Heritage Thanksgiving Classic Recap
By Clarence Williams
The Wenonah Dragons defeated Shades Valley 60-53 to go back to back as Champions of the Heritage Classic. Led by tournament MVP 2019 6’4 CG Justin Minter. The 6’4 combo guard did it all for his team this week. Averaged 17 points & 6 rebounds. Scored on all 3 levels, played well on defense and helped control the glass for the Dragons. When fellow back court mate Cam Tucker went down in the first game, Minter took his game to another level as he heard the crowd say it was over once Tucker went down. The Dragons, a strong contender to win the 5A crown this season, made it to the title game without their other star guard Cam Tucker who was injured in their first round game..
Other standouts from the event:
Jederryus "JD" Eatmon - Wenonah: The 6’9 big is the rising star of the class. This kid has truly improved yearly. From a project player who was just tall, to now receiving calls and offers from JUCOs across the country. Eatmon has always been a good shot blocker but has become aggressive on the glass and on the offensive end by trying to dunk everything he gets his hands on. His best basketball is still ahead of him and the sky is the limit for this kid.
Jarvis Minter - Wenonah: The 6’4 combo guard (twin of Justin Minter) did it all for his team this week. Averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds. He's the “glue guy” of the team and does all of the dirty work. Minter can score when needed but takes pride in guarding the key player on the other team, rebounding, taking charges and getting after loose balls. He will be a solid pick up for an academic school.
Jalen Johnson - Hillcrest Tuscaloosa: The 6’0 2019 PG is crafty and really knows how to lead a team. His strength on offense is his mid range jumper and step back three. Johnson led his team in scoring the entire tournament (Will be in our next rankings).
Jamel King - Paul Bryant: The 6’5 wing shot the ball well this week knocking down multiple shots from behind the arc in each game. He got out in transition and finished above the rim on the break. Needs to add weight to his slim frame to finish more through contact as that will help expand his game to another level.
VJ Reeves - Central Tuscaloosa: 6’4 2021 prospect is long and active on both ends of the floor. He rebounded well from his position and scored in different ways for his team. Known for his three ball, Reeves scored on put-backs and getting out in transition mostly this week.
Other standouts from the event:
Jederryus "JD" Eatmon - Wenonah: The 6’9 big is the rising star of the class. This kid has truly improved yearly. From a project player who was just tall, to now receiving calls and offers from JUCOs across the country. Eatmon has always been a good shot blocker but has become aggressive on the glass and on the offensive end by trying to dunk everything he gets his hands on. His best basketball is still ahead of him and the sky is the limit for this kid.
Jarvis Minter - Wenonah: The 6’4 combo guard (twin of Justin Minter) did it all for his team this week. Averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds. He's the “glue guy” of the team and does all of the dirty work. Minter can score when needed but takes pride in guarding the key player on the other team, rebounding, taking charges and getting after loose balls. He will be a solid pick up for an academic school.
Jalen Johnson - Hillcrest Tuscaloosa: The 6’0 2019 PG is crafty and really knows how to lead a team. His strength on offense is his mid range jumper and step back three. Johnson led his team in scoring the entire tournament (Will be in our next rankings).
Jamel King - Paul Bryant: The 6’5 wing shot the ball well this week knocking down multiple shots from behind the arc in each game. He got out in transition and finished above the rim on the break. Needs to add weight to his slim frame to finish more through contact as that will help expand his game to another level.
VJ Reeves - Central Tuscaloosa: 6’4 2021 prospect is long and active on both ends of the floor. He rebounded well from his position and scored in different ways for his team. Known for his three ball, Reeves scored on put-backs and getting out in transition mostly this week.
Players To Keep An Eye On
Isaac & Isaiah Sims - Shades Valley: The 2020 6’4 wings are two to keep our eyes on as the season progresses. Aggressive and nice size on the wing, used their long arms to disrupt offenses this week. They attacked the glass for rebounds, ran the floor in transition and knocked down open threes. I would like to see them put it on the floor more.
Jaylen Sanders - Wenonah: The 2020 6’1 SG is an unknown, but if he continues to shoot the ball like he did this week, it won’t be for long. Sanders is a true threat behind the arc, don’t let him get his feet set. Will be watching to see how the rest of his game develops but he had a great week.
Jaylen Sanders - Wenonah: The 2020 6’1 SG is an unknown, but if he continues to shoot the ball like he did this week, it won’t be for long. Sanders is a true threat behind the arc, don’t let him get his feet set. Will be watching to see how the rest of his game develops but he had a great week.