Baker’s Dashawn Thomas Headlines This Week’s AHSAA Boys Basketball Spotlight
Mobile, AL – In a thrilling regular-season matchup between arch-rivals Baker High School and Theodore, senior Dashawn Thomas of Baker High School proved himself as a formidable force on the hardwood. With head coach David Armstrong absent due to illness, Thomas took charge and delivered a standout performance, leading his team to a 65-62 victory over the Bobcats.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Thomas, playing as a guard and the team’s floor leader, showcased his scoring prowess by recording 26 points, including a game-winning 3-pointer. His exceptional performance earned him recognition in this week’s AHSAA Boys’ Basketball Spotlight. Thomas was a key contributor throughout the game, sinking six out of ten attempts from beyond the arc and finishing with a total of 27 points.
Teammate Derrick Florence, a 6-foot-5 junior forward, also had an impressive showing, achieving a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Together, they propelled the Hornets to victory. In a previous game against Davidson, Thomas contributed 17 points, while Desmond Williams scored 16, leading Baker to a 69-49 win in Class 7A, Area 1 play. The Hornets’ success was further bolstered by the performances of Derrick Butler, Clay Scofield, and Caleb Metzer.
Thomas’ stellar performance not only secured a crucial victory for Baker High School but also solidified his status as a standout player in Alabama high school basketball. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments from Thomas and his talented teammates at Baker High School.
This week’s AHSAA Boys’ Basketball Spotlight also includes Henry Chaney of Spring Garden, Slade Grantham of Zion Chapel, and Evan Griffin of Geneva.
Henry Chaney, a senior for Spring Garden, played a crucial role in his team’s success during the Cherokee County tournament. Coming off the bench in the second half, Chaney ignited the Panthers’ offense with three 3-pointers, finishing the game with 11 points. His impressive performance propelled Spring Garden to a dominant 41-25 victory over Gaylesville, securing the team’s 16th county tournament title in school history. Despite Gaylesville’s tight defensive strategy, Chaney’s offensive spark and solid on-the-ball defense made a significant impact on both ends of the court. Panthers Coach Levi Hatcher commended Chaney’s energy and versatility, highlighting his valuable contributions in the championship game.
Gaylesville, led by Coach Kolby Brannon, put up a commendable fight, defeating Cedar Bluff in overtime in the semifinals. However, their game plan to contain the Welsh twins, John and Jake, forced other players to step up. Henry Chaney seized the opportunity and delivered a standout performance for Spring Garden. The Panthers’ previous encounter with Gaylesville ended in a convincing 76-40 victory, showcasing the team’s dominance. Alongside Chaney, John Welsh contributed 11 points, and Jake Welsh added 10 points to secure the championship win. Kyler Bradley led the Trojans with 14 points, including two 3-pointers.
Meanwhile, in the Wiregrass region, Slade Grantham and Evan Griffin delivered remarkable performances for their respective teams. Grantham, a 6-foot-1 senior for Zion Chapel, had a career-high performance, sinking 16-of-28 shots from the field and scoring an impressive 40 points in a Class 2A, Area 4 matchup against Pike Liberal Arts. Grantham’s offensive prowess, combined with his contributions on the boards, assists, and steals, propelled the Rebels to an 82-61 victory. With this win, Zion Chapel improved to a 4-2 record in area play.
In Class 4A, Area 3 action, Evan Griffin of Geneva showcased his skills on both ends of the court. Griffin, a standout player for Geneva, scored a remarkable 45 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in a 71-61 victory over Dale County. His dominant performance helped lead his team to success in their area matchup.
Deshawn Thomas, Henry Chaney, Slade Grantham, and Evan Griffin have all exemplified exceptional talent and dedication to their respective teams. As the Alabama high school basketball season continues, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from these standout players and their teammates as they strive for success on the hardwood.
Inclement weather, especially in northern Alabama, caused some county tournaments and regular-season games to be postponed. Still, there were plenty of outstanding performances turned in, including those listed below:
MILESTONES
PEARCE BOONE, PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN: Sank 11-of-21 3-point shot attempts and finished with 33 points to lead the Eagles past Pike Liberal Arts 67-57. He was 0-4 from 2-point range and didn’t attempt a free throw in the victory. His total ranks tied for 10th in the AHSAA Record Book for most treys made in a single game. Boone also had 10 rebounds and nine blocked shots – leaving him one block shy of a triple-double. Providence Christian and Pike Liberal combined to make 23 3-pointers – which ties for 11th most in a single game, according to the Record Book. The Eagles made 14 and the Patriots made nine. A total of seven different plays made at least one trey, which ties for ninth most in AHSAA history. In addition to Boone’s 11 treys, Henry Parsons hit two and Cas Boone one for PCS. Jackson Mitchell sand four on the way to scoring 18 points, and four for Pike Liberal Arts, Sawyer Keck and Slade Renfroe had two each, and Wilson Cotton added one trey.
