagles Landing can turn to super-sub Jordan Sessions, a 6'7 junior forward who has the versatility to go inside or step out to the perimeter and would start for most teams across the state.

Eric Wortham's story is a remarkable one in itself and a reminder to all people, and athletes to live every day to the fullest. An athlete is sometimes one play away from a season-ending or career-altering moment. Coach Crump says, "Eric always reminds us that its a blessing to play the game and not a right. If talented kids can keep that perspective then they can accomplish good things."
Crump likes his team and selfless spirit they have. He continues "A coach with this many Seniors is typically concerned with selfishness and guys worried about stats. But I am not concerned about that. They enjoy playing team basketball.  They are high-character kids. A very exciting team. Everyone that watched them play this summer enjoyed it.  They don’t play entitled. The core has been together since they were sophomores."  However, Crump cautions, "We don’t want to peak too early. We play in some big tournaments early in season (City of Palms).  We want to be playing our best basketball in March, not December!"

If this team continues to check their ego at the door, there seems to be limitless potential for what they could accomplish this season.

Eagles Landing will face Allatoona HS in their first scrimmage at home this Wednesday, at 7:30pm

Miller Grove HS Pre-Season Team Preview

Miller Grove Backcourt (from left to right) JR Keith Pickney, SR Kyre Hamer, SR Earl Bryant

Don’t tell Miller Grove head coach Sharman White that this is a rebuilding year. Despite replacing all five starters, including a frontline that featured All-American Tony Parker (UCLA) and 6’8 UGA signee Brandon Morris off the 2011-12 State Championship team, the coach is confident in this year’s squad.  

Speaking with BCB, Coach Sharman White believes  “We like the guys we have. We have 5 new starters which will be a new experience that we haven’t had. We are very confident in them.”

On the surface, or from the outside looking in, most that follow Georgia HS basketball probably feel this version of the Wolverines will not be a factor in the Championship run.  Relying on guys that have been on the bench to step in and carry the torch is a tall task but White believes his guys are up for the challenge.

“These guys know the hard work its going to take to get back to winning a State Championship. We like our group. We have a nice blend of experience and youth. They have been busting their tail from the spring to summer and into the winter.”

Early on, Miller Grove will look to their backcourt with Seniors Earl Bryant and Kyre Hamer playing on the wings.  Junior PG Keith Pickney moves back to Atlanta from South Carolina where he lived the past few years and will provide scoring, playmaking, and poise to the inexperienced club.  Add in Junior forwards James Walker, Omar Venable, and Devin Dorsett and Miller Grove feels good about the overall attack.  White says, “Our perimeter play is a big strength with good versatility creating match-up nightmares. We think we have a solid bench where we can play easily a solid 9-10 guys."

However he cautions that there is still some unknown stating that “the mental aspect of what it takes night in, night out and the consistency to produce each night will be something we have to monitor.”

Miller Grove seeks an unprecedented fifth straight State Championship, something no other program has done in the history of GA high school basketball.  Tune into this season and see if history can be made.

Miller Grove will be playing in a highly anticipated match-up with Norcross on Dec. 15 at the Blue Collar Basketball Showcase at GAC. The two programs have combined to win 8 state titles in last 8 years and have never played one another. 

Blue Collar Showcase Preview: Peachtree Ridge's Jordan Capps

Check out these clips of Peachtree Ridge's Jordan Capps!

Peachtree Ridge Spotlight

Pre-Season Spotlight on Peachtree Ridge Boys Basketball Team

 

From Left to Right (Jordan Capps, Amir Warnock, Kevin Barnes)

The Peachtree Ridge High School boys basketball team ended last season with a 2^nd round loss in the State Tournament to Alpharetta HS who advanced on to the Final 4!  Gone is the starting backcourt of lightning quick point guard Benny Johnson and shooting guard Cole Romaguera. Last year’s team won 20 games and captured the Region Championship.

Don’t tell head coach Keith Arrington that this should be a rebuilding year though. The experienced coach likes his team. "Overall, this is as talented a team we've had here. We need to develop chemistry but we have size, good shooters, and good potential. He returns one of Gwinnett County’s best players in Jordan Capps and his 15.7ppg from his Junior campaign(All-State GACA).  Capps is an athletic, versatile forward that will be asked to step up if they wish to duplicate last year’s success.  Capps has already been offered by a host of Division I programs including Appalachian State, East Carolina, MTSU, Wichita St, Winthrop, and Western Kentucky.  Arrington says "I think Jordan had a great year last year but he also has a lot of potential and improving to do for this season. He is going to have to step up in leadership." Capps echoes his Coach's sentiments. He believes this season they can return to State and even go further. “I’m trying to do my part in leading the guys” says Capps.

