Stars Fell On Alabama Part 2: Class of 2023
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“Moonlight and magnolia, starlight …..All the world a dream come true. . . . And starts fell on Alabama”. That’s what I think about our top-heavy Class of 2023. You can start with a player that as a sophomore was named USA Today Player of the Year for the state of Alabama over two seniors heading to the University of Tennessee. Then there is another player that played up in the prestigious NIKE circuit and was one of the outstanding players at the GEYBL Summer Championships. The stars are falling all over Alabama. As we prepare to release our ranking for this class, listen to and remember these names, they will be a frequent mention through all avenues of media in this state and nationally too.
There are a few others that are eager to make their names known this year, so buckle up. Many of them were on state championship teams last year as sophomores, with two being named MVP of the state finals. But I want to tell you about some other players that you will need to pay close attention to this year.
Hannah Jones Hannah Jones 6'1" | SF Prattville Christian | 2023 State AL | 6-1 and CoCo Thomas CoCo Thomas 5'11" | PF Prattville Christian | 2023 State AL | 6-0 both at Prattville Christian
They are known as the twin towers in 3A and the newly crowned 3A State Champions. CoCo is the workhorse between the two. In the state championship game, she had a double-double. Moves well without the ball, and is a rebounding machine. Hannah is that finesse player that rebounds, penetrates but will shot that short elbow shot when you think she’s about to drive. She is also a rebounding machine.
Kristen McMillan Kristen McMillan 6'2" | PF Hoover | 2023 State AL | 6-0 | PF | Hoover HS
Kristen was a starter on the 2021 Hoover State Championship team. She has been a varsity player since 8th grade. What most opponents can’t defend is her ability to handle the ball and shoot. Kirsten also works hard in the post along with the ball-handling skill she creates nightmares for defenders.
Timya Thurman Timya Thurman 6'5" | C Linden | 2023 State AL | 6-6 | C | Linden
Timya has been on varsity since the 7th grade and at 6-5 is one of the tallest female players in the state of Alabama. She is a rebounding machine and very dominant on the offensive side. She can handle the ball if needed and finish with contact. A double-double on any given night. She has numerous offers from SEC schools.
Destinee Nelson Destinee Nelson 5'8" | CG Huffman | 2023 State AL | 5-8 | G | G.W. Carver BHM
This is one explosion player, that loves to play ball. Destinee likes to penetrate and when that is not available, she will shoot the three. She can also handle the ball, which makes her valuable at being a backup point guard. She was instrumental in her team winning the 5A State Championship in 2021.
Kennedy Langham Kennedy Langham 5'7" | PG Sparkman | 2023 State AL | 5-8 CG | Sparkman
Kennedy is the leader on her high school varsity squad and plays to win. Her skill set is a joy to see, she manages the game as that coach on the floor. She can handle and shoot the ball and get to the basket if needed. Most recently picked up an offer from Austin Peay.