2024 Rankings: Guards Who Left Their Mark
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Several backcourt players in the final 2024 rankings left their mark during their final high school season, and here are a few… Jackson Murphy Jackson Murphy 6'2" | CG McGill Toolen | 2024 State AL (6’2/CG/’24/McGill-Toolen) IG: Jackmurphy.2 X: @JackMurphy324…
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Continue ReadingSeveral backcourt players in the final 2024 rankings left their mark during their final high school season, and here are a few…
Jackson Murphy Jackson Murphy 6'2" | CG McGill Toolen | 2024 State AL (6’2/CG/’24/McGill-Toolen)
IG: Jackmurphy.2
X: @JackMurphy324
Jackson is the prototypical lead guard. He is very heady and does a good job controlling the tempo. He is a maestro at the position. He always seems relaxed and patient, waiting for the play to develop so that his squad can get what their coach desires. His leadership and experience were seen throughout the year as he had a calming presence on the ball while at the same time being a relentless competitor at the head of the snake. He carried his team this year and had his team looking at a playoff run.
Ian Johnigan Ian Johnigan 6'0" | SG Helena | 2024 State AL (6’2/SG/’24/Helena HS)
IG: ian.johnigan
X: @IanJohnigan2024
Ian has been known as a three-point specialist over the years, but this year he showed advancement in his game. He moved from being a c&s guy to a player who could put the rock on the floor and get to his middle game. He was very efficient throughout the year from both the mid-range and behind the arc, and his shooting was a huge part of helping Helena get to the Final Four.
Elijah Thomas Elijah Thomas 6'0" | CG Hoover | 2024 State AL (6’0/SG/’24/Hoover HS)
IG: youngbull_e.t
X: @ET20241
Elijah was a solid player in the shadows of Hoover’s Big 3. He provided scoring and secondary ball-handling, which helped Hoover to repeat as state champion. Even though he was not one of the primary options when the situation called for him to provide scoring or set-up opportunities for his teammates, he stepped up at the moment. He made winning plays, which were not always scoring plays but had a tangible impact on the game’s outcome. He was engaged defensively and did a good job keeping his man in front of him on dribble penetration.
Robert Flynn Robert Flynn 6'3" | CG Altamont | 2024 State AL (6’2/SG/The Altamont School)
IG: robert_flynn1
Robert had a dynamic year as he emerged as the primary scoring option for his squad. He played at a nice pace and was a reliable ball-handler. He had to play on and off the ball as well as balance scoring and facilitating. He has a good understanding of the game and showed his leadership skills throughout the year. He scored from all levels, did an excellent job getting his teammates open looks, and wasn’t afraid to take pressure shots when his team needed a bucket. Despite being limited athletically, his basketball IQ kept him a step ahead of most opponents.
Willie Townsend Willie Townsend 5'11" | PG Central Phenix | 2024 State AL (6’0/PG/Central-Phenix City)
IG: yg_.willie
X: @bucket_willie10
Willie proved to be a solid floor general on a team that made its second straight appearance in the final four. His play in distributing the rock to his scorers was valuable throughout the year. He did some really good things as a playmaker and an initiator of the offense, particularly in the pick-and-roll, making impressive on-time and on-target passes for easy looks and buckets. Willie had a solid mindset and was a good leader, and his play helped his squad be one of the top teams in the state.
Jeremiah Gary Jeremiah Gary 6'3" | CG Homewood | 2024 State AL (6’3/CG/Homewood HS)
IG: jeremiah.8795
X: @jeremiahgary24
Jeremiah had an impressive season as he was one of the senior leaders who led Homewood throughout the year and had the team right in the midst of a playoff run. He proved to be a multi-level scorer, a tough shot-maker, and one on the team who could go and get a bucket when the offense got off schedule. He proved to be a secondary ball-handler and facilitator. Jeremiah is not overly athletic, but his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and finish off the bounce made him a player opposing coaches had to account for as they prepared the scout.