MLK Day BallN Prep Matchups Preview

Hoover (21–1, 7A) vs Park Crossing (21–1, 6A)   A clash of champions as last season's 7A and 6A state title holders meet with identical records. Hoover leans on the inside-out duo of [player_tooltip player_id='371482' first='Aaliyah' last='Blanchard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='382891' first='Khloe' last='Ford'], blending perimeter pressure with interior control. Park Crossing answers with versatility and pace behind [player_tooltip player_id='1208155' first='Maliyah' last='Meeks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='902057' first='Tariah' last='Magee'], a pair that thrives on efficiency and two-way impact. Expect a physical, playoff-level game where tempo and rebounding decide the outcome.    [player_tooltip player_id='902057' first='Tariah' last='Magee'] | Senior Guard | Park Crossing School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='902057' first='Tariah' last='Magee'] is a confident, two-way guard whose impact is built on scoring versatility and defensive activity. A true three-level scorer, she's comfortable attacking downhill, pulling up in space, and knocking down perimeter shots in rhythm. Magee plays with assertiveness, never shying away from responsibility while still staying within flow.   Defensively, she's active on the ball and in passing lanes, applying pressure, anticipating reads, and turning stops into opportunities. Her competitiveness and energy show up every possession, especially in key moments. At her best, Magee is a reliable two-way presence whose confidence and activity elevate the group on both ends.     [player_tooltip player_id='1208155' first='Maliyah' last='Meeks'] is an elite, positionless forward whose impact is defined by efficiency, intelligence, and two-way control. She scores at all three levels, thriving as a cutter, face-up threat, and finisher without needing high usage. Meeks plays the game a step ahead, consistently making the right read and elevating teammates through spacing, timing, and ball movement. Defensively, she's a true difference-maker — versatile across matchups, disruptive in passing lanes, and reliable as a help-side defender. She rebounds her position and transitions seamlessly from defense to offense. At her best, Meeks is a program-level piece whose value shows up in winning possessions, not volume stats.     [player_tooltip player_id='371482' first='Aaliyah' last='Blanchard'] | 5'10” Senior Forward | Hoover High School (AL)   Middle Tennessee State Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='371482' first='Aaliyah' last='Blanchard'] is a tough, defense-driven forward whose impact begins with pressure, discipline, and competitive edge. Averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, she produces efficiently while staying within structure. A sharp-shooting, true three-level scorer, Blanchard can stretch the floor, attack closeouts, and finish through contact without forcing the action.   Defensively, her competitiveness separates her — she anticipates passing lanes, applies physical pressure, and generates 3 steals per game, often turning defense into early offense. She embraces tough matchups, rebounds her area, and plays with purpose on every possession. At her best, Blanchard is a high-trust two-way forward whose defense, shot-making, and energy directly fuel winning.     [player_tooltip player_id='382891' first='Khloe' last='Ford'] | 6'3” Senior Center | Hoover High School (AL)   Missouri Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='382891' first='Khloe' last='Ford'] is a dominant, paint-controlling center whose impact starts with strength, positioning, and efficiency. Averaging 17 points and 9 rebounds per game, she consistently wins the interior with the best seal-and-finish ability in the state, creating deep post position and easy scoring opportunities.   Offensively, Ford scores with touch and power on the block, excels as an elite rim runner, and finishes plays decisively in transition. She's also capable of stepping out and knocking down the three, forcing defenses to account for her beyond the paint. Defensively, her size and presence allow her to control space, finish possessions on the glass, and anchor the interior. At her best, Ford is a game-tilting frontcourt presence whose versatility changes matchups and game plans.    Hazel Green (21–2, 6A) vs Northridge (19–4, 6A)   A key Class 6A matchup with postseason implications. Hazel Green is powered by guard [player_tooltip player_id='981034' first='Kristen' last='Johnson']'s scoring and the interior presence of [player_tooltip player_id='1253064' first='Madison' last='Eddings']. Northridge counters with the versatile forward tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='652254' first='Ryan' last='Bardenwerper'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1536247' first='Jakeya' last='Horton'], who bring size, skill, and energy. This one comes down to physicality, execution, and which team controls the glass late.    [player_tooltip player_id='981034' first='Kristen' last='Johnson'] | 5'9” Senior Guard | Hazel Green High School (AL)   Florida A&M Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='981034' first='Kristen' last='Johnson'] is a defense-driven, tone-setting guard whose impact starts with pressure, poise, and control. Averaging 16 points per game, she balances scoring responsibility with smart decision-making, keeping the offense organized while staying aggressive. Johnson plays with strong feel, pushing pace when opportunities present themselves and settling possessions when structure is needed. She's a capable perimeter shooter (34% from three) who keeps defenses honest and capitalizes on rhythm looks.   Defensively, Johnson embraces tough assignments, competing at the point of attack with anticipation and discipline. She values possessions, rebounds her position, and brings composure in key moments. At her best, Johnson is a high-trust floor guard whose leadership and defensive presence elevate team consistency.     [player_tooltip player_id='1253064' first='Madison' last='Eddings'] | 6'3” Senior Center | Hazel Green High School (AL)   Jackson State Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='1253064' first='Madison' last='Eddings'] is a strong, efficient interior presence whose game is built on size, touch, and physicality. Averaging 14 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting 63% from the field, she finishes at a high level by owning space around the rim and converting through contact. Eddings plays with patience on the block, using angles and balance rather than rushing possessions. Defensively, she anchors the paint with positioning and timing, providing 1.2 blocks per game while altering many more shots. She rebounds her area consistently and runs the floor hard for her size. At her best, Eddings is a reliable post anchor whose efficiency and presence stabilize both ends of the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='652254' first='Ryan' last='Bardenwerper'] | 6'1” Senior Forward | Trevecca Nazarene Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='652254' first='Ryan' last='Bardenwerper'] is a versatile, high-IQ forward whose game is built on efficiency, feel, and competitive composure. A true three-level scorer, she's comfortable finishing inside, knocking down shots in rhythm, and creating offense when defenders close out late. Bardenwerper plays within flow, understanding spacing and timing while consistently making smart decisions.   Defensively, she brings awareness and anticipation, staying connected to assignments and impacting plays without overextending. She rebounds her position, communicates well, and embraces the details that help teams win. At her best, Bardenwerper is a high-trust forward whose reliability and all-around skill translate cleanly to 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, athletic forward whose impact is built on effort, pace, and winning detail. She plays with strong awareness, keeping the offense connected while staying aggressive within structure. Horton scores in rhythm — attacking closeouts, finishing in transition, and capitalizing on broken possessions without forcing volume.   Defensively, her activity stands out. She competes with discipline, brings quick reactions in passing lanes, and stays connected across assignments. Horton rebounds her area, runs the floor hard, and embraces the physical side of the game. At her best, she's a high-trust forward whose energy and athleticism elevate lineup efficiency on both ends.    Montgomery Catholic (13–5, 4A) vs Pleasant Grove (10–8, 4A)   A balanced Class 4A matchup with momentum on the line as Montgomery Catholic faces Pleasant Grove. Montgomery Catholic is powered by the inside-out pairing of [player_tooltip player_id='382895' first='Hannah' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1165475' first='Jordan' last='Robinson'] — Smith's physical, three-level scoring and rebounding set the tone, while Robinson controls pace as a fast, two-way point guard. Pleasant Grove counters with the athletic scoring of Sarah Evans and the steady play of Zaire Harris, a smart, three-level guard who can create offense when needed. This one will be decided by tempo and physicality, with both teams looking to impose their style early.    [player_tooltip player_id='382895' first='Hannah' last='Smith'] | 6'0” Senior Forward | Montgomery Catholic High School (AL)   Troy Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='382895' first='Hannah' last='Smith'] is a physical, two-way forward whose impact is felt across every possession. Averaging 23 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, she dominates games through strength, effort, and versatility. Smith is a true three-level scorer, capable of finishing through contact, scoring in the mid-range, and knocking down perimeter shots in rhythm. Her rebounding is a separator — she controls the glass and immediately leads the break, turning defense into offense with purpose. Defensively, her activity and instincts produce 4.7 steals per game, disrupting actions and setting the tone. At her best, Smith is a game-driving forward who overwhelms opponents with physicality and pace.     [player_tooltip player_id='1165475' first='Jordan' last='Robinson'] | 5'7” Sophomore Point Guard | Montgomery Catholic High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='1165475' first='Jordan' last='Robinson'] is a fast, two-way point guard whose impact is built on pace, pressure, and playmaking. Averaging 13.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 steals per game, she consistently influences both ends of the floor. Robinson is a true three-level scorer, capable of attacking downhill, pulling up in space, and knocking down shots in rhythm. She changes speeds well, keeping defenders off balance while creating clean looks for teammates. Defensively, her quickness and anticipation stand out, disrupting ball handlers and jumping passing lanes. At her best, Robinson is a tempo-setting floor general who drives momentum with speed and competitiveness.     Sarah Evans | 5'10” Senior Forward | Pleasant Grove High School (AL)   Sarah Evans is an athletic, scoring forward whose impact is driven by energy and effort. She plays with pace and purpose, attacking scoring opportunities and keeping constant pressure on the defense. Evans thrives when the game speeds up, using her athleticism to finish plays and generate momentum. Defensively, she's an active, engaged defender, competing through assignments and using quick reactions to disrupt actions. She rebounds her area and runs the floor hard in transition. At her best, Evans is a high-energy forward whose activity lifts team intensity on both ends.     Zaire Harris | 5'9” Senior Guard | Pleasant Grove High School (AL)   Zaire Harris is an athletic, three-level scoring guard whose game is built on balance, craft, and decision-making. She scores in a variety of ways, attacking off the bounce, pulling up in space, and finishing creatively around the basket. Harris is crafty at the rim, using footwork and touch to convert through traffic. She plays with strong feel, choosing her spots and making smart reads that keep the offense flowing. Defensively, she stays connected and competes within team concepts. At her best, Harris is a composed scorer who blends athleticism with intelligence to impact winning.    Midfield (18–4, 3A) vs Hillcrest–Tuscaloosa (10–9, 7A)   A compelling contrast in styles as Midfield takes on Hillcrest–Tuscaloosa in a cross-class matchup. Midfield's success is built around the interior dominance of [player_tooltip player_id='981305' first='Kamiya' last='Webb'], an elite rebounder and rim protector, paired with the attacking versatility of [player_tooltip player_id='1238312' first='Lauren' last='Stokes'], who brings scoring and pace from the forward spot. Hillcrest looks to counter with backcourt pressure behind Blakely Nixon and Madison Ivey-Dowdell, two guards who thrive attacking downhill and setting the tone defensively. If Midfield controls the paint and glass, they'll dictate the game; if Hillcrest's guards speed it up and create turnovers, this one tightens quickly.    [player_tooltip player_id='981305' first='Kamiya' last='Webb'] | 6'2” Junior Center | Midfield High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='981305' first='Kamiya' last='Webb'] is a physical, high-motor interior presence whose game is built on toughness, activity, and consistent two-way impact. Averaging 17 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game, she dominates possessions through effort and strength rather than needing isolation volume. An elite rebounder, Webb controls the glass on both ends, finishing through contact and creating extra possessions.   Defensively, she's a true rim anchor, embracing physical matchups and protecting the paint with timing and verticality. Her shot-blocking presence changes decisions at the rim and fuels transition opportunities. Webb plays within structure but never passive, consistently making winning plays that tilt momentum. At her best, she's a reliable interior force whose rebounding and rim protection raise the floor every night.     [player_tooltip player_id='1238312' first='Lauren' last='Stokes'] | 5'10” Junior Forward | Midfield High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='1238312' first='Lauren' last='Stokes'] is a dynamic, attacking forward whose game is driven by pace, confidence, and offensive pressure. Averaging 16.4 points per game, she's most effective when playing downhill, using change of speed and assertiveness to put defenders on their heels. Stokes is a capable three-level scorer, comfortable pulling up in space, finishing through traffic, and capitalizing when defenses sag.   She embraces scoring responsibility while still reading help and making timely plays for others (2.1 apg). Defensively, her energy and quickness translate into production, posting 2.6 steals per game and disrupting actions at the point of attack. At her best, Stokes is an offense-driver whose tempo and shot-making shift momentum.     