Grissom High Season Preview
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Today we talk about one of the most talented rosters in the state! RJ Johnson AL #1 PG #1 HEIGHT 6'3" POS PG CLASS 2023 View Profile RJ Johnson Twitter State: Alabama School: Grissom Club: GA Stars As the No.1…
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Continue ReadingToday we talk about one of the most talented rosters in the state!
As the No.1 player in our state rankings, it could be argued Johnson is still underrated from a national perspective. As a pure point guard, Johnson has the poise, IQ, and passing skill to lead a team to a state championship- and that’s just the intangibles. From a physical standpoint, Johnson is an explosive guard with the size and strength of a D1 linebacker – making him ultra-dynamic in the open court and a constant presence in the paint. He can finish with the best ’em. Rather it’s finishing with touch, high off the glass, absorbing contact, or playing above the rim; Johnson converts at a high rate. He uses this threat to open up the game for his teammates and has a knack for generating high-quality looks in the half-court. Though he’s a pass-first guard, Johnson can take on the scoring load as a capable three-point shooter and crafty shot-creator. Look for Johnson to defend the No.1 spot with highlight reel crossovers, dunks, and dimes while helping lead his team to a deep playoff run.
As a consensus top-five player in the state, it’s safe to say expectations are high for Miles. With one of the best summers of any prospects in Alabama, it’s a given he makes the jump to elite status. Miles has always been a highly skilled combo guard who could create off the bounce with excellent shiftiness and a nice first step. As a three-level scorer, he can maintain accuracy from deep, work the in-between game, and get crafty at the basket with hop steps and euros. However, it seems his athleticism has caught up with his body. He’s stronger, faster, and gained some bounce – and is a legitimate lob threat when running the wing in transition or back-cutting in half-court sets. Miles also seems to have developed an excellent feel for the game with his passes and can be a playmaker for others with court vision and timely assistance. Look for Izzy to step into the role as the No.1 option of the Tiger offense and be one of the best players in the state.
Highlights
Mccall is an off-guard who showed flashes of brilliance throughout the summer and could possibly emerge as an elite wing within the north Alabama area. With a mature frame, Mccall is a physical specimen who can take advantage of his strength against smaller defenders. Rather he’s bumping defenders off angle or absorbing contact in the lane, McCall is going to be a matchup nightmare for most teams. He does an excellent job of keeping it simple and getting to his sweet spots- making him reliable in iso situations. In addition to his shot creation, Mccall is capable of spacing the floor while shooting off the catch. In transition, he’s an explosive athlete that can play above the rim, power through contact, and be a threat in transition. Though his offensive opportunities may be limited due to him playing alongside two of the top 5 players in the state, I feel Mccall is going to be a handful for a team’s best defender and could shine as an alternative scoring threat.
DJ Thompson
DJ Thompson
Thompson is a combo guard who is the glue guy for the Grissom Tigers. Though he may not put up big numbers or be mentioned by the average fan, Thompson could be a key piece to a big run in the playoffs. Though he’s 6’3, he’s a rangy athlete with the tools to be a multi-positional defender. He also has a knack for generating steals resulting in easy transition points. Offensively, Thompson will slash with energy, aggression, and efficiency while working within the offense. Expect Thompson to be a solid complimentary player and make winning plays throughout the season.