Bishop Media Sports Network
The Big Sting
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Wayne County Yellow Jackets enjoyed a 10-win season in 2022. This was a huge accomplishment as the 2021 season had been a terrible year for the Yellow Jackets.
Wayne brought in a new Head Coach and the Yellow Jackets were a real force in 2022.
Jabo Shaw took over the reigns in Jesup in 2022 after three great years in Rabun County. A stint that saw Coach Shaw develop, now UGA QB, Gunner Stockton.
The Yellow Jackets finished second in their region and made the Elite Eight in the 4A GHSA playoffs.
Wayne bowed out to North Oconee, a traditional powerhouse.
2023 is also full of promise as Wayne County looks to take the next step and win a Region Championship.
The Yellow Jackets reside in region 3-4A, which also consists of the Benedictine Cadets, the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets, the New Hampstead Phoenix, The Burke County Bears, and the Islands Sharks.
Here is how the Yellow Jackets 2023 schedule stacks up.
August 18 Bradwell @ Wayne: This is a game Wayne dominated last season in Hinesville, 34-12. It should be more of the same, especially at home at Jaycee Stadium.
August 25 Brooks @ Wayne: The Yellow Jackets took the trip to Quitman last year and fell to the Trojans 39-25, despite not giving up a defensive TD. Brooks returns the trip to Jesup.
September 1 Wayne @ Appling: Rivalry games don’t get much better than the Jackets and Pirates. Wayne battled Appling to 7-0 win last season at Jaycee Stadium. This will be another great one.
September 8 Bye:
September 15 Wayne @ Statesboro: The Yellow Jackets will take the trip to Womack Field to take on the Blue Devils. In years past going to Womack Field was an automatic loss for everyone, it is still a tough place to play. Statesboro also has a new Coach, which means a new style.
September 22 Jenkins @ Wayne: The Yellow Jackets will finally be back at Jaycee Stadium after not playing at home in almost a month against the Jenkins Warriors.
September 30: Wayne @ Burke: Region play open for the Jackets on the road all the way up in Waynesboro, near Augusta. The winner of this game likely will be the 2 seed in the region and will have scopes focused on Benedictine.
October 6 Wayne @ Islands: The Islands is coming off probation sanctioned by the GHSA for an ineligible player and should be better in 2023. Wayne will head to Savannah to find out how good the Sharks are.
October 13 Wayne @ New Hampstead: The third straight region game on the road for Wayne County and the second straight trip to the Savannah area, this time to play the Phoenix. New Hampstead is not your typical Savannah push over.
October 20 Benedictine @ Wayne: If all goes according to plan for Coach Shaw, this game could be for the region title and it will be played at Jaycee Stadium. The Cadets took this game last season in Savannah 31-10.
October 27 Southeast Bulloch @ Wayne: Southeast Bulloch was a very young football team last season. Over a dozen freshman saw critical time for the Yellow Jackets. Wayne will be looking to get playoff ready and end the regular season at home on a high note.
I think an undefeated regular season could be in the works for Wayne County if all goes well. The Burke County game and the Benedictine game will be the biggest hurdles for Wayne.
I’m picking the Wayne County Yellow Jackets to go 9-1 in the regular season and grab the #2 seed in the region. Wayne will make another deep playoff run.
South Beach Swag
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The decision-makers in Miami must be after my heart.
They’re building an offense that can score from anywhere on the field with big-play ability and game-changing speed that is both fun and exciting.
It got even more explosive with this year’s draft addition of Devon Achane, their new third-string running back.
The problem is the Dolphins ran the ball less than every team in the NFL last year except for one (the Buccaneers). Teams who dominate run the ball well.
For Miami, this standing has to change. Mike McDaniel came to Miami with a reputation of being a run game specialist; he needs to put that into action.
The Dolphins also ranked in the bottom third offensively on third-down conversions in a league that is all about matchups and third downs.
A healthy QB1 should help the conversion rate improve, but that’s a big ask with Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history. What would make me sleep easier as a Dolphin decision-maker is the addition of Mike White as QB2.
I am a believer in White’s skill and mindset. This is a big upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater. In all likelihood it’s not a question of whether he will play, but when?
