#HuntsvilleCityClassic Standouts

This was my first time at the Huntsville Classic in the role that I am in with Prep Hoops Network. There is no other event in the state that matches the atmosphere of this event, and it was evident as it was 4pm in the evening and it was standing room only. The games were high-caliber contests that kept the audience engaged. College coaches, media, and scouts all attended, witnessing a basketball lover’s dream. In such a wonderful atmosphere that Scott Stapler and his team created, there were some fantastic players on the stage; let’s take a look at some of the standout players.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Will-Hawkins.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1355584 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Will-Hawkins-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Will Hawkins (6’3/Combo Guard/2023)   School: Sparkman HS Instagram: _williamhawkins_ Twitter: @_williamhawkins   This was my first time getting a chance to lay eyes on Will this year, and he did not disappoint. He showed his all-around game and the many tools in his toolbox. He is a problem when out in transition as he is looking to put pressure on the rim first. He showed his athleticism and his hops with several explosive dunks. <blockquote> When in the half-court, he is a slasher that has a quick first step, using long strides to get to the rim. </blockquote> He is a good finisher in both transition and the half-court. Defensively he has quick hands creating deflections and steals. He has good instincts on the court and will be a significant piece of the puzzle if Sparkman makes it to Birmingham.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/11/PH-Efrem-Johnson.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1327039 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/11/PH-Efrem-Johnson-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="815585" first="Efrem" last="Johnson"] (6’4/Shooting Guard/2022)   School: Grissom HS Instagram: N/A Twitter: @N/A   Efrem continues to improve and produce for Grissom. He had an efficient outing against Bob Jones, going 7-13 from the field and finishing with 23pts. He continues to show his offensive prowess and is one of the toughest players to defend in the state. His game creates fouls, and he gets to the line, where he shot a good percentage in the match-up I saw against Bob Jones and the contest I saw him in earlier in the season. <blockquote> Night in and night out, he gives strong production on the offensive end of the court. </blockquote> I have put ink on Efrem before, and by now, the state knows what Efrem brings to the floor. He is in the top-tier when it comes to players in the ’22 class. His name will be in the running for Mr. Basketball. As long as he stays healthy, it will be hard to go against Grissom in the long run.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Caleb-Holt.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1355585 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Caleb-Holt-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Caleb Holt (6’5/Shooting Guard/2026)   School: Buckhorn HS Instagram: Iam_caleb_holt Twitter: N/A   Caleb is one of the youngest that took the stage at the #HuntsvilleCityClassic and is a high-level prospect with probably the highest ceiling of all the players that took the court throughout the event. He has great balance, plays at a nice pace, understands the game, and in a packed out arena, did not force the action but allowed the game to come to him. As an 8th grader, his game was very impressive as I watched him against Oxford. I was really impressed with Caleb’s willingness to defend Oxford’s scoring machine, [player_tooltip player_id="1066038" first="Rylan" last="Houck"]. Caleb’s length and on-ball pressure forced Rylan into some difficult shots and an off-shooting night as he went 3-14 from the field. <blockquote> To have so many eyes on him early, offensively, he can score with the best of them, but his commitment to the defensive end of the court is what is going to continue to cause him to rise nationally. </blockquote> His development continues to be impressive, and it will be interesting to see how far he can carry Buckhorn this year.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-JaMari-Arnold.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1355586 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-JaMari-Arnold-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>Ja’Mari Arnold (5’10/Combo Guard/2023)   School: Huntsville HS Instagram: manman_._ Twitter: @jamariarnold2   There are some key factors when it comes to watching guards under 6’0. They include: Ability to make open 3’s, Utilization of the floater and the mid-range pull-up, High % FT maker, 94’ of ball pressure, court savvy, a big heart, and passion for the game. When it comes to Ja’Mari, he checks every box mentioned above. I was highly impressed with his overall game. <blockquote> Yes, he can score the rock, as he dropped a 30-piece in the contest against Spanish Fort, but his ability to create space and keep defenders off balance with his shiftiness and his handles was a masterpiece. </blockquote> He is a highly confident and competitive player that has the keys to the team, and this will not be the last time you will hear about Ja’mari. It was my first time seeing him in action, and I am looking forward to seeing him down the line.   <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Colby-McAllister.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1355587 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/PH-Colby-McAllister-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="725173" first="Colby" last="McAllister"] (6’4/Shooting Guard/2022)   School: Spanish Fort HS Instagram: Colby_mcallister12 Twitter: @Colby52010181   Colby continues to impress with his ability to score the rock, but it looked as though he got worn down as the game went on, as he logged 30 of the 32 minutes. He played with a lot of energy in the first half, was converting offensively, letting the crowd know that he was in the building with a few words to a couple of the fellas on the sideline, and infusing his teammates with outstanding play on both ends of the floor. <blockquote> He was getting it done at all levels, in transition, in the half-court, in the flow of the offense, and in iso situations. </blockquote> As adjustments were being made throughout the game, and the Huntsville D placed a greater focus on him, he had to work a little harder to get looks. Despite the long minutes and multiple defenders and strategies thrown at him, he still led his team in scoring with 17pts. Spanish Fort has a chance to get to Birmingham; let’s see if they can make it.   Don’t think for one moment that coverage from this event is over…stay tuned….