Carby Martin: A Visionary Leader Who Gave Up His Position to Chase a Greater Purpose

Here are a few athlete narratives that have benefited from the assistance offered by Follow Through, LLC.

TFT Staff Writer

Carby Martin: A Leader Who Contributed Through Unselfishness and Strong Will

Atlanta, GA – Carby Martin, a 6’3” combo guard from Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia, capped off his high school career with an unforgettable championship run. A thousand-point career scorer, Martin transferred to Tri-Cities for his senior year, seeking the opportunity to play for a team with a championship pedigree under Coach Omari Forts. Tri-Cities had already won two state championships before Martin helped contribute to their third, cementing his role as a key leader on one of the state’s top teams.

Senior Year at Tri-Cities: Leading By Example

Martin’s senior season was defined by leadership, unselfish play, and a commitment to the team’s success. While Tri-Cities boasted several elite players, including Sean Van Dorn, Tre Keith, and Jalan Wingfield, Martin embraced a supporting role. Averaging 10.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, he focused on defense, playmaking, and making timely contributions. Known for his tenacity, Martin’s standout performances came in crucial moments, especially during the state playoffs, where his steady leadership and strong defense were key factors in the Bulldogs’ title run.

His impact went beyond the stat sheet. Martin was honored with 5A All-Region Team recognition and led the team academically, earning the Academic Scholar Athlete Award for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout the season. This combination of athleticism and academics set him apart as a leader on and off the court.

Achievements and Recognition

Martin’s accolades during his senior year didn’t stop with his state championship. He was invited to the 2025 Southeast Basketball Academy (SEBA) Senior Showcase, where he was named an Outstanding Performer, cementing his status as one of Georgia’s top senior prospects. He was also part of Tri-Cities’ “1,000 Point Club” and garnered attention for his gritty defense, playmaking ability, and selflessness on the court.

From Adidas 3SSB to College Commitment

Before his senior season, Martin had already built a strong resume playing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit for three years with Team AE5, a program sponsored by NBA’s newest star, Anthony Edwards. Martin’s time with Team AE5 exposed him to elite competition on the national stage, with his performance helping raise his profile among college scouts.

Although Martin initially received Division I offers from schools like Western Carolina and Queens University, the changing landscape of college basketball recruiting—exacerbated by the COVID-era eligibility extensions and the transfer portal—meant that some of those offers were eventually pulled. Despite this setback, Martin’s resolve never wavered. He remained focused, and after an outstanding senior season at Tri-Cities, Martin received a Division II offer from Mars Hill University, a testament to his talent and resilience. In a year when many top 2025 prospects are opting for Junior College, Prep School, or Post Graduate routes due to the highly competitive recruiting environment, securing a Division II offer is nothing short of phenomenal.