Battle 205: Day 1 Preview and Poll (Part 1)
This is one of the best times of the year for basketball lovers. It doesn’t matter what level you like to watch; you will have your pick of games to enjoy. There is a slew of basketball in the state taking place over the next 3 weeks. Check out our social media platforms for listed tournaments and classics.
One of the most anticipated classics is Battle 205 (#BHMBattle205) at the Birmingham Crossplex, Dec. 20-22, 2021.
Here is the schedule:
Let’s take a look at some of the match-ups, and at the end of each preview, let us know ’Who You Got!’
Dec. 20, 2021 (11:15am)
Hueytown vs Pinson Valley
This is one of the most intriguing match-ups of the classic. Both teams bring talented squads into the match-up. As of Thursday (12/16), Hueytown comes in ranked #8 in Class 6A with a 9-3 record, and Pinson Valley comes in ranked #6 in Class 6A with a 9-2 record. Let’s take a look at players to keep an eye on:
Hueytown:
I spoke with Coach Burns and asked him how he felt his team was playing at the halfway point of the season, and this is what he said, “Our chemistry is starting to gel.
We are playing extremely unselfish and with confidence the last 2 games.
Saturday, we were down 22 at the start of the 4th against an extremely long and athletic Greenforest team out of Georgia. We really challenged our guys’ grit and toughness. The guys responded by cutting it to 4 with 44 seconds left when Corey fouled out. We ended up losing 54-46. But I believe that loss was pivotal in getting us where we are right now.”
Players To Watch:
Corey Stephenson (6’5/Shooting Guard/2022)
Instagram: Stbcorey
Twitter: @Stbcorey
One of the most prolific scorers in the state. Has been producing at high levels and getting a lot of interest from numerous colleges. Can’t wait to see how Pinson Valley will try to limit Corey on the offensive end of the court.
Melvin Stringer (5’9/Point Guard/2022)
Instagram: _.2euce
Twitter: @stb2euce
Melvin will be one of the truest sense of a floor general that you will see at the classic. He knows how to facilitate the offense and get his playmakers the ball where they can produce. He will be counted on heavily to control the tempo of the game.
Pinson Valley
Coach Barber and his crew have a loaded schedule during this holiday season, and many would consider it a gauntlet when looking at his upcoming schedule over the next three weeks. I joked with him and told him that he is not running from NO SMOKE. I asked Coach Barber how he felt his team was playing at the halfway point of the season, and this is what he said, “We’ve been consistently inconsistent early on. I think (hope) we’ve turned the corner. We avenged our only in-state loss vs. Oxford.
I thought we defended well in that game, and we made big shots.
We went to GA last Saturday short-handed and loss to the #18 team in the country. On Tuesday, we beat a TOUGH Plainview squad. In that game, we made 11-3s, and I thought we defended really well in the 2nd half.”
Players To Watch:
Caleb White (5’11/Point Guard/2024)
Instagram: Caleb.glizzzy
Twitter: calebglizzzy
Caleb has the potential to go for a 30 piece, or he can settle into a 15-20pt performance, and either would be just what Pinson needs. He is a player that understands what his team needs night in and night out, and he is one that will not be afraid of this match-up. One thing I know from watching Pinson this year, Caleb will be locked in for what is going to be an epic battle.
Isaiah Sims (6’0/Small Forward/2022)
Instagram: Tha_kid_zay04
Twitter: @Baseballgoat04
With Pinson’s scoring power, some may wonder why I am saying Isaiah is a player to watch. If anyone is going to be able to limit Corey, Isaiah will be vital in doing so. I am not sure how Coach Barber will utilize Isaiah on the defensive end of the court, but I will say that Isaiah will be a significant factor in whether or not Pinson Valley wins this game. And his full impact on the game will not be in the stats.
Who You Got?
As I have said, this will be an exciting match-up, and I am looking forward to seeing the poll results on this one.
So who does Prep Hoops Alabama have???
Drum Rollllllllllllllllllllllllllll…..We are taking Pinson Valley in a close one.
Your turn….
Let’s look at the Dec. 20, 2021 (1pm) match-up.
Jackson-Olin vs. Oak Mountain
This was slated to be a match-up testing where the young JO squad stood up against one of the top teams in the state. With the news of one of their standout players, Dasean Sellers transferring out, the Mustangs will look to several freshmen to carry the load. Which will be a difficult task against the #10 ranked team in Class 7A, Oak Mountain. As of Thursday, Dec. 16, JO had a record of 3-5, and Oak Mountain had a 10-2 record. Let’s take a look at players to keep an eye on:
Oak Mountain:
I spoke with Coach Love and asked him how he felt his team was playing at the halfway point of the season, and this is what he said, “We are still trying to gain some consistency and rhythm with our team, due to meshing of FB guys and injuries. Just trying to get better each day.”
Players To Watch:
Brady Dunn (6’3/Combo Guard/2022)
Instagram: brady.dunn14
Twitter: @N/A
Look for Brady to be a steady source of production for Oak Mountain during #BHMBattle205. He has a very mature game with a lot of tools in the toolbox. If Brady gets it going early, JO could have a long 32 minutes in front of them.
Matthew Heiberger (N/A/Wing/2023)
Instagram: N/A
Twitter: @MatthewHeiberg7
Matthew is another steady source of production for Oak Mountain. He is tough off the bounce and is one of the playmakers on his squad. He knows how to create his own shot and is active on both ends of the court. He will be a match-up problem for the Mustangs.
Jackson-Olin:
I could not connect with JO’s head coach, but those familiar with the program said they are trying to find their way with having such a huge piece of the puzzle transferring out.
Players To Watch:
DeMarcus Williams 5’10/Combo Guard
Instagram: demarcus_williamsbabylebron
Twitter: @MvpDemarcus12
DeMarcus is a physical guard that has been productive from the PG spot during the first half of the season. He has been consistent in scoring and will now be looked at to carry a heavier load. It is a big task for a freshman, but those around the program think he can handle it.
Twitter: @jourdin07
Jackson-Olin High School
Jourdin is another one of the freshmen that will be looked upon to step up and have a bigger impact. He is physical down low, but it will be interesting to see how he measures up throughout #BHMBattle205 as he will be facing some stiff opponents in the paint.
Who You Got?
This was slated to be a test for JO to see how they measure up, but with Dasean no longer there carrying a bulk of the load, I think this match-up against Oak Mountain will be too much for the young Mustangs.
So who does Prep Hoops Alabama have???
Drum Rollllllllllllllllllllllllllll…..We are taking Oak Mountain.
Your turn….
Stay tuned for more preview and polling opportunities on #BHMBattle205.