Players That Could Impact The Playoff Landscape

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">For Class 1A-6A, we are embarking upon the field of 32 while Class 7A prepares for the Sweet 16. Here are some players that could impact the overall picture of teams advancing or going home…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1389468,"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/2/2022/02/PH-Thomas-Dowd.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/PH-Thomas-Dowd.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1389468" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385929' first='Thomas' last='Dowd'] </strong>(6'7/SF/'23/Dothan HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: thomasdowd_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @thomasdowd_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Thomas is one of the most prolific scorers in the state, yet he has somewhat been under the radar this year. Yet he has his team in the Sweet 16 looking to punch a ticket to the final 4. He is a lengthy wing player with the ability to score at all levels. He is a stable playmaker, a good finisher around the rim, an impactful scorer, and a high-volume rebounder. What I really like about Thomas's game is that he has grown defensively and understands more now how to use his length to be a suffocating defender. When you look at the brackets, Dothan may be in a collision course with Baker, and what a match-up that will be with Thomas against [player_tooltip player_id='1091946' first='LaBaron' last='Philon'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MRinkerTV/status/1624596686436720640","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/MRinkerTV/status/1624596686436720640 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1416955,"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/2/2022/03/PHN-Kalib-Thomas.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/PHN-Kalib-Thomas.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1416955" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kalib Thomas&nbsp;</strong>(6'1/PG/'23/John Carroll HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: kalibthomas3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @Thomas13Kalib</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Kalib is a big-time scorer that has the potential to carry his team deeper into the playoffs. He has led his team into the field of 32, and they have an arduous task ahead of them having to travel to Ramsay this upcoming week. KT is going to have to have a sensational night scoring, which he can do, as he is a highly productive scorer from all levels. He is electric off the bounce, as he has deep range from behind the arc and is a tough finisher at the rim. One thing is for sure for John Carroll as they venture to Ramsay: KT will be ready and will look to carry his team to the Sweet 16. He will have to ramp up his aggressiveness and be the man to lead his team to a victory over a team that is on a mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Thomas13Kalib/status/1624844519773462529","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/Thomas13Kalib/status/1624844519773462529 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1346221,"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-Luke-Smith.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/PH-Luke-Smith.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1346221" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1385925' first='Luke' last='Smith']&nbsp;</strong>(6'5/SF/'23/Plainview HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: olukesmith14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @lukesmith_14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">If you want to know why Plainview is the clear-cut favorite to win 3A look no further than [player_tooltip player_id='1385925' first='Luke' last='Smith']. Mr. Do-It-All for Plainview, and he is playing exceptionally well coming into the playoffs. He is mentally tough, and there will not be a game he will lead his team into where the pressure will get to him. He is the calming force for his squad and a huge source of production when scoring and on the glass. He understands what makes for winning basketball, and he has Plainview in place as the favorite to win 3A. There is optimism in all Luke does, and that is why the Plainview team is poised to be there at the end.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DeuceBelkMedia/status/1591858982880440321","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/DeuceBelkMedia/status/1591858982880440321 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1797025,"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/2/2023/02/PH-Jaylen-Jones-C-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/PH-Jaylen-Jones-C-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1797025" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970797' first='Jalen' last='Jones']</strong>&nbsp;(5'10/PG/'23/Ramsay HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: the.jalenjones</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @thejalenjones</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jalen is going to be key if the Rams are going to make it to the Final Four. He is going to be looked to, to be the stabilizing source and leader that the Rams will need with the high expectations surrounding their path to the BJCC. He will have to facilitate and be a source of point production going down the stretch. His experience will be critical, especially if Ramsay finds themselves in a close game late where the loser goes home. Jalen has all the quickness, agility, and athleticism needed at the PG spot to lead his squad to the promised land. As mentioned, the expectations are high for the Rams, and Jalen has the experience and leadership to shoulder the weight of it.&nbsp;</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>He will have to facilitate and be a source of point production going down the stretch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1355586,"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-JaMari-Arnold.