On the other side of the ball the defense has undergone another serious facelift. Playmaking but undersized David Long was signed from the Titans to play inside linebacker, and salary cap-heavy defensive back Jalen Ramsey was added for a discount from the rebuilding Rams.
The Fins’ blitz rate was third most in the league in 2022, and they played some form of man coverage 39 percent of the time, second most in the league.
They are taking on much risk for the results they received: 24th in points allowed per game, 24th in stopping opponents on third downs and 28th in QB rating allowed (95.3).
Combine these bottom-feeding numbers with a turnover margin of minus -7, and the Dolphins were lucky to get in the playoffs last year. They gave up 113 more points than the Bills for the season. If that doesn’t improve, they are going nowhere.
A large concern across the board is the depth and quality of the offensive line protecting Tua Tagovailoa. An O-line that can’t open up running lanes remains a concern for any pro team.
The Miami Dolphins have a Super Bowl-caliber roster with health at quarterback and a more potent rushing attack, so improved play from this new unit is paramount.
Isaiah Wynn was a smart signing; he can fill in capably if/when Terron Armstead misses time again while also competing with Liam Eichenberg to start at left guard.
The Dolphins need right tackle Austin Jackson to take a step forward this season and consistently protect Tagovailoa’s blindside. If he does that, Armstead stays healthy for a majority of the year and the low-cost additions of Wynn, Dan Feeney and Cedric Ogbuehi bolster the depth to withstand injuries, this team is capable of winning the AFC East and making serious noise in the playoffs.
With only four picks in this past April’s draft, the message is clear — the Dolphins are built for “right now.” Why not add free agent Dalvin Cook?
There are still open ends to be excited about as we enter the season. This is a giant year for team builders in South Beach.
The Cats Are Back
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2023 season was a breakout season for the Camden County Wildcats.
The Cats went 8-4, including a trip to the second round of the playoffs. The 2023 season also saw wins over both Valdosta and Lowndes, something that has not been accomplished since 2015.
Thus, to say the expectations are high for 2024 is drastic understatement.
Legendary coach Jeff Herron returns for his third season as the head man in Camden and has rebuilt the identity of the program in two short years. The Wildcats are back to playing ‘tough, grind it out’ football.
Camden will return Mason Robinson at QB for his senior campaign. The Wildcats Wing-T rushing attack will be led by standout running back Jaden Daily.
On defense the 2024 Cats will be very fast and physical. The defense will be led by senior linebacker Cooper Thornhill.
Here is how the schedule pans out for Camden.
Week 1: Columbia Eagles: This is a game Camden has circled on the calendar as the Eagles came to Chris Gilman stadium and stunned the Wildcats in a massive upset.
Week 2: Brunswick High Pirates: Another game that is circled in the schedule after the Pirates won in a nail biter last season at Glynn County Stadium by making a goal line stand at the end to win. This contest will be held at the friendly confines of Chris Gilman Stadium.
Week 3: @ Glynn Academy Red Terrors: The Wildcats blistered the Red Terrors last season, but that was at Chris Gilman Stadium. This game will be at Glynn County Stadium against a hungry Red Terror squad that will be looking to prove its’ metal early.
Week 4: New Hampstead Phoenix: New Hampstead is coming off of a 6-5 campaign and a playoff appearance. The Phoenix are an underrated team and not your typical Savannah public school push over.
Week 5: Somerset Academy Panthers: The Wildcats made short work of the Panthers last season despite Somerset being a playoff team in their classification last season. The Panthers make a second straight trip to Kingsland.
Week 6: Atlantic Coast Stingrays: The Stingrays also make their second straight trip to Kingsland. Last season the Wildcats won 47-6 in a game that wasn’t even that close. The Stingrays did not win a single game last season.
Week 7: Bye
Week 8: Richmond Hill Wildcats: Region play begins for Camden against Richmond Hill. Last year Camden County went up to Richmond Hill and escaped with a 21-14 win. Richmond Hill returns the trip to Chris Gilman.
Week 9: Colquitt County Packers: The Colquitt County Packers are the best team in South Georgia. The Packers went up and down the field last season on Camden’s defense in Moultrie. The Packers head to Kingsland this season.
Week 10: @ Valdosta Wildcats: Valdosta will be looking for revenge against Camden. Camden grabbed the attention of the state last season beating ranked Valdosta 17-14 in Camden last season. Camden will take the trip to Title Town this season.
Week 11: @ Lowndes Vikings: The Lowndes Vikings got blown out in Kingsland last season and will be looking to earn some respect back after winning only one region game last year.
Jeff Herron and the coaching staff have things on the right track in Kingsland. Look for the Camden County Wildcats to go 9-1 on the season and make a deep playoff run. I expect Camden to at least be an Elite Eight team come playoff time.
In The Hunt
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It’s been a while since Parkview has been a serious contender to win a state championship. The Panthers have won four state championships. The last is from 2002, when they won three consecutive state titles. They are looking to change that in 2023.
They were 8 – 4 in 2022 so they do have a solid team. The Panthers are led by five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews. He’s rated as the No.4 player in Georgia for the Class of 2024.
Matthews earned all-region, all-county and all-state honors in 2022 after catching 48 passes for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also starred on defense with 23 tackles and two interceptions. He’s 6’1, 180 pounds and he’s a member of Parkview’s basketball team.
Matthews prides himself on his work ethic. “I want people to know you can always count on me,” Matthews said. “I want to be one of those guys. To be known for that rather than just being one of those five-star guys. I don’t really take breaks, even during the week. After practice, I’m always working and making extra effort. I’m about the effort and extra work.”
Senior corner back Jalyn Crawford is a four-star player and ranked No.21 in state.
“I’ve been working hard at off-man (coverage),” Crawford told 11 Alive. “In the (NFL) and in college, they do more off-man coverage. Some teams do press, but it’s more off-man systems. That’s why it’s something I’ve been really working on and trying to get better at.” While at Parkview, Carter earned a reputation as a press coverage corner that can lock anybody down. “I love to compete,” he said. “That’s what I love best about playing cornerback. When the ball is in the air, it’s mine.”
They have another playmaker, three-start defensive back/wide receiver Antonio White. He’s committed to Rutgers.
Senior offensive tackle Jordan Floyd is also a three-star recruit and he’s committed to Georgia Tech. Floyd is 6’5 and 295 pounds so he has great size.
Junior offensive tackle Cortez Smith is a four-star recruit and he’s the same size as Floyd.
They begin the season by playing at Kell in the first game of the Corky Kell Classic. The Longhorns went 10 – 2 last year so they are a good team. I give the edge to Parkview but this should be a close game.
Week two is at home against Shiloh. The Generals finished the regular season 5 – 5 and made it to the playoffs last season. Parkview beat them 20 – 8 in 2022.
After a bye week the Panthers play North Gwinnett. The Bulldogs also won ten games last season. Parkview beat them 48 – 21.
Week four is home against St. Pius X Catholic. St. Pius is a 6A school so Parkview has an advantage.
The following week is another home matchup against the defending state champions, Mill Creek. The Hawks won big in 2022, 40 – 17. A lot of players from that team graduated so I expect the Panthers to get revenge.
The first region game is against South Gwinnett. That’s followed by playing Archer and Newton. These should all be easy wins.
October 27th is against archrival Brookwood. I expect it to be close because it is a rivalry game.
The season finale is at home against Grayson. I expect the Rams to be ranked No.2 in the state. This is the first time that Parkview will play a team with more talent than them.
I expect Parkview to win nine regular season games and make a deep playoff run.
X Marks The Spot
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Garrett Grady begins year two as the captain of the Brunswick High Pirate football program. Year one was a solid success with a 10-1 record with a heartbreaking 29-28 loss to Houston County in the playoffs.
I sat down with Coach Grady to discuss this upcoming season. “I am excited for this fall. I like the fight in this football team. We have some talented players returning on both sides of the ball. I thought we had a great spring practice, and we have picked up on that this summer. We had a tough contact camp with Thomas County Central, Ware County, and Cedartown recently and our kids competed hard. The programs we competed against are elite and we found out plenty about our guys. We know they want to compete, and the effort was outstanding. Effort is something we can control. If we bring max effort, then we can overcome some inexperience we have in a couple of position groups.”
“Our program had a tragedy this summer where we lost a super young man and great human being MyKal Ellis. We are going to dedicate our 2023 season to the memory of this young man. He was such a pleasure to coach and be around. This adversity has brought our kids and all the Pirate nation closer together.”
Let us look at the position groups:
RB: Jamarious Towns and William Heck return for their junior seasons. They combined for right at 1,300 yards rushing and 11 TD’s last fall.
Grady added “We have two solid running backs in those two, and we expect and demand great things from them. The remarkable thing about them is they come to work daily and want to be great.”
QB: Jarrod Elkins returns for his senior season after passing for 1,500 yards and 19 TDs in 2022.
“JR has a cannon for an arm, and he can make any kind of throw we need him to make. He is more experienced this fall, and we feel he can get us where we need to go as a football team.”
WR: TJ Mitchell known in the Golden Isles as “Touchdown Terry” is a game changer.
“There is nothing he cannot do with the football in his hands” added his head coach.
“He can make people miss him in a phone booth. We have some talent in this group.”
OL: Jack Hunt will lead a talented but young inexperienced group. “We must grow up fast this fall in the OL.”
DL: “Donyea Broughton and River Creel have played a lot of football for us over the past three years, and they will lead solid group I feel very good about.”
LB: Devin Smith, the returning region defensive player of the year will anchor a solid Pirate defense.
Grady says “If you produced an all-time Brunswick High football team, he would be on it. He is our team leader on defense and in the locker room. He is a dude and QB’s do not pat the ball when he is coming off the edge.”
J’shawn Towns led the Pirates in tackles with 88 last fall, returns for his junior season.
“He is a thumper. When he hits folks, they go down in a hurry” added Grady.
DB: “Tavion Gadson and Tyler Sams give us a solid core in the secondary.”
Special Teams: “Nobody works harder at their craft than Mcclain Fineran and he has developed into a solid kicker for us.”
Grady added that “Our schedule is tough. We open at Camden and that will tell us all we need to know about our football team right out of the gate. We travel to Effingham to close the regular season and the last two years that game has been for the region championship. These seniors have a chance to go out as 4-time region champions. We shared the title when they were ninth graders and have won it outright the past two seasons. There is a lot to play for. And of course, nobody around here is happy with our playoff results lately. That has really eaten at us this offseason.”
The Hunt
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Buford Wolves are always contenders to win the state championship.
They have won from the smallest classification up to 6A. They have won 14 football state championships and only one of those was before the year 2000.
Last year was the first season in Georgia’s highest classification, 7A. They were the No. 1 team all season and went 10–0 in the regular season. They lost to Walton in the second round of the playoffs, 42–35.
This season they look to win again and they have the most talented team in the state. They have three players ranked in the top six in the Class of 2024.
The first player to mention is the top ranked recruit in the nation, quarterback Dylan Raiola. He’s from Arizona and committed to Georgia, so it looks like his family moved here to get acclimated to living in the state. He did attend three high schools previously so I’m not sure what that says about him.
Raiola is 6’3 and 220 pounds so he has prototypical size that should help him adjust to playing tougher competition.
Safety KJ Bolden is a five-star recruit and the No. 3 player in the state for the 2024 class. He has also committed to UGA. He’s a playmaker and stands 6’1 and 185 pounds.
They have another five-star recruit and the No. 6 player in the class of 2024, defensive lineman Eddrick Houston.
Houston is 6’3, 255 lbs. already, so he’s a man amongst boys on a high school field. He will be in the opponent’s backfield all season getting sacks and tackles for loss. He has committed to Ohio State.
Senior safety Tyshun White is a three-star recruit and the No. 56 player in the state. He’s currently committed to North Carolina.
Junior linebacker Jadon Perlotte is the No.4 player in Georgia for the class of 2025 and a four-star recruit. He is also a UGA commit.
Fellow junior corner back Devin Williams is also a four-star recruit.
Offensive tackle Brayden Jacobs is the No. 24 player in the class of 2025. He’s 6’7, 310 pounds so you can expect him to dominate 99% of the competition based on size and intimidation alone.
Junior linebacker Mantrez Walker has committed to Michigan.
They have a stacked team and that will come in handy based on their schedule.
They start the season at home August 18 against St. Frances Academy (MD). St. Frances Academy finished their 2022 season ranked No. 8 by MaxPreps and had a 9-1 overall record. I think this will be a close game that the Wolves will lose.
The following week they travel to Mallard Creek (NC). Last season, Buford thoroughly defeated Mallard Creek with a score of 56-7. Expect a similar outcome.
September 1 is at North Cobb for the third matchup in three seasons. Buford won last year to tie the series up and they will win again.
They have a bye week then return to Tom Riden Stadium to host Carver-Atlanta, a AAA team. Last season Buford won 44–16.
Marietta travels to Buford on September 22. Last season the Wolves won 14-0 at Marietta.
The Wolves begin region 8-AAAAAAA play on Sept. 29 at Collins Hill.
They have another bye week then Oct. 13 travel to play the defending state champs, Mill Creek. Mill Creek lost several players from last year’s team.
The final three games are against Dacula, Mountain View and Central Gwinnett. They should finish the regular season 9-1.
The teams with comparable talent are Grayson and Parkview, so I look forward to them meeting in the playoffs.
It’s The Whole Team
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
MLB named starters for the All-Star Game yesterday based on the results of fan voting. The National League starters are:
| Position | Name | Team |
| Catcher | Sean Murphy | Atlanta Braves |
| First base | Freddie Freeman | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Second base | Luis Arraez | Miami Marlins |
| Third base | Nolan Arenado | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Shortstop | Orlando Arcia | Atlanta Braves |
| Outfield | Ronald Acuña Jr. | Atlanta Braves |
| Outfield | Corbin Carroll | Arizona Diamondbacks |
| Outfield | Mookie Betts | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Designated hitter | J.D. Martinez | Los Angeles Dodgers |
Let us look at the Atlanta Braves in the starting line-up.
Ronald Acuna Jr.: Acuna is having a monster year. An MVP type season. He is hitting .331 BA, 19 HR, 51 RBI, and 36 stolen bases as of this article.
Acuna is on pace for a 40/60 home run, stolen base season. That has never been done in baseball history.
Acuna is the best player in the game currently. The Braves will have to break the bank and restructure his current contract soon and make him the highest paid player in the game.
Sean Murphy: Another impressive signing by the Braves for 2023.
Murphy is hot currently hitting .375 over the past week. He has 13 homers and is batting .289 for the season currently. Murphy has earned the start in the mid-season classic.
Orlando Arcia: Dansby who? Arcia is batting .303 currently with 6 HR’s. Many thought Arcia would be an offensive liability for the Braves in 2023, but how wrong were we?
Arcia missed games with an injured wrist. How smart was Braves management in signing Arcia to a contract extension before the season began?
Potential Braves All-Stars: (NL Reserves will be named on July 2nd)
Ozzie Albies: Certainly, Albies will be named to the team. 18 HR’s makes him one of the best power hitting second basemen in MLB. He is charismatic and loved by the fans.
Albies should be an absolute selection. Ozzie has played eighty games so far this season and has remained healthy.
Matt Olson: Olson has 26 HR and 62 RBI’s. That ranks him 2nd and 3rd in the National League in those categories.
Yes, he has struck out 102 times so far this season, but he is a very productive hitter. Olson will be named an All-Star.
Austin Riley: Austin is a marquee player but could be on the outside looking in this year. He has a .265 batting average and only 14 home runs so far in 2023.
I look for him to get hot down the stretch, but name recognition alone should get him selected.
Bryce Elder: 6-1 with 2.44 ERA should get Elder selected.
Elder was not being counted on to contribute to the rotation going into 2023, but with injuries to Max Fried and Kyle Wright he had to step into the rotation and should be rewarded with an All-Star selection because he has earned it.
Spencer Strider: 9-2 with a 3.73 ERA with 162 strikeouts after the halfway point. Those are All-Star caliber numbers. Strider will be on the National League squad.
At 53-27 currently, the Braves have the second-best record in baseball and have the best record in the National League.
