Throughout our recent time in Atlanta, the city was absolutely on fire in terms of high school basketball this past weekend. With countless events going on throughout the A, we bounced back and forth between watching elite prep basketball at The Grind Session Atlanta stop and local ATL talent at the Hawks/Naismith Classic. When you combine the two events, you get a glimpse of the immensely rich amount of talent available to evaluate just a few miles apart in The Peach State.
Held in conjecture with the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy and the Atlanta Tip-Off Club, the Hawks/Naismith Classic offered four loaded boys games at gorgeous Holy Innocents High School. The event brought a standing room only crowd to see the ridiculous amount of players with stars next to their names, as well as under the radar players who are making their name in the city. Toss in the involvement of the Jr. NBA and the Naismith Foundation and you have a well-organized event.
Here are the top performers that we saw throughout the final two games (Woodward vs Holy Innocents and Tri-Cities vs McEachern) at the Hawks/Naismith Tip-Off Classic:
Chase Lumpkin, 6’4, PG/SG, McEachern HS (Georgia), 2027
Continuing what appears to be a monster junior campaign, Chase Lumpkin was absolutely dominant at the Hawks/Naismith Classic. Able to play both guard spots at times, he was automatic with his mid-range jumper, shot the ball well from beyond the arc, and excelled playing through/initiating contact off the bounce. The 30 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals that he offered don’t even show the impact on the game that he brought for undefeated McEachern.
Myles Hayes, 6’5, SG, Woodward Academy (Georgia), 2028
The son of former NBA lottery pick Jarvis Hayes, Myles Hayes showed everyone at Hawks/Naismith why he is one of the elite wings in the class of 2028 nationally. The five star sophomore was incredibly aggressive attacking the rack, was an outstanding offensive rebounder from the backcourt, and was efficient getting to his sweet spots with limited bounces. The competitive nature and sheer talent that Myles brings to the table certainly put him in the upper echelon of scoring guards in the class.
Jaden McCullough, 6’2 PG, Holy Innocents (Georgia), 2028
It was my first time seeing Jaden McCullough and I immediately know why there was so much buzz about him in The A.. The lights out shooter hit five 3-pointers early on, forcing Woodward Academy to face guard him at stretches and allowing him to show off his ability to facilitate for others. Just a sophomore, McCullough has already won a state title and a Nike Peach Jam, and is continuing to build out what could be an esteemed high school legacy.
Jalan Wingfield, 6’8, PF, Tri-Cities HS (Georgia), 2026
One of the more versatile power forwards in the Southeast Region, Jalan Wingfield showed his inside-out game against powerhouse McEachern. He utilized his perimeter skills to initiate the break offensively, was great playing through contact in the paint, and made great decisions when he was hit with double teams. Though his team took an untimely loss, the Georgia Tech recruit showed the full package in his 18-point, 13-rebound, 4-steal performance.
Tre Keith, 6’2, PG, Tri-Cities HS (Georgia), 2027
As far as scoring lead guards in the class of 2027 are concerned, Tre Keith reminded us why he’s one of the best at the Hawks/Naismith Classic. The aggressive playmaker shot the ball well from deep, was an elite finisher with both hands, and seemingly got to the paint whenever he wanted. Already owning a plethora of high major offers and having attended the recent USA Basketball mini-camp, Keith is on the cusp of taking himself to next level of point guards in the junior class.
Bentley Luasenko, 6’10, PF/C, Woodward Academy (Georgia), 2028
One of the higher upside players in the class of 2028, Bentley Luasenko made the move from Pace Academy to Woodward and immediately helps their chances of a state title. The super skilled big man showed off his range with a pair of 3-pointers, was a defensive presence by altering shots with his length, and showed the tools that have made him such an intriguing prospect. Lusasenko’s success should mirror that of Woodward Academy as the season goes on.
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