Warner Robins, Ga – This year’s Hypesouth Hardwood Invitational featured a couple interesting cross matchups that ended up being worth the price of admission. The one day spectacle sparked conversation around the state and took a major leap forward in its second year. Below, we examine some of the top storylines from the event.

The South Got Something to Say

Dougherty and Westover made the trip from Albany, Georgia and took care of business.

The Trojans fell behind early and trailed Westside-Macon most of the game, but gave themselves life with an 8-0 run to end the first half. In the third quarter, 6-foot-6 big-man Jadyn Shider kept Dougherty in striking distance with his work on the offensive glass getting second chance points. He fouled with 1:39 left in regulation, but Elijah West (20 points) and Chris Lamar (14 points) hit clutch shots late to help Dougherty edge the Seminoles in overtime.

Westover, a legit state title contender in class 4A, battled it out with Northside-Warner Robins. The Patriots seemingly took control of the game in the second quarter, but the Eagles kept chipping away behind Tre Grane’s (24 points) offensive assertion and Jordan Brown’s (8 blocks) defensive effort. After erasing a 15-point deficit, it was game on down the stretch as a pair of Georgia’s best one-two duos went head-to-head. But in the end it was Isaac Abidde (26 points) and Shamir Wingfield (15 points) that came out on top.

Up Next Peach State Guards

Warner Robins freshman Cam Perkins got the starting nod and held his own against a couple Division-I signees. The young south-paw floor general wasn’t rattled and flawlessly ran the show for the Demons. He played every minute and put everyone on notice finishing with 10 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

Class of 2023 guard Jaylen Sanford oozes upside and should be one that mid to high level programs put in their notebooks. The 6-foot-1 sophomore has great body control, shoots it well in the midrange area and beyond the arc. But what instantly jumps out is his athleticism and competitive edge. He had 19 points, 5 steals, and 3 rebounds in a dominating performance against Howard.

Believe the Hype

This event featured three Division-I signees, James White (Ole Miss), Kowacie Reeves Jr. (Florida), & RJ Noord (Elon) and all three gave spectators their money’s worth. White was laid back with his attack and was the highest point producer on the day with 35, Reeves Jr. is a bouncy prospect that has the “it” factor. He scored 27 points and displayed his entire offensive arsenal. Noord threw in 23 points and left onlookers in awe at times with the degree of difficulty on his finishes.