DALTON, Ga. — As Jax Abernathy knows all too well — and it's something that often causes him to chuckle a bit — looks can be deceiving.
For Abernathy, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound junior guard for Christian Heritage School, his slender frame and smooth stroke immediately invoke thoughts of a classic zone-busting 3-point specialist.
And with a 47% success rate from beyond the arc, Abernathy is every bit a long-range threat, but that's where the stereotype ends.
Instead of Kyle Korver, think more like Kawhi Leonard.
Abernathy, averaging 29.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and nearly four steals per game for the 18-0 Lions, has, according to coach Tyler Watkins, a complete offensive game. Lay off him and he'll rise up and drain a jumper. Press him and he can use either hand to get to — and finish — at the basket.
Added this year is an improved mid-range shot that, in today's game, is a bit of a lost art. It was on display recently when he poured in 53 points in a holiday tournament win over Chattanooga power Hamilton Heights.
"He's just gotten better every year, and it's kind of scary," Watkins said. "He came in really, really talented, and after his freshman year he was really good at getting to the basket and finishing with either hand. Even then he had an incredible ability to drive with such good body control.
"As years have gone on, he's added a mid-range game and he shoots it at an elite level. He's always shot the 3 at a 40% clip. He does things you really can't teach. Offensively he's just extremely gifted — the complete package."
That hasn't happened by accident or just due to raw athletic ability. Abernathy constantly works on his skills, like the decision in the offseason to focus on improving his mid-range game.
"I think the mid-range shot is tough to guard because most people either go for layups or 3s, and that's what defenses focus on," said Abernathy, who is shooting close to 60% from 2-point range. "So, if you can score in the paint, from 3 and mid-range, it makes you very tough to guard.
Abernathy has seen a bit of everything from opponents defensively, from box-and-one looks to straight double teams. That kind of focus used to frustrate him, but this year he sees it as a sign of respect and realizes any extra attention to him makes a talented group of teammates even more dangerous.
The Lions are ranked No. 2 in GHSA Class A Division II by both MaxPreps and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, with the No. 1 spot held by Greenforest. Those teams are scheduled to meet on Feb. 4 in Decatur to close the regular season.
"For me, winning is the best motivation, and if that means other guys get to take the big shots or lead us in points, it's great for me," Abernathy said. "As this year has gone on we've had guys stepping up and hitting big shots. If you want to focus on me, those guys will make you pay."
Another part of his game has changed this year, and it has nothing to do with the growing offensive arsenal. With his reputation and stats also comes notoriety. He is often the target of opposing fans' wrath and trash-talking from opponents who want to get under his skin.
It's a strategy, Abernathy admitted, that in the past would sometimes get him off his game. This year it seems to have the opposite effect, Watkins said, and his star has on a couple of occasions turned the trash talk around.
"He's always cool, calm and collected. Everybody tries to get in his head or take him out, but he has this same body language the entire game," Watkins said.
"The thing I've enjoyed about it this year is I've seen more competitiveness in him. His desire to win and competitive fire have always been there, but he's showing it more this year. I've seen it a couple of times this year where people try to get in his head or foul him really hard and he will give it right back to them.
"He often then puts his cape on and goes and wins the game."
When told of his coach's comments, Abernathy laughed as if his secret is out.
The cool, calm and collected kid has developed a bit of an edge.
"I know when people see me for the first time they think, 'Ain't' no way this guy is averaging 29 points,'" he said. "It definitely motivates me, makes me want to show them I can take on anything. When the defender or a student section talk trash, and I score on them and they have nothing else to say — that's a great feeling."
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com.