2022 Standout Players

In arguably the most stacked class in the state, it is several prospects that have played huge roles so far this season for their school teams. Get familiar with these names because over the next two years you will hear them ink their names to some high major programs. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/antonio-kite/">[player_tooltip player_id="725169" first="Antonio" last="Kite"]</a>, 6’2 PG, Anniston: This guy has been showing all season long why he is currently ranked #1 in this class. His ability to score the basketball from anywhere on the court is impressive to watch. He has an elite handle, an explosive first step, and in the gym range. He has hit a growth spurt over the past few months and looks to be around 6’3 with long extremities. He is an explosive athlete that will not hesitate to put you on his next mixtape if a defender dares challenges him at the rim. One of his most impressive traits on the court is his ability and willingness to guard on the defensive end. He plays passing lanes very well and has the length and lateral movement to be a shutdown on-ball defender. He is averaging a cool 27ppg so far this season and that will continue to rise as the season pushes along. He will definitely be on the shortlist for Mr. Basketball come next season as only a junior right along with the phenom <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jd-davison/">[player_tooltip player_id="763031" first="JD" last="Davison"]</a> out of Calhoun. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/barry-dunning/">[player_tooltip player_id="890737" first="Barry" last="Dunning"]</a>, 6’6 SF, McGill-Toolen: This impressive looking athlete is a swiss army knife on the floor. He can shoot the ball with range, play in the post with his back to the basket, or face you up and blow by you from the wing or mid-post. He is a nightmare in transition with the ability to finish over defenders with rim-rattling dunks. He has really good hands but his length is a problem for most defenders. He is a space-eater on the defensive end with the ability to challenge shots at the rim. He has some more growing to do which is scary to think about as he is already 6’6 with a frame that has space to add much more bulk. He is a highly skilled prospect that will be heard of a lot over the next several years. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyrese-elliott/">[player_tooltip player_id="890738" first="Tyrese" last="Elliott"]</a>, 6’1 CG, Sparkman: This kid would probably be #1 in the state if it weren’t for such an extraordinarily deep class. He is a CG that can play the point and run a team and get others involved, play the 2 and put up really big numbers, or play the role of the lead guard and do all of the above. He has impressive bounce and a body that is very mature for his age. He has already received several mid to high major offers at only a sophomore which will only increase as his game develops. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-shaver/">[player_tooltip player_id="890740" first="Will" last="Shaver"]</a>, 6’8 PF, Oak Mountain: The big man can play. He can shoot it, drive it, or just punish you on the inside. Most kids his age and height you expect for them to not have filled out yet, however that is not the case with Will. He is a big body post that is light on his feet with a plethora of post moves. He can step out and be an effective shooter when need be but makes his living in the post. He needs to continue to shred that body and get himself in tiptop shape so he can be as effective as possible. He is playing on a very good Oak Moutain team with others that ranked in other classes. We look forward to watching him progress over the travel ball season into the next school year. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/calen-lightford/">[player_tooltip player_id="725172" first="Calen" last="Lightford"]</a>, 5’10 PG, Sparkman: He has had several mentions on the site over the course of this season, however, it is well-deserved. The cat-quick point guard can do it all on the floor from shoot it with range, score in the mid-range with pull-ups and floaters, to getting all the way to the cup and finishing with an array of lay-ups. He is improving on the defensive end of the floor as he grows and his body continues to fill out. He does a great job of controlling the pace of the game with his ability to handle the basketball against pressure. As he continues to mature look for his stock to rise and his D1 interest increases. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacari-lane/">[player_tooltip player_id="725171" first="Jacari" last="Lane"]</a>, 5’11 PG, Lee-Huntsville: A smooth, crafty, and strong PG who has all the skill and ability to be in the mix as one of the best guards in the class. He won’t overwhelm you with athleticism or speed but his ability to beat his defender off the dribble ks a work of art. He has a lay-up and floater package that rivals some of the best some of the greats of today. His handle and vision are second to none in any class right now and he seems to never get sped up or rattled when facing pressure. One of his best attributes cant be measured in skill or intangibles but it’s his cool demeanor. He never seems to get to high or too low during the course of games it is always just the next play. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jonathan-murray/">[player_tooltip player_id="890742" first="Jonathan" last="Murray"]</a>, 6’6 WF, Huffman: A very good-looking prospect due to his sheer size and skill-set. At 6’6 he looks to project as a prototypical pick-and-pop 4 man on the next level if he continues to grow. He can stretch the floor with his shooting and has the ball skills to put it on the floor and beat defenders off the dribble and finish at the basket. He shoots the 3 well enough but with work could turn himself into a legit wing player with size that would definitely increase his stock. He also is playing on a stacked Huffman team that currently ranked 3rd in class 6A hoping to make a run at a Regional Final and a trip to Birmingham for the Final 4.