2022-2023 Team Preview: Ramsay Rams

Ramsay Rams   5A Area 10   Head Coach: Denton Johnson   Last Season Record: 25-10   Instagram: ramsayhoops   Twitter: @RamsayHoops   Key Returners:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/10/PH-Kerrington-Kiel-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/10/PH-Kerrington-Kiel-C-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1639128" width="256" height="256" /></a><figcaption>Photo: Knight Eady, Knight Eady</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='836585' first='Kerrington' last='Kiel'] (6'5/Small Forward/'23)   Instagram: kerrington.kiel   Twitter: @kerringtonkiel   There possibly isn't any other player in the state that is under the microscope with high expectations attached, as it is Kerrington. Many people eagerly await to see how he will bounce back this season, and I believe he will have a massive senior campaign. He took care of the recruiting process with his commitment to Troy University, so he can now focus on getting ready for the next level while pursuing the elusive state championship that has evaded the Rams. With his skills continuing to develop at a high rate, along with his experience and earned leadership role, I do not believe that any stage will be too large for him this year. If you get a chance to catch the Rams in action, pay close attention to Kiel's shot creation skills, his outside shooting, and his defensive ability, that is going to make him a worthy 1st team player in Class 5A and possibly the class 5A POY.     <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color">There possibly isn't any other player in the state that is under the microscope with high expectations attached, as it is Kerrington.<cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/10/PH-Jalen-Jones-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/10/PH-Jalen-Jones-C-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1639129" width="256" height="256" /></a><figcaption>Photo: Knight Eady, Knight Eady</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='970797' first='Jalen' last='Jones'] (5'10/PG/'23)   Instagram: the.jalenjones   Twitter: @thejalenjones   Jalen is the key to everything Ramsay attempts to do this year. He is in complete command of the offense and the leader of what could be a very good defensive unit. He isn't afraid of the big stage and has no issue going up against some of the best players in the state. The toughness that you will see the Rams play with this year flows from Jalen, as he plays with an unmatched tenacity. He is explosive with the ball in his hands, has end-to-end speed, and is a good finisher at the cup. He is a floor general that can score in high volumes. As I eluded to earlier, everything that the Rams will accomplish this year will be the direct result of the play of Jalen. Needless to say, he is a winner and the type of lead guard who teammates love to go into battle with.    <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color">Jalen is the key to everything Ramsay attempts to do this year. <cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/10/PH-Jayden-Williams-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/10/PH-Jayden-Williams-C-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1639130" width="256" height="256" /></a><figcaption>Photo: Knight Eady, Knight Eady</figcaption></figure>   Jayden Williams (6'6/SG/'25)   Instagram: _jayrilla   Twitter: N/A   One thing that the Rams have been known for since the days of the late great Coach Willie Scoggins is having shooters on the squad. Well, Coach Denton Johnson has his shooter, and he is extremely high on this kid. He brings instant scoring to the court, and he can get it done in a variety of ways. He's got a remarkable ability to get his own shot, can hit the pull-up 3 off the dribble, is good in c&s opportunities, and can attack the paint off the bounce. He is a versatile combo guard that can impact the stat sheet in more ways than just scoring. He rebounds well, can distribute from the lead-guard spot, and can orchestrate the offense if needed. Coach Denton says that Jayden is 'The Man,' and he will be looking to Jayden to be a difference maker on both ends of the floor.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color">He is a versatile combo guard that can impact the stat sheet in more ways than just scoring.<cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote>   When asked about two players that will be key pieces of the puzzle for his team this season that was not listed in the top 3 above, he quickly mentioned the following two players:   [player_tooltip player_id='2389328' first='QB' last='Reese'] (G| F/'24)- An all-around tough player that can score, defend, and rebound. He doesn't mind sacrificing his body as he is always looking to stand in the path in an effort to draw a charge. He is a joy to coach as he is a kid that is all in and will do whatever it takes to win. QB will be considered the glue guy for the Rams this year, keeping things together.   [player_tooltip player_id='970796' first='Montez' last='Dunson'] (CG/'23) is a guard that has a good balance between scoring and facilitating. With his return to the Ramsay program, many believe he gives them the edge they need to finally get it done this year. He can guard on-ball, is very instinctive as he plays the passing lanes well, will probably be at the top of the steals category in the entire state, and brings a level of toughness on both ends of the floor.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-text-color">Season Outlook</blockquote>   Coach Denton Johnson is very excited about the makeup of his team and is very optimistic about their chance to accomplish the ultimate goal of winning state this year. For a few years, he has been extremely close but has come up short, but he believes this is the year that they can get it done if they can stay healthy.   The Rams come into this season after having a phenomenal off-season as they were very dominant. They can adjust to multiple styles as they can play with tempo or slow it down and execute in the half-court. The question surrounding this team all year will be what they will do in the postseason. Don't be surprised if the Rams start out as the #1-team in class 5A and remain there all year, yet they will not get the recognition they might deserve unless they bring home the championship. I understand the hesitancy when it comes to Ramsay, but this team is hungry; they have the experience and will probably be one of the best defensive teams in the state. Needless to say but Coach Denton is excited, and he believes the Ram's culture is better than it's ever been.     <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-text-color">Key Matchups:</blockquote>   December 5: vs Cullman (Away)   December 9: vs Haleyville (Away)   Dec. 15: vs Plainview (Home)   Jan. 28: vs Jacksonville (Away)

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