Friday Key Matchups

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Northridge (20–6) vs Paul W. Bryant (15–5) </h3>   A key Class 6A matchup features #7 Northridge against Paul W. Bryant, with both teams looking to build momentum. Northridge leans on senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1536247' first='Jakeya' last='Horton'], a high-energy, three-level scorer who creates matchup problems on both ends. Paul W. Bryant counters with veteran [player_tooltip player_id='521516' first='Adrienne' last='Hunt'], a long, versatile forward whose face-up game and two-way impact anchor the lineup. This one likely comes down to which star forward controls tempo and wins the physical battles late.    [player_tooltip player_id='521516' first='Adrienne' last='Hunt'] | 6'0” Senior Forward | Paul W. Bryant High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='521516' first='Adrienne' last='Hunt'] is a long, versatile, athletic forward whose career production and two-way impact separate her. With 1,500 career points and 800 rebounds, she's consistently delivered at a high level while anchoring her team on both ends. Hunt is a true three-level scorer, comfortable finishing inside, scoring off the bounce, and knocking down perimeter shots when defenders give space.   Her face-up game is a major weapon — allowing her to use a quick first step to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities. Defensively, her length and mobility make her a disruptive presence across matchups, guarding multiple positions and rebounding effectively. At her best, Hunt is a complete, matchup-flexible forward whose athleticism and skill translate to winning at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1536247' first='Jakeya' last='Horton'] | 5'10” Senior Forward | Northridge High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='1536247' first='Jakeya' last='Horton'] is a high-energy, two-way forward whose versatility and production make her a difficult matchup. Recently reaching the 1,000 career points milestone, she's proven she can score in a variety of ways as a true three-level threat. Horton punishes smaller defenders on the block for easy points, and against bigger matchups she's comfortable stepping out to knock down threes or attacking poor closeouts off the bounce.   Defensively, her activity and good length allow her to disrupt actions across positions. She competes on the ball, anticipates passing lanes, and consistently brings energy on every possession. Horton's motor never dips, and her ability to impact both ends elevates team play. At her best, she's a matchup-driven forward who forces adjustments and controls momentum.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#4 Fairhope (23-3) vs #6 Daphne (17-7)</h3>   A highly anticipated Class 7A rematch is set as #4 Fairhope faces #6 Daphne, just weeks after a dramatic 35–34 thriller decided by a [player_tooltip player_id='1059306' first='Campbell' last='Anderson'] buzzer-beater. With both teams now more familiar and urgency rising, expect adjustments, intensity, and playoff-level execution from the opening tip.   Daphne will look to its senior leader [player_tooltip player_id='1236802' first='Fredayshia' last='Goodwin'], a tough, two-way guard who sets the tone with defensive pressure and timely scoring. Fairhope counters with [player_tooltip player_id='1620583' first='Nylah' last='Loukides'], a high-motor junior forward whose versatility and ability to impact both ends make her a key matchup piece. This one will come down to execution late — possessions will be precious, and whoever controls tempo and finishes defensive stops will likely come out on top.    [player_tooltip player_id='1236802' first='Fredayshia' last='Goodwin'] | Senior SG | Daphne High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='1236802' first='Fredayshia' last='Goodwin'] is a tough, defense-driven guard whose value is built on pressure, effort, and reliability. Averaging 10 points per game, she scores within the flow by attacking gaps and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns rather than forcing shots.   Defensively, Goodwin's activity stands out. She applies consistent on-ball pressure, anticipates passing lanes, and generates 2.6 steals per game through effort and awareness. She rebounds her position, competes through contact, and embraces tough perimeter assignments. At her best, Goodwin is a tone-setter whose defensive intensity and pace directly fuel winning possessions.     [player_tooltip player_id='1620583' first='Nylah' last='Loukides'] | 5'11” Junior Forward | Fairhope High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='1620583' first='Nylah' last='Loukides'] is a high-motor, versatile two-way forward whose impact shows up across the stat sheet and in winning plays. In the win, she posted 11 points and 7 rebounds, providing steady production while staying within the flow. Loukides is a three-level offensive player, capable of finishing inside, scoring in space, and knocking down shots when defenses sag.   