The Inaugural AHSAA Elite 100 Showcase
Class Of 2021
With the new changes to the NCAA Recruiting Calendar, NFHS state associations are now allowed to host events where NCAA College Coaches can attend during the last two weekends of June. The AHSAA (Alabama High School Athletic Association) took the initiative in the inaugural year to host an individual showcase with arguably most of the top players the state has to offer regardless of class. Without further ado, here are some of the guys who stood out for the class of 2021.
Keshawn Murphy can legitimately take over the top spot if he performs in July.
Keshawn Murphy - 6'8" Small Forward - Ramsay HS/Alabama Fusion 16U - this was the best we have ever seen Keshawn Murphy play and boy was it a sight to see. He handled the ball really well, especially in iso's and pick & roll situations. Very crafty with the ball and quick for his size, he was able to get past smaller defenders off the bounce while using his athleticism to finish plays above the rim. He wasn't consistent from three but his stroke looks good as well as his improved athleticism and mobility. Defensively, he gave more effort than we've seen in the past and blocked numerous shots as a result of that. If Murphy can play like this in July, expect his stock to go crazy and possibly take over the top spot in the class for Alabama.
Kool-Aid may not play basketball at the next level but he is definitely capable of doing so. [Photo Cred/Josh Bean AL.com]
Ga'Quincy "Kool-Aid" McKinstry - 5'11" Guard - Pinson Valley/WACG 16U - not as tall as he was listed (6'1") but none of that matters because the kid is an absolute dog! He took on every challenge of highly pubbed opponents and won every challenge. He's freakishly athletic and uses it to his advantage by playing above the rim, catching nasty lobs and just merely taking off on opponents. He's also more skilled than given credit, using his ball handling ability to get to spots on the floor while using his elevated mid-range pull up to shoot over defenders. McKinstry is rated as one of the top defensive backs in the nation and is more than likely playing high major football at the next level, but don't get it twisted, the kid can definitely play college basketball.
Trinity Bell has the best physique of any prospect in the state.
Trinity Bell - 6'7" Power Forward - Albertville HS/Team Carroll 16U - looks like a grown man at 6'7" 251 lbs of straight muscle from head to toe. Bell was easily one of the most athletic players in attendance. He was the recipient of numerous lobs and drop offs. Once he got comfortable, he started to expand his game a bit and showcased the type of player he could be at the next level. It was hard to take the ball from him with his strong hands whenever he got a hold of it. Bell threw down a windmill in a half court set that was rather impressive. Don't be surprised if you see him on someones NFL team later in life although he hasn't played since 6th grade.
Calvin Burns - 5'11" Point Guard - Ramsay HS - stood out to me as a Jamari Blackmon type player with a strong build and is primed to score it. Not a true point but definitely a bona-fide scorer, Burns was able to get buckets in a variety of ways and was surprisingly more athletic than he looks. If he can mix his game up a bit and become a better point guard, as far as creating for others, I think that can really help his stock among college coaches.
Aaron Powe - 5'11" Point Guard - B.C. Rain HS/Mobile Hornets - lightning quick and has such a high IQ for the game, Powe made numerous plays creating for others. He saw the floor really well and made some impressive full court chest passes creating easy buckets for teammates. He didn't shoot it very well but he got to the rim and finished some acrobatic layups. Defensively, he did a good job of picking guys pockets on layup attempts. He might be moving up to the class of 2020.
Dwayne "DJ" Fairley - 6'1" PG - Hoover HS - was a kid I hadn't gotten a chance to see. He has good size for the point guard position, handles it really well and can score it in a variety of ways including a nice looking pull up. Fairley was comfortable in pick & roll situations and knew how to keep things alive with his handle. Long arms and looks like he may grow a little more.
Cameron Crawford - 6'3" Guard - Spain Park HS - was one of the most intriguing players in attendance as it was our first time seeing him as well. He definitely looks the part and has all the tools to be a really good player. He showed some flashes of a promising prospect who can possibly play both guard spots with his ball skills and decision making. Long frame, he may stretch out a bit more.
Christian Lewis - 6'3" Small Forward - Pleasant Grove/Birmingham Blaze - was another big time football prospect in attendance who showcased some major athleticism. Lewis was getting head level on some of his two handed finishes. He will more than likely play football at the next level but we couldn't go without mentioning him and his relentless motor.