Rounding out the rest of the frontline are 6’8 Jr Forward Amir Warnock and 6’5 Senior forward who transferred from Duluth HS but played last year at Norcross HS. Arrington on Warnock, "Amir has good size and good hands. He is developing his strength and his body is maturing." The trio pose as a formidable frontline that should be difficult to match-up with for region opponents. Warnock has grown and developed since last season adding an inch and toning his body up.  Coach Arrington thinks the addition of Barnes gives the Lions "more athleticism with good size. He has some inside-out versatility that will make us harder to guard." Also entering the fold is Freshman Aaron Augustine who will be expected to step in and take care of point guard duties.  Arrington is very high on the youngster and believes "skill-wise he is very exciting. He works hard every day and brings it."

Peachtree Ridge will scrimmage county foe, Archer HS on Nov.13. They will then tip-off the regular season against 2011 Final Four team, North Cobb on Nov. 17 at the Bulldog Classic(North Gwinnett HS)

Peachtree Ridge will be playing in the Blue Collar Showcase at GAC on Dec.15 that will feature some of the best teams from around Georgia in a highly-anticipated 1 day event for college coaches and Georgia high school hoop fans!

"Checking in with the Champions" Evan Nolte Interview

Here's interview three of our "Checking in with the Champions" segment. ACC and UVA bound Evan Nolte of 5A State Champion Milton High School stops in with us to chat. Nolte completed a decorated high school career in which he played in four state championship games, winning two of them in his sophomore and senior seasons. Milton had a remarkable record of 114-16 while Nolte was there. Nolte averaged 17ppg, 7rpg, while shooting 42% 3fg, 52% fg, 77% ft. Nolte was also the Region 6 Player of the Year, 5-A AJC Player of the Year and finished his career with over 1,500 career points for 3rd on Milton's all-time scoring list behind brother Connor and Julian Royal(FR - Ga Tech).




BCB: Blue Collar Basketball
EN: Evan Nolte


BCB: Congrats on your second State Championship. Now that you've had time to reflect on this year and your high school career, tell us what you are feeling and thinking.
EN: You know, when we won it, I was excited for the team. It was a big statement in winning. Last year we beat good teams (Oak Hill) but lost state and it ruined our season. Everyone thought we weren't going to be good this year but we played as a team.

BCB: Was any championship more meaningful to you personally than any other?
EN: This definitely did. It was really awesome. It was great to silence the haters.

BCB: Who was the best player you competed against in HS or the AAU circuit?
EN: Austin Rivers-sounds cliche but he was the best player I played against.

BCB: What did you take away from your high school basketball career about life and basketball?
EN: I think the biggest thing was looking at the team and not caring who gets credit. It's amazing what teamwork can do and even though you have talent, you have to play together.

BCB: What do you think you will miss most about high school?
EN: Along the lines of basketball, going to play in gyms with big crowds close to the floor. Outside of basketball, missing people I grew up with in the town.

BCB: Your coach at Milton, David Boyd, is a coach with a lot of success-tell us what it is like to play for him and what makes him a good coach.
EN: You know, good experience; only really coach I know and played for. He has a certain personality and a way to motivate his players.

BCB: What advice do you have for a young kid in the 8th or 9th grade about high school-maybe stuff you enjoyed or mistakes you've made that they could avoid?
EN: I'd say don't get caught up in media and just play your best. Don't try to play like someone else. Don't be one dimensional. Take one year at a time and work hard in the off-season.

BCB: Evan, you have received a lot of local, state and national attention and accolades. You have accomplished a lot for a high school player. How do you stay grounded and humble, if you are, with hearing how great you are everyday?
EN: I see people who do that and wouldn't want to be like that. There are so many great players out there and I have so much better to get. Going to national camps and playing with all that talent makes you humble.

