2024 Rankings: Top Post

We are excited about the release of the rankings for the Class of 2024. This is a talent-loaded class, with a lot of these players being the leaders on their teams.  It has been exciting watching these players and looking for some to separate themselves from the rest of the group.  I am going to start off by talking about the post players, and everyone needs to know in today's world a post is no longer just your center, but if you are what we know as a small or power forward, those are all post players with ball-handling ability.  Sit back enjoy. I will start off with our number one player in this class and a two-time state champion from Hazel Green, [player_tooltip player_id="373864" first="Leah" last="Brooks"]. She has grown so much this season and is the focus player on this championship team, drawing so much attention that it makes her guards have opportunity to stand out.  She is very active in the paint, getting rebounds and scoring effectively.  I would have to guess that her shooting percentage is good, she takes good shots. Leah had a double-double in the state championship game with 20 points and 15 rebounds.  I am sure no one disagrees about this number one ranking. One of our newcomers is next; [player_tooltip player_id="382422" first="Takayla" last="Davis"]; her and teammates won the AISA title this year. She goes a good job of being effective on the block and high post and is also capable of making that mid-range shot. Her upside is high with her determination to improve and be more physical and efficient at her position and her craft. She was chosen by ASWA as a second-teamer for the AISA division team. Our number 5 player comes from Pleasant Grove and its [player_tooltip player_id="323402" first="Tamya" last="Smith"]. I have seen this young lady since her 8th-grade summer, and her growth is outstanding.  Tamya commands attention in the paint, she has mastered that mid-range shot and will block your shot if you come into her "house". Tamya averaged 12.8 points and 6.8 rebounds with 79 steals and 35 blocks for her Pleasant Grove team this year. She finished the year with several post-season awards including ASWA 5A All-State and AL.com All Birmingham 3rd teams. Let's head to Tuscaloosa and you will find one of the hidden secrets in the state, [player_tooltip player_id="343423" first="Aaliyah" last="Golston"].  Standing at 6-0 Aaliyah is the anchor for Coach Rivers and his Central High School girls' basketball team.  She can run the floor, has great court vision, makes good decisions, and will score or make the right defensive chances to benefit her team.  Aaliyah was chosen by Alabama Sports Writers Association's 5A 2nd team because of her contribution on the court this year. Looking forward to seeing what the next 2 years will bring for this young lady. [player_tooltip player_id="405990" first="Ava" last="Card"], another one of our newcomers to the group this year.  She was very instrumental in leading her team to a 4A state championship earlier this month, including a game-winning shot in the semi-finals to get the state title game. Ava is another one of those DNA players we talk about, her father is the head boys' coach at St. James and spent 20+ years as a former assistant coach and player at AUM, meaning she has grown up in a gym.  I watched this young lady during the state title game, play with poise and confidence which is a rare trait for a sophomore, but again that DNA plays a major part. Ave was also chosen by the ASWA to the 4A Second team All-State team. Can wait to see what the next two years bring for all of these players.