Forward tandem of Rayshaun Hammonds and Lance Thomas fueling high hopes for Blue Devils.
Video: Breaking down the High School Top 25Norcross looks to build on 26-4 2015-16 campaign.19. Norcross (Ga.)Head coach: Jesse McMillan (199-49 record at Norcross, ninth year)
2015-16 record: 26-4
KEY PLAYERSJordan Goldwire (6-1, Sr., G) … Arizona State has offered
Rayshaun Hammonds (6-8, Sr., F) … Top 50 prospect in the Class of 2017
Robert Sims (6-6, Sr., F) … 298 yards receiving and seven TDs for undefeated Blue Devil football team
Kyle Sturdivant (6-2, So., G) … Top 150 prospect in the Class of 2019
Lance Thomas (6-9, Sr., F) … Committed to Louisville
Joseph Toppin (6-6, Jr., F) … Top 100 prospect in the Class of 2018
STORYLINES* Including a fifth team from Georgia goes against every ounce of conventional wisdom when it comes to preseason rankings. But it speaks to the strength of Peach State high school hoops at the moment. Norcross will be better and more experienced than last year's 26-4 team on paper and the Blue Devils might be due for a state title. The school won five championships between 2006-13 but has come up agonizingly short the last three seasons.
* Thomas committed to Louisville in early October after seeing his stock soar over the summer. He and fellow forward Hammonds combined to receive over 55 scholarship offers.
KEY DATESNov. 25 – vs.
Greenforest (Decatur, Ga.) @ Holiday Hoopsgiving
Dec. 10 – vs.
Cordova (Tenn.) @ Memphis vs. Atlanta Showcase
Dec. 16-21 – City of Palms Classic
Dec. 27-30 – Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic
Jan. 21 –
Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.) @ Peachtree Corners Invitational
