High school basketball is officially here in Georgia. One of the nation’s most loaded states from top to bottom, the Peachtree State is absolutely stacked with elite individual talent and perennial powerhouse programs in virtually every GHSA division (six to be exact). Talent runs rich and there was no better way to tip off the season (official GHSA start date was Nov. 7) than with an eight game slate at the Georgia Elite 8 Tip-Off Classic.
Held Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.), the No. 15 team in the preseason Ballislife FAB 50, the TOC brought some elite matchups of Top 10 programs from all cross the state of Georgia. While host Wheeler did not participate in the event, virtually every game went down to the wire and had it not been for the transfers of 2025 Ballislife National Freshman of the Year A.J. Williams (Dutchtown to Eagles Landing Christian Academy) and Bentley Luasenko (Pace Academy to Woodward Academy), the collection of in-state talent at traditional high schools was outstanding and it reflected in the competition throughout the day.
Having already examined the top performers, here are some of the under the radar players who helped themselves from the 2025 Georgia Elite Tip-Off Classic:
Bryson Jatta, 6’2, PG, Hillgrove HS (GA), 2028
While he’s a well known commodity around ATL, Bryson Jatta will be making the nation take notice if he continues with the level of play he showed at the TOC. Two-way guard really competes on both ends of the floor, will hit open three pointers, and thrives at finishing through contact. Jatta owns a high major offer from Georgia Tech with plenty more to follow.
Abu Jallow, 6’6, SF, Kennesaw Mountain HS (GA), 2028
The definition of versatility, it seemed as if Abu Jallow played every single position for at least one stretch for Kennesaw Mountain. He showed the ability to facilitate from the perimeter, was a creative finisher in transition, and utilized his length on the interior defensively. Jallow certainly left no doubt in any onlookers mind that he is one to watch with his ability to produce from anywhere on the floor.
Zyree Brown, 5’11, PG, Pebblebrook HS (GA), 2026
A player who I wasn’t familiar with, Zyree Brown was one of most productive players at the TOC. The scoring lead guard has deep range shooting the rock, is insanely competitive on both ends, and has no problem finishing through contact despite his size. Kennesaw State recently locked up Zyree early, which could ultimately prove to be a great get in the early signing period based on the way that he is producing early on.
Hayden Clay, 6’9, PF/C, Pace Academy (GA), 2026
A super productive big man, Hayden Clay got it done on both ends of the floor for Pace Academy at the TOC. He is incredibly confident scoring with his back to the basket, can find open teammates when the defense keys in on him, and seems to be far from done developing physically. Georgia State made it a point to lock Clay up early and it could prove quite beneficial down the road.
Maddox Melancon, 6’6, SF, Dutchtown HS (GA), 2026
Absolutely essential in Dutchtown’s W over Hillgrove, Maddox Melancon got it done both inside and out. The active forward was great playing through contact at the rim, showed the ability to create for others, and controlled his area on the glass. Maddox recently picked up an offer from historic D-2 Morehouse and would be a great fit at that level with his relentless style of play.
Emmanuel Alofe, 6’7, PF, McEachern HS (GA), 2026
Yet another talented player to come out of perennial power McEachern is Emmanuel Alofe. The long forward is able to mix it up inside and out, can step out to shoot the three, and proved to be a solid interior presence defensively. Alofe is still wide open with his recruitment and is the type of no nonsense forward that will be a nice addition to a college program next year.
Kingston Clahar, 6’2, PG/SG, Newton HS (GA), 2029
Just a freshman, Kingston Clahar showed that he could produce against older competition at the TOC. The combo guard doesn’t look like he’s done growing, is a very confident shooter from deep, and will take the baseline if you give him the opportunity for a quick drive. Running with Atlanta Xpress on the AAU circuit, Clahar is definitely a name that you’ll be hearing more about by the time spring rolls around.
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