AARON NIXON, JACKSONVLLE: Scored 26 points, including making 6-of-9 from 3-point range, and two-time defending Class 4A state champion Jacksonville rolled to a 70-44 win over Cleburne County in a Class 4A, Area 0 contest. Devin Barksdale, who earned MVP honors leading Jacksonville to a 56-36 win over Oxford the night before as the Eagles won the 73rd annual Calhoun County Tourney title to snap Oxford’s five-year string of tourney crowns, was honored at the Cleburne County game for going over 1,000 points for his prep career. He3 had 18 points in the tourney finals and scored eight in the victory over Cleburne County.
ZEIER GOLDEN, SKYLINE: Finished with 18 points as the Vikings (14-4) beat Woodville 59-40 to claim top seed in Class 1A, Area 15 with a 6-1 area record. Skyline has won 14 consecutive area tournament championships heading into next month’s 2024 Area 14 tourney.
MICHAEL MOORE, MOBILE CHRISTIAN: Had 18 points, including a crucial basket with 6.5 seconds remaining, as the Leopards downed Cottage Hill Christian 66-63 in Class 3A, Area 1. It was the first win over Cottage Hill since the 2019-20 season. Sema’J Law added 16 points with 11 coming in the fourth quarter.
OTHER TOP PERFORMANCES REPORTED
TY BRYANT, PRATTVILLE: Scored 36 points in a 90-82 Class 7A, Area 3 loss to Percy Julian. He was almost perfect with his shooting touch sinking 11-of-13 field goals, including 3-of-3 from the 3-point range, and was 11-of-11 at the foul line for the Lions. It was the third time this season he has gone over 30 points – netting 31versus Auburn in the season opener and 30 against Pelham before Christmas. He has also made his last 16 free throws in a row for Prattville (3-21) and is 87-of-107 on the season for 81.3%.
JOSHUA DAVIS, DALLAS COUNTY: Totaled 35 points and seven assists in an u0-76 loss to Calhoun. Tyler Robertson had 27 points in the win, and he followed with 16 points in a 75-54 victory over Central-Hayneville.
CODY VANCE, HUFFMAN: Had a game-high 33 points in the Vikings’ 80-73 loss to Gardendale (14-6) in Class 6A, Area 11 on Friday. Ryan Burkett led the winning Rockets (13-6) with 23 points, David Rodgers had 22, and Cody Vance had 13 with seven assists. Vance also had 19 points in the Rockets’ 71-61 win over American Christian earlier in the week.
DANILO STOJAKOVIC, TUSCALOOSA ACADEMY: Had a big week with 31 points and 10 rebounds in a 53-49 win over Bibb County and totaled 22 points and 10 rebounds in a 46-45 Class 2A, Area 5 victory over Aliceville.
JAKE MIDDLEBROOKS, COLLINSVILLE: Scored 30 points and cleared eight rebounds to lead the Panthers to a 68-48 win over Valley Head in the DeKalb County tourney on Thursday.
DAVIS DARE, AMERICAN CHRISTIAN: Had back-to-back 29-point performances as the Patriots beat Sipsey Valley 73-58 and Holy Spirit 57-24. He had five treys in the 4A, Area 7 win over Sipsey, and he had four assists in the win over Holy Spirit.
A.J. HOLLADAY, DANVILLE: Posted 29 points in a victory over Colbert County and 21 in a win over Colbert Heights.
JODY JONES, FAIRFIELD: The sophomore collected 28 points, five rebounds and four steals as the Tigers beat Wenonah 73-42 in Class 5A, Area 9.
DAVID STONE, HOMEWOOD: Delivered a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds as the Patriots (18-6) beat Minor 66-48 in Class 6A, Area 9.
RICK JOHNSON, OAKMAN: Sparked Oakman to a 56-40 win over Walker County rival Cordova with 28 points, six rebounds and four assists.
