Player Watch - Cameron Solomon

Cameron Solomon (2010, Lovejoy High)

In recent years , the state of Georgia has produced an impressive number of players who have gone on to have tremendous success at the College level. Many of these players were well known and recognized in national recruiting circles entering college. By the same token, there are a good number of current college standouts from the Peach State that were somewhat overlooked and under recruited as high schoolers. As a result, Georgia (and Metro Atlanta in particular) have become gold mines for college coaches looking for an "diamonds in the rough" that have the talent and skills to shine at the next level. Lovejoy Senior Cameron Solomon (6' 4, SG, 2010) might very well fit that description.

Solomon is a late bloomer who has really blossomed over the past year. He has good length, athleticism and a knack to score. The early part of the 2009-10 season has been impressive for Solomon. He started the campaign with a 39 point outburst against Forest Park that included him hitting 5 of 6 attempts from three point land. He followed that performance up with a 28 point showing versus North Clayton, where he netted 14 points in the game's final four minutes and almost led his team to the come from behind victory.

This past Tuesday, Solomon dropped 36 points and dished out 5 assists in a convincing win over Region opponent East Coweta. Solomon reportedly has been offered by Troy, and is also receiving current interest from Cincinnati, Auburn, and Missouri. Keep an eye out for this young man as his best basketball days are certainly ahead of him.

Williams Leads Central Gwinnett to Tip-Off Title

Brian Williams (2010, Central Gwinnett)

Central Gwinnett defeated Collins Hill 82-66 to claim the Championship of the Jefferson Tip-Off Tournament this past weekend. Central was led by Brian Williams (6' 2, PG, 2010), who was named Tournament MVP, on his way to scoring 20 points and dropping 5 assists in the victory.

Sophomore Jordan Adams (6' 4, SG, 2012) added 21 points and 8 boards in the Title Game and was named to the All-Tourney Team. Central improved their record to 3-0 on the season.

Attention College Coaches looking for a 2010 Point Guard - Williams is worthy of a very close look. He is very well rounded Point who can score, distribute, and play lock down defense. He has good size for a lead guard and plays with poise and high basketball IQ. Very underrated player has flown somewhat under the radar in talent laden Gwinnett County.

Arrington Perfect From Field in 35 Pt. Performance

Effingham County High Senior Guard Chase Arrington (5' 11, PG, 2010) scored 35 points in matchup with Screven County High this past weekend. While dropping 35 in a high school game is certainly a worthy accomplishment in of itself, Arrington's performance was all the more impressive considering he only missed one shot on the evening. That's right, Arrington was a perfect 11 for 11 from the field (six of six on three pointers), and seven of eight from the charity stripe.

Arrington's shooting exhibition helped Effingham come back from a 21 point deficit. However, Screven reclaimed the lead in game's final minutes and eventually prevailed by the score of 67-60. The loss was Effingham's County's first on the season after starting off 2-0.

Arrington was a First Team All Region 2AAAA selection last year as a Junior. He is a first rate student in the classroom with a 3.9 gpa and would make an excellent prospect for High Level Academic Colleges to take a close look at.

Chris Davis Explodes for 51 Pts in Opener

51 points, 8 assists, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks....

That was the impressive stat line for Stockbridge High's Chris Davis (6' 3, CG, 2010) in last evening's opening game versus Luella High. Despite the tremendous performance by Davis, Stockbridge fell to a talented Luella (2-0) squad in by the final score of 99-89.

Although he might not have as much name recongition as some others; make no mistake about it; Davis is one of the Top Tier 2010 prospects in Georgia. He has been receiving strong recruiting interest from a number of Low and Mid-Major D1 programs but has decided to wait until the Spring to sign. Davis would be an absolute steal for any of the programs in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Don't be surprised to see High Major Programs getting in the mix as well over the next few months. Reportedly Coach Fox's staff at the Univ. of Georgia has began to express interest in Davis.

Davis has a very quick first step and is very good at attacking the basket. He has explosive athleticism and a strong build on his 6' 3 frame. While his strength is his ability to pentrate and create off the dribble, he does possess a good, albeit streaky jumper from beyond the arc. (he was certainly "on" last night, as he knocked down 5 three point field goals in the 2nd half alone). Off the court, Davis is an impressive and humble young man, who does well in the classroom and caries himself in a very positive manner. If his performance in the season opener was any indication, Chris is primed to have a huge senior year.

Editor's Side Note: We would like to send our thoughts and prayers out to the family of Stockbridge High Head Coach Duane Kelly, who had to miss last night's game due to the hospitalization of his son.

2009-2010 Season Key Dates

Key Dates for the 2009-2010 Georgia High School Basketball Season

November

Nov. 14 First date allowed for GHSA Games
Nov. 20-24 John Morgan Classic at Pebblebrook
Nov. 21 Elite Eight Shootout at Georgia State Univ.
Nov. 21-24 Parkview Tip-Off Classic
Nov. 21-28 Mt. Zion Tip-Off Classic
Nov. 21-28 South Forsyth Turkey Shootout

December

Dec. 12 Greater Atlanta Christian Showcase
Dec. 19 SEBA Hoop Festival at Cobb Civic Center
Dec. 21-23 Hiram Christmas Tourney
Dec. 26-30 Century Bank Holiday HoopFest at Cass
Dec. 26-29 Atlanta vs. Memphis Classic at Mt. Zion
Dec. 26-30 St. Pius Christmas Classic
Dec. 26-30 Chatahoochee Holiday Classic at
Dec. 28-30 Deep South Classic
Dec. 28-30 Campbell Holiday Classic

January

Jan. 16 Doc Williams Invitational at Liberty County
Jan. 18 Centennial MLK Classic
Jan. 22-23 Norcross Atlanta National Showcase
Jan. 30 Marriot Invitational at Norcross


February

Feb. 15-20 Region Tournaments
Feb. 26-27 1st Round State Playoffs


March

March 2-3 2nd Round State Playoffs
March 5-6 Quarterfinals State Playoffs
March 10-12 Final Four State Playoffs
March 12-12 State Championship Games

It's Time to Hoop

After much anticipation; the 2009-2010 High school basketball season has arrived! The weather is starting to chill outside, but the hoops action will be blazing in the gyms across the Metro Area.

The Atlanta Roundball Report looks forward to providing updates and news as we travel to games and events throughout the City. Check back often for updates.

Class of 2009 of Spring Signing Update

Some recent Class of 2009 signees who signed scholarships over the past two weeks include:

Khalid Mutakabbir (Peachtree Ridge, 6' 4, SG) - Signed with Presbyterian College (NCAA - D1)

Alioune Diouf (McEachern; 6' 5, Wing) - Signed with James Madison University (NCAA - D1)

Adrian Spellman (Appling County, 6' 9, Forward) - Signed with Alabama State (NCAA- D1)

Matt Marseille (Dacula; 6' 6', Wing) - Signed with Centenary College (NCAA- D1)

Brian Wood (St. Francis, 5' 9, PG) - Signed with South Georgia Tech (Juco)

Nikola Lambic (Rabun Gap, 6' 8, Forward) - Signed with Southern Wesleyan (NAIA)

Ryan Legates (Blessed Trinity , 6' 2, PG) - Signed with USC-Upstate (NCAA- D1)

Cameron Baskerville (Whitefield Academy, 6' 7, Forward) - Signed with Georgia Southern (NCAA - D1)