I do not know if the Braves will have eight players named to the NL All-Star roster, but they absolutely deserve it.
Benefit Of The Doubt
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It was hardly the kind of news that moved the recruiting world: Late last week, Nnamdi Ogboko, a nose tackle from Garner, N.C., committed to Georgia.
Ogboko is a three-star prospect and the 94th-ranked nose tackle. His overall national rank is 934th.
Hmm. A three-star nose tackle from North Carolina committing to Georgia? Is there any precedent for that?
Ogboko’s commitment reinforced how much Kirby Smart and his staff have earned the benefit of the doubt.
The Georgia recruiting colossus was built, not just on five-star prospects (and there have been plenty), but on the likes of Jordan Davis (same background as Ogboko), Ladd McConkey (three-star prospect ranked in the 1,000s of his class) and Stetson Bennett (his story is well known).
These solid-but-not-star role playing recruits are an area of need, and so far defensive line coach Tray Scott is coming through. (There’s a reason he’s a position coach earning $1 million.)
In early June, Jordan Thomas and Justin Greene gave the program two four-star commits, and since then, Quintavius Johnson and Ogboko have been added. (Johnson could end up playing more on the edge than the traditional defensive line.)
The hallmark of the Smart era has been a blend of winning big recruiting battles, trusting the coaches’ evaluations and developing.
As the 2024 class takes shape — and things are far along — Georgia again seems to be combining the usual array of blue-chip players with lesser-heralded players like Ogboko.
There may be two national championship trophies in the building pulling in top talent, but the formula is staying consistent. Some thoughts on where things stand at this point:
There are 21 commitments — one reason the class is ranked No. 1 in the 247Sports Composite. (It measures quality as well as quantity.)
So far, the only power conference teams with more commitments were Stanford (24) and Michigan and Minnesota (23 each).
Among those hanging back is Alabama, with only eight commitments — one reason it’s only ranked 28th. But both those numbers will improve before December.
Ohio State, another program that regularly competes for the top ranking, has 16 commitments and is ranked second.
Dylan Raiola, the top overall recruit in the country, is now technically an in-state commit for Georgia, after deciding to play his senior year at Buford High, about 50 miles from Athens.
Meanwhile, Ryan Puglisi is giving all outward signs he’s holding on to his commitment. The four-star player from Avon, Conn., committed to Georgia in October, and Smart and Bobo seem eager to keep him in the fold despite Raiola’s addition.
Only two offensive linemen are committed to UGA: three-star players Marcus Harrison (Hamburg, N.Y.) and Malachi Toliver (Cartersville, Ga.). That means there’s room to add.
Returning to the size of the class, Georgia is in a good position. Why? Signing limits don’t exist anymore. Other schools can’t recruit against it and say, “Look, Georgia is already at the 25-man limit.”
Schools only need to be under the 85-scholarship limit, and Georgia can tell recruits — as can any school — that it expects attrition after the season, either via the portal or the NFL Draft. Things are changing in the NCAA.
There’s still time for subtractions and additions to Georgia’s list. Kirby has established himself as an ALPHA recruiter.
The Newcomers
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
We are going to review the 2023 NBA Draft and grade the draft class for the following franchises.
Charlotte: They selected Brandon Miller (Alabama) with the No. 2 pick.
Some scouts had Scoot Henderson as a better choice but Miller is a good player. He’s a 6’9 wing who can run pick-and-roll and shoot threes with volume. He led the Crimson Tide to one of the programs best season’s and made them a national championship contender.
Shooting guard Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas) was the 27th pick. Smith was a wonderful upside swing in the late first. He was projected as a top-5 pick a year ago before a rough freshman season at Arkansas that saw him battle through a knee injury. If he can stay healthy he should be a very good player. The first pick in the second round was power forward James Nnaji (Barcelona). He is a physical player that plays above the rim on both ends.
Shooting guard Amari Bailey (UCLA) was the final pick. He has a well-rounded skillset.
Grade: B+
Atlanta: Guard Kobe Bufkin was selected at No. 15. He can play either guard spot with impressive rim finishing and reliable spot-up three-point shooting, features that make him a nice fit as a third guard alongside Dejounte Murray and Trae Young.
