Another great holiday event that takes place in the Atlanta area each year, the Tournament Of Champions at Wheeler High School is a guarantee for competitive in-state matchups and breakout performances. Last Saturday was no different, as it was an action-packed day in both gyms. Let’s take a look at 

5’11” T’Johnn Brown (2023/Kimball)
In the feature game of the night against the host team, Brown made sure that local Atlanta basketball fans would remember who he was afterwards. Although Wheeler pulled away late to win 77-61, it was an intense battle and close game most of the way. Brown was the main force behind Kimball, scoring 24 points himself but also creating a good amount of opportunities for others as well. His creative handle resulted in frequent penetration, where he made good decisions after drawing help and forcing the defense to shift. Brown is quick, changes speeds, and has a skill level off the dribble that many don’t. His composure & IQ in ball screens was impressive, which led to numerous open looks. Although he is small, he is fearless as a finisher and has a nice package of floaters & touch shots that allow him to finish among the trees. I liked his instincts on the defensive end as well. Brown plays with a clear chip on his shoulder and embraced matching up with the nation’s top PG. NJIT just offered him and I expect more to jump in as the season progresses.

6’8” Jacob Wilkins (2025/Parkview)
Wilkins already had a Top 10 spot in the state for 2025 coming out of the summer, but he has looked ready to rise even higher early on this season. His performances at Jared Cook and TOC have been noteworthy, impacting the game on both sides of the ball and making full use of his natural tools. Defensively, Wilkins has protected the rim with his length and quick leaping & reaction time while also staying active as a rebounder. He’ll make eye-popping plays athletically on the break but has given Parkview a reliable asset in the halfcourt as well. Wilkins has made strides with his 3-point shot and I really liked what he did passing the ball at the TOC against Collins Hill. He processes & reads things pretty quickly and can fit passes in tight spaces. Wilkins has the makings of a prototypical high-level wing forward recruit; the next few months could be big for Wilkins in establishing himself on the national scene.

6’0” Jaylen Colon (2024/Kell)
Following a good showing at Hoopsgiving, Kell picked up another significant win against McEachern at the TOC. The Longhorns have a lot of different weapons and in this one it was Colon’s turn to have a big game. He finished with 17 points & 4 assists, making 3 3’s. He had a hot start to the game that helped to energize their team. Colon has deep range and never hesitates when he has even an inch of space to get off a deep bomb. Just as noticeable as his confidence shooting the ball was the defensive pressure that he applied. I had him down for 5 steals and was a big part in a collective effort by Kell to rattle the McEachern guards. This Kell group will be hard to plan for the rest of the season with their balance in both the backcourt and frontcourt.

6’4” Jeremiah Edwards (2023/Dutchtown)
Edwards’ talent has been on display at various points throughout his high school career as a smooth 6’4” scorer. He seems to be putting everything together as a senior and giving Dutchtown a consistent threat to lead their offensive charge. They picked up a victory in a fast-paced matchup against Maynard Jackson on Saturday night with Edwards scoring 18 points. He has a competent handle and is great using it to get to his mid-range spots. Edwards is money from around 15 feet with soft touch and the ability to elevate over smaller perimeter defenders. He is a capable 3-point shooter as well and I think there’s a good amount of defensive potential with him. He’d be worth checking in on this winter. 

Josh Dixon, Avery White, and Seth Fitzgerald (Milton)
There was a void at Milton heading into the season after the departure of some key pieces from the 2021-22 group but the Eagles have guys who are stepping up & giving them great production. Their sophomore guard duo of Dixon and White have been key in that aspect, along with a senior leader in Fitzgerald. All 3 of them scored 15+ points in Milton’s win over Chapel Hill at the TOC. Dixon already showed this during his freshman season, but is further proving to be one of the better scorers off the dribble in the state. He’s quick, crafty, and just has really good scoring instincts. Dixon and White have gained chemistry and have learned to play off of each other well. White plays with a lot of confidence; he shot the ball very well against Chapel Hill and was opportunistic in chances around the basket. He gets after it on the defensive end too.

Fitzgerald has always brought a low-maintenance approach and that is still evident but now his role is increased and he’s showing more to his game. He has been tremendous on the boards for a team that lacks bigs with his toughness and smarts when rebounding. Fitzgerald’s scoring ability looks to be improve; he seems to be more comfortable and fluid when slashing. His athletic ability has also taken another step and given his defensive effort, he’s even more impactful there. You might not be able to label him with a specific position, but Fitzgerald helps you win.