Players to Watch in the 5A Final Four

Josh White

February 28, 2022 @ 04:22 PM

The 5a region is filled with dynamic and explosive guards who are looking to guide their teams to victory. Here are some key players you should know before the 5A final four tip-offs. Bryson Dawkins 6’3 PG Carrol 2022 Dawkins is a dynamic guard that can carve up the defense with supreme handles, quickness, creativity. His acceleration is exceptional, and his smooth transition from 0-60 makes him tough to guard in both the half-court and transition. He can break down defenders with killer crossovers, hesitations, and speed bursts as a primary ball-handler. In addition to that, he has a solid vertical explosion, which allows him to play above the rim and finish at a high rate. Defensively he takes on the challenge of being the head of the snake and provides solid pressure to opposing guards. Dawkins excels as a pickpocket specialist where he uses his timing, quick hands, and wingspan to poke the ball loose and finish on the other end. https://twitter.com/BrysonDawkins/status/1394437332300963840?s=20&t=XJN4FFTziy1OVlKLC2NnqQ [player_tooltip player_id="725171" first="Jacari" last="Lane"] 6’0 PG Lee (Huntsville) 2022 Lane is one of the more respected prospects in the state, and rightfully so. He’s on the cusp of leading the Generals to back-to-back state championships as an elite floor general and leader for Lee. Lane’s quickness, speed, vision, and ability to dissect defenses off the dribble make him nearly unstoppable in transition. In addition to that, his refined jumper being improved throughout the season makes him liable to go off for 30 at any time. As a point guard, he understands the offense and can direct traffic to ensure plays run smoothly. He can break down defenses and kick it to the perimeter, throw it ahead as the ball handler in transition, and find the open man in half-court situations. Defensively he can apply pressure to ball handlers and dominate passing lanes. Look for Lane to be on the attack as he tries to lead his team to another chip. https://twitter.com/Coach_McGuire95/status/1492885512742391819?s=20&t=55cUyxF9-N3G8Sm31v4T8g [player_tooltip player_id="1380305" first="Dexter" last="Smith"] 6’2 SG/PG Lee (Huntsville) 2022 Smith is an underrated guard who does a great job being the 2nd option on the Generals but can occasionally lead the team whenever Jacari is in a slump or the team needs a lift. He utilized his quickness to create off the space of the dribble, get easy baskets in transition, and put pressure on the rim as a secondary ball-handler. Smith can also be a monster in pick and roll situations with his ability to finish and hit mid-range jumpers. Defensively, he takes on the challenge of guarding the best players and embraces his role with tenacity and consistency. With the chip on the line, look for Smith to continue his high-level play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUleyPKGVQg [player_tooltip player_id="836585" first="Kerrington" last="Kiel"] 6’5 SG/SF Ramsay 2023 Kiel is a rangy wing who can defend multiple positions and contribute efficiently on the offensive end. Defensively he uses his exceptional length to bother ball handlers and shooters with contest consistently. He has solid timing and understands how to generate steals and blocks without fouling. With his quick feet and hands, Kiel can stay in front of guards and make life difficult in the post for bigs. Offensively Kiel has a solid overall skill with an ability to play off-ball as a shooter, attack closeouts efficiently off the dribble, and be a playmaker for others when the defense collapses. Look for Kiel to make a significant impact on the outcome of this tournament. https://twitter.com/kerringtonkiel/status/1463935966230499338?s=20&t=55cUyxF9-N3G8Sm31v4T8g Bridges Simmons 6’3 PG/SG UMS Wright Prep 2023 Simmons is a guard with solid size and shooting ability. As a primary scorer, he’s efficient and can use his size to get good looks against smaller guards. In addition, he has a quick release and solid form that’s consistent and accurate. Besides his solid scoring, Simmons can create for others sufficiently. He plays well within the structured offense and can find guys in transition.