BCB: Ok, Evan, tell us about the recruiting process and what lead you to sign with University of Virginia.
EN: Well, the process was long and tedious. It was hard. I would visit one school and love it, and would visit another campus and love that campus, visit another school and would love that school.  You have to measure the pros and cons-figure out what is important to you. I ended up choosing Virginia because of the campus but the main reason was Coach Tony Bennet. He is an awesome guy, coach and great man. He will help me become a better player and person. My most memorable moment was Coach Bennet called me early in the week and we were talking and he told me he was going to the beach that weekend and he would love to get a call while he was there with some great news.  My dad and I were driving to practice one day and I told him that's where I wanted to go and so I called Coach Bennet on the Thursday before he left for the beach and told him I wanted to come to Virginia. Coach Bennet was really excited and that was  a pretty awesome moment.

BCB: How much did you lean on your brother Connor (who played at Furman before finishing his career at UGA)?
EN: He helped me along the way. My dad knew about the process having gone through it with Connor even though my recruitment was on a little bit of a larger scale. Connor wanted me to go to Georgia but he also wanted me to do what I wanted to do. UGA was my second choice.

BCB: What is a college program getting when Evan Nolte signs with them?
EN: Well, they are getting a versatile player whose strength is shooting and can do some other things. I don't expect anything and will earn everything I get.

BCB: If we asked the five closest people to you (family or friends) to tell us about Evan Nolte, what would they say?
EN: They would say I'm an outgoing guy that likes to have fun and hang out with friends. And that I'm always in a good mood and a great guy - hopefully (laughs).

Evan, we wish you the best in your future on and off the court. We know you will do well and look forward to watching you play and develop at Virginia.

"Checking in with the Champions" Tahj Shamsid-Deen Interview

Blue Collar Basketball checked in with the Columbia Eagles starting PG Tahj Shamsid-Deen. He was the floor general for the 31-1 Eagles, who won their impressive third straight State Championship. Tahj is a high-major PG prospect who really knows how to run a team. He averaged 15ppg, 10apg, and 3spg. The Southpaw has been a starter on all three of the State Championship teams with a combined 3yr record of 89-9. We covered a variety of topics including this year's state championship team, some of the best PGs he has faced, Columbia High School, and his current recruitment.

BCB: Blue Collar Basketball
TSD: Tahj Shamsid-Deen

BCB: Tahj, you've been the starting point guard on three straight State Championship teams. What an accomplishment! Tell us about this year's team and championship.
TSD: We weren't as big in the post as the year before. We had to get up and down a little more-use our speed and quickness. In the championship game, we had to take advantage of our size inside with our big man Jhaustin Thomas (South Carolina football signee).

BCB: You guys lose a lot off this year's team-top four guys at the 4 and 5 spots. How will you all replace that or will you have to play a different style?
TSD: Talking with Coach, we will play more of a 4 out 1 in most likely. We will try to force more turnovers with our defense to create some scoring opportunities.

BCB: Who's the best PG or player you have faced in your high school career?
TSD: My freshman year we played Oak Hill Academy. They had Deron Lamb(Kentucky), and Pe'shon Howard(Maryland). I'd have to say those guys.

BCB: What's it like playing for Coach McCray? What makes him such a successful coach?
TSD: He really puts an emphasis on defense! The majority of our practice is working on slides and angles, cutting off guys. We have the talent to score points but his emphasis on defense is what he is about.

BCB: Your playing with a strong Southern Stampede team this summer in AAU on the EYBL circuit. What do you want to improve on the most?
TSD: Using my right hand more, finishing with my right. Also, working on my free throws. I didn't shoot free throws well toward the end of this past year so I need to improve on that.

BCB: Tahj- a lot of people don't know how good a student you are sitting at a 3.95GPA and 1300 SAT. What do you attribute that to?
TSD: Just, I study a lot. Teachers at Columbia really help. There is lot of extra help and tutorials that I go to.

BCB: Who is recruiting you?
TSD: I have offers from Auburn, UCLA, and Northwestern and several others are calling or have come see me play.

BCB: What has the recruiting process been like? Most memorable thing?
TSD: It's been good and a lot of fun. A lot of coaches coming through and calling my coaches. The best experience was when I went down to Auburn for the Kentucky game. I got to see how strong and fast the college game was. It showed me what I needed to work on to get to that level.

BCB: What's most important to you in choosing a school and program?
TSD: A good relationship with the coach. A relationship that's been building. I want to go where they get up and down, play a fast-paced game and run the offense through the point guard.

