SCBCA #SCLive2021: Dual Sport Athletes

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Prep Hoops is going to take a look at some players who also moonlight on Friday nights in the fall on the gridiron right here. The Palmetto State has a strong and rich tradition for football that’s for sure. Lets take a look at some of these players (I’m sure I will miss some along the way here) in this article.

Kyle Neibch Kyle Neibch 6'2" | SG Fort Mill | 2022 State SC – Fort Mill HS

Neibch was a new face last fall here in the Palmetto State. Kyle transferred in from Batavia HS (IL) just west of Chicago. Neibch a quarterback threw for (87-180) 842 yards last season for the Yellow Jackets. Neibch averaged 17.1 ppg this past basketball season for the Yellow Jackets. Kyle shows to really have a great shooting stroke which converted into shooting 43% (57-133) this past season from three point range.

JJ Hicklin JJ Hicklin 6'3" | SF South Pointe | 2022 State SC – South Pointe HS (Rock Hill)

Hicklin is a BEAST down low in the paint with his super quick feet and willing to knock around defenders. Hicklin plays Defensive End for the Stallions when he’s not scoring the ball down in the post. Hicklin has GREAT HANDS and is a bit undersized but extremely effective with his game. JJ plays so much bigger than his height on the floor.

Tory Kelly Tory Kelly 6'0" | PG Gray Collegiate | 2022 State SC – Gray Collegiate

Kelly is as tough as they come on the hardwood. Kelly is built like a tank and he really looks to overpower players at times. Kelly leaves it all out on the floor with complete hustle at all times. Kelly will take a charge on command or dive into the stands, whatever comes first it seems at times.

K’Jymie Valentine K’Jymie Valentine 6'3" | SF Chesnee | 2022 State SC – Chesnee HS

Valentine plays Wide Receiver / Defensive Back on Friday nights in the fall for the Eagles. Valentine also runs on the track team in the spring. KJ has great length and versatility on the floor. Valentine will look to slash to the basket or stop and pop from mid-range. Valentine really excels in a open floor and up-tempo style of play.

Prometheus Franklin Prometheus Franklin 6'3" | PG Greenville | 2022 State SC – Greenville HS (pictured on front)

Franklin was great here here this weekend especially in the game vs Keenan HS. Franklin a Quarterback for the Red Raiders plays the GAME EXTREMELY HARD and NEVER TAKES A PLAY OFF. Pro is always up for a challenge and he brings that to the floor every time out. Franklin will take a charge, grab a loose ball, dive on the floor, rundown a rebound out of his area, pickup a steal in and take it other way. Franklin brings it every second he’s on the floor. ALL-OUT HUSTLE. Franklin has a very quick shot release and has the ability to knockdown the 3-ball at a good clip.

Jy’Quawn Ealey Jy’Quawn Ealey 6'2" | SF Andrew Jackson | 2022 State SC – Andrew Jackson HS (Kershaw)

Ealey was on the ATTACK all weekend long for the Volunteers. Ealey finished on the break several times today with some flare. Ealey sure doesn’t lack any confidence and really looks to thrive playing the game on contact. Ealey plays in the Defensive Backfield for the Volunteers in the fall. Jy’Quawn is a very tough-minded player on the floor.

Zandae Butler Zandae Butler 6'2" | CG Wilson | 2023 SC – Wilson HS (Florence)

Butler has had a good spring running with the Carolina Bad Boyz on the Grassroots Circuit. Butler will look to overpower players on the way to the cup or drop and stop for a mid-range jumper. Butler will play wide receiver this season for the Tigers on the football field it looks like. Butler a multi- sport athlete at one-time was quarterback.

A Few other players that will garner interest as multi-sport guys:

Mason Johnstone Mason Johnstone 6'7" | PF Christ Church | 2022 State SC – Christ Church

Johnston recently made a early pledge to the Clemson Tigers for football after high school. Johnstone is making a conversion over to the offensive line this year for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers won the Class 2A State Championship this past season over Wade Hampton (Hampton).

Derrick Barksdale Derrick Barksdale 5'10" | SG South Pointe | 2023 State SC (2023) – York Prep (Rock Hill)

Barksdale plays football for South Pointe HS since York Prep doesn’t have a football team. Barksdale a left-handed guard has the ability to knockdown shots out on the perimeter at a good clip. Barksdale does play hoops for the Patriots during the basketball season.