AHSAA Recap: January 13-18: Top Players

<h5><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lots of hoops went down in the state of Alabama this week. Whether it was 40 point performances, overtime games, or an in-game slam dunk competition, there was a little bit of everything. Below are the top 7 players from the week.</span></h5> <ol> <li> <h5><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Isaiah Sims, Shades Valley:</strong> Isaiah had a slow start in his Tuesday night game, but he proved to have the clutch gene down the stretch. He was a tall, lanky, left-handed threat and resembled DeAngelo Russell on the Golden State Warriors. He could play inside and outside. He had four threes during the game and could attack the rim. He had active hands on defense, rotating between high and low causing vision problems for the offense. Late in the game, when the intensity was needed, he was the court general for the Mounties, getting his teammates in the right spots. It's often said that "big time players make big time plays". As time expired in the fourth quarter, he let a fall away three from the top of the key fly...nothing but nylon and forcing overtime. With the game tied at 44 in the second overtime, he got the switch off a screen he wanted and attacked strong with his left and putting away the Homewood Patriots for good. He finished with 21 points.</span></h5> </li> <li> <h5><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Tommy Murr, Lindsay Lane: </strong>If you've been around high school basketball the last four years, you have surely heard the name of Tommy Murr. The Lipscomb commit and all time AHSAA leader in points scored really showed out Monday night but was far from perfect. He scored a game high 43 points. Out of the gate, he was on fire from deep. It seemed like anywhere on the court was in his range. He drew lots of attention which allowed him to make several flashy passes. It seemed like he tried a little too hard on making the flashy pass when he should have settled for an easier pass. At times, he appeared to check out on defense. Maybe he took a gamble on a steal, but watched the rest of the play unfold. He's an incredible offensive player with a bag full of a talent, but it's imperative he plays patience and locks in on defense. Those weaknesses are not exposed in Class 1A, but will be brought to light playing Division 1 at Lipscomb.</span></h5> </li> <li> <h5><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>PJ Davis, Homewood:</strong> PJ had a rough night relatively against Shades Valley on Tuesday. He was great at attacking and drawing fouls, but only went 2-9 from the freethrow line the entire game. What made him great last night was his ability to not give up. Most players would have mentally checked out. PJ continued to attack. He stepped his intensity up and helped his team claw back into the game. His task was to slow down Isaiah Sims from Shades Valley. PJ was in his grill and totally locked in on defense. His motor seemed unmatched. He continue to attack all night and was able to create open shots on the perimeter. If he can develop his jumper, he will be extremely tough to defend even on a bad night.</span></h5> </li> <li> <h5><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Connor Smith, Lauderdale County: </strong>Connor was a natural scorer for the Tigers on Friday night against Lexington. He came out en fuego with a big three pointer. He would finish making three three pointers. He has a smooooooth pull up jump shot typically from fifteen foot out. He was able to do this going to his right and going to his left. He was excellent in passing particularly bounce passes. He threw a dime from half court off the bounce to his running big for an easy basket. His only problem was that it seemed like he did not have a variety of moves. It seemed like it was only a three pointer or a midrange, but never really saw an attack to the basket. Another move will be able to free up his smooth looking jumper. </span></h5> </li> <li> <h5><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cameron Boozer, Lanett:  </strong>At 6'9", Cameron was a force in the post. He and his twin brother Zameron looked like the ghosts of Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon for the Houston Rockets terrorizing Central Phenix on Saturday afternoon. Cameron was excellent at looking to post and getting the position he wanted. He could flash to the high post and knock down the 15-footer. He passed well from there to his brother on the low block. His presence inside forced the offense to adjust their shots or kick out. Cameron always crashed the boards and was even rewarded a third quarter slam for following the miss. </span></h5> </li> <li> <h5><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Zameron Boozer: Lanett: </strong>Zameron, like his brother, was a monster on the inside. He had a huge rejection at the rim and helped alter shots all game. He could get any spot he wanted in the post and finish on either side of the rim. He was all over the boards and the only way to out-rebound him was to box him out rather than out-jump him. He had a Kevin Love-like moment securing the rebound and throwing a deep outlet pass to his streaking teammate for a layup. He was a force to be reckoned with all game finishing with 22 points.</span></h5> </li> <li> <h5><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Charlie Morrison, Lindsay Lane: </strong>In Monday's game against Athens Bible, Charlie was the second head to the two-headed monster that is Lindsay Lane Christian Academy alongside Tommy Murr. He had quick hands on defense and able to poke the ball out when guarding straight up. He shot the ball very confidently. He had a couple first have threes, but exploded for three triples in the third. With all the attention on Tommy Murr, Charlie could sit back and knock down big shot after big shot. He finished with 26 points. </span></h5> </li> </ol>