Players To Watch By Class: 7A

<p>As we approach the Christmas Holiday break and teams gear up for holiday tournaments and area play we take a look at some of the top players in the 7A classification.</p> <p>With the recent re-classification of schools, the 7A classification looks a little different with the last several champions in Mountain Brook and Lee-Montgomery going down to 6A.</p> <p>However, with those powerhouses leaving the division there was no drop off in talent as those schools remaining are stacked, to say the least. </p> <p><strong>JD Palm</strong>, 6’9 SF, 2025, Dothan: Ok, I know 2025! But at 6'9 with wing skills and the ability to shoot the ball with range, this kid deserves an early mention. He is currently giving productive minutes on the varsity level with several games of impressive numbers. He is very aggressive at attacking the rim and has that early motor to dunk everything he can. He is developing on the defensive end of the floor but has shown great timing at challenging shots on the inside. As he gets stronger and his game continues to develop he could be a very high-level prospect. Remember where you heard it from first!</p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/grant-hopkins-2/"> [player_tooltip player_id="963083" first="Grant" last="Hopkins"], 6'1 CG, Thompson: A solid lead guard who has a good body and ball skills. His speed is top-notch with the ability to turn defense to offense in the blink of an eye. He is extremely vocal on the defensive end which all coaches love out of their leader. With his recent play and leadership, he has begun to garner next level interest with several offers already. Look for a very successful senior year as he tries to lead the Warriors out of an extremely tough area.</a></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/jayden-buckley/"> [player_tooltip player_id="802665" first="Jayden" last="Buckley"], 6'0 PG, Auburn: A very solid point guard with the ability to run a team all while creating scoring opportunities for himself. The junior kept the Tigers afloat until they were able to get their full roster after a state championship runner-up in football. He is shooting the ball much better this season and has really improved his decision making. Look for him to be a key contributor going forward as he hopes to lead the basketball team to similar success as the football team.</a></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/colin-turner/"> [player_tooltip player_id="965768" first="Colin" last="Turner"], 6'9 PF, Spain Park: The big man has had a monster start to his junior season. With several big-time double doubles to help lead a loaded Sapin Park squad who has only dropped one contest on the season. He is strong around the basket at establishing post position and has improved his footwork which allows him to be a more effective low post scorer. His motor is always going and doesn't mind doing all the dirty work. Look for him to be a huge part of what the Jags hope to be a run to Birmingham.</a></p> <p><a class="d-flex align-items-center" href="https://prephoops.com/player/trevon-ragland/"> [player_tooltip player_id="886969" first="Trevon" last="Ragland"], 6'4 SF, Sparkman: With more opportunity this season due to transfers out he has taken full advantage of the situation. With several 30 point games to go along with double-digit rebounds, he has shown why his recruitment has begun to really heat up. His shot selection has really improved which allows him to be a more effective and efficient scorer. He possesses next-level athleticism and with continued work could be a great 3 and D or lockdown perimeter defender. Look for several more big games from this prospect as we continue to maneuver through this unprecedented season.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>