#HuntsvilleCityClassic Standouts (Part 2)

Check out part of the standouts that impressed at the #HuntsvilleCityClassic.

Timbre Kirk (6’0/Shooting Guard/2022)

School: Sparkman HS

Instagram: timbre_5

Twitter: @Timbre_5

Hands down, Timbre was the best shooter from beyond the arc that I saw. He dropped a 30-piece and shot 47%, going 9 for 19 from behind the arc. Once Timbre got hot, it was all downhill for Columbia as TK played like the rim was the size of an ocean. He penalized Columbia for their lack of defensive coverage.

He got it done on catch and shoot threes as well as pull-up threes.

I saw no other player that was as talented at one specific skill as TK. He is a lethal three-point shooter that is a luxury to have coming off the bench. When on the floor with Calen Lightford Calen Lightford 5'11" | PG Sparkman | 2022 State #NA Nation AL , who was out due to health and safety protocols, they are a dynamic force to reckoned with.

Keyshawn Watkins (6’4/Combo Guard/2024)

School: Columbia HS

Instagram: N/A

Twitter: N/A

Even though his squad was out-matched in the contest against Sparkman, Keyshawn showed his ability to score the rock at all levels. You saw the immaturity in his game at times, but he will evolve into a tough cover as he continues to develop.

He has all the tools to build upon.

He can handle the rock and is tough off the bounce as he slices his way to the rack. He showed his ability to finish at the rim and showed a nice technique with his jumper. As a sophomore, I can’t help but look at his size and what he can do now and be intrigued by the possibilities that lie ahead of him over the next two years. He is still figuring some things out about his game and how far he can push the limits, but I am looking forward to his development.

Dexter Smith (6’1/Point Guard/2022)

School: Lee-Huntsville HS

Instagram: gf.dex

Twitter: N/A

Dexter has one of the smoothest left-handed mid-range jumpers I have seen this year. He is a lethal iso scorer that can change speeds and leave you struggling to defend him as he makes his way to the rack. He is shifty when making his way to the paint and will rock a defender to sleep as a setup for his drive. He struggled from behind the arc, shooting 17%, going 1 for 6 in the game that I saw. He might have just had an off night from behind the arc, so I won’t put too much stock into that until I see him again.

He is intent on hitting the boards as he rebounded well from the guard spot pulling down 7 boards.

He is at his best when he is in transition and putting pressure on the rim. He finished with 17pts and is vital to Lee’s aspiration of getting back to Birmingham.  

Kyler Wright (6’0/Combo Guard/2022)

School: Oxford HS

Instagram: Kylerbw

Twitter: @Kylerbw3

I have seen Kyler a couple times during the first half of the season, and he continues to impress with his production and consistency. His offensive toolbox perfectly complements his teammate, Rylan Houck Rylan Houck 6'5" | SF Oxford | 2022 State #NA Nation AL , as they play off each other well. KW handles the on-court responsibility of running the show with maturity being a solid senior leader for his squad. He is a playmaker that knows how to create for himself and his teammates. He finds a balance between scoring and facilitating.

He commands a lot of respect from defenses as he is the person that makes Oxford go.

In the match-up against Buckhorn, Kyler was uncharacteristically loose with the ball as he turned it over five times. He is usually a lot more secure with the ball in his hands. In the match-up against Buckhorn, even though Oxford pulled it out, the entire team seemed a little out of sorts, but I am sure they will regroup and get ready for the road to Birmingham.    

Malachi Mitchell (5’10/Combo Guard/2023)

School: Bob Jones HS

Instagram: malachimitchell_

Twitter: N/A

Malachi put in work in the contest against Grissom. He showed an array of tools headed towards a 24pt/9reb performance. He is a volume shooter as he was the only player on his team with double-digit shot attempts. He has a striking blend of speed and knows how to change speeds to keep defenders off balance. He knows when to be explosive and get by his defender, collapse the D and make the right decisions.

Make no mistake about it, Malachi can stroke the rock from deep as he shot 41% from the field, going 7-17 and shooting 40% from three as he went 6-15.

Not a bad stat line for someone who has to carry the load in scoring for his squad. He did have 6 turnovers, but you have to give him some slack as he hauled 31 of the 32 minutes and kept his team within striking distance for 2.5 quarters. Malachi showed that he can carry his team, but how far can he take them is the question.

Don’t think for one moment that coverage from this event is over…stay tuned….