TRISTAN GILMORE, McADORY: Led the Jackets (14-8) to an 86-29 in over Brookwood in Class 6A, Area 7 with 27 points. In an earlier win over Bessemer City, Jacorey Whitted grabbed the 500th rebound of his prep career.
RASHAD COLEMAN, FLORALA: Scored 27 points and had six rebounds in 69-52 loss to Elba and had 16 points and 10 rebounds in a 55-37 victory over Houston County in Class 1A, Area 2.
MILES HANNON, KEITH: Led the Bears (12-7) to a 96-37 Class 1A, Area 6 victory over Linden with 26 points.
CADE SEGARS, PRATTVILLE CHRISTIAN: Had 26 points and teammate Collier Connell scored 21 as the Panthers (12-11) nipped Wilcox Central 69-66 in Class 4A, Area 5.
JOSH WILLIAMS, HELENA: Led the Huskies (18-5) to a 57-43 win over Briarwood Christian with a double-double effort notching 25 points and 11 rebounds. He also had eight steals and three assists. As Helena improved to 2-0 in area play.
ZION HUNTER, MARY MONTGOMERY: Delivered 24 points to pace the Vikings (19-3) to 59-50 win over Spanish Fort.
PEYTON SCOTT, VICTORY CHRISTIAN: Scored 24 points and cleared 10 rebounds in a 67-48 victory over Jefferson Christian in Class 1A, Area 10.
KINLEY SIMMONS, MURPHY: Led the Panthers to a 67-54 victory over Saraland in Class 6A, Area 1 on Friday with 24 points. Bryan Jackson added 12.
IYANIS WALLACE, CENTRAL-HAYNEVILLE: Scored 24 points in a 75-54 loss to Calhoun in Class 1A, Area 5.
JOSH VARNER, SECTION: His 24-point effort sparked the Lions (11-9) to a 77-22 victory over Ider in Class 2A, Area 15.
JOSEPH JONES, HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC: Totaled 24 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and five blocks in a 76-66 loss to Northside.
JAKOB KIRBY, PISGAH: Managed 23 points as the Eagles (8-6) beat North Sand Mountain 72-62 in a key Class 2A, Area 15 victory. Brody Helton also had 23 for the Bison (11-9). Both teams finished area play at 5-1 and are tied at the top of the Area 15 standings.
SHADRICK TOODLE, COTTAGE HILL CHRISTIAN: Had 23 points, seven assists and three steals to lead the Warriors (16-7) past Flomaton 70-49 in Class 3A, Area 1
SETH EDWARDS, MONTGOMERY ACADEMY: Managed 23 points, seven rebounds and four steals as the Eagles (16-6) beat Alabama Christian 64-46 in Class 3A, Area 6.
JOSH SCOTT, FORT PAYNE: Had 22 points and seven rebounds to lead the Wildcats (22-2) to a key 60-54 victory over Gadsden City in Class 6A, Area 13. Luke Stephens also had 19 points in the win while Jakobi Sharp and Ronan McFadden led the Titans with 19 point each.
SAMMY HOLMES, PRICEVILLE: Had two double-doubles with 22 points and 11 rebounds in a Class 4A, Area 13 win over East Lawrence, and followed with 17 point and 12 boards in a win over Clements.
KORBIN LONG, SPAIN PARK: Totaled 22 points, six rebounds and three assists in a 48-43 win over Oak Mountain in Class 7A, Area 6 to improve to 4-0 in area play. On Saturday, the Jaguars (14-12) beat Indians Springs 82-54 as Harrison Stewart managed 18 points, six rebounds and three assists.
KEVIN HONER, BREWBAKER TECH: Had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Rams (7-15) beat B.T. Washington 70-49.
KOLE SINGER, ROBERTSDALE: Kole Singer scored 22 points, and Gabe Stevens added 10 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds as the Golden Bears (11-13) beat Satsuma 55-33.
DYNARIAN LONG, PELHAM: Totaled 22 points and six rebounds in the Panthers’ 69-52 victory over Springville. Pelham (20-5) also got 15 points and four assists from Joe Wimberly.
TY DAVIS, MOUNTAIN BROOK: Had 21 points and six assists and teammate Carson Romero added 20 points as Mountain Brook beat Pell City 72-47 in Class 6A, Area 10. Romero also sank six 3-pointers had recorded four steals.
KAVEON MILES, GEORGIANA: Scored 21 points in