Scouting Alabama’s Guards: Shot-Makers, Floor Generals, Closers

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Alabama continues to be a hotbed for elite guard play, and the first half of the season has only reinforced that narrative. From young shot-makers announcing their arrival to composed floor generals and reliable closers, several guards across the state have made undeniable impacts on winning. These are not just box-score guys, these are players dictating games, controlling moments, and elevating their teams. Here is a closer look at a few guards who have been instrumental for their squads so far…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3276430,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Taylen-Johnson-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Taylen-Johnson-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3276430" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2889883' first='Taylen' last='Johnson']</strong> (6'2/CG/'29/Pinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Cheatcode_Johnson2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Cheatcode_J2029</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Taylen is one of the youngest and most dangerous shot-makers in the state, and his stock is rising rapidly. With the absence of [player_tooltip player_id='1958557' first='Quay' last='Lynch'], he has delivered big-time perimeter production for the Indians. He plays with confidence well beyond his years and has already shown a knack for making clutch shots in meaningful moments. His shooting ability is advanced for his age, particularly from beyond the arc, and his willingness to take, and make, tough shots separates him from most prospects in the 2029 class. At the Oxford City Classic, he put on a shooting display that stood out even among older competition. As he continues to develop his handle and improve his ability to create consistently off the bounce, his ceiling rises even higher. Right now, he is firmly establishing himself as one of the premier young guards in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3276431,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Jaiysyion-Payne-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Jaiysyion-Payne-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3276431" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Jaiysyion Payne</strong> (5'11/PG/'27/Florence)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: jaisyionpayne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jaisyion is a natural scorer with deep offensive instincts, and he put that on full display at the Metro Tournament. He is a crafty guard who knows how to generate clean looks under pressure, he is effective both as a catch-and-shoot threat and when creating off the dribble. He has a scorer's mentality but isn't limited to just getting buckets. What stands out most is his basketball IQ and mature floor game. He understands how to balance scoring and facilitating, making him difficult to scheme against. He reads defenses well, keeps defenders off balance, and consistently finds ways to put points on the board without forcing the issue. His ability to score efficiently while also making the right reads adds significant value to Florence's backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3276439,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Cartier-Barnes-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Cartier-Barnes-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3276439" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2472332' first='Cartier' last='Barnes']</strong> (6'0/SG/'27/Clay-Chalkville HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: cartiier.dge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @barnescartier2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Cartier is making his mark on a Clay-Chalkville roster loaded with guards, providing instant offense off the bench. He is a score-first combo guard, who brings aggressiveness and pace the moment he checks in. He is quick in space, breaks defenders down off the dribble, and consistently applies pressure at all three levels. He is comfortable operating in ball screens, attacking closeouts, and hunting his shot coming off movement. What elevates his game is his decision-making, his ability to score in bunches, and his ability to make smart reads in transition and the half-court, finding open teammates when defenses overcommit. His offensive versatility makes him a valuable spark plug in Clay's rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3276443,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Connor-Ford-C-1.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Connor-Ford-C-1.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3276443" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ty Pace</strong> (5'8/PG/'28/Bob Jones)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: iam_ty_pace</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Iam_ty_pace</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ty is still settling into his role in his new program, but his impact is becoming increasingly evident. Despite coming off the bench, he brings composure, energy, and a heady floor game every time he steps on the floor. Despite being undersized, he plays with strength, craft, and excellent body control. He is a true shot-creator who thrives off the bounce, using hesitations, pivots, and counters to create separation and get to his spots. His decision-making continues to improve, and he has a natural feel for when to attack versus when to set the table for others. As his confidence grows, he projects as a guard who can consistently tilt the floor and create advantages against bigger defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3276445,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Jace-Harden-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Jace-Harden-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3276445" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3040670' first='Jace' last='Harden']</strong> (6'5/Wing/'26/Homewood HS) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: JaceHarden_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @JaceHarden_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jace has been a steady, reliable presence in Homewood's backcourt throughout the first half of the season. With fluid shooting mechanics and a smooth release, he is a dependable floor-spacing wing who understands how to play within the flow of the offense. He has a strong feel for moving without the ball, consistently finding open windows and positioning himself to be a scoring threat. Beyond his shooting, Jace shows solid instincts as both a scorer and a passer, making him a versatile piece who contributes in multiple ways. His consistency and IQ make him a valuable two-way wing for his squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Roderick Hamilton, Jr.</strong> (6'2/SG/'26/Jackson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: official.rod23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Roderick is a proven closer and one of the most trustworthy guards in late-game situations. He is a lethal three-point shooter, who forces defenses to stay attached at all times. He complements his shooting with strong on-ball defense and a calm presence under pressure. When games tighten, he shines as he is confident with the ball in his hands, converts at the free-throw line, and doesn't shy away from taking the biggest shots. His ability to close games and make winning plays makes him invaluable to Jackson and a guard the coaching staff can rely on when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->