A newcomer to the state who will immediately impact the Stallions. He comes over from Carlina Forest in South Carolina after averaging nearly 25 points and 8 rebounds per game. The numbers are eye catching for sure, but the efficiency is what should catch your eye. A smooth effortless shooter from anywhere on the floor but still is not opposed to getting downhill and finishing at the rim.

He’s not just a shooter, his rebounding prowess is elite for his position, and the defensive upside is coming along. Coach Badgett credited JJ’s ability to absorb and process information rapidly in a small amount of time. Although he just arrived, he’s meshing well with the team and understands how to play within the flow of the system. Although the scoring may go down a notch, his overall impact will be just as loud. From scoring to rebounding to playmaking, JJ’s addition makes the Stallions that much more dangerous.

Upward Stars SE ‘s 16U shooter had a big second day. He went 4-5 from three in game one, followed by 3-6 from three in game two. JJ was hot all day long, but he came out scorching in the day’s opener, setting the tone against a talented opponent in Anthony Edwards Five with a solid amount of college coaches on the baseline. Gray is more than just a standstill shooter; he knocked down perimeter looks from designed actions, in transition, and off cuts.

One of the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year finalists is up next. JJ led the state in Points Per 32 at 27.9, doing so on 32% shooting from three and 43% from the field. Gray’s combination of positional size and scoring ability is a hard thing to find at this level, and it’s one of the reasons why he was named Region 6-5A Offensive Player of the Year, along with the All-State honor.