#TerryTalks: All-State First-Team Predictions
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We are two weeks into the season, and there is no better time than now to start making some way too early predictions. So let’s take a look at my predictions of players that I think should be 1st team…
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Continue ReadingWe are two weeks into the season, and there is no better time than now to start making some way too early predictions. So let’s take a look at my predictions of players that I think should be 1st team All-State.
RJ Johnson RJ Johnson 6'3" | PG Grissom | 2023 State #215 Nation AL (6’4/CG/Grissom HS)
Instagram: rjjohnson_11
The Alabama commit has jumped out early in his senior campaign looking to accomplish several team goals while harnessing several individual goals. He has come out of the gate smoking as he already has a 36pt performance in a match-up against Baker HS, who is led by another Mr. Basketball candidate and who also is listed on this all-state first-team predictions. I had a chance to speak to RJ about his early season performance, and he said, “I’ve been playing pretty good. I am just trying to lead my team and do whatever I can to get us a win.” Not a bad start to the season for whom many believe will walk away with the Mr. Basketball award at the end of the year. However, for now, I think RJ’s focus is bringing home that 7A State Championship.
RJ Johnson RJ Johnson 6'3" | PG Grissom | 2023 State #215 Nation AL“I’ve been playing pretty good. I am just trying to lead my team and do whatever I can to get us a win.”
John Broom John Broom 6'5" | SG Jacksonville | 2023 State AL (6’5/Forward/’23/Jacksonville HS)
Instagram: j3hnn
At the time of this article, John and his Jacksonville squad find themselves 0-2 starting the season as they adjust to life without Cade Phillips Cade Phillips 6'8" | PF Jacksonville | 2023 AL . Despite the two early season losses to two outstanding teams, John has started his senior campaign with solid performances, averaging 22pts, 5rebs, and 4assist. John is optimistic that his squad will get on track as far as the winning column as they still eye repeating as Class 4A State Champs. Make no mistake about it, if Jacksonville is going to repeat, John will have to lead his team to the promised land.
Terry J. DrakeMake no mistake about it, if Jacksonville is going to repeat, John will have to lead his team to the promised land.
Win Miller Win Miller 6'3" | SF Vestavia Hills | 2023 State #240 Nation AL (6’3/Wing/’23/Vestavia Hills HS)
Instagram: winmiller04
Win and his Vestavia crew have started the season 1-1, with the early loss coming against Spain Park on a buzzer-beater. Win poured in 31pts in the win and had 29pts in the loss. He is our #4-ranked player in his class, yet he has his eyes set on showing that he could be the best in his class. We all know he is a volume scorer, but the question that will loom over his head throughout the year is how far he can take his team once the playoffs begin. I spoke with Win and asked him about the start of the season, and his response was, “I am playing good. I just need to shoot the ball better from 3, and once I do that, I will be set. I am feeling really good, and I am excited for the rest of the season.”
Win Miller Win Miller 6'3" | SF Vestavia Hills | 2023 State #240 Nation AL“I am playing good. I just need to shoot the ball better from 3, and once I do that, I will be set. I am feeling really good, and I am excited for the rest of the season.”
Alec Elkins Alec Elkins 5'9" | SG Lucy Beckham | 2024 #46 Nation SC (6’4/CG/’24/Baker HS)
Instagram: b1rron
The #1-ranked player in the state in his class, and the #36-ranked player in the country in his class according to ESPN, has started the season off on fire averaging 38.3 points/game while shooting 51% from the field according to MaxPreps.com. He definitely has his name in contention as one of the best, if not the best, scorers in the state. All the individual accolades are there, and everywhere he goes this year, his name alone will pack out gyms. As it is for every player in this article, the question is how far he can lead his team in the postseason. It goes without saying that there are a lot of expectations when considered one of the best players in the state.
Terry J. DrakeAll the individual accolades are there, and everywhere he goes this year, his name alone will pack out gyms.
Chase McCarty Chase McCarty 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2024 State #71 Nation FL (6’6/SG/’24/Westminster Christian Academy)
Instagram: Chase___mccarty
Twitter: @Chasemccarty21
Chase has started the year off doing precisely what is expected of him: scoring the rock. The #2-raked player in our 2024 class is one of the best flat-out scorers in the state, regardless of classification. In their first game, he had 31pts and 11rebs in 15-minutes of action. He dropped 23pts in the second game. Look for Chase to continue his scoring barrage throughout the year because it will be difficult for teams to shut him down. They will just have to limit his production in some way. The question will be, how far can Chase lead Westminister in the playoffs, and will it take him pouring in huge numbers in the scoring column or finding a way to get his teammates involved knowing he will garner so much attention night in and night out. I asked him what does he need to do or continue doing to make sure the team reaches their goals this year, and he replied, “Just keep working and pushing myself and my team to be better.”
Chase McCarty Chase McCarty 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2024 State #71 Nation FL“Just keep working and pushing myself and my team to be better.”