Sniper School: The Best At The AHSAA State Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">It's been a while, but wait no longer; here is a new Sniper School article highlighting snipers who got it done at the AHSAA Final Four…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Remember, to qualify for this article, a player must make at least three threes in a game I was watching.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2808316,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Jayden-Parks-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Jayden-Parks-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2808316" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike, Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1936440' first='Jayden' last='Parks']</strong> (6'0/CG/'25/Brantley)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: jayden3parks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @jaydenmparks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jayden was one of the most prolific and potent scorers during the Final Four. He is a volume shooter and has to be that in order to give his team a chance to win. Having to go for huge numbers doesn't bother Jayden, but you can tell there was some fatigue at the end of the game, as he left it all out on the court. He is a multi-level scorer who poured in a good amount of his point production from behind the arc. He finished the state championship game with the following stat line:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">44pts (18-43 FG, 6-15 3PT, 2-2 FT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2797686,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Jon-Harper-Kilcrease-C-1.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Jon-Harper-Kilcrease-C-1.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2797686" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2815028' first='Jon' last='Harper Kilcrease']</strong> (6'2/F/'25/Brantley)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: jonharperkilcrease</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jon is a marksman who can score it well from behind the arc. He also does a good job being able to score with his floater game when he is run off the line. He is a backcourt talent who does a good job rebounding his position. He did not have the most efficient night from behind the arc during the championship game, but he was able to do enough to qualify for sniper school. He finished the semi-final game with the following stat line:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">13pts (5-13 FG, 3-11 3PT) 8rebs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2808308,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Cas-Boone-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Cas-Boone-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2808308" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike, Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Cas Boone </strong>(6'4/F/'25/Providence Christian)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Cas is a two-way threat who impacted winning with his intense play on both ends of the floor. Truthfully, it was the [player_tooltip player_id='1961231' first='Pearce' last='Boone'] show, but Cas contributed with a double-digit performance and really good perimeter shooting from behind the arc. He finished the state championship game with the following stat line:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">13pts (5-7 FG, 3-4 3PT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2808309,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Roderick-Hamilton-Jr.-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Roderick-Hamilton-Jr.-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2808309" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike, Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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">In a game that went down to the buzzer and when points were hard to come by, Roderick had his struggles from the field but was able to still knock down three threes in a closely contested game. He is a marksman who can get hot at any moment, but this game saw both teams struggle to score the ball. He finished the state championship game with the following stat line:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">9pts (3-11 FG, 3-10 3PT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2808311,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Erick-ONeal-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Erick-ONeal-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2808311" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike, Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Erick O'Neal</strong> (6'1/CG/'26/Sylacauga)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Erick is Sylacauga's sharpshooter and is very good at this role. He is a lethal C&amp;S threat and doesn't need much space to get his shot off. He was really impressive shooting the rock from deep. He finished the state championship game with the following stat line:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">14pts (5-9 FG, 4-4 3PT), 6rebs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2808312,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Pearce-Boone-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Pearce-Boone-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2808312" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike, Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1961231' first='Pearce' last='Boone'] </strong>(6'5/G|F/'26/Providence Christian)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @pearceboone12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Pearce and his squad left no question as to who was the most dominant team in the championship game. Pearce is a versatile scorer with a potent offensive repertoire and had his entire arsenal on display during the championship game. His size and length contributed to his ability to score the rock, and at times, he made it look very easy, especially from behind the arc, where he shot the ball exceptionally well. He finished the state championship game with the following stat line:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">37pts (11-22 FG, 7-14 3PT, 8-8 FT), 12rebs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2794482,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/PH-Salim-London-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/PH-Salim-London-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2794482" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: EB Capturess EB Capturess</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398516' first='Salim' last='London']</strong> (6'6/CG/'25/Hoover)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: leemlondon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @IAmSalimLondon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Salim ended the season helping to lead his team to another blue map. I have mentioned before that he is one of the best downhill attacking guards in the state. He improved his three-point shot and became an even bigger offensive threat with his efficiency in shooting the three. With a more polished shot from behind the arc, his value at the next level continues to grow. He finished the state championship game with the following stat line:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">18pts (5-13 FG, 4-8 3PT, 4-5 FT), 6rebs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2808314,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Austin-Dudley-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Austin-Dudley-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2808314" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike, Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2814939' first='Austin' last='Dudley'] </strong>(6'2/CG/'25/Hoover HS) 15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: austindudley5_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Austin_Dudley5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Austin finished his high school career with a blue map on a team that will go down in Hoover's history as a team that went undefeated. Over the years, Austin has emerged into his own uniqueness as a player as he was surrounded by what many labeled 'Hoover's Big Three.' He developed into a perimeter threat who could score and facilitate. His shooting from behind the arc during the playoffs was huge and helped Hoover win state. He finished with the following stat line in the championship game:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">13pts (4-11 FG, 3-9 3PT, 2-2 FT), 6rebs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2808315,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Bryant-James-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/PH-Bryant-James-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2808315" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike, Average Joe Sports / Deedra Pike</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1398642' first='Bryant' last='James']</strong> (6'2/CG/'25/Florence)</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">X: @bryant_james10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Bryant is a dynamic offensive scorer who can go for huge numbers on any given night. He came out very aggressive in the championship game, and his play helped keep Florence within striking distance throughout the game. There were times during the season when Bryant had games that he impacted winning, but there was nothing that caused him to stand out. In the championship game, however, his aggressiveness was notable, and he was looking for his offense at all levels, including from behind the arc. He finished with the following stat line in the championship game:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">20pts (6-20 FG, 4-10 3PT, 4-5 FT), 8rebs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Tracee Cowan, III</strong> (5'10/G/'27/Hubbertville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Tracee is a high-energy PG who is very gritty and feisty and plays with toughness. He has a good feel for the game and is very instinctive on both ends of the floor. He aggressively attacked off the bounce in their semi-final match-up and showed his ability to knock down the trey ball. He finished the semi-final game with the following stat line:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">15pts (4-11 FG, 3-7 3PT, 4-4 FT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Matthew Atkins</strong> (6'2/SG/'27/Tuscaloosa Academy)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Matthew did not have the most efficient night scoring from the field, but as a high-volume shot taker, he was able to convert on his scoring opportunities from behind the arc. He showed his ability to be a threat from deep and will be a player I will keep my eyes on over the next two years. He finished the state championship game with the following stat line:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">14pts (5-17 FG, 4-11 3PT), 7rebs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->