#ParkCrossingTipOff Immediate Takeaways
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The #ParkCrossingTipOff did not disappoint, even though several teams pulled out at the last minute. It was great seeing several of the top-ranked players and teams in our state early in the year, and here are some immediate takeaways. Caleb…
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Continue ReadingThe #ParkCrossingTipOff did not disappoint, even though several teams pulled out at the last minute. It was great seeing several of the top-ranked players and teams in our state early in the year, and here are some immediate takeaways.
Caleb White (5’11/PG/’24/Pinson Valley)
Instagram: Caleb.glizzzy
Twitter: @calebglizzzy
The #3-ranked player in the ’24 class showed why he is ranked where he is, and he put everyone in the state on notice that he is taking no prisoners this year. He was in attack mode from the tip and showed why he is considered one of the best iso scorers in the state. He lived in the paint all weekend and could have easily got whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. He scored the rock at all levels and was absolutely phenomenal in creating open shots for his teammates. One thing you immediately notice about Caleb is that he has been in the weight room and has chiseled up. You saw the effects of his added muscle as he was strong off the bounce and often initiated contact first and finished through the resistance. He is a top-tier prospect in our state, and from what I witnessed, it looks like he has a lot in the toolbox that he is set to unleash this year. Caleb, hands down, is the alpha male on this Indians’ squad and is the reason they have jumped out to a 2-0 start to the season.
Terry J. DrakeIn the match-up against Wenonah, he finished with 18pts, 5reb, 9assist, and 4steals. In the match-up against Charles Henderson, he finished with 29pts.
Jeff Duncan Jeff Duncan 5'9" | PG Fairfield HS | 2025 State AL (5’9/PG/’25/Wenonah HS)
Instagram: Jeffglizzy5
Jeff is the #23-ranked player in the ’25 class, and let me just go ahead and say when the next rankings come out in December, there will be significant movement when it comes to Jeff. He was absolutely sensational on day 1 as he carried his team to a come-from-behind victory over host Park Crossing. His strength was attacking off the bounce, and he was extremely tough to contain off the bounce. He is crafty with the rock and an excellent finisher at the cup. He produced at a high level the entire weekend and competed relentlessly. He showed his ability to knock down the long ball and did it off the bounce and in c&s situations. His ability to break down defenders and force help will be vital to the Dragon’s success this year. If they can find consistency from beyond the arc, look for the Dragons to be a difficult team to deal with this year.
Terry J. DrakeIn the win against Park Crossing, he finished with 27pts. In the loss to Pinson Valley, he finished with 8pts.
Kj Graves Kj Graves 5'10" | PG Park Crossing | 2023 State AL (5’10/PG/’23/Park Crossing HS)
Instagram: Lii Jayy
Twitter: @Kjupnextt3
As I was sitting and evaluating the Park Crossing vs. Wenonah match-up, I was glued in to KJ as he came out on fire and was very efficient with his scoring opportunities in the first half. It was because of his 17pts first-half performance that Park Crossing led Wenonah 34-16 at the half. He showed a lot of promise in the first half, as he is a smooth lefty who can manufacture points in various ways. He has a really smooth release and a jumper that projects well as he sets his sights on the next level. However, for now, and the rest of the season, make no mistake about it; KJ is at his best when breaking defenders down with the dribble and getting his own offense or making plays for others. The question came when at the half, a few people that follow Park Crossing basketball asked can he duplicate in the second half what he did in the first. They talked about his consistency and the ‘dog’ mindset to finish opponents when they are down. Well, I left the game after Wenonah came back and secured the victory replaying the conversation as KJ finished the game with the same points he finished the first half with. He is too good of a player to fall off that drastically in a game when he came out and was the best player on the court for the first sixteen minutes. I will definitely keep my eyes on KJ throughout this season, as the potential is there.
Terry J. DrakeHe showed a lot of promise in the first half, as he is a smooth lefty who can manufacture points in various ways.