Kaleb Brown - 6'4" Guard - Lee-Huntsville HS/EAB 17U (Adidas Gauntlet) - is following in the same footsteps as his brother. Critiqued early about his weight, but don't be fooled, Brown can play. Shifty ball handler and gets past defenders at will. Very high IQ for the game and knows where everyone is on the court. If he continues to grow as we expect, another member of the family will be on someones high major campus.
Riley Leonard - 6'4" Guard - Fairhope HS/Hawks Elite - was one of the best players in attendance regardless of class. He was consistent throughout the day running the point guard spot effectively. Not a great ball handler but good enough to get to spots with his athleticism and finished plays above the rim. Shot the ball really well too and has a chance to be a solid MM+ prospect. He plays QB for the football team so his IQ for the game is evident. Recently picked up offers from Bryant and New Orleans.
DeWaun Stubbs - 6'8" Power Forward - Autaugaville/Team Carroll 16U - probably had the longest wing span in attendance. Stubbs is a long athlete who just makes natural plays. Doesn't know the game yet but has natural abilities that makes him an intriguing prospect. He has a motor, but at times it looks like he doesn't and its mainly due to him not knowing where to go sometimes. If he decides to play basketball, his upside will take him far, as he continues to learn the game the more he plays.
Calvin Burns - 5'11" Point Guard - Ramsay HS - stood out to me as a Jamari Blackmon type player with a strong build and is primed to score it. Not a true point but definitely a bona-fide scorer, Burns was able to get buckets in a variety of ways and was surprisingly more athletic than he looks. If he can mix his game up a bit and become a better point guard, as far as creating for others, I think that can really help his stock among college coaches.
Aaron Powe - 5'11" Point Guard - B.C. Rain HS/Mobile Hornets - lightning quick and has such a high IQ for the game, Powe made numerous plays creating for others. He saw the floor really well and made some impressive full court chest passes creating easy buckets for teammates. He didn't shoot it very well but he got to the rim and finished some acrobatic layups. Defensively, he did a good job of picking guys pockets on layup attempts. He might be moving up to the class of 2020.
Dwayne "DJ" Fairley - 6'1" PG - Hoover HS - was a kid I hadn't gotten a chance to see. He has good size for the point guard position, handles it really well and can score it in a variety of ways including a nice looking pull up. Fairley was comfortable in pick & roll situations and knew how to keep things alive with his handle. Long arms and looks like he may grow a little more.
Cameron Crawford - 6'3" Guard - Spain Park HS - was one of the most intriguing players in attendance as it was our first time seeing him as well. He definitely looks the part and has all the tools to be a really good player. He showed some flashes of a promising prospect who can possibly play both guard spots with his ball skills and decision making. Long frame, he may stretch out a bit more.
Christian Lewis - 6'3" Small Forward - Pleasant Grove/Birmingham Blaze - was another big time football prospect in attendance who showcased some major athleticism. Lewis was getting head level on some of his two handed finishes. He will more than likely play football at the next level but we couldn't go without mentioning him and his relentless motor.
Kaleb Brown - 6'4" Guard - Lee-Huntsville HS/EAB 17U (Adidas Gauntlet) - is following in the same footsteps as his brother. Critiqued early about his weight, but don't be fooled, Brown can play. Shifty ball handler and gets past defenders at will. Very high IQ for the game and knows where everyone is on the court. If he continues to grow as we expect, another member of the family will be on someones high major campus.
Riley Leonard - 6'4" Guard - Fairhope HS/Hawks Elite - was one of the best players in attendance regardless of class. He was consistent throughout the day running the point guard spot effectively. Not a great ball handler but good enough to get to spots with his athleticism and finished plays above the rim. Shot the ball really well too and has a chance to be a solid MM+ prospect. He plays QB for the football team so his IQ for the game is evident. Recently picked up offers from Bryant and New Orleans.
DeWaun Stubbs - 6'8" Power Forward - Autaugaville/Team Carroll 16U - probably had the longest wing span in attendance. Stubbs is a long athlete who just makes natural plays. Doesn't know the game yet but has natural abilities that makes him an intriguing prospect. He has a motor, but at times it looks like he doesn't and its mainly due to him not knowing where to go sometimes. If he decides to play basketball, his upside will take him far, as he continues to learn the game the more he plays.