2023-2024 Team Preview: Fairhope High School

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Fairhope Pirates High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Class 7A Area 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Head Coach: Solomon L Johnson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Last Season Record: 26-3&nbsp;<em>(According to maxpreps.com)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1711170' first='Spence' last='Sims']</strong> (6'1/PG/'24)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Spence is our #20-ranked player in the '24 class and is one of the most efficient scorers in the state. He is highly skilled, has a brilliant floor game, and has unbelievable playmaking abilities. He is a 3-level scorer but does a good job facilitating the offense when needed. There is no question as to who the leader of the Pirates' squad is, as everyone knows the team will go as Spence goes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Thomas McRae Taul</strong>&nbsp;(6'6/PF|C/'24)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: mcraetau1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X/Twitter: @mcraetaul0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Thomas brings size, leadership, and a solid interior presence to the Pirates. He is a rim protector that makes it very hard for opposing penetrators looking to score to get quality looks. Many believe that McRae is one of the best underrated players in the state and is expected to have a statement year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2792254' first='Jackson' last='Gulley']</strong>&nbsp;(6'7/SF/'26)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jackson is new to the Pirates program but will be a welcomed addition as he brings size, overall scoring ability, and great length defensively. He will be a key piece to the success of the Pirates as he allows others, particularly on defense, to extend their pressure, knowing that a rim protector is anchoring the paint. Look for Jackson to also contribute in the scoring column, alleviating some of the scoring load from Spence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">When asked about two players who will be key pieces of the puzzle for his team this season that were not listed in the top three above, Coach Johnson quickly mentioned the following two players:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Zeb Grafford</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Broder Elliason</strong>. Both players bring hard work, determination, and a great work ethic to the team. The coaching staff is expecting both guys to add perimeter scoring, which will allow the Pirates to stretch the floor while creating driving lanes at the same time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Coach Johnson wants his guys committed to the defense end of the floor, and hopefully, they can turn their defense into offense. He believes if each player can be accountable to the team's standards, then they will have a chance night in and night out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">When asked what it would take for his team to make a deep playoff run, make it to the Final Four, or even win the State Championship, Coach Johnson told me that he needs total buy-in from his guys and commitment to what they do on a daily basis. Also, he believes that his guys have to do the little things every day in order to make the big things work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->