#PlayoffPreview Class 6A Backcourt GameChangers

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Here are a few backcourt players who can change the course of a game at any moment and could have a lot to say about the outcome of their first-round playoff action…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2132213,"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-Tierren-Thomas-C-1.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/PH-Tierren-Thomas-C-1.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2132213" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2257648' first='Tierren' last='Thomas']</strong>&nbsp;(6'0/SG/'24/Calera HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Teezy2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Tierren is one of the most underrated players in the state, yet he is loaded with talent and potential. He is a hard-playing shooting guard who can score from all levels. He is a well-rounded guard with explosiveness off the bounce. As the playoffs kick-off for his team, he will be needed to deliver on the offensive end, even if that means putting up more than usual scoring attempts. He is a young talent who commands the respect of defenses.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Calera takes on Chilton County at Benjamin Russell on Monday, February 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1548561,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/PH-Kevin-Kirk-Jr.-iBallTDB-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/PH-Kevin-Kirk-Jr.-iBallTDB-C.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1548561" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kevin Kirk&nbsp;</strong>(6'1/SG/'24/Clay Chalkville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: kj_kirk_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @KJKirk4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Kevin has been a solid force at the guard position and has shown his ability to play on and off the ball. He is surrounded by talent and has been able to settle in at times at the lead guard spot, which has allowed him to develop and emerge into a heady floor general who can make plays for others as well as orchestrate the offense overall. It will be good for Clay and Kevin to have a deep playoff run, as he needs more eyes from the next level watching him in hopes of getting traction in the recruiting process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Cougars will take on the Pinson vs Mortimer Jordan game winner on Wednesday, February 7.&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;(6'2/SG/'25/Hartselle HS) 37</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">There has been a lot of conversation surrounding Ty lately as he has been one of the most consistent players in the state, producing at a high-level night in and night out. He is the head of the snake, and Hartselle will go as far as Ty takes them this year. He is a three-level scorer who has the ability to force his way into scoring positions and finish through contact. A lot of ink is out there on Ty right now, and it will be interesting to see how far he can carry his squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Tigers take on Decatur on Monday, February 5, at Cullman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1655341,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PH-Austin-Coner-c.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PH-Austin-Coner-c.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1655341" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398735' first='Austin' last='Coner']</strong>&nbsp;(6'0/PG/'25/Pinson Valley HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: acwoo2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @IAMWOO2x</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Pinson has been a little under the radar, and many have written them off, but as long as they have Austin at the helm of the ship, Pinson is a threat to make it to Birmingham. He has been a constant source of production for the Indians this year and has done an excellent job being the on-court leader. He has evolved into Mr. Do-It-All for the Indians, and as long as Woo is running the show, Pinson will have a chance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Indians take on Mortimer Jordan on Monday, February 5, at Clay-Chalkville.</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)<strong>&nbsp;11</strong></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's stock has risen drastically over the course of the season, and he is one of the reasons why many teams consider Shades Valley a team they do not want to face in the playoffs. He is a tremendous finisher and a quality outside shooter. He has always been a guy who can go get a bucket, but his ability this season to score the rock has been second to none. Eyes across the state will be on the Mounties as they have pieces, and Jeremy is one of the main ones.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Mounties take on Pell City on Monday, February 5, at Mountain Brook.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":2341265,"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-Kinley-Simmons-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/PH-Kinley-Simmons-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2341265" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314059' first='Kinley' last='Simmons']</strong>&nbsp;(5'11/SG/'26/Murphy)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Kinley has really matured over the course of the season and is staring down the playoffs, ready to lead his team on a deep run. His scoring ability from all levels has increased, and he has been a dynamic playmaker off the bounce, creating for himself and his teammates. He can get his own shot off the dribble, which has made him dangerous to defenders, and his squad will need his scoring prowess to make noise in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Panthers kick off Tuesday, February 6, against Blount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2257660' first='Jackson' last='Murphy'] </strong>(6'2/CG/'24/McGill-Toolen)<strong> 32</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Jackmurphy.2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @JackMurphy324</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jackson has been playing well throughout the season and has really stepped up his game in the past few weeks heading into the playoffs. He is scoring the rock very well from behind the arc but also creating scoring opportunities off the bounce. He continues to be a two-way talent, making his impact on both ends, particularly with his aggressive and disruptive D.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">McGill opens the playoff against Robertsdale on Monday, February 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->