After an action-packed weekend of high school basketball in Huntsville for the 2019 Huntsville City classic, some of the best talents in the state of Alabama were definitely on display. Here is a rundown on some top performers and names…
After an action-packed weekend of high school basketball in Huntsville for the 2019 Huntsville City classic, some of the best talents in the state of Alabama were definitely on display. Here is a rundown on some top performers and names to know from the premier holiday tournament in the state of Alabama.
Top Performers:
Joshua “Greedy” Williams, 6’3 CG, Sidney Lanier: Over the weekend he showed why he is now considered one of the top 5 guards from the state in the class of ’21. His ability to breakdown defenders off the dribble and score at the basket with either hand is impressive to watch. He has a smooth and effortless jump shot from anywhere on the court whether it is off the dribble or in catch and shoot situations. During the Classic he consistently was able to get to the painted area and score at the basket or find his teammates. As the primary ball-handler for the Poets, he showed the ability to handle pressure all while continuing to be a primary scorer. Look for his stock to continue to rise as more coaches around the country get wind of his game.
Giancarlo Valdez, 6’4 CG, Decatur Heritage: The smooth and graceful prospect showed the ability to score in a variety of ways during the tournament. He showed a burst in the open court that was hard for teams to keep up with. In the game vs. Austin he posted some very impressive numbers with 32 points on 13 for17 shooting including 2 for 2 from the 3-point line. He also added 6 rebounds 2 assists 2 blocks and 4 steals completely stuffing the stat sheet. He showed a willingness to compete on the defensive end of the floor and guard guys much more physical. The Stetson signee should have a chance to play early and often next season in college.
Jadan Coleman, 6’4 SG, Bob Jones: Though his Patriots team came up short in the championship game versus Mae Jemison He showed why he was such a highly sought after prospect. His ability to shoot the basketball from the outside with amazingly deep range. His ability to create space with limited dribbles is impressive. He reminds of you some of the best shooters with his quick release and limited motions. His willingness to attack the basket showed throughout the weekend as he finished well at the rim and thrived in the mid-range with pull-ups and floaters. His long frame makes it hard for defenders to get up and contest his shots. Tulane is getting one of the best shooters in the country.
Trinity Bell, 6’7 PF, Albertville: The big man was very impressive over the weekend showing that it is still a place in basketball for big guys who make their living on the block. His wide and muscular frame makes him almost impossible to move off the block. He needs to continue to develop his footwork in the post and perfect a go-to move in the post however with him being able to establish such deep post position he is able to finish right at the rim. His physicality, strength and supreme athletic ability make him a force on the defensive end of the floor. He changed, altered, and blocked his fair share of shots making offensive players think twice about making their way into the painted area. He did a great job in pick and roll situations and has good hands which allows him to make tough catches in traffic and finish.
Reginald Perry, 6’8 C, Fairfield: Even though he has signed to play big-time SEC football at the University of Tennessee the mountain of a man showed why was also a very interesting basketball prospect. He is a space-eater like none other. He eats up rebounds on both ends of the floor inside and outside of his rebounding area. He has long arms to go along with that big body that makes it tough to get around him or move him off his spots in the post. He has good hands and footwork that allow him to get out and finish in transition. He has very good moves on the block, but it mainly consists of him just bullying his way to the rim. He has a nice jump hook from the right block going over his left shoulder which is harder for defenders to contest due to his wide frame. Look for him to post some astronomical rebounding numbers throughout the rest of the season.
Names to know:
Calen Lightford, 5’9 PG, Sparkman: One of the best young players in the state as plenty of ability inside that small frame. He is fast and smart with the basketball in his hand and does a great job controlling the pace of the game. He has deep range on his shot and shoots it well off the catch or dribble. Has legit Division 1 level talent if he continues to improve.
Malik Stinson, 6’2 SG, Sidney Lanier: During the Classic he was one of those players who consistently stood out by just making the right plays on both ends of the court. He shoots it well from deep and has an awkward but effective way of finishing in traffic. Very good and smart perimeter defender who has begun to get legit Division II consideration who has the potential to go higher with continued improvement.
Justin Moore, 6’3 SG, Oxford: A sleeper who just woke up everyone in the state. This high flying act has some of the most impressive plays of the entire tournament. His ability to chase down blocks and dunk over the top of any defenders makes him a walking highlight film. Don’t get it twisted he is much more than an acrobat act as he has very good skill and shooting ability. Look for him to shoot up rankings boards as they are updated throughout the season.
Trevon Ragland, 6’3 SF, Sparkman: The hybrid has the chance to be a next-level defender if he digs his heels in and gives maximum effort on that end of the floor. He has a very good body for a perimeter player with the ability to rise up and shoot over defenders. He is very good in transition situations and is a good rebounder for his position. He had some very big moments and games during the Classic.
Roc Taylor, 6’4 F, Oxford: He hard-nosed gritty player who also has a lot of skill. He is a freight train going downhill who most defenders think twice about getting in front of. He showed the ability to shoot the ball from the outside and punish in the painted area. He is a dog on the defensive end making it hard for players to get tho their spots on the floor.