#HuntsvilleCityClassic Preview: Backcourt Players To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The 40th Annual Huntsville City Classic tips off on December 27 at 9am at Huntsville High School. When you look down the rosters of the participating teams, you will notice the plethora of guards that will be taking the floor, and here are a few of them…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/HSVCityClassic/status/1600882983220584448","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HSVCityClassic/status/1600882983220584448 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1493997,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/PH-Simon-Walker-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/PH-Simon-Walker-C.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1493997" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398759' first='Simon' last='Walker']</strong>&nbsp;(6'5/Wing/'25/Huntsville HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: simonwwalker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @Simonwwalker25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Simon is one of the top shooters from 3 that you will see throughout the entire tourney. Along with [player_tooltip player_id='1091949' first='Ty' last='Davis'] (Mountain Brook), they are amongst the top 5 in the state. Simon has been garnering a lot of attention from collegiate coaches as he is a big body guard with range. He still has to get better on the defensive end of the floor, but his offensive game is what had many crowning Huntsville as champs prior to the season. With his addition to the program this year, Simon's production from beyond the arc was believed to be a factor in opening up the floor for backcourt standout Ja'Mari Arnold, making Huntsville a difficult team to defend. Look for Simon to have a huge tournament because he has proven that he is at his best when the lights are the brightest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simon is one of the top shooters from 3 that you will see throughout the entire tourney.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1714482,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Jeremiah-Wilson-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Jeremiah-Wilson-C.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1714482" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599779' first='Jeremiah' last='Wilson']</strong>&nbsp;(6'3/PG/2025/Buckhorn HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: jwilso567</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @Bucketboi_j</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">When it comes to Buckhorn basketball, everyone knows about Caleb Holt. However, those in the Huntsville area know that there is another emerging prospect that shares the floor with Caleb, and that is Jeremiah. If you do not know about Jeremiah, and you will be at the classic, you are about to be in for a treat from this '25 PG that can score the rock and facilitate. He is a monster off the bounce as he can pull up for the trey, get to the paint and finish or dish, and even get to his middle game. His change of pace game is impeccable, and I would venture to say that his stock shall rise throughout this classic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is one thing I want to see from his game: a greater commitment on the defensive end of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1714519,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Jalen-Bright-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Jalen-Bright-C.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1714519" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1574461' first='Jalen' last='Bright']</strong> (6'3/CG/'24/Hazel Green HS) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: 859.jalen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @Jalen3x2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jalen is a guard that will be a bright spot for all the defensive-minded players out there. He is one of the best on-ball defenders in the classic and the caliber defender who can defend the opponent's best player. Now, as I say that, I stare at the draw that Hazel Green has on day one, and he has the task of slowing down the #1 scorer in the nation, [player_tooltip player_id='1091946' first='LaBaron' last='Philon'] (Baker). We will see what Jalen does with his opportunity to slow down the nation's most potent scorer. Jalen is an athletic guard that is also a threat on the offensive end of the floor. If he gets matched up with LaBaron having to defend him, he can put pressure on him to have to exert a little more energy on the defensive end in trying to keep Jalen out of the paint. Looking forward to this match-up; hopefully, they will be matched up with one another on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jalen is a guard that will be a bright spot for all the defensive-minded players out there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1714483,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Bryant-James-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Bryant-James-C.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1714483" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398642' first='Bryant' last='James']</strong>&nbsp;6'0/Combo Guard/'25/Haleyville HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: bryantj_13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @bryant_james10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The recent 1K point scorer is one of the brightest and youngest players that will be gracing the floor during the classic. He has been on a tear lately and has been putting up some crazy numbers, with production coming from all over the floor. One of the things I love about Bryant is his scoring efficiency; he does more with less and scores the rock without being a high-volume shot-taker while still getting his teammates involved. If you want to see a young player with a great understanding and feel for the game and who plays the game the right way, come out and see Bryant as he leads this Haleyville squad with his older brother [player_tooltip player_id='1070704' first='Drake' last='James'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The recent 1K point scorer is one of the brightest and youngest players that will be gracing the floor during the classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1714484,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Jacob-Eddy-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Jacob-Eddy-C.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1714484" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Jacob Eddy</strong>&nbsp;(5'7/PG/'25/Columbia HS) 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jacob is a small lead guard that is excellent in transition. If he has the freedom to push the pace in their game, you are going to see one of the most electrifying prospects in the open court. Columbia has a tendency to slow the pace, but even then, he can orchestrate the offense. He is one of the young 'fellas' that is part of the '25 class that will be on display at the classic. Jacob has crafty handles and does a good job of blowing by his man, getting into the lane, and often dropping it off for an assist. However, as I alluded to earlier, he is at his best in an up-tempo game when he can really push the pace of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jacob is a small lead guard that is excellent in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1679199,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PH-Khani-Chilufya-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PH-Khani-Chilufya-C.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1679199" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684492' first='Khani' last='Chilufya'] </strong>(6'2/SG/'23/Bob Jones HS) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: 4c.khani</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @4c.khani</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Make no mistake about it Khani is a scorer that can get it done at multiple levels. Defenders really have to pick their poison when it comes to KC because if they sag off of him, he will drain the trey ball, and if you play him tight, he will get by you with his quick first step. He is one of the best slashers that finishes with craftiness in the paint and at the rim. He is definitely one of Bob Jones' primary scoring options and will be one of the many guards in the classic that you should keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make no mistake about it Khani is a scorer that can get it done at multiple levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1355584,"width":256,"height":256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/PH-Will-Hawkins.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/PH-Will-Hawkins.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1355584" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385941' first='Will' last='Hawkins']&nbsp;</strong>(6'3/CG/'23/Sparkman HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: _williamhawkins_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @_williamhawkins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Will is an absolutely efficient 3-level scorer who, if fully healthy, puts Sparkman in a position to compete once again for the crown of the classic. He has good court vision, moves the ball well, and does an excellent job of attacking the basket and using his length and athleticism to score in the lane. I believe this Sparkman team has the pieces to compete and win some games in this classic. They still have not put it all together, but hopefully, if Will is healthy and Chase Bell and [player_tooltip player_id='1386132' first='Karmelo' last='Montgomery'] are playing to the level they can, they could be a team no one wants to be matched up against. I will say this regarding Will, it is time that he takes another step when it comes to scoring the rock, and he needs to bring it and be consistent with it for the remainder of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/SparkmanHoops/status/1606348529471033363","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SparkmanHoops/status/1606348529471033363 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->