CARTERSVILLE, Ga.– The second Live Period of the summer is officially underway, where over 100+ coaches across all levels are on hand at the LakePoint Sports Complex in the greater Atlanta area. Here are eight (8) players who stood out on the opening day of the event:
6-5 SF Isaiah Chandler, North Cobb Christian HS (GA)- 2027
The 6-foot-5 rising senior wing impacted the game in many ways, whether it was his size on the interior or his willingness to spread the floor and shoot efficiently from the perimeter. His length continues to be a problem for opposing offenses on the defensive end, where he alters shots around the rim as well as disrupts offensive flow in the mid-range. Overall, his immediate impact on both ends of the floor played a huge role in the win over Fleming Island. He finished with just 10 points and seven rebounds in their second game which was a tough loss to Miami Palmetto.
6-3 CG Alex Nichols, Windermere Prep HS (FL)- 2027
Nichols has returned to Florida after playing his junior season at Oak Hill Academy. In the afternoon game over Seneca (South Carolina), the 6-foot-3 rising senior exploded for a game-high 33 points, where he was efficient on all three scoring levels. He added a high basketball IQ and great feel for the game, where he got his teammates involved early and often on possessions. Defensively, he applied heavy pressure on opposing ball-handlers, jumped the passing lanes, forced turnovers, and created transition-scoring opportunities. Nichols will be a name to watch in the upcoming senior class.
7-1 Center Martin Simko, Christopher Columbus HS (FL)- 2028
The 7-foot-1 rising junior center is just getting acclimated to his teammates as well as playing organized basketball here in the United States. He made his scoring presence felt inside, outside, and at the free-throw line on a few occasions. He finished with a game-high 20 points in the wire-to-wire win over KIPP Collegiate. On the defensive end, his length allowed him to be effective when contesting shots around the rim as well as snatching down timely rebounds at a high rate. Coaches, should really start to show interest in his overall game as he continues to blossom playing for the five-time defending state champions.
6-3 SG Donovan Swain, Coral Glades HS (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-3 rising senior guard has really come into his own this summer, where he is scoring on all three levels at an alarming rate. In their win over East Hall (Georgia), Swain was productive when playing around the rim as well as knocking down a pair of 3-pointers off the catch. He used his tight handle to get to his spots, whether it was as the primary ball-handler or playing off the catch. Defensively, he showed great communication and leadership, which continues to feed off his teammates and coaches. Expect, Swain to receive a handful of offers before the weekend is over.
6-4 SG Julian Fox, Edgewater HS (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-4 rising senior shooting guard possessed great size, athleticism, and a high IQ on both ends of the floor in a wire-to-wire win over Marietta High School (Georgia). Offensively, he felt very comfortable when it came to attacking the glass, knocking down tough shots in the mid-range, and playmaking for his teammates. He finished with a game-high 18 points, where he made smart shots both off the catch and dribble. Defensively, he added toughness and versatility, where he was often at times guarding multiple positions and was a solid rim protector for his size. Don’t be surprised if Fox has a big summer on the recruitment trail where he could pick up some mid-major offers.
6-5 SG Johnny Lackaff, Sarasota HS (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-5 rising senior shooting guard has been on a tear this summer, where he brought his fearless scoring ability both off the catch and dribble. In the blowout win over Gardendale (Alabama), Lackaff finished with a game-high 35 points and knocked down 9 three-pointers. He has a great IQ and court vision on the offensive end, knowing when to shoot versus pass in the open court. On the defensive end, he is a high-level athlete who can impact a game in multiple ways, whether it’s crashing the boards with his athleticism and length or jumping the passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and leading transition-scoring opportunities. He is a high-academic player who recently earned an offer from Holy Cross and is expected to get major offers as the weekend rolls on.
6-3 SG Ryan Gornto, Providence School HS (FL)- 2027
The 6-foot-3 rising senior shooting guard showcased his quick release, whether it was off the catch or dribble in the blowout win over Dothan (Alabama). He stayed under control, where he didn’t get rattled when it came to his shooting display, where he finished with 18 points on six made 3-pointers. His quick release allowed him to generate scoring opportunities, whether it was as the primary ball-handler or getting to his spots while playing off the ball. On the defensive end, he continues to get better when he applies pressure on opposing ball-handlers, disrupts passing lanes, and forces turnovers. His ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor will set the tone for his team’s success as he could be on the verge of having a huge weekend on the recruitment trail heading into the second half of the summer.
6-3 PG Brayden Wise, North Oconee HS (GA)- 2029
The 6-foot-3 rising sophomore point guard continues to show why he is one of the top-ranked rising sophomores in the country. Wise’s impact continues to play a huge role, where his smooth handle and craftiness allowed him to finish with a game-high 28 points in a win over Winter Haven (Florida). He continues to solidify himself as both a scorer and a playmaker on the offensive end. He continues to show great confidence in his perimeter game, where he knocked down six 3-pointers in the wire-to-wire win. The way he ran the offense tonight shows he has a mature game that goes well beyond his years. The rising sophomore is expected to have a huge recruitment as he still has three years of high school basketball remaining, where he picked up offers from Georgia and Georgia Tech earlier this month.
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Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout for On The Radar Hoops since 2024 and has been the Owner/Founder of Southeast Hoops Report since June 2026. You can follow along with his work on X (@SEHoopsReport), Instagram (sehoopsreport), and Facebook (@sehoopsreport).