Blakely Nixon | 5'7” Senior Guard | Hillcrest–Tuscaloosa High School (AL)   Wallace State (Huntsville) Commit   Blakely Nixon is a downhill, attacking guard whose game is built on pace, craft, and defensive activity. She excels at changing speeds, using a sharp change of pace to get defenders off balance and create clean driving lanes. Around the basket, Nixon is crafty and composed, finishing with touch and creativity despite traffic. Defensively, her active hands and anticipation disrupt ball handlers and passing lanes, fueling transition opportunities. She plays with intent on both ends, consistently applying pressure without forcing the action. At her best, Nixon is a tempo-changer who stresses defenses with attack-first mentality and smart, timely decisions.     Madison Ivey-Dowdell | 5'7” Senior Guard | Hillcrest–Tuscaloosa High School (AL)   Huntington Commit   Madison Ivey-Dowdell is a tough, high-motor two-way guard whose impact starts on the defensive end. She's a physical, relentless on-ball defender who embraces pressure assignments, competes through contact, and disrupts rhythm with effort and anticipation. Offensively, Ivey-Dowdell attacks the basket with intent, playing downhill and forcing defenders to commit. She thrives on energy plays, transition opportunities, and getting two feet in the paint rather than settling. Her motor never dips, and her competitiveness shows up every possession. At her best, Ivey-Dowdell is a tone-setter guard whose defense, toughness, and pace elevate team intensity.    Brewbaker Tech (9–12, 5A) vs Huntsville (14–9, 7A)   A contrast of pace and pressure highlights this matchup as Brewbaker Tech takes on Huntsville. Huntsville's backcourt is led by [player_tooltip player_id='1185585' first='Hensley' last='De Los Reyes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1186360' first='Eleanor' last='Shea'], a pair that thrives on speed, change of pace, and defensive activity to control tempo. Brew Tech counters with the aggressive downhill scoring of Tariya Respicio and the athletic interior presence of Kaymarria Bandy, who looks to attack the paint and create second-chance opportunities. If Huntsville's guards dictate pace, they'll create separation; if Brew Tech wins the physical battles inside, this one tightens late.    [player_tooltip player_id='1185585' first='Hensley' last='De Los Reyes'] | 5'7” Freshman Point Guard | Huntsville High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='1185585' first='Hensley' last='De Los Reyes'] is a game-changing speed guard whose quickness immediately pressures both ends of the floor. She plays with strong basketball IQ, understanding how to control pace while using her burst to create advantages. De Los Reyes is a true two-way player, competing defensively with active hands and effort while staying disciplined in team concepts. Offensively, she's a capable shooter with a smooth mid-range floater, finishing plays creatively when defenders cut off the rim. She makes smart reads, values possessions, and keeps teammates involved. At her best, De Los Reyes is a tempo-altering point guard whose speed and feel can swing momentum quickly.     [player_tooltip player_id='1186360' first='Eleanor' last='Shea'] | 5'7” Freshman Guard | Huntsville High School (AL)   [player_tooltip player_id='1186360' first='Eleanor' last='Shea'] is a change-of-pace guard whose game is built on craft, control, and competitiveness. She's a crafty ball handler, using hesitations and tempo shifts to create space and keep defenders off balance. Shea is a confident perimeter shooter with a reliable three-point stroke, punishing defenders who go under screens. Defensively, she brings energy and effort, staying active in passing lanes and competing on the ball. She plays with composure beyond her years, valuing possessions while staying aggressive. At her best, Shea is a young guard with feel whose skill set translates as her role continues to grow.     Tariya Respicio | 5'6” Senior Guard | Brewbaker Tech (AL)   Tariya Respicio is a score-first combo guard whose game is built on attacking mentality and physicality. She looks to pressure the defense by getting downhill, consistently seeking opportunities to score in the paint. Respicio plays with confidence and intent, using quick decisions and body control to finish through traffic. She's comfortable handling the ball or playing off it, adapting to what the possession demands. Defensively, she competes with effort and stays engaged. At her best, Respicio is a paint-driven guard who brings toughness and scoring aggression every time she touches the ball.     Kaymarria Bandy | 5'9” Junior Forward | Brewbaker Tech (AL)   Kaymarria Bandy is an athletic, paint-attacking wing whose game is built on physicality and effort. She thrives scoring around the rim, using strength, balance, and quick elevation to finish in traffic. Bandy plays with energy, cutting hard, running the floor, and capitalizing on opportunities created by pressure. Defensively, her athleticism allows her to compete across positions and disrupt actions with activity. She rebounds her area and brings toughness to every possession. At her best, Bandy is a rim-impact wing whose athletic presence shows up in momentum plays.

Hoover (21–1, 7A) vs Park Crossing (21–1, 6A)