Amarion Da’shaun Bowens (6’2/SG/’24/Pinson Valley HS)
Instagram: 4evermari3
Twitter: maribowens11
A lot has been said about Pinson Valley’s depth at the guard spot. A lot has been said about Caleb White, Terry Coner, and Ray-Ray McCants Ray-Ray McCants 6'3" | SG Shades Valley | 2025 State AL ; however, the surprise of the entire squad, who I think everyone slept on as we approached the season, is Amarion Bowens. When we talk about additions to teams, many believe that Simon Walker Simon Walker 6'5" | CG Huntsville | 2025 State #271 Nation AL was the most significant transfer in the state, but I have to put the same value on Amarion’s transfer to Pinson after watching him this past weekend. He impacted both ends of the floor, scored the rock in a variety of ways, showed that he can get his own shot, and showed that he can step up and get a bucket for the Indians when needed. AB put everyone on notice that Pinson has another scoring threat that is just as dangerous as Caleb White. Now you are going to hear a lot about what Amarion brings to the court with his athleticism, motor, and scoring prowess but what got me and had me write the word special down in my notes was his play on the defensive end of the floor. The kid is a lock-down defender that seemed to enjoy getting after the ball-handler. He has quick hands, sits down on you, and moves his feet well. He is a physical defender yet quick, which is a recipe that makes him a player who will give opponents problems. What I like about Amarion’s addition to the Indians is he will essentially be able to control the game on both ends of the floor in crunch time.
Terry J. DrakeIn the win against Wenonah, he finished with 25pts and 4rebs. Against Charles Henderson, he finished with 11pts.
Jayden Spearman (6’3/G|F/’23/Charles Henderson HS)
Instagram: Hesifamjay_
Twitter: @JaydenSpearman5
Jayden is an athletic specimen that is going to turn a lot of heads this year. He has good positional size and build, is athletic, and is a hard-playing prospect that, as mentioned, will garner a lot of attention this year. He is a player that had to put up a lot of shots for his team this weekend, as they are down several players who are still on the gridiron. He scored at all levels, shot the trey ball exceptionally well with range, was aggressive off the bounce, and looked to finish the drive at the rim when he got going. He was active on both ends of the floor as well as on the boards. When he secured the defensive board, he was looking to push tempo and looking to put pressure on the other team as they worked to get back on defense. From what I saw this weekend, he will need to be a reliable source of production for Charles Henderson, as they will need his playmaking abilities. He will also need to find a way to get his teammates involved while making sure his production does not fall off.
Terry J. DrakeHe finished with 27pts vs. Pinson Valley, with 21pts coming from behind the arc.
Dasean Jameil Sellers (6’5/SG/2023/Wenonah HS)
Instagram: dasean.sellers
Twitter: @dasean_sellers
Desean is the 18-ranked player in the state of AL. He was everything that had been advertised about him and more. He has excellent positional size, good length and is very athletic. I have written about Dasean numerous times, and at this point, it is not so much about sharing his strengths with readers but analyzing his game in a way that helps prepare him for the next level. I had an opportunity to speak with D after their game against Pinson Valley, and I shared with him what I thought could help his game go to another level as he sets his sights on the next level. With his length and ability to shoot over defenders adding the mid-range pull-up off the bounce would be huge. Several times this past weekend, he over-penetrated and got drawn into several charges. Had he stopped and pulled for the mid-range, at least he would have given his team a chance at points instead of picking up another foul and giving the other team a boost of momentum. I also would like to see him finish above the rim more instead of just trying to lay the ball in at the rim. He missed several lay-ups that could have been converted only if he had been aggressive and looked to finish with a throw-down slam, as he showed he could do. I would also love to see him add a post-up game to his repertoire. I would like to see a more focused effort in these three areas.
Terry J. DrakeIn the match-up against Park Crossing, he finished with 16pts. In the loss to Pinson Valley, he finished with 15pts.