Here are the 20 players you need to keep an eye on at the Peach Jam

As the Peach Jam returns to the Augusta area Sunday for the 26th year, it has cemented itself as a fan-favorite event, particularly for basketball lovers, that brings out the stars, both on a high school and professional level.

But last year’s championship triumph by The Skill Factory — a team with a head coach and several key players from the CSRA — has given the Jam a little extra juice. Add to that the fact that fans are chomping at the bit to return as spectators after two years away, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, and there will no doubt be a surge of popularity for the event. Plus, the event gives Augusta-area hoop heads a rare chance to see some of the nation’s future college and pro stars up close.

So with an assortment of basketball star power all over the place for the next week, who should you watch? Who are the top players/recruits to look for? Here’s a list of 20 players to keep an eye on once things tip off Sunday at the Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta.

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TSF Players to Watch:

Derrion Reid, Grovetown, c/o 2024: The rising junior joins TSF having already had a huge summer that's sparked his recruitment in a major way. Becoming known for his passing ability just as much as his ability to score, the versatile 6-foot-7 Reid has been wowing analysts with the diversity in his game. His latest Power 5 offer from Tennessee proves that his stock continues to be on the rise.

Elijah Crawford, Legacy Early College, c/o 2024: Crawford was the star of the show for the 2021 TSF squad until an ankle injury slowed him down. But the former Augusta Christian state champion has picked up right where he left off this summer. Crawford's 20 ppg average during the Battle of Georgia two weeks ago gives him momentum coming into Sunday.

Jahkiaus Jones, Thomson, c/o 2024: The 6-foot junior point guard is feeling good about himself, thanks to his return to the football field after taking a season off for a near-fatal heart condition. But if some of his performances during the Richmond County summer league are any indication, he's set to be an impact player for TSF. His motor and energy are next to none.

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Lavonta Ivery, Thomson, c/o 2024: People are starting to wake up to the smoothness of Ivery's game. Ivery used last year's Peach Jam as an opportunity to burst on the scene as he played a pivotal role in TSF's title run after Crawford went down. As a sophomore, Ivery and Jones almost led Thomson to a berth in the Georgia High School Association Class AAA state championship game.

Isaiah Evans, North Carolina, c/o 2024: This is a new addition for TSF, but one coach Julius Patterson says has been a major difference maker. The 6-foot-7 wing player from North Mecklenburg (North Carolina) is a 4-star prospect with offers from the likes of Arkansas, Illinois, Memphis, NC State, Texas A&M and Tennessee. The combination of Evans and Reid should be fun to watch.

Georgia Players to Watch:

Coen Carr, Georgia Stars, c/o 2023: The 6-foot-7 power forward is a force down low, but is also an electrifying athlete who likes to play above the rim. He'll be fun to keep an eye on. He just picked up offers from Pitt, UCON and NCState this week.

Jerry Deng, Georgia Stars, c/o 2023: Staying in the realm of big men, this 6-foot-8 post player from Norcross High School has made a huge leap over the last year, developing into a force in the paint.

Eddie Cooke, III, Georgia Stars, c/o 2025: Keep your eyes on this developing star from Berkmar High School. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound combo guard is versatile, athletic and can fill it up from beyond the arc. He's primed for a breakout sophomore season on the high school level.

National Players to Watch:

Bronny James, SFG, c/o 2023: It goes without saying that the son of future NBA Legend LeBron James is always going to be one of the big-ticket draws wherever he goes. Now standing at 6-foot-4, his prowess as a point guard seems to become more evident each time out.

Edgerrin James, Jr. Team: Florida Rebels, c/o 2023:  Does that name sound familiar? If you're an NFL head and, more specifically, a Miami Hurricanes or Indianapolis Colts fan, you'll recognize it as the name of the former Pro Bowl running back. But Edgerrin "Jizzie" James, Jr. has found his footing on the basketball court. The Kansas City Session 4 Overall MVP plays point guard a lot like his father played running back. Fast, violent with a hard-charging motor and a bit of flash.

TJ Power Team: BABC, c/o 2023: Power, at 6-feet-7 inches, is a smooth scorer who is starting to command the attention of the college basketball blue bloods. His offer list reads like a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 bracket with schools like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Indiana, Georgetown, Stanford and UCLA among the interested.

Elijah Gertrude, Team: City Rocks (NY), c/o 2023: Gertrude was a defensive MVP in Kansas City's Session 4, and, at 6-foot-3, is a strong, tough guard with a bit of that East Coast edge that shows off his New York/New Jersey rearing.

Carlton Carrington, Team: Team Melo, c/o 2023: Perhaps one of the most underrated players you'll see this coming week. At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Carrington's size as a combo guard makes him a backcourt matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He recently committed to Pitt.

Robert Dillingham, Team: Team CP3, c/o 2023: There's no college recruiting drama to witness with Dillingham, as the consensus 5-star prospect pledged to Kentucky back in June. But he's one of the most complete players you'll see on the court this week, so he's definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Karter Knox, Team: Florida Rebels, c/o 2024: Speaking of Kentucky commits, while this 5-star wing player hasn't committed yet, many believe UK is at the head of the pack for Knox's services. On the heels of an impressive showing with Team USA's U17 squad, Knox collected offers from Florida State and UCF.

Aden Holloway, Team: CP3, c/o 2023: Auburn offered the Napa, California product back in January, and many believe he could be a lock to become a Tiger. But while the recruiting drama plays out, you'll enjoy watching his game. He's a true floor general with a shooting guard's skill set.

Jaydon Young, Team: CP3, c/o 2023: Another Team CP3 standout, this Greensboro, North Carolina product has seen his recruiting stock skyrocket over the summer. He's got offers from Virginia Tech, Texas A&M and a host of Group of Five schools. But he could play himself into a few more Power 5 overtures with a solid performance this week.

Matas Buzelis, Team: Expressions Elite, c/o 2024: In the 6-foot-9 Buzelis, you'll see a player who's already got his sights set on playing pro ball. Last month, Buzelis announced he'd forego playing college ball to sign with G-League Unite for the 2023-24 season. He's a 5-star prospect through and through, and if you see him this week you'll quickly understand why.

Terry McMorris, Team: Team Griffin, c/o 2023: Get your cameras out when you find this 6-foot-6 wing player on the floor. McMorris is superbly athletic and loves to finish strong at the rim.

Layden Blocker, Team: Brad Beal Elite c/o 2023: The Arkansas commit is an electrifying playmaker who exudes maximum confidence when he has the ball in his hand. He's listed at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, but he plays much bigger than that. He's another player sure to provide a few social media-worthy highlights.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Bronny James, other 5-star prospects headline 2022 Peach Jam