Why Hale County Is The Favorite To Win It All

Hale County High School   Class 3A Area 7     Head Coach: Eric Perry    Record As of 1/21/2026: 17-6 (According to maxpreps.com)   Key Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='2313889' first='Gage' last='Mayfield'] (6'8/G|F/'26/Hale County)   IG: 5stargoon   Gage is the ultimate chess piece in Hale County's lineup. His two-way versatility is evident as defensively, he is a true rim protector with the mobility to step out and guard all five positions. He alters shots, cleans the glass, and anchors the Wildcats' defensive schemes. Offensively, he is just as impactful. He is a skilled scorer at all three levels as he does a good job finishing through contact, knocking down shots from the perimeter, and attacking mismatches with patience. His ability to impact the game without forcing action makes him a stabilizing presence in big moments. When Hale County needs a stop, a bucket, or a momentum-shifting play, Gage is often at the center of it.   [player_tooltip player_id='2415365' first='Omarr' last='Lewis'] (6'2/CG/'26/Hale County)   Omarr brings a physical, disruptive edge to the backcourt. He is a versatile defender who thrives on challenging opposing guards, applying pressure, and turning defense into offense. His explosiveness allows him to get downhill quickly, and once he has a crease, he is capable of scoring in a variety of ways. What separates Omarr is his toughness. He embraces difficult assignments, attacks the rim with purpose, and plays with a level of confidence that energizes the group. In tight games, his ability to generate stops and convert them into points becomes invaluable.   [player_tooltip player_id='2414750' first='Zamarion' last='Johnson'] (6'1/CG/'26/Hale County HS)   IG: omgisdatzee   X: @omgdatszee   Zamarion is the spark that can flip a game in a matter of possessions. He is an explosive guard with seemingly unlimited range, and he stretches defenses the moment he crosses half court. But it is his relentless rim attacks that make him so difficult to contain. Defenders cannot sit back, as Zamarion punishes hesitation by attacking the basket aggressively, finishing through traffic, or drawing help that opens up opportunities for teammates. His offensive firepower forces defensive adjustments and creates space for Hale County to operate.   Role Players Who Raise the Ceiling:   Kareem Ward (6'3/SG/'26/Hale County)   IG: _kjguapo__   X: @ward_kareem   Kareem plays a winning role that often defines postseason success. The lefty shooter has deep range and is not afraid to let it fly in big moments. Beyond the scoring, he is Hale County's best on-ball defender, as he consistently takes on the toughest perimeter matchup and sets the tone defensively. His ability to impact the game on both ends without needing high usage elevates the Wildcats' overall ceiling.   [player_tooltip player_id='2414710' first='Tristan' last='Perry'] (5'10/PG/'26/Hale County)   Tristan is the engine that keeps everything moving. He sets the tempo, distributes the ball, attacks when lanes open, and brings consistent defensive energy. His motor is relentless, and his presence allows everyone else to play to their strengths. His value shows up in the details such as timely pushes in transition, pressure at the point of attack, and a clear understanding of when to speed the game up or settle it down.   What Makes the Wildcats Championship Contenders?   Hale County's strength lies in its collective approach. Offensively, they spread the floor, share the ball, and actively hunt advantages. Every player is encouraged to be a threat, which keeps defenses scrambling and opens up driving lanes and kick-out opportunities. Defensively, the Wildcats take pride in rebounding and guarding at an elite level. Their commitment to unselfish play, effort on the glass, and defensive accountability gives them a foundation that travels, especially in postseason environments. If Hale County stays true to its identity which is playing fast, sharing the ball, and defending with purpose, they have all the ingredients to make it to Birmingham and win it all.   #TerryTalks…My Thoughts On Hale County:   Hale County doesn't just show up to play but they apply pressure. Pressure on the rim. Pressure on the ball. Pressure on opponents to match their pace, physicality, and collective edge. With a roster that blends high-level versatility, explosive guard play, and role players who understand winning basketball, the Wildcats have positioned themselves as legitimate championship contenders. At their best, Hale County forces teams to defend every inch of the floor while guarding with intent on the other end. Their identity is rooted in effort, unselfishness, and relentless defensive pride, the kind of traits that translate when the stakes rise. They are the favorite to win it all.

Hale County High School