BCB: If a coach walked into the gym and watched you play for the first time, what would he leave saying about your game?
TSD: Talk about how good a leader I am, a high IQ-knowing the time on clock and situations. He would say I'm a willing scorer and willing passer.

BCB: If we talked to the 5 closest people to you (family and/or friends), what would they say about Tahj?
TSD: That I'm quiet and keep to myself. That I like to laugh and am laid back cool dude. They would say I keep my head on straight!

Tahj, thanks for stopping in with Blue Collar Basketball to give us some insight into you, Columbia basketball, and the future that lays ahead for you. We wish you the best and keep working hard in the classroom and on the court!

"Checking in with the Champions" Kenny Gaines Interview

Blue Collar Basketball will be visiting with a player off of the five different State Championship teams across the State of Georgia.  We stopped in first with Single A Champion Whitefield Academy Star Kenny Gaines. The 6'3 Shooting Guard will be playing for Coach Mark Fox at the University of Georgia in the SEC next year. He was the Single A Class State Player of the Year. Gaines averaged 25.2ppg, 7.6rpg, and 2.6spg while leading Whitefield to a 29-3 record. Listen in to what KG had to say about what winning a State Championship meant to him, why he chose UGA, and what he has learned during his high school days.

BCB: Blue Collar Basketball
KG: Kenny Gaines

BCB: Kenny, Congrats on winning the State Championship! Tell us about that feeling and what it meant to you and your HS career.
KG: It felt like a dream come true. Since my sophomore year losing in the State Finals, I had to make sure I got that feeling [I witnessed] Wesleyan had. I put it above all the individual accomplishments I had with winning the Dunk Contest and Player of the Year honors. The loss to Terrell County in the Final 4 my junior year really drove me in the off-season before my senior season.

BCB: I've been in on your practices at Whitefield Academy. Coach Johnson is a demanding coach. What do you think you learned the most from him?
KG: Definitely playing with heart and with that dog. You learn that if you're not willing to sacrifice time, rest, things like that, then you don't need to be out here. You have to always play with passion.

BCB: Besides having talented players like yourself and sophomores such as Lorenzo[Carter] and Eric [Lockett], what made this team special?
KG: The fact that everyone sacrificed for each other. Something we did and it sounds small, but we all as a team gave up sweets like ice cream and candy for the entire year. We trusted each other and understood each other.

BCB: What are you going to miss the most about high school?
KG: Being in an environment where everyone is looking out for my best interest. Talking about the faculty, staff, administration, coaches, students.

BCB: You're going to be headed to Athens later this summer to play for the University of Georgia and coach Mark Fox. What attracted you to UGA and their program?
KG: The style of play and the fact that I felt like I had a good connection with the coaches. And God kind of led me there. My mom and I were praying about it together and about 5 minutes later, Coach Fox called and we took it as a sign from God that that is where we were being led.

BCB: Has UGA talked to you about their plans for you next year as a Freshman? If so, what are they?
KG: To just play hard and buy into the system. Not really any specifics. I'll be reporting to campus on June 9th to start training.

BCB: For UGA fans out there and people that have never seen you play, tell them what they're getting in you as a player?
KG: A very exciting and explosive athlete. You may see my smiling but really just an exciting Shooting guard to watch play.

BCB: What advice would you give a young kid in the 8th or 9th grade about high school, considering stuff you enjoyed or mistakes you made?
KG: I would tell them grades are important from the get-go. I didn't take heed to that immediately from the start. I would also say to keep your parents involved-they can help guide you during tough times. Don't lose the fun in playing-you can be competitive, play hard and still have fun out there.

BCB: Who was the best player you played against in high school, AAU?
KG: In high school, Josh Swan from Pace Academy (now at Southern Illinois).  In AAU, probably Kyle Anderson (UCLA bound SF from New Jersey).

BCB: If I asked the 5 closest people to you (family or friends) about you, what would they say?
KG: They would say I'm lame. I'm a laid back person (laughs).

BCB: What will Kenny Gaines be doing ten years from now?
KG: If you don't see me in the league, I'll probably own a retail store somewhere in Atlanta.

BCB: Kenny, we wish you the best and all the success at UGA on and off the court. We know you will do well and look forward to watching your development.