January All-Sleeper Team 1st Team

Josh White

February 11, 2022 @ 04:12 PM

This edition of all sleeper teams features some dynamic ball handlers, versatile wings, and complimentary players that can contribute at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="1070704" first="Drake" last="James"] 6’2 PG/SG Haleyville 2023 James continued to dominate the competition while rewriting Haleyville’s record books by crossing the 1000 point career mark in late January. Though most wouldn’t have him in the conversation amongst the elite guards in the state, he definitely put the state on notice with a 41 point performance against Florence. James possesses an elite-level talent for finishing in the painted area. His arsenal of floaters, high glass finishes, and runners creates pressure on the rim whenever he attacks. He also creates offense for others by breaking down defenses and making the correct read to get the ball to a shooter or a cutter. As a junior, he’s averaging 23 points a game, so it’ll be interesting to see what he does in the playoffs and if he can get to elite status within his class. https://twitter.com/HHS_Hoops_/status/1487502228864778240?s=20&t=HkIn-dFzJKmMgg21ysdx1g Isiah Curry 6’0 SG Mae Jemison 2022 Curry is a solid shot creator who is effective in the mid-range. His ability to create offense and get his shot makes him a versatile piece for the Jaguars. He has excellent athleticism that helps him excel as a downhill scorer and a one-man fastbreak in transition. In the half-court, he’s shifty and able to create space for himself when working off the dribble. His ability to score allows him to be a spark plug off the bench, a go-to option when the offense is stagnant, and someone who can command attention from an opposing defense and give room to other players to operate. Malachi Duncan 5’10 SG/PG Russellville 2023 Duncan is a three and D guard who excels in efficient shooting and opportunistic defense. Duncan’s unorthodox release doesn’t keep him from attacking the perimeter with accuracy and consistency. As an off guard, he does a great job of being aggressive with his touches and putting pressure on the defense to close out on perimeter shots. He’s also accurate as a transition three shooter is a constant threat to let one guy if the defense opts to protect the paint on the break. As a defender, he’s instinctive and can intercept passes as a roamer in the half-court. Jordan Holloway SF/PF 6’5 Pelham 2022 Holloway is an all-around forward that stuffs the box sheet and can serve as a glue guy at the next level. His size allows him to be a versatile defender on the wing. He can consistently stay in front of guards and play physically when facing bigs in the post. As a rebounder, he’s’ consistent in his efforts and positioning. He does an excellent job of boxing out and staying active when the ball is off the rim. Offensively, Holloway does an excellent job of cutting when the defense is napping and consistently being a lob threat. In addition to his paint play, Holloway has a smooth release that makes him a serviceable floor spacer and picks and pop threat if left uncontested. [player_tooltip player_id="1378876" first="Jalen" last="Curry"] 6’4 SF/PF Hazel Green 2022 Curry continues to be the No.1 option on a solid Hazel Green team by providing production from the mid-post and mid-range area. His size and skill make him a match-up nightmare and an efficient scorer. Though he hasn’t been mentioned amongst the elite wings, he can score with the best of them and should be able to hang when the playoffs come. Curry has also developed his positioning skills as a post player. He constantly runs to the rim, seals smaller defenders, and uses his leverage to create the opportunity before the ball gets there.