The TOC Holiday Classic at Wheeler delivered one of the most anticipated early season matchups of the Georgia High School basketball season: Wheeler vs. Grayson. This showdown lived up to the hype and was, as they say, “everything and a bag of popcorn.” Opinions ran rampant leading up to the game, but last night, the results spoke for themselves.
The game began with the high energy expected of two powerhouse teams. Kevin Savage (Wheeler) and Chris McLavish (Grayson) exchanged early blows, scoring their teams’ first five points apiece. The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with Grayson holding a slight edge throughout. However, the game’s momentum shifted during an unexpected stoppage in the second quarter due to a shot clock malfunction. When play resumed, Grayson emerged with renewed energy, sparking a dominant run that gave them a commanding lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, with Jacob Wilkins (23pts) , KJ Harris (20pts) and Caleb Holt (15pts) pushing the charge, Grayson took full control, extending their lead to as much as 20 points in the third quarter. Wheeler, despite being well-coached and disciplined, struggled offensively and never seemed fully in rhythm. While their defensive effort kept them within striking distance, Wheeler’s inability to score consistently was surprising. Late in the fourth quarter, they clawed their way back, cutting the lead to single digits, but a dramatic comeback fell just short.
The Grayson trio of Wilkins, Harris and 2026 Holt combined for 58 points 21 rebounds, eight blocks and 10 assist. The experience, athleticism, and coaching at Grayson makes them the odd’s on favorite to win the state this year. Wheeler with Kevin Savage, Colben Landrew, Tyler Jordan, Kota Suttle and others, has the roster to compete for that crown and this early contest will allow them to re-calculate and make the adjustments that matter for March.
2025 WF Chandler Bing (Pace Academy) has had an eye opening last couple of weeks, including his de-commit fro Texas State, which creates expectations of onlookers wanting to see the replication of those performances. He didn’t disappoint on Saturday. He showed all facets of his game including extended range on his jumper, his ability to finish through contact and his athleticism in transition and working the glass. Look for some SEC and ACC schools, still looking for high school players, to jump in his recruitment.
2025 F Caleb Wilson (Holy Innocents) just overwhelms his opponents with size, power and athleticism. He’s a bear headed downhill with the ability to sidestep the defenders for tough finishes. What I love about him is his unselfishness but also knowing when it’s Wilson time. The unsigned senior will make some college coach and fan base very excited when he steps on campus. Enjoy it, he shouldn’t be there for long.
2026 G Greg Pop Dunson (Alexander) who missed a large part of the AAU season and early fall with injury showed why he is a D1 prospect. He is effective navigating ball screens with vision and finishing tools and has deep range when defenders go under screens. I look to see more as he rounds back into basketball condition.
2027 G Chase Lumpkin (McEachern) just keeps getting better and better. He plays with such poise and confidence, never allowing himself to be sped up. He has range on just shot, handles it well under pressure and makes good decisions. For a young guard he does an excellent job kicking up the floor and not dribbling for the sake of dribbling. Defensively he uses his length and foot speed to effectively stay in front. He has high major talent, keep your eyes on him.
2025 G Eric Chatfield (Pace Academy) the Georgia Tech signee is an absolute leader of this team. Plays with good pace and knows how to get his teammates involved in the right spot. Offensively he uses ball screens well and can stroke it with range. He is what the doctor ordered for Coach White as they develop their young core while winning games in the process.
2028’s 6’9″ F Bentley Lusakueno and 5’11” PG Brielen Craft (Pace Academy) are the future core for the Knights but look for them to play bigger roles as the season progresses. Lusakueno has the tools to be one of the top bigs in the country and shows those flashes throughout the game. Craft is one best shooters around with deep range and good feel on the ball. He’s learning from Chatfield and that will pay dividends in the future.