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/PH-JaMari-Arnold.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1355586" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ja'Mari Arnold</strong>&nbsp;(5'10/CG/'23/Huntsville HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: manman_._</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @jamariarnold2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">I have put a lot of ink on Ja'Mari in the past and you may wonder why I am doing so again. With Grissom going down, Huntsville has moved into many people's favorite category of the team that can win 7A. If 'Man-Man' can be the leader and bring the point production from the PG spot that many say is needed to carry the Panthers, look for Huntsville to be in the championship game. Huntsville has hit their stride, and a lot of it falls directly on the play of 'Man-Man. He has been everything his team needs down the stretch as a leader and a high source of production in his all-around game. As the primary ball-handler, defenders must constantly be conscience of him as he is getting his own and creating easy looks for his teammates. He is getting his team out in the open court and getting easy opportunities in transition, and he has the Panthers in a nice rhythm headed down the stretch.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jamariarnold2/status/1589329082432778241","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/jamariarnold2/status/1589329082432778241 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1724489,"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-Gabriel-Benton-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/PH-Gabriel-Benton-C.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1724489" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Gabriel Benton</strong>&nbsp;(6'3/SF/'24/Benjamin Russell HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: gabriel.benton3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @GabrielBenton15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The deeper we go in the playoffs, the shorter the game gets and the slower the pace. Advantage Gabriel as he is a beast in the paint and provides paint production as well as a presence on the glass. Since I saw the Benjamin Russell squad in the Hoover Christmas Tourney, I have been telling everyone that Benjamin Russell is a team that could make some noise in the playoffs. They find themselves in the field of 32 hosting Pelham and are the favorites in that match-up to punch a ticket to the Sweet 16. Gabriel will be a big piece of the puzzle as he is a reliable player in just about every statistical category. Simply put, he impacts the game in so many different ways on both ends of the floor and is a reason why we could see Benjamin Russell in the Sweet 16.</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>Gabriel will be a big piece of the puzzle as he is a reliable player in just about every statistical category. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1541793,"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/2/2022/08/PH-Joe-Wimberly-iBallTDB-C-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/08/PH-Joe-Wimberly-iBallTDB-C-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1541793" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260674' first='Joe' last='Wimberly'] </strong>(6'0/PG/'24/Pelham HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: joewimberly_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @joewimberly_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Joe is a tough guard that has Pelham playing good ball right now. He will have to be spectacular as his team travels to Benjamin Russell in sub-region play. He's got excellent court vision, slick ball-handling skills, and is an unselfish player who lets the game come to him. He's not a big-time athlete but has good change of speed and can penetrate the defense creating problems for the D, and opportunities for his squad. Benjamin Russell has a good set of guards that will be up for the challenge, but one thing is for sure: Joe will be ready and will be looking to do everything he can to lead his squad to the Sweet 16.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JoeWimberly_/status/1610675564830154755","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/JoeWimberly_/status/1610675564830154755 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1407281,"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/2/2022/03/Tucker-Cagle-2023.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/Tucker-Cagle-2023.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1407281" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Tucker Cagle</strong>&nbsp;(6'3/CG/'23/Cullman HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: tucker_cagle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Twitter: @Tuckercagl2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">One of the most exciting players in the '23 class right now is Tucker. He is the piece to the puzzle that everyone in the grassroots community, even coaches, is talking about as the one kid that can lead his team to the promised land again. Tucker is playing exceptionally well and was a huge reason his squad got by Hartselle in a 4OT thriller. He is physical in the paint and is one of the best shot-makers playing right now, as he makes tough shots from different angles. He is producing inside and out and is one of the best rebounding guards still in action. His play on the glass alone makes Cullman look like a contender, but the question is whether they have enough to stop the locomotive out of Pinson. Tucker believes they can, and he is showing it on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</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>One of the most exciting players in the '23 class right now is Tucker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote -->