Class of 2025; Alabama’s Future

Alabama’s Class of 2025 is very bright, and several players were on their varsity squads as 8th graders. Not only that, a few started! A couple was on varsity in 7th grade, and that is not something that you hear about daily. As we have hit the half way mark in our 2021-2022 prep season, you should have heard these names by now.  Most of making an impact on their respective school teams.  Here are some of the shining stars of Alabama: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="323415" first="Ace" last="Austin"] | 5-5 G |Spring Garden</strong> Ace is the daughter of two coaches. One coached at the D1 level and another at the high school level so she has been around the game all of her life.  Ace was named to the first team in the 2A class this past season after a solid year and was the leading scorer on her high school team. What is there that Ace can’t do? She can shoot lights out from beyond the arc, she can handle the ball, and she can defend at a high level as well. The 2021 season so far as been about improving her game, and I look forward to seeing how she progresses throughout the second half of the year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="328854" first="Zakeiah" last="Berry"] | 5-8 G | Mae Jemison</strong> "Zee" is another one that has been on varsity since 7th grade and is a starter that plays the game the right way. She is a big-body guard that can run the point and is hard to defend because of her size. She will back a smaller defender down, use her speed to hit the edge, and make staying up with her challenging. She can also see the floor well and has a polished game that will only continue to grow. Zee has transferred to a new high school with a coach that has experience playing on the collegiate level, which will only make Zee a better player. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="323426" first="Jareah" last="Branch"] | 5-11 G | Hillcrest - Tuscaloosa</strong> Another player who has been on varsity since 7th grade, Jareah, is a big guard for Alabama. She can handle the ball and is an excellent shooter, and then if necessary, attack the basket and finish with success. Her game will only improve as she is a very hard worker and is in the game all the time. Jareah is a great defender in the paint and will get every rebound. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="328856" first="Jill" last="Gaylord"] | 5-2 PG | Vestavia Hills</strong> Jill has been on varsity since 8th grade and has quickness like you wouldn’t believe.  She can shoot, whether it’s a set shot or putting it on the floor for a quick little jumper.  Do not let Jill’s 5-2 frame deceive you; her defense is relentless and will get up in an opponent’s space with no fear.   She is a very smart ballplayer, who is that coach on the floor. Jill has already played some big-time minutes with her team this year and is getting battle-ready for what to come for the Vestavia Lady Rebels. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="323420" first="Brooke" last="Hallman"] | 5-7 G | Eufaula</strong> As a young guard with solid and polished fundamentals, Brooke has the skill and IQ to be one of the best freshman guards in the state. She can shoot above the arc as well as that dribble pull-up jumper.  Brooke knows where to be and where to go depending on what the defense gives her. She is a lefty but is solid with both hands.