Warner Robins, Ga — Our 5th Annual Hypesouth Hardwood Invitational is in the books and there were several matchups and players that lived up to the billing. With seven of the ten squads ranked in the GHSA preseason top-10 along with college prospects for every level participating it was an action-packed day of hoops. Here, we take a final look at a few of the top storylines from the day.
Top Performers
Kie’Aundria Acree, Monroe-Albany, Class of 2027, Wing
The nationally recognized freshman phenom was hands down the best player in the gym regardless of classification and it wasn’t even close. Her versatility on both ends helped control the game. Offensively, she created off the bounce, shot an above average percentage from the three-point stripe, and hit the offensive boards hard for second chance opportunities. On the defensive end she utilized lateral mobility to keep opponents in front and her length in the passing lanes was disruptive all game.
She finished with 35 points, 19, rebounds, and 8 steals and was awarded the top overall performer from the day.
At the moment, Acree holds hard offers from the likes of South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida State, Auburn, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, and Alabama to name a few. Simply put, this South Georgia standout is one you’ll be hearing a lot from for years to come.
Trinitee Thomas, Warner Robins, Class of 2027, Wing
Thomas is another fabulous freshman that was electric from start to finish. The showdown between her and the aforementioned Acree did not disappoint. The travel ball teammates (FBC) threw haymaker after haymaker and had the gym buzzing.
Thomas turned in 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals en route to being recognized as the Player of the Game in the Demonettes 62-51 win over Monroe-Albany.
Stockrisers
Emahni Chamblis, Chapel Hill, Class of 2026, Guard
We think it’s safe to say that Chamblis put people on notice. The crafty combo guard gave Central-Macon all it could handle. Her 26-point outburst was the second highest point total from the event. Definitely a name to stash in your notepads for future reference.
Ty Latimore, Thomson, Class of 2025, Guard
Latimore has one of the sweetest shooting strokes we’ve seen in a while. She swished several threes and was automatic in the midrange area. Her calm pace was also notable. She scored 17 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in the The Lady Bulldogs 66-34 win over Statesboro.
Autumn Coleman, Jones County, Class of 2026, Guard
Coleman has gotten off to a great start to the season and her Hardwood Invitational showing opened some eyes. She drained 3 triples, scored 11 points, and complimented leading scorer Amaris Ridgeway well.
Reya Johnson, Statesboro, Class of 2024, Point Guard
Johnson was a bright spot for the Lady Devils. On a day where Statesboro struggled to get things going, the senior lead guard gave it her all with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Collegiate programs looking for a sparkplug floor general should investigate here.
Korveanna Slaughter, Warner Robins, Class of 2025, Wing
Slaughter looked back at 100 percent coming off an injury. She provided production wherever the Demonettes needed it throughout the game. She’s the glue piece that every coach covets, so expect to see her name pop up in headlines regularly.
Jade Gamory, North Atlanta, Class of 2024, Guard
Gamory came into the event hobbled from a previous game where she exploded for 31-points. She showed flashes in the opening quarter, but was forced to limited action the rest of the way. Sometimes it does not take long to notice whether a player is legit or not and that’s exactly the case here. It was easy to see Gamory has the “it” factor.
Standouts
Madison Ruff, Baldwin, Class of 2024, Guard
Ruff’s junk-yard-dog style was front and center once again. The Mount St. Mary’s signee got downhill at will, finished strong at the rim, but what jumped out the most was her improved ball handling going left and shooting efficiency free throw line extended. She had 14 points, 6 rebounds, and a few steals for the Bravettes.
Janaye Walker, Baldwin, Class of 2025, Center
The reigning Hypesouth Ms. Middle Georgia Basketball came up with a huge 17-point, 14-rebound double-double performance. At 6-foot-3, her size and skillset proved to be too much for the opposition. She dominated the boards on both ends and was unstoppable with her back to the basket. Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and South Carolina State have all extended offers.
Jada Kendrick, Thomson, Class of 2025, Guard
Big, physical guard best describe Kendrick. She bulldozed her way into the paint and delivered buckets when she got there. It’s easy to see why low to mid major suitors such as UNC-Asheville, Mount St. Mary’s, and Oakland have thrown their names into the hat but don’t be surprised to see high majors start to sniff around. Her 18-point, 11-rebound effort powered the Lady Dogs over Statesboro.
Taliah Grier, Central-Macon, Class of 2024, Point Guard
Grier anchored the ship for the Lady Chargers in their first action of the 2023-24 season. The lefty point guard poured in 16 points and threw 5 assists. She is a sure fire Division-II prospect who is also garnering some lower tier Division-I interest.
Alaya Grane, Central-Macon, Class of 2024, Guard
Another Central-Macon product that shined. Grane has a knack for putting the ball in the hole. She added 15 points and looked in mid season form. Talladega and the University of Fort Lauderdale have offered.
Gabby Minus, Veterans, Class of 2026, Wing
Yet another underclassman drawing high major attention. Georgia Tech recently offered and was in attendance monitoring. Her nonstop motor coupled with size and athleticism are intriguing attributes. She dropped 20 points, pulled down 7 rebounds, and collected 5 steals.
Nariah Nelson, Veterans, Class of 2026, Wing
Nelson made good on four trifectas. She has expanded her game since last year’s event with her ability to play make for herself and others. A solid south-paw wing with a lot of upside.
Amaris Ridgeway, Jones County, Class of 2024, Point Guard
This kid does it all for Jones County. Her all around contributions on a nightly basis are commendable. She led the way with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals, and 4 assists earning Player of the Game honors.