Atlanta is in a weird position because they are an average team. That means they aren’t bad enough to get high draft picks so they are always stuck picking in the middle of the first round. Unfortunately, the difference makers are gone after the first five picks.
Washington State center Mouhamed Gueye was the 39th pick. He’s an athletic big man that could look like a steal if he learns how to shoot. Penn State forward Seth Lundy is a decent pick midway through the second round.
Grade: B
Memphis: The Grizzlies made their big move just before the draft when they landed Marcus Smart in a three-team trade with the Celtics.
They did not have a first-round pick so forward GG Jackson II (South Carolina) was selected with the 45th pick. He made the 2023 SEC All-Freshman Team. He played all 32 games and averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Jackson is a nice upside gamble in the middle of the second round as a super young shot-creating forward.
They also drafted forward Tarik Biberovic (Fenerbahce Beko) with the 56th pick.
Grade: B
Miami: They only had one pick and selected small forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA) at No. 18. Jaquez was a four-year college superstar at UCLA who slowly earned the NBA’s respect for his toughness, shot-making, and physical intensity. I think he will be a good fit for the Heat.
Grade: B
New Orleans: With the 14th pick they got guard Jordan Hawkins (U Conn).
The Pelicans needed shooting after finishing No. 29 in the league in three-point attempts last season, and they drafted one of the best shooters in the class in Hawkins.
He is an incredibly skilled movement shooter who should help bend defenses off the ball while Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram control the action. The fit makes sense but he is a smaller guard and may be a liability on defense.
Grade: C
Orlando: The picked point guard Anthony Black (Arkansas) No. 6 and small forward Jett Howard (Michigan) No. 11.
I wasn’t quite as high on Black as some others, but it’s easy to see the appeal as a big guard with defensive versatility. Howard is a very good shooter.
Grade: B
Running Wild
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
For the last three years I have had the pleasure of watching Jaden Dailey progress as a player for the Camden County Wildcats.
The Camden running back began getting carries for the Wildcats on the varsity level as only a freshman and has evolved into the main weapon at running back for Camden.
Dailey was born in Camden and then moved to Valdosta shortly after. Fortunately, for Camden fans, he moved back to Camden at the age of six. At age seven Dailey began playing football and immediately was a natural. By the time Dailey was eight years old his father, Michael Dailey, saw his son had a gift as a football player.
His father began working with his son on becoming a better running back and harnessing his talent.
Jaden Dailey was a freshman in Bob Sphires last season as Camden County Head Coach in 2020 and earned the trust of the coaching staff.
Dailey had a great mentor as he often shared the same backfield as Jamie Felix. “Jamie was a great motivator and was like an older brother to me. He would always tell me stay positive and keep my head up.” Jamie Felix is now playing on Saturdays at Georgia Tech.
In 2020 Felix went down for a portion of the season with a hamstring injury and Jaden Dailey was given the opportunity for some carries and he never looked back. By 2022, Dailey was a tough ‘between the tackles’ runner with great vision in Jeff Herron’s Wing-T offense.
Herron took over the program in 2021 and installed his signature Wing-T offense.
“My first impression of Jeff Herron was he was tough and serious. As I have gotten to know him I have seen some funny moments out of him too. He wants us to be physical as offense and pound the ball. He sets the tone.”
Jaden is the oldest of three brothers: Julian and Noah. Fourteen-year-old Julian also plays for Camden and plays running back. Noah is 11.
Jaden has some lofty goals for 2023 on the field. “I want to rush for 2,000 yards this coming season. I would also like to have 3,000 all-purpose yards.” If Dailey accomplishes those goals you will probably see the Wildcats in Atlanta in December.
He is a good student as well. He has a 4.0 cumulative grade point average and hopes to graduate with honors.
The plan after high school is to attend college and major in Business Marketing.
He will have a big decision as several schools have shown interest in offering Dailey a football scholarship. Some of those schools include Navy, Stetson, Tennessee Tech, Kennesaw State, UConn and Georgia State.
I expect a ton more offers to follow and for Jaden Dailey to have a monster 2023 season.
