Saraland Spartans Preview: Experience Meets Young Star Power

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Saraland Spartans</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Class 6A Area 1&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Head Coach: Dru Powell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Last Season Record: 22-7&nbsp;(According to maxpreps.com)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: saralandhoops</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @saralandhoops</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Leartist Williams</strong> (6'8/F/'28/Saraland)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: 5.star._lj</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">LJ Williams comes into the season as the top-ranked player in Alabama's 2028 class and is already one of the state's most talked-about young prospects. At the Auburn Elite Camp in August, he showcased his versatility by winning the three-point competition which is an impressive feat for a forward with his size and frame. He has size and length with a big body and an advanced skill set, and is a threat on both ends of the floor. His transfer to Saraland immediately elevates the Spartans' profile and should draw statewide attention throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Traesyn Harvey</strong> (5'11/PG/'27/Saraland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Traesyn has been the engine for the Spartans since his sophomore year, when he started every game at point guard and guided the program to a school-record 22 wins. He is an honor-roll student with a high basketball IQ, and he brings poise and toughness to the lead guard spot. He handles the ball with confidence, creates offense for himself and others, and finishes well at the rim. With an improved perimeter jumper, Harvey has the chance to take his game, and Saraland, to another level this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Keith Turner, III.</strong> (6'0/CG/'27/Saraland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @imscoot23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Keith brings quickness, athleticism, and defensive intensity to the Spartans' backcourt. He is a disruptive on-ball defender and aggressive slasher on offense, and he consistently finds ways to impact winning. He is also a vocal leader who sets the tone with his energy and effort. Once off the gridiron, expect him to provide a spark and play a major role in Saraland's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Key Role Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Larry Edwards</strong> (6'2/SG/'26/Saraland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Larry is one of the most proven scorers in the program, having led the team in scoring the past two seasons. He was limited to just 13 games last year due to injury, now he is poised for a bounce-back campaign. He is a tough shot-maker who can create off the dribble, and brings an experienced and reliable scoring punch to the lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Traesyn Harvey (511/PG/'27/Saraland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Traesyn is a player that the coaching staff believes is definitely underrated and will surprise many this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Returning Starters:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Traesyn Harvey (PG/11th Grade)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Keith “Trey” Turner (CG/11th Grade)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Larry Edwards (SG/12th Grade)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>New Additions:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Conner Nichols (G/11th Grade)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Leartist “LJ” Williams (G|F/Sophomore/Transfer from Faith Academy)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>What To Expect From The Spartans This Season:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Saraland basketball is starting to emerge from the shadow of the school's powerhouse football program. Coming off the best season in school history (22–7), and the Spartans are building momentum and are poised to become a household name in Alabama high school hoops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">This year's schedule will test them early and often, with trips to the Windermere Prep Tournament (FL) before Christmas and the Gulf Coast Classic afterward. Notable regular season matchups include Baker at the University of Mobile and Orange Beach at Coastal Alabama South, along with area battles against Theodore, Murphy, and Blount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The addition of LJ Williams gives the Spartans a rare sophomore talent who is already capable of impacting games at a high level. Combined with the leadership of Edwards, Harvey, and Turner, Saraland has a balanced roster built to compete with anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>What Will It Take for The Spartans To Win State?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">For Saraland, the formula is simple: stay healthy and learn how to win big games. With a blend of proven leaders, emerging stars, and a nationally-regarded sophomore in LJ Williams, the Spartans have the pieces to make a serious run. The key will be developing consistency, trusting their identity, and continuing to grow together as the season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->