Standouts From The 2nd Annual Domino’s Classic
It was my first time in Rainville, AL, and I was treated to some high-level basketball at the 2nd annual Domino’s Classic hosted by Plainview High School. Let’s take a look at the standouts that caught my eye that I…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt was my first time in Rainville, AL, and I was treated to some high-level basketball at the 2nd annual Domino’s Classic hosted by Plainview High School. Let’s take a look at the standouts that caught my eye that I couldn’t stop writing about…
Jaquarious Sword (6’5/Wing/2022)
School: Huffman HS
Instagram: TheRealDooney
Twitter: @DooneySword
The Vikes are loaded with talent, and there is none more talented on the roster than Jaquarious. He has a complete game and is highly versatile, allowing Coach Ward to play numerous ways. J’s length causes problems on both ends of the court. Offensively he is efficient from the floor and produces at a high level. I mentioned his versatility that allows him to be able to play in any line-up, play any position at the high school level, and fill any role the Vikes need.
He scores in all facets of the game and at all levels.
Whether he is racing down the court in transition and finishing at the rim, getting buckets in the flow of the offense, posting smaller guards, or getting his shot off the dribble, he is a scoring machine. He is a skilled wing player with good footwork. Good things happen for the Vikes offense when the offense flows through Jaquarious. Defensively, his length is the key as he is active on the top of the press; he can also play the passing lanes and contest shots. He made his case, in my opinion, as one of the top ’22 players in the state. Now let’s see how far he can carry the Vikes in the playoffs.
Offers: None (This surprised me)
Jaborri Mcghee (6’2/Wing/2022)
School: Winfield HS
Instagram: N/A
Twitter: @jastarr_
Jaborri put on an absolute show at the classic. He is an athletic and strong wing player with a high motor. He got it done at all levels and was virtually unstoppable while doing it. He flashed his athleticism several times with a thunderous dunk in transition to creative finishes at the rim off the bounce. He kept defenders frustrated throughout the contest as he was not only physical and initiated contact off the bounce, but he finished through contact and switched speeds in the open court, unlike any player at the classic.
His burst of speed left defenders behind and guessing of ways to defend him.
They could not play physical with him because it was to their disadvantage, and they could not sag off him because he was knocking down the trey ball. Jaborri was one of the most impactful players that I saw at the classic, as he literally controlled every inch of the floor when he was in possession of the ball.
Offers:
McNeese State
Alabama State
Southwest CC
Coahoma CC
Beville State
Georgia Highlands
Shelton State CC
Tallahassee CC
South Plains College
Co-Lin CC
Pearl River CC
Hinds CC
Northeast CC
Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
Luke Smith (6’5/Small Forward/2023)
School: Plainview HS
Instagram: olukesmith14
Twitter: @lukesmith_14
Luke was one of the most skilled players that I saw. Along with those skills was some sneaky athleticism. The eye test would have thrown you off when it comes to Luke, as you may have been looking for a player that could only light it up from behind the arc. Now don’t get me wrong, Luke did light it up from deep, as he was one of the best volume shooters at the classic from behind the arc, but his attacks off the bounce were extremely aggressive and with purpose. Luke is a player who does many things well as he can shoot the rock, get to the line, is a playmaker for himself and his teammates, and has the ability and the IQ to facilitate the offense.
They are there, but you have to look very hard to find the weaknesses in his game.
He is Plainview’s number one option, and with Luke being that, Plainview is in good hands. He currently holds one offer that I will mention shortly, but if he remains on course and finishes his junior campaign strong and has a good spring and summer, I am looking for many schools to come with the offers.
Offers: Flagler
Jaylen Darnell Curry (6’4/Small Forward/2022)
School: Hazel Green HS
Instagram: jaylencurry.22
Twitter: @JaylenCurry3
On the playground, there used to be a saying we used to say about a player’s game, and that is he has that ’old man game.’ That meant that the player could post you up around the high post area, face up, and knock down the mid-range. When I tell you if JC was on the blacktop back in the day, he would be titled, ’old-man.’ I sat there watching him knock down mid-range after mid-range, and it was nothing that Spain Park could do early in the contest to defend him. He has elevation on his jump shot, making it almost impossible to contest.
If defenders tried to be physical with him to deny him the space where he wanted to be, it was like trying to move a brick wall.
One play, when JC went to the basket and Spain Park’s 6’9 post, Colin Turner Colin Turner 6'9" | NA lbs | PF Spain Park | 2022 State #NA Nation AL , who has bulked up, challenged him, and they collided, JC came down, and Colin went tumbling to the ground. He has the strength and size ready to step onto a college campus next year. He is a physical defender and an aggressive iso scorer that will be looked upon heavily to lead Hazel Green to Birmingham.
Offers: N/A
Chase James (5’11/Shooting Guard/2024)
School: Spain Park HS
Instagram: _chasejames_
Twitter: @chasejames4ptw
I have seen Chase several times since the start of the season. He is a solid player on both ends of the court and has been a steady presence for the Jags. At 5’11, he doesn’t have the size, but I have to remember that I am talking about a ’24 kid that may grow some more. With that being said, he has shown scoring potential and the ability to be a floor general. He finds a healthy balance between the two.
His playmaking ability on the offensive end of the court is what has kept me intrigued and excited about his development.
He has an excellent feel for the game, and the talent is there to be an impact player over the next couple of years for the Jags. He is listed as a shooting guard, but he can switch between guard spots, and his effectiveness remains the same. He is a key piece to the Jags’ success and their hopes of getting to Birmingham.
Offers: None
More is coming from this classic…