Next Year’s Breakout Player Watch List

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">It is not too early to start looking ahead to next year, so let's start looking at a few players with the potential to be a breakout player next year…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2120684,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/PH-Ty-Odom-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/PH-Ty-Odom-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2120684" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585284' first='Ty' last='Odom']</strong> (6'2/SG/'25/Hartselle HS) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: ty_odom1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Ty_Odom3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ty has seen his stock rise this year and has emerged as a legitimate prospect for coaches at the next level looking for a shooting guard who can also spend time at the lead guard position. He doesn't massage the ball but has combo moves off the dribble that help him get an advantage on his defender, which allows him to get his defender on his hip and keep him off-balance as he finds ways to score in the paint. As his squad's season was ending, Ty was playing with more of a scoring mentality and really was in his bag, creating a lot of problems for defenders. His senior year is going to be an exciting one to follow, as he has the potential to average over 20pts a game.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2310104,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/PH-Keegan-Keeton-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/PH-Keegan-Keeton-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2310104" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194997' first='Keegan' last='Keeton']&nbsp;</strong>(5'9/CG/'28/Carbon Hill)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: keetonkeegan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @keegankeeton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Keegan has gotten a lot of ink over the years, and his play with his squad this year has proven that it has been well deserved. I don't know if there will be a better shooter in the state next year than Keegan. As much as he is known for his ability to shoot the trey ball this year, he has proven that he is one of the toughest on-ball defenders, regardless of classification. His squad found their way into the Sweet 16 this year, and Keegan's play was instrumental to the team's success. If he can come back a more confident and dominant player when scoring off the bounce next year, he will definitely be one of the rising stars and breakout players.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2295555,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/PH-Kevon-Walker-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/PH-Kevon-Walker-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2295555" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ke'von Walker </strong>(6'6/PF|C/'25/Huffman) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: kevon.walker1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @kevon_walker22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ke'von is a highly athletic frontcourt player and very explosive off the floor. Next year's projection is very bright for the Vikings, and Ke'von's interior play will be vital to their success. He has the size and lateral quickness to control space around the basket and in the paint. He scores it very well around the rim and will be a player to watch to have a breakout year next year. If Ke'von can expand his game to the perimeter and play out in space, his stock will rise even more.&nbsp; </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2278529,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/PH-Trey-Davis-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/PH-Trey-Davis-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2278529" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314041' first='Trey' last='Davis']</strong>&nbsp;(6'0/PG/'26/Mountain Brook HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: treydavis3_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @treydavis_3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Spartans are in the final four, and Trey is a big reason why, despite his youth. He is a lethal shooter from behind the arc, and with his brother taking his talents to the University of Creighton next year, the reigns of the Spartans squad will be handed over to Trey. The shot is not going to be a question, but an area that needs improvement is his ball-handling and his ability to create his shot off the bounce. He will have a lot on his shoulders heading into next year, but make no mistake about it; he has the pedigree and the support system to emerge into a player who will have a breakout year and be considered one of the best in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2341263,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/PH-Jeremy-Chatman-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/PH-Jeremy-Chatman-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2341263" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1958751' first='Jeremy' last='Chatman']&nbsp;</strong>(6'1/SG/'26/Shades Valley HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: iss._chat</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Jchat.10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jeremy is a potent and prolific scorer who scores at will. He has a strong physical build and attacks in straight lines without using a lot of dribbles, which allows him to be a multi-level threat while still playing within the flow of the game. He had some impressive scoring numbers this year, and with an off-season of continuing to add to his game, he may just be one of the best bucket-getters in the state next year. Jeremy is an undeniably tough shot-maker with threes, pull-ups in his middle game, step-backs, floaters, and runners all in his bag. He will be one of the toughest players to defend next year.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1958491' first='Colben' last='Landrew']&nbsp;</strong>(6'6/CG/2026/Thompson HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: iamcolbenlandrew</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">One of the most dynamic players that is on this watch list is Colben. He is a highly versatile playmaker who does a sensational job making reads while the rock is in his hands. He has a good balance between scoring and facilitating. His ascension was very rapid for those who had not seen him play as the season got into the playoffs. He caught a lot of people's eyes with his play and ability to take over a game and score the rock. He has positional size, length, athleticism, playmaking abilities, and a nice skillset. Colben will be a major factor as his team looks to get past the Elite 8 next year, where their season ended this year, unfortunately.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194487' first='Deonte' last='Jiles']</strong>&nbsp;(6'2/G/'28/Irondale Middle/Shades Valley HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: etdjxo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Deonte got some valuable minutes on the varsity this year, and he showed his potential as he held his own on some of the biggest stages his squad played on. He is a smooth athlete with body control and a feel for changing speeds. He is surrounded by scorers, but with another year under his belt and an off-season of working with the older guys, he should be ready to contribute and carry a heavier load. There is no questioning if he can get it done, as he has shown it on big stages during AAU and during middle school ball. He has proven that his game translates to varsity play, and next year, he should be ready to play a more significant role and show the entire state why his name is discussed when talking about some of the top players in the 2028 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->