#TerryTalks: Players To Watch In the Class 7A Final 4

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The class 7A Final 4 is set, and here are a few players to watch as they try to lead their team to the Blue Map…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1324397,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/11/PH-Jacoby-Hill.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/11/PH-Jacoby-Hill.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1324397" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398552' first='Jacoby' last='Hill']</strong>&nbsp;(6'3/G/'25/Central HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: _.jaacoby._</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jacoby is a 2025 kid that is a walking bucket. He is a player that can score from anywhere on the court and can get it done with the ball in his hands or when he is having to move without the rock. He's got a quick first step and gets to the rim with ease, and can really finish through contact. He's an excellent slasher and a good off-ball cutter who is very difficult to contain, whether the ball is in his hands or not. Jacoby is an excellent iso scorer who can get his own offense. He's very efficient from the field and really knows how to put the ball in the basket. Look for Jacoby to put pressure on Spain Park's defense, as I really do not see anyone being able to slow down his point production. He is that good of a scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jacoby is a 2025 kid that is a walking bucket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1311037,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PH-Zach-Gray-1.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PH-Zach-Gray-1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1311037" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='836588' first='Zach' last='Gray']</strong>&nbsp;(6'6/Shooting Guard/'23/Spain Park HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: Zach.25.Gray</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @ZachGray2225</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Zach had a solid regional performance. He is a player that can score the rock in bunches, but in two heavyweight battles where points were hard to come by, Zach still managed to score in double-digits. As his team prepares to face off against Central-Phenix, he is going to need to continue providing point production from the perimeter. He looked for his offense early against Huntsville HS in the regional finals, and it was his early offense which helped his squad get out to an early lead which was important in a game where neither team got above 40pts. The senior guard is going to have to be a leader and use his experience to carry his squad to the blue map. Look for Spain Park to try and get Zach going early, as his ability to score at all levels will be needed in the final four match-up. He finished the regionals with the following stats:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">11pts; 6rebs vs Sparkman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">14pts; 3rebs vs Huntsville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AlecEtheredgeSC/status/1624220778005770241","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AlecEtheredgeSC/status/1624220778005770241 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1548583,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/PH-Bryce-Dawson-iBallTDB-C-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/PH-Bryce-Dawson-iBallTDB-C-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1548583" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398561' first='Bryce' last='Dawson']</strong>&nbsp;(6'4/Wing/'25/Central-Phenix HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: Bk1.offixial</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @Bk1_offixial</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Bryce is one of the many '25 kids that will be displaying his talents in the 7A Final 4. BD is extremely athletic and can get it done at all levels. His length is a real factor on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he uses his ball-handling to get to his spots on the floor, especially the mid-range, where he can elevate over most defenders and shoot over the top. He is also a slasher who does an excellent job coming off screens and finding space to get his shot. BD is very agile and has really incredible movement skills for his size and is quick and shifty with the ball in his hands. He has ALL the physical tools and the IQ to accompany. Oh, by the way, he can knock down the trey ball. Look for Bryce to be ready for the big stage and the bright lights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BD is extremely athletic and can get it done at all levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1798833,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/PH-Sam-Wright-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/PH-Sam-Wright-C.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1798833" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684481' first='Sam' last='Wright']&nbsp;</strong>(6'10/F/'23/Spain Park HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: s_wright_41</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @samwright_41</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">As we journey through the playoffs, I have been putting ink on Sam, and he has been living up to everything I have projected. He will be a key factor for several reasons, as he is a match-up nightmare standing 6'10 and can score the rock at all 3-levels. He is active on the glass; and has been playing with a bit of nastiness going down the stretch. He's an enforcer in the middle who protects the paint and changes the game with his size, length, and defensive instincts. I mentioned that he scores at all levels, but in the regionals, he scored in the post, on put-backs, and on offensive rebounds. Look for Sam to continue his high-level play in the final four. He finished the regionals with the following stats:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">21pts; 10rebs vs Sparkman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">8pts; 5rebs vs Huntsville HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/samwright_41/status/1582186932653592577","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/samwright_41/status/1582186932653592577 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1817718,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/PH-Jonathan-Caicedo-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/PH-Jonathan-Caicedo-C.