Key Showdowns Headline the Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school basketball season in Alabama is heating up, with several key matchups between top-ranked teams set for the coming week. Here are some of the can't-miss games to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7A - The battle of south Alabama powers pits Mary G. Montgomery (12-0) against Fairhope (16-0) in a clash of unbeaten. MGM is led by senior forward Erik Washington while Fairhope features a balanced attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6A - Out-of-state foe Darlington (GA) (8-1) faces a tough test against undefeated Fort Wayne (AL) (16-0) and their stifling defense. This interstate matchup features two ranked teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5A - Hamilton (9-4) and their talented guard duo look to take down Jasper (13-3) led by junior big man [player_tooltip player_id='2294845' first='Miller' last='Moody']. The battle of Walker County schools is sure to be intense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4A - Jackson (9-1) boasts one of 4A's top defenses, but will be tested by an explosive Hillcrest (12-3) squad featuring senior guard Kayden Mitchell. This could be an upset alert.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3A - Undefeated teams collide as Houston Academy (13-2) faces Providence Christian (12-2) in a showdown between two 3A powerhouses. The dominant squads have been on a roll this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Erik Washington","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mary G. Montgomery ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 6'5u0022 210 lbs, Erik Washington is a talented forward prospect in the Class of 2024. The senior big man is the go-to player for Mary G. Montgomery, averaging 14.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Washington makes his presence felt on both ends of the court with his blend of size, skill, and athleticism.rnrnOffensively, Washington shows the ability to score both inside and out. He has good footwork and touch around the rim along with a reliable mid-range jump shot. Washington is adept at establishing post position and can finish through contact. He's also an above average passer for a big man, displaying good vision on kick outs to open shooters when doubled.rnrnOn defense, Washington provides stout interior defense with his strength and length. He alters and blocks shots at a high rate, using his 6'11u0022 wingspan well to deny driving lanes. Washington is a good positional defender who also rebounds well, pulling down almost 8 boards per game.rnrnOverall, Erik Washington is the type of versatile, skilled forward who could provide interior scoring, rebounding and defense at the collegiate level. As he continues refining his outside shot, Washington figures to be a promising prospect for Division I programs seeking an impactful big man in the 2024 recruiting class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"Robert Simpson","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'7u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Hillcrest High School","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"At 6'7u0022 and 210 lbs, Robert Simpson is an imposing junior forward in the class of 2025 who dominates the paint. Averaging 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4 blocks per game, Simpson is a force on both ends of the court.rnrnOffensively, Simpson uses his wide frame and length extremely well to overpower defenders in the post. He has an array of quick spin moves and drop steps, along with the strength to finish through contact. Simpson also has good touch around the rim and a soft shooting stroke for a big man, keeping defenses honest with his mid-range shooting.rnrnOn defense, Simpson is a game-changing shot blocker, using his 7'0u0022 wingspan to swat away shots at the rim. He has tremendous timing and instincts as an interior defender. Simpson is also a beast on the glass, constantly pursuing rebounds in and out of his area.rnrnAs Simpson continues expanding his post-up arsenal and face-up skills, he has the potential to be a dominant two-way post presence. His overwhelming physical tools and continually improving skill level make Simpson one of the most intriguing big men in the 2025 class. He projects as an immediate impact player at the high major level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Kayden Mitchell","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Houston Academy ","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Kayden Mitchell is an electric combo guard in the class of 2025 capable of filling up the stat sheet with his scoring. The talented junior is averaging 28.7 points per game as both a point guard and shooting guard.rnrnAt 6'0” 180lbs, Mitchell has good size and length for a backcourt player. He is a dynamic athlete with tremendous quickness and burst in the open floor. Mitchell excels at attacking the rim using hesitation moves and crafty dribble drives. His leaping ability allows him to finish above the rim through contact.rnrnAs a shooter, Mitchell can heat up from the outside with his smooth and quick release. He knocks down pull-up jumpers off the dribble out to the 3-point line. Mitchell is also a capable playmaker who sees the floor well and can deliver crisp passes to find open teammates.rnrnOn the defensive end, Mitchell is active and uses his lateral quickness well to stay in front of opposing guards. His reach also allows him to get deflections and steals.rnrnOverall, Kayden Mitchell's combination of electric scoring ability, playmaking skills, and athleticism make him one of the most productive and promising guard prospects in the 2025 class. He projects as a potential All-Conference player at the high-major level.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2258164"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2258164' first='Luke' last='Stephens'] is a skilled 6'4” senior point guard from Fort Payne with a lethal outside shooting stroke. In the class of 2024, Stephens projects as an excellent perimeter scorer at the collegiate level.rnrnDespite his size, Stephens handles the ball exceptionally well and can play either guard spot. He has tight handles and advanced dribble moves that allow him to create space for shots. Stephens is an assassin from the outside, with unlimited range and a quick trigger on catch-and-shoot opportunities. He can knock down 3-pointers off the dribble or coming off screens.rnrnStephens is not just a one-dimensional scorer. He sees the floor well and delivers crisp passes off the pick-and-roll to find open teammates. Stephens is also adept at driving and kicking to shooters when defenders close out too hard on his jumper.rnrnOn the defensive end, Stephens has the size and length to guard either backcourt position. He is an active and focused defender, moving well laterally to stay in front of opposing players. His long reach also allows him to disrupt passing lanes.rnrnWith his elite outside shooting ability and playmaking skills, [player_tooltip player_id='2258164' first='Luke' last='Stephens'] projects as an impact player offensively at the next level, capable of spacing the floor and running an offense. He has significant upside as he continues refining his mid-range scoring and defensive technique.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2294845"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"At 6'9”, [player_tooltip player_id='2294845' first='Miller' last='Moody'] is a promising junior forward out of Jasper High School with impressive defensive versatility and developing offensive skills.rnrnMoody utilizes his size, length and mobility to be an impactful defender all over the floor. He is capable of guarding multiple positions with his ability to move laterally and contain dribble penetration. Moody is an excellent help defender who provides weakside rim protection and blocks shots at a high rate. He also rebounds well at both ends with his non-stop motor.rnrnOffensively, Moody operates well in the high post area as a passer and mid-range shooter. He has shown the ability to knock down 15-17 foot jumpers consistently. Moody is also a smart cutter who finishes well around the rim off dump offs and dump backs. In the post, he has a basic jump hook and turnaround jumper that should become more polished with repetition.rnrnFor Moody's game to fully blossom at the next level, adding some weight and strength will be key. Continuing to expand his low post scoring versatility will round out his offensive skill set.rnrnOverall, [player_tooltip player_id='2294845' first='Miller' last='Moody']'s combination of defensive impact, size and emerging offensive skills make him an intriguing prospect in the 2025 class. He projects as a high-level role player capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65942cc6a294d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->