Takeaways From The Alabama Scholastic Event

Ramsay Is In Good Hands:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PH-Jay-Green-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PH-Jay-Green-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2470513" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1958553' first='Jay' last='Green'] (6'0/PG/'26/Ramsay HS)   IG: bamajay8   X: @iam_jaygren8   The Thompson transfer looks very comfortable as he has taken the reins of the Ramsay team and has already improved their offensive flow. He is a pass-first, heady PG who gets his teammates involved. He is dangerous off the bounce as he has a low center of gravity, is built like a tank, and is an elite passer. I spoke with Coach Denton Johnson, and he said if the entire team can mirror Jay's work ethic, they will be a really good team. With the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1958553' first='Jay' last='Green'] and last year's 5A State Champions Fairfield dropping to 4A, many have already placed Ramsay as the team to beat. Ramsay has been the favorite before and came up short, so the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1958553' first='Jay' last='Green'] will only be a success in many people's eyes if he can get the Rams over the hump and bring home the state title.   Takeaway: Can Ramsay win the state title? That is the only question surrounding the Rams program and Coach Denton Johnson.   Huntsville Is STILL Loaded:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-J.D.-Gossett-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-J.D.-Gossett-C.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1718643" /></a></figure>   J.D. Gossett (6'4/PG/'25/Huntsville HS)   IG: jd_gossett5   X: @JD_Gossett5   Many of the college coaches attended Huntsville's games, and it would be safe to believe they were there to watch [player_tooltip player_id='1398759' first='Simon' last='Walker']. Even though Simon is garnering a boatload of attention, JD is probably the most important player on the Huntsville squad. His scoring versatility and brilliant floor game make him the stapler on a team loaded with pieces. His recruitment has been on the rise, and he turned heads throughout the weekend with his ability to play on and off the ball, balance scoring and facilitating, and show athleticism.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/PH-Josh-Bowman-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/PH-Josh-Bowman-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2026740" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1600007' first='Josh' last='Bowman'] (6'8/C/'25/Huntsville HS)   IG: josh_bow_   X: @_Josh_Bowman   With Caleb Harrison watching from the sideline as a Samford Bulldog, Josh steps into the Panther's Center position full-time. Josh looked more than ready to take on the responsibility and be that dominating interior presence on both ends of the floor. He is long and covers a lot of ground with his movement. He showed his ability to score with his back to the basket, and he stepped out and attacked off the bounce. He is a skilled big man, has good hands, and even showed his ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter jumper. It is safe to say that The Panthers will have the advantage on the inside for most of their play in-state.    Takeaway: The talk has already begun about the potential match-up between Hoover and Huntsville. Will we get to see the match-up we were not able to see in the Final 4 last year? There are a lot of expectations surrounding the Panthers, and the question is, can they get the job done this year?   Fairfield Will Be The Favorite As They Drop To Class 4A:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PH-Jeff-Duncan-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/PH-Jeff-Duncan-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2470518" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1398727' first='Jeff' last='Duncan'] (5'9/PG/'25/Fairfield HS)   IG: Jeffglizzy5   With Josiah Jones off to the next level, the question arises: who will be able to provide the production that Josiah was able to provide during the Final 4 last year? When buckets were needed, he could create his own offense and deliver. There were times when Jeff showed that he had the potential to be that guy. He had some very nice one-on-one takes that had many people taking notice. [player_tooltip player_id='1958490' first='Milton' last='Jones'] will bring what he brings, but Jeff will need to expand his scoring capacity and look for his shot more, which he showed he can from all levels.     Takeaway: Unless someone in Class 4A emerges as a threat to the Tigers, Fairfield will raise another championship.   Hoover Is Still The Favorite:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/PH-Jarett-Fairley.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/PH-Jarett-Fairley.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1352622" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1398558' first='Jarett' last='Fairley'] (6'2/CG/'25/Hoover HS)   IG: jarettgotquicks_   X: @fairley_jm   Jarett is often the least talked about when it comes to Hoover's Big 3, but there can be no denying his importance to the success of the Bucs. He is one of the best two-way players in the state, and his game continues to mature at a fast rate over the past few months. He sees the game well, is an elite passer,  a knockdown three-point shooter, and consistently makes the right reads. He isn't afraid to defend the opposing team's best player and takes pride in containing anyone in the state. He is more settled in himself and not trying to prove his play in relation to the Big 3, and you see a player who is ready to have a massive senior campaign.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/PH-Jackson-Sheffield-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/PH-Jackson-Sheffield-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2393007" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2224458' first='Jackson' last='Sheffield'] (6'9/C/'26/Hoover)   IG: jackson_sheffield32   X: @jsheffield2026    Jackson missed a couple of playdates early but had a strong performance throughout the scholastic event. He has become more aggressive and playing with a lot more swag and confidence. He is not going to the cup and just looking to score, but he is looking to punish the rim and put anyone willing to jump with him on a poster. He rebounds very well on both ends and continues to emerge as a high-end rim protector. His recruitment continues to grow, and many programs are starting to reach out. He finished playing at the scholastic event and headed to the Nike Elite 100 Camp.   Takeaway: Most people see Hoover as the favorite to win Class 7A, but they know Huntsville is in their rearview mirror. With the noise of DeWayne Brown leaving falling off, the Bucs seem a little more settled.   [player_tooltip player_id='1585284' first='Ty' last='Odom'] Is One of The Most Under-Rated Guards:   <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>   [player_tooltip player_id='1585284' first='Ty' last='Odom'] (6'2/SG/'25/Hartselle HS)   IG: ty_odom1   X: @Ty_Odom3   With Hartselle looking for a new coach, one thing they are not looking for is a leader and a lead-guard. Ty showed that he is ready to lead a very young team during his senior campaign. Hartselle will have a lot of transition when they finally nail down their coaching search, but Ty, with his basketball acumen and understanding of the game, will help the transition. Look for Ty to have huge offensive numbers, as the ball will be in his hands the majority of the time.     Takeaway: A few names have been mentioned surrounding this job opening, but word is a decision is expected soon.   Montgomery Academy Is One Of The Best Teams In The State Regardless of Class:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PH-Skyler-Stovall-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PH-Skyler-Stovall-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2422413" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2415465' first='Skyler' last='Stovall'] (6'5/SG/'25/Montgomery Academy)   IG: Skysto22   X: @Skysto22_   Skyler has good positional size and is one of the most explosive guards in the state. He is a gifted scoring talent at all levels. He is the leader of his squad, and he leads a team that is loaded with everything needed to win Class 3A. As versatile a scorer as he is, he is just as versatile on the defensive end of the floor due to his size, length, athleticism, instincts, and motor.     Takeaway: Montgomery Academy was handing it to teams over the two-day event. They are already playing like a team with a purpose, and this will be a scary team against which to compete. We will see what they are made of as they visit Huntsville HS in January.

Ramsay Is In Good Hands: