Initial 2019 Player Rankings
Trendon Watford is a possible pro (Photo Cred/Mark Almond of AL.com)
The class of 2019 looks to be a talented class with some size at the top. This class is greatly needed with 2018 not having much to offer at the moment. Athleticism and skill level comes to mind when you think of the kids in this class along with upside of course. Also, there seems to be a couple of talented combo forwards who are already high major prospects.
When you think of this class, Trendon Watford is always the first name to come up. He's hands down the top prospect in the state in the class and after the class of 2017 graduates, he will be the top prospect regardless of class. He's the younger brother of former Shades Valley and Indiana star Christian Watford. At the moment, the younger Watford is already more talented at the same age but Christian is always around lending more than a hand so he deserves credit also. Trendon is ranked as high as #3 nationally on ESPN's 2019 Player Rankings and doesn't drop much lower than #15 on other national recruiting sites. He was the leading scorer at Shades Valley High School during his 8th grade season before transferring to state power Mountain Brook for his freshman year. Most Alabama high school fans see the 6-foot-7 small forward playing more inside with the Spartans but don't really get a chance to witness his complete offensive skill set on the wing when he plays travel ball in which he competed in arguably the top league, Nike's EYBL with the Alabama Challenge (Now the Alabama Fusion). There are already a number of high major programs courting Watford as he has received offers from Alabama, Auburn, Central Florida and Mississippi St. Arizona, Iowa, Kansas and North Carolina are also recruiting the highly touted sophomore.
When you think of this class, Trendon Watford is always the first name to come up. He's hands down the top prospect in the state in the class and after the class of 2017 graduates, he will be the top prospect regardless of class. He's the younger brother of former Shades Valley and Indiana star Christian Watford. At the moment, the younger Watford is already more talented at the same age but Christian is always around lending more than a hand so he deserves credit also. Trendon is ranked as high as #3 nationally on ESPN's 2019 Player Rankings and doesn't drop much lower than #15 on other national recruiting sites. He was the leading scorer at Shades Valley High School during his 8th grade season before transferring to state power Mountain Brook for his freshman year. Most Alabama high school fans see the 6-foot-7 small forward playing more inside with the Spartans but don't really get a chance to witness his complete offensive skill set on the wing when he plays travel ball in which he competed in arguably the top league, Nike's EYBL with the Alabama Challenge (Now the Alabama Fusion). There are already a number of high major programs courting Watford as he has received offers from Alabama, Auburn, Central Florida and Mississippi St. Arizona, Iowa, Kansas and North Carolina are also recruiting the highly touted sophomore.
Kira Lewis holds several mid major offers (Photo Cred/Bob Gathany/[email protected])
Kira Lewis is a kid that opened some eyes during the 2015-2016 high school season as he was the leading scorer for Hazel Green as a frosh. He has a smooth game with an effortless stroke with sneaky athleticism and speed. Primed as more of a scorer, Lewis can actually play both the point and off the ball but has a knack for getting the ball in the cup. He had a solid summer playing both 15 and 16 & under during the travel season competing in the EYBL with the Alabama Challenge and finished with the Bledsoe Ice. He managed to pick up offers from Middle Tennessee, Murray St & UAB while receiving interest from in state high majors Alabama and Auburn.
High major offers have been rolling in left & right for Kobe Brown who didn't log major minutes during the high school season playing for his dad Greg Brown at Lee High School in Huntsville. Things changed playing for Team Loaded based out of Virginia on the Adidas Gauntlet circuit. Apparently, Brown wreaked havoc playing garnishing some high major plus offers with the most recent being Oklahoma. He was allowed to play the point guard position at times showing his skill set at 6-foot-6 which opened the door for an invite to Adidas' premier camp, Adidas Nations. We will be able to see more of Brown during the high school season now that majority of the seniors have graduated leaving Brown and Malik Burnett to lead the charge.
High major offers have been rolling in left & right for Kobe Brown who didn't log major minutes during the high school season playing for his dad Greg Brown at Lee High School in Huntsville. Things changed playing for Team Loaded based out of Virginia on the Adidas Gauntlet circuit. Apparently, Brown wreaked havoc playing garnishing some high major plus offers with the most recent being Oklahoma. He was allowed to play the point guard position at times showing his skill set at 6-foot-6 which opened the door for an invite to Adidas' premier camp, Adidas Nations. We will be able to see more of Brown during the high school season now that majority of the seniors have graduated leaving Brown and Malik Burnett to lead the charge.
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Carver-Montgomery got a big time transfer from Columbus, GA in 6-foot-5 combo guard Jaykwon Walton. We first set eyes on Walton at On The Radar Hoops Rising Stars camp two years ago and he was only about 5'10". He carried those guards skills over with his height and athleticism becoming probably the best overall player in the class. He has the ability to run the point guard spot efficiently, take his game out to the wing and score over smaller defenders. His shooting mechanics are improving while, he's very crafty and can play above the rim. He improved during the month of June and it showed in July, especially at the AAU Super Showcase in Orlando leading the Alabama Challenge 15U to an elite 8 finish in a field of 64-teams. Alabama, North Florida, Samford & UAB have already expressed early interest. Expect that to change in the near future.
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DeAntoni Gordon somewhat has the same story as Kobe Brown. He didn't play much during the high school season but made a name for himself last September at All Metro Elite 100 Camp in Atlanta among top talents such as Collin Sexton, Rayshaun Hammonds and Drue Drinnon just to name a few. Gordon is a combo forward at the moment who will eventually have to move to the perimeter full time if he wants to be a true high major kid. He's very athletic, starts the break well and has an efficient jump hook over his left shoulder. His upside and work ethic is remarkable and we can see him becoming a true threat from both inside out but his frame will more than likely push him to the wing. New Mexico St is the only school to offer at the moment with Alabama, North Florida, Samford, South Alabama and UAB showing interest. With continued development, expect the high majors to start buzzing in the future.
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Rounding out the top 10 is big man Demond Robinson who is very skilled and an underrated passer at 6-foot-8. Once he gets back in shape, he will dominate games with his Glen Davis style of play. Desmond Williams was probably the most productive kid for the Alabama Challenge 15 & under. He's lights out from three, has a heck of a motor and defends 94 feet. Samford has expressed major interest and was around most of July. Mason Ellison will be a surprise to most as he sat out last year at Lee-Huntsville. He will bring athleticism to the table along with a decent skill set. He has potential to rise in the rankings before its all said and done. AJ McGinnis is one of the best shooters in the class. He's a decent athlete and has worked on his body. He will more than likely put up good numbers for Buckhorn this season. Brandon Nicholas is a kid who was more of a spot up shooter for JO Johnson last season. He will have a bigger role at Mae Jemison and playing with the Bledsoe Ice 15 & under this past travel season has helped develop.