War Games 28.5: Top Guards
Insider Exposure and FBC teamed up to host War Games 28.5 across the Metro Atlanta area. Here’s a look at who stood out at the star-studded event.
2021 5-9 Raven Johnson Raven Johnson 5'10" | PG Westlake | 2021 State #20 Nation GA – FBC United – Westlake – South Carolina
The gold standard when it comes to point guards in Georgia, Raven Johnson Raven Johnson 5'10" | PG Westlake | 2021 State #20 Nation GA did what she always does – win. She was as steady as ever in her 41-40 win over GA Pearls Jr. National, posting 14 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Ranked number one in our 2021 rankings, Johnson shined in her matchup against our number two and future teammate at South Carolina Sania Feagin Sania Feagin 6'4" | PF Forest Park | 2021 State #8 Nation GA . Johnson led all players in rebounds, an incredible feat considering there were multiple 6-4’s on the court as well as a 6-7 center. On offense, Johnson hit four three-pointers to ignite her scoring, continuing her upward trend from distance. The future All-American never seems to disappoint and always rises to the occasion on the biggest stage.
2022 6-0 Sydney Bowles Sydney Bowles 6'1" | CG Woodward Academy | 2022 State #17 Nation GA – GA Pearls Jr. National – Woodward Academy
Even in a low scoring game, Bowles, one of Georgia’s most prolific scorers, still found a way to pile in the points. She scored 10 points to go along with her 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Bowles had some good moments attacking the defense and getting to the foul line. Defensively she moved her feet well and held her own against FBC United’s quicker guards.
2024 5-9 Bryanna Preston – FBC Legacy UAA – Lovejoy
It will be interesting to see where Bryanna Preston slots in at when we debut our 2024 player rankings. My guess she will be near the top. Preston looked incredibly smooth in a blowout win. She had a great handle and could manipulate the defense however she wanted. Preston was efficient in pick and roll settings and delivered dimes to diving posts. I could see her stepping in from Day 1 and being one of Lovejoy’s best players.
2022 5-10 Paris Miller Paris Miller 5'10" | PG Johns Creek | 2022 State #30 Nation GA – FBC United The Family 16U – Johns Creek
Loaded with potential, Paris Miller Paris Miller 5'10" | PG Johns Creek | 2022 State #30 Nation GA ’s performance on Saturday vs. Bouncenation was a memorable one. She locked in defensively and let her active hands spark her offense. Miller tallied 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 7 steals. As a big guard with length and athleticism, Miller has the upside to guard multiple positions. On offense she played both guard spots and looked comfortable interchanging between. She nailed two threes and did a nice job getting to the hoop. For the first time in her high school career, Miller will be the top scoring option now with her move to Johns Creek. It will be interesting to see how she develops over her final two seasons with the change in scenery.
2024 5-6 Averie Jones – Peak Webb – Lumpkin County
For a rising freshman, Averie Jones didn’t play like one. Jones was great on both sides of the ball and nearly willed Peak Webb to wild come from behind win before falling 59-57 in 2OT. Jones turned defense into offense with her on-ball pressure. She turned over her opponents and was able to go the length of the floor to finish. Jones’ primary offense came from getting into the paint. She finished at the rim but also would pull up short and hit some tough little jumpers from 7-feet out. Jones went 7-10 from the line and finished with 15 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 6 steals and 1 block vs. FBC Bouncenation Jay 2022.
2022 5-7 Kelli Finkley Kelli Finkley 5'7" | CG Stephenson | 2022 State GA – FBC Bouncenation 2022 – Stephenson
Finkely profiles as a tough scrappy guard. She scored in bunches throughout the game and totaled 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. She made some timely plays down the stretch in the second half and did a nice job of getting into the lane.
2023 5-7 Maren Cline Maren Cline 5'7" | SG Roswell | 2023 State GA – Essence Extreme 2023 – Roswell
In a 78-24 rout, Maren Cline Maren Cline 5'7" | SG Roswell | 2023 State GA found herself at the right place at the right time often. She provided energy on both ends of the floor. On offense she scored up close on dump off opportunities. Defensively, she took advantage of an undermanned team and applied pressure and swooped into passing lanes. Cline’s well-rounded floor game spoke for itself, posting 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 steals.
2023 5-9 Kirklyn Porter Kirklyn Porter 5'9" | SG Dawson County | 2023 State GA – Peak Webb – Dawson County
When left open, Kirklyn Porter Kirklyn Porter 5'9" | SG Dawson County | 2023 State GA burnt the defense. She buried three three-pointers and finished with 11 points vs. FBC Bouncenation Jay. Porter is a bigger guard that can play on and off the ball. She’s at her best when she can rotate around the perimeter and get her feet set for open looks. She adds some toughness defensively on the perimeter and can use her length to hinder smaller guards.