Week 1 Notebook - Jackets cruise, Owls fall

Buckle up. The hoops season is officially here. Georgia Hoops had a chance to slide out and catch a couple of local college games this weekend.

On Friday, Georgia Tech tipped off their season against Elon College of North Carolina. The Jackets beat the Southern Conference school easily, 83-49.

The freshmen were impressive, combining for 48 points in the victory. Javaris Crittenton led the way with 17 points, five assists and five rebounds. For those that watched last year’s Jackets, Crittenton has upped the pace of the game. He is quick from end to end and powers his way into the lane with ease.

Memphis native Thaddeus Young was equally impressive, scoring 15 points and grabbed six rebounds. It is easy to see why he is considered one of the top players in the ACC, regardless of class. He was one of the few Jackets that got on the floor for loose balls and made plays off of offensive rebounds. Enjoy him as long as you can. He won’t be in Atlanta for very long.

Zach Peacock and Mouhammad Faye combined for 16 points. Former Crisp County star Lewis Clinch scored 14 points in the win and was the perimeter spark while Anthony Morrow slowly works himself back into 100 percent after a back injury he suffered in the preseason.

Recruits on hand were plenty. Signees Gani Lawal of Norcross and Lance Storrs of Columbia were both there. 2008 target Chris Singleton of Cherokee was on hand. So was 2009 stud Derrick Favors of South Atlanta. Talk about getting it done on the recruiting front.

FYI, Storrs says he will be running the point at Columbia this season. Mark this date down on your calendar: Dec. 27 at Morehouse College. Favors, the No. 3 ranked player in the class of 2009, according to Rivals.com, will play DeMarcus Cousins, the No. 1 ranked player in the class of 2009, according to Rivals.com, at the Peach State Classic.

On Saturday, we made the quick trip over to Kennesaw State as the Owls played host to Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers knocked out the Owls quickly, winning 96-55.

Former Norcross star Daniel Emerson returned back the Atlanta area and played well in front of friends and family. The 6-foot-8 forward has transformed his body and knows how to use it even better in the paint, scoring 12 points and grabbed six rebounds. Former Macon area star Mike Walker is also on the WKU roster. He added four points and six rebounds in the victory.

The Hilltoppers have a great looking squad. Courtney Lee is one of the best players in the country that no one knows about. Freshman guard A.J. Slaughter looked good as well, scoring 18 points and was automatic from three all night long. Don’t sleep on Darrin Horn’s team in March.

The Owls have done a tremendous job of building a strong community within the high school ranks. Etowah, Walton, Norcross and Harrison had full rosters at the game while a number of other prospects were in attendance for the game.
If you know Tony Ingle, you can see why the community is starting to catch on to the excitement going on off Chastain Road. Next up at home for the Owls is George Washington on Nov. 21.