First Look At The Future

PictureTony Johnson (Photo Cred - Max Oden, AL.com)
The class of 2018 first stepped foot on high school campuses a few months ago, except for kids like Tony Johnson. As an eighth grader, Johnson was arguably one of the best players for Eufaula High School next to Jaylin Robinson, who finished in our 2014 player rankings. Despite losing to Faith Academy in 5A Regionals, Johnson helped carry his team throughout the season with a couple 30+ point games. We first saw Johnson in person at the Iron Bowl at Auburn last year with Danjel Purifoy and he was also on campus with Auburn's new head coach Bruce Pearl. That's another reason why it was unanimous to name Tony Johnson, 6-foot-2 combo guard, as our top prospect in the first class of 2018 player rankings.

Johnson's game puts you in the sense of former Faith Academy and East Tennessee St starting point guard Petey McClain. He knows how to change speeds at the right time and can get to the basket at will. Isn't as athletic as McClain is now due to his age but Johnson is taller than McClain at the same age. With some consistency on his jumper and an added pull up will help him become a complete scorer.
With great blood lines, younger brother of UNLV's Christian Wood, Diante Wood is the #2 prospect in the class. At 6-4, Wood reminds me of former LeFlore and Ole Miss standout Nick Williams. Similar games at the same height with the an almost automatic game from 15 feet in with a developing perimeter game. Wood may have an edge on Williams because of his genetics and may grow a lot more as his older brother Christian Wood is now 6-11.

Diante Wood has started for Sacred Heart since the seventh grade and will more than likely hold all school records as long as he remains with the program. He helped lead Sacred Heart to the 1A semifinal last season in only a few years of existence for the school. New Mexico St has already offered Wood and more will come as he develops his perimeter game and possible grow a couple more inches.
PictureAnquavious Pollard comes in at #4
Isaac Chatman and Anquavious Pollard are both versatile at 6-6 and started for their high schools as eighth graders also. Chatman is more polished right now than Pollard and has the ability to play the 1-4 on the high school level. He's a "do it all" type kid and will play wherever you need him. Has the ability to rebound and start the break and make good decisions. He's long, athletic and finishes around the rim really well. Chatman has a nice mid range stroke but can use some work on his outside shot. He transferred to Cordova after Parrish closed where he helped lead them to a 1A state runner-up.


Pollard had success as an eighth grader for Lanett as he was the go to guy, leading scorer and rebounder. Lanett lost in regional play but Pollard showed some versatility and brute around the rim. He overpowers defenders and intimidates them as he already has a nice physique for such a young kid. At the Under Armour Middle School Best of the Best, several writers deemed him as one of the best kids at the camp which was held in Atlanta, GA. Pollard could polish up his game a bit but that will come in due time.


Click here for the complete list of the 2018 player rankings.