Wildcats Preview: Key Players, New Additions, State Title Outlook

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Benjamin Russell Wildcats</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Class 6A Area 5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Head Coach: Jeremy Freeman&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Last Season Record: 14-8&nbsp;(According to maxpreps.com)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Key Players:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LaJayvious Calhoun</strong> (5'7/PG/'26/Benjamin Russell)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">LaJayvious may be undersized, but he plays with a fearless mindset. He thrives off the bounce, consistently getting into the paint and creating scoring opportunities. His perimeter shooting forces defenders to stay honest, which opens up driving lanes. On the defensive end, he makes his presence felt as a relentless on-ball defender who can disrupt opposing guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Aden Graham</strong> (6'3/SG/'27/Benjamin Russell)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: 1hoop.bubba</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Aden brings good positional size to the backcourt and is a reliable floor spacer with his shooting range. He will step into an expanded role this season, where his ability to knock down shots from deep will be vital. Beyond his 3&amp;D potential, Aden has shown flashes of scoring versatility, with the capability to attack closeouts and finish at multiple levels. His development will be key to the Wildcats' offensive balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Alijah Johnson</strong> (5'9/PG/'26/Benjamin Russell)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Alijah is an experienced floor general with a solid basketball IQ. He sets the tone defensively with his anticipation in the passing lanes, often creating transition opportunities for his team. Offensively, he mixes physical drives with perimeter shooting, making him a dual scoring threat. Despite being a smaller guard, he competes with toughness and is not afraid to attack bigger defenders in the lane.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Returning Starters:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Alijah Johnson (G/12th Grade)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">LaJayvious Calhoun (G/12th Grade)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>New Additions:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Charlie Lumpkin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jesse Worthy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>What To Expect From The Wildcats This Season:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Coach Freeman's squad will hang its hat on defense this season. Expect the Wildcats to apply pressure both in the half-court and full-court, using their quickness to create chaos and force turnovers. Offensively, they will look to push the pace but also show poise in the half-court, relying on strong guard play and perimeter shooting to generate quality looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>What Will It Take for The Wildcats To Win State?</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Coach Freeman believes the Wildcats' championship hopes begin on the defensive end. If they can consistently turn defense into offense, they will be in position to compete with anyone. Guard play will be the deciding factor, as their ability to create, knock down shots, and take advantage of both interior and perimeter opportunities will determine whether they can bring home the blue map.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2952165,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Expo-Oct2025.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Expo-Oct2025.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2952165" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">🏀 <strong>Join Us for the #PHTheExpoAL Camp! </strong>🏀</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Are you ready to take your game to the next level? We're thrilled to invite you to the #PHTheExpoAL Camp, where you'll have the opportunity to train with top coaches, improve your skills, and play in front of Prep Hoops scouts!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">📅 <strong>Date:</strong> October 5, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">📍 <strong>Location:</strong> Spain Park High School (4700 Jaguar Dr, Birmingham, AL 35242)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>What's in store for you?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Expert coaching from professional trainers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fun and competitive games</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Evaluated for the PH rankings</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Your evaluation in our listing that is sent to college coaches across the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your game and be seen by our amazing scouts!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Register Now: </strong><a href="https://events.prephoops.com/e/1610/register/the-expo-alabama">https://events.prephoops.com/e/1610/register/the-expo-alabama</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">🚨 To receive $10 off your registration Use Special Code: <strong>DrakeHoops25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>📣</strong><strong>For Team Discount: Contact Terry Drake For Pricing</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Contact Us:</strong> 205.960.9567</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">We can't wait to see you on the court!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->