Rabun Gap'
Coach Roger Cox'

Rick Lewis

While Rabun Gap has a Georgia address, it plays in the NCISAA 3A classification. Last year, Rabun Gap finished with a 14-13 record; going 6-2 in the Carolina Athletic Association. Even though Rabun Gap did not get into the NCISAA 3A tournament, the team finished strong by winning 10 of its last 15 games.

With three seniors returning, Coach Roger Cox has plenty to be excited about this coming season. Coach Cox stated, 'seniors Tomas Butkus, Jonathan McFall, and Abba Wague are all slated to play prominent roles for the Eagles. Butkus and Wague garnered All Conference honors last season. These three individuals make the Eagles a potentially exciting team offensively.' The hope for Rabun Gap is to build on the momentum from the last season surge to more success overall for the upcoming 2017-18 season. Rabun Gap will open the season with exhibition games at the Phenom High School Jamboree and will also play in the Phenom MLK Showcase.

6'2 '18 Tomas Butkus

We have been a fan of Tomas Butkus for quite some time. He attended the NC Top 80 this past March and once again showcased his skill set as a legit D1/D2 player. Tomas is a passer friendly point guard that has amazing court vision and the ability to make his teammates better. One thing is for certain, with Tomas you don't have to coach effort. Tomas is a high-energy point guard that gives maximum effort not only in every game, but every possession. Coach Cox stated, 'Tomas is a sturdy point guard who really excels as a passer. He plays with passion and can will his team to victory. Tomas does involve his teammates, but also has the ability to be a scorer from the guard position.

6'4 '18 Jonathan McFall

Jonathan McFall is an above the rim player. He has tremendous bounce and athletic ability, but also has an advanced skill set. Coach Cox stated, 'Jonathan is a long, athletic player. He is just not an athlete as he can also elevate and make shots.' Overall, Jonathan can score from all three levels. He can stretch the defense out with his perimeter shooting, but also has the power, strength and athleticism to make poster dunks in transition or off the bounce/dribble.

6'2 '18 Abba Wague

Shooters translate at all levels and it's just a matter of time before the appropriate level comes knocking on his door. Abba has the ability to make shots from long range and is an efficient and effective 3-point shooter. Coach Cox stated, 'Abba's shooting ability forces teams to list him at the top of a scouting report. If he catches fire, watch out!'' Abba can score off the catch and has the ability to create his own shot off the bounce/dribble.

The Newcomers

6'8 '19 Firat Ceylan

At session 2 of the NC Phenom 150 camp, it was evident that Firat is a hardnosed blue-collar workhorse in the paint. He's a physical player that plays with a chip and doesn't mind mixing it up. Coach Cox stated, 'Firat is a strong 6'8 post player. He hunts for contact when rebounding and is a player that won't back down from his opponent. Firat marries his grit with his craftiness to score in the low post.'

6'7 '21 Tymon Szymanski

Only freshman, Tymon is oozing with upside and potential. Like Firat Ceylan, Tymon made a strong impression at session 2 of the NC Phenom 150 camp. He's a tough and gritty power forward. Coach Cox stated, 'Tymon possesses good measurable with his 6'7 frame and great length. He has the ability to be a knock down shooter. In addition, he can be an effective 'garbage' scorer around the rim.'