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1817718" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812617' first='Jonathan' last='Caicedo']&nbsp;</strong>(6'7/SF/'23/Hoover HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: Jonathan05_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @jonathan_c25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jonathan has emerged as that piece that Hoover needed to support the three sensational sophomores that are surrounded with high expectations. JC is a wing player with a lot of versatility on both ends of the floor. He has positional size with length and is a good athlete with quickness, lateral speed, and overall agility. He definitely looks the part of a player that will be able to make an impact on the next level, as he has a significant upside. It is never too early for next-level thinking, but I believe JC at the moment is ready to showcase his ball handling, play-making, and versatile scoring game at the final four. His ability to hit shots down the stretch with zero fear of the moment as well as his ability to create for himself, will prove valuable for Hoover looking to win state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jonathan__c25/status/1628524712207831045","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jonathan__c25/status/1628524712207831045 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1389468,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/PH-Thomas-Dowd.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/PH-Thomas-Dowd.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1389468" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385929' first='Thomas' last='Dowd']&nbsp;</strong>(6'7/SF/'23/Dothan HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: thomasdowd_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @thomasdowd_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Troy signee has been giving everyone at Troy a glimpse of what they have to look forward to once he steps onto campus. He has put on an absolute show throughout the regionals, and he has his team playing some terrific basketball deep into the playoffs. He is undoubtedly the leader of his squad, and they will go as far as TD can take them. Because of Thomas' play, many are moving their chips over to Dothan as the outright favorite. Personally, I have not made that jump because Hoover is a very formidable squad that is also playing well right now. I do believe Thomas will be ready for the stage as he is a scorer with a consistent shooting stroke and a soft touch on his shot. He is a good iso scorer who can gain separation for his jumper and can put it on the floor and score in the paint or at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/SylvieSparksTV/status/1628098247934746624","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SylvieSparksTV/status/1628098247934746624 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1352625,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/PH-Dewayne-Brown.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/PH-Dewayne-Brown.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1352625" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398554' first='DeWayne' last='Brown, II']&nbsp;</strong>(6'9/Center/'25/Hoover HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: dewaynebrown2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @Dewaynebrownll</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">It is tough to pinpoint someone who is having a better individual playoff run than DeWayne. He has been extremely dominant and a load to deal with on the low block. He impacts everything that goes on in the paint, making it hard for opposing teams to look for much production down low when he is in the game. He does a great job of contesting shots and not fouling, as he uses his length to alter shots. He plays vertical, which is often difficult to get young players to embrace as they want to swat everything into the stands. As long as he is not picking up cheap fouls and can stay on the court, his presence is going to be a problem for Dothan. DeWayne does a lot of his scoring on put-backs and dump-offs around the rim, and he is surrounded by guards that can get to the paint and force help. He has developed into a good passer out of the post, as he has seen double teams throughout the year. The stat sheet against Vestavia in the regional championship did not populate, but he finished the semi-final game with the following stats:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">22pts; 13rebs vs Austin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/HooverBucsBBall/status/1629097491659456515","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HooverBucsBBall/status/1629097491659456515 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2257850' first='Mehkai' last='Menefee']</strong>&nbsp;(6'4/CG/'24/Dothan HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Mehkai is the other piece to the Dothan squad that will be looked upon to lead his team to the blue map. He was really impressive in the regionals as he was tough off the bounce and a reliable source of production in the scoring column. He also did a great job setting his teammates up for opportunities to be productive. He has a nice feel for the game and a feel for getting his shot. He doesn't force action but plays under control and at a great pace. He is a prospect who can beat you in many ways as he is wired to score the rock, and he has a toolkit with many tools at his disposal to make it happen. Mehkai is one of the best clutch players in the 7A final four and is capable of delivering big performances, which Hoover needs to be ready to defend.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He also did a great job setting his teammates up for opportunities to be productive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote -->