Players To Watch By Class: 5A

<p>As we get the wheels rolling on this already wacky 2020-21 basketball season let me hip you to some of the best talents in the 5A classification throughout the state.</p> <p>This class has some interesting prospects within all classes and below we take a look at some and how they will hopefully help lead their teams to a championship.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>2019-20 State Champion: Fairfield</strong></span></p> <p><em><strong>Area 1</strong></em></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/jailyn-murray/">[player_tooltip player_id="886971" first="Jailyn" last="Murray"], 6’7 SF 2021, LeFlore: The lefty has looked very good so far this season putting up double-doubles on a consistent basis. His length and athleticism are his biggest attributes and has shown an improved shooting ability. His handle and decision making in the open floor has improved and he continues to show his worth nightly. His shot-blocking ability at the wing position is next level and he does a great job of contesting shots on the ball or from the help position. Looking for continued growth as this season continues along.</a></p> <p><em><strong>Area 3</strong></em></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/patrick-burke/">[player_tooltip player_id="725147" first="Patrick" last="Burke"], 6’1 PG 2022, Headland: "Big Bucket Pat" has been doing just that in this early portion of the season. He came out of the gate running with a 28 point performance in his first contest in his junior campaign. His ability to get his own shot whether from deep or at the basket is fun to watch. He has a lot of sauce in his game but its efficient as he is able to get to his spots almost at will. Needs to get stronger to endure that wear and tear of that lead scoring guard position, but expect big numbers from this "Big Bucket Getter" </a></p> <p><em><strong>Area 6</strong></em></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/nathan-johns/"> [player_tooltip player_id="887005" first="Nathan" last="Johns"], 6’6 SF 2021, Jemison: That guy every coach wants 10 of on every team. He works hard every second he is on the floor. He is relentless on the boards on both ends of the floor posting several high double-digit rebound games so far this year. He is a pick and pop 4 right now but if he continues to improve his lateral movement on the defensive end he will make a seamless transition out to the wing permanently. Has a nice stroke from 3 but is best because he stays within himself which is what makes him so effective.</a></p> <p><em><strong>Area 7</strong></em></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/martavious-russell/"> [player_tooltip player_id="725183" first="Martavious" last="Russell"], 6’4 CG 2022, Sipsey Valley: This kid is so explosive off the floor. You can see his improvement, just about game by game as he continues to turn himself into a full-time guard. His length and explosiveness naturally for coaches want to put him on the wing and let him attack downhill. However, he is a very good decision maker and an underrated passer. Those who speak of him rave about his IQ and ability to raise the level of those around him. His next progression is to become more vocal when out on the floor.</a></p> <p><em><strong>Area 16</strong></em></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/kaleb-brown/"> [player_tooltip player_id="886962" first="Kaleb" last="Brown"], 6’5 CG 2021, Lee-Huntsville: The Missouri signee is undoubtedly one of the best passers in the state regardless of position. He uses his big body very well to ward off defenders. His height allows him the ability to see over defenses and make the correct play more often than not. Needs to improve his shooting mechanics and become a more consistent outside shooter. His handle is next level for someone with his body type, but that is an advantage because he is much quicker than perceived. His game is very mature which will serve him well once he joins his older brother on campus next year.</a></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/martavious-russell/"> </a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>