Defensively, her athleticism allows her to guard multiple positions, switching across the floor and competing through physical matchups. She runs the floor hard, rebounds her area, and brings consistent energy on both ends. At her best, Loukides is a reliable, matchup-flexible forward whose motor and versatility elevate team balance.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Valley (15-2) vs Lanett (11–6)</h3>   A compelling matchup features #10 Valley squaring off against Lanett, with contrasting experience and youth in the spotlight. Valley is powered by junior guard Kayden Dooley, a high-impact scorer and two-way presence who sets the tone on both ends. Lanett counters with Makenley James, an emerging guard whose confidence and activity have made her a key piece despite her age. Expect Valley to lean on Dooley's production and pace, while Lanett looks to disrupt rhythm and capitalize on energy and execution.    Kayden Dooley | 5'8” Junior Guard | Valley High School (AL)   Kayden Dooley is a high-impact, two-way guard whose production and competitiveness drive winning. Averaging 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.6 steals per game, she consistently influences the game on both ends. Dooley is a versatile scorer who can attack downhill, finish through contact, and score in rhythm from the perimeter, keeping constant pressure on defenses.   Defensively, her motor and anticipation stand out, allowing her to disrupt ball handlers and jump passing lanes. She rebounds well beyond her size, ignites transition opportunities, and plays with relentless energy. At her best, Dooley is a game-changing guard whose scoring, defense, and toughness set the tone every night.     Makenley James | 8th Grade Guard | Lanett High School (AL)   Makenley James is a promising young guard whose game is built on confidence, activity, and competitiveness beyond her years. Averaging 12 points per game, she shows an aggressive scoring mindset while staying within the flow. James is comfortable attacking space, knocking down shots in rhythm, and making simple reads as her role continues to expand.   Defensively, her effort stands out early. She's active on the ball, anticipates passing lanes, and produces 1.5 steals per game through awareness and hustle. James rebounds her position, plays with energy, and doesn't shy away from contact. At her best, she's a high-upside guard whose foundation of scoring and defensive activity points to strong long-term growth.        <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#4–5A West Point (22–1) vs #4–4A Good Hope (23–4)</h3>   A high-level cross-class showdown pits #4–5A West Point against #4–4A Good Hope, with both teams carrying momentum and statement résumés. West Point is anchored by junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='981293' first='Laklin' last='Shadix'], a relentless two-way presence who controls the glass, scores efficiently, and disrupts defensively. Good Hope counters with freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1039011' first='Sophie' last='Konrad'], an aggressive three-level scorer whose confidence and ability to punish closeouts consistently apply pressure. This matchup comes down to interior control versus perimeter attack — and whichever star dictates the tempo could swing the outcome.    [player_tooltip player_id='1039011' first='Sophie' last='Konrad'] | Freshman Guard | Good Hope High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='1039011' first='Sophie' last='Konrad'] is an aggressive, confident guard whose scoring ability has already separated her early in her career, reaching the 1,000 career points milestone as a freshman. She's a true three-level scorer, capable of finishing at the rim, pulling up in the mid-range, and knocking down perimeter shots in rhythm. Konrad plays with an attack mindset, constantly looking to create plays for herself and others. She does a great job punishing poor closeouts, getting downhill and forcing defensive rotations. Her confidence and feel for scoring stand out well beyond her age. At her best, Konrad is a pressure-creating guard whose offensive aggression drives game flow.     Laklin Shdix | 6'0” Junior Forward | West Point High School (AL)   Laklin Shdix is a high-motor, two-way forward whose impact is built on effort, versatility, and production. Averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per game, she controls possessions through physical rebounding and consistent interior presence. Shdix scores efficiently around the rim, runs the floor hard, and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities.   Defensively, her activity separates her. She generates 3.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, showing strong instincts in passing lanes and as a help-side defender. Shdix competes across multiple matchups, rebounds her area, and brings energy every possession. At her best, she's a reliable two-way forward whose effort and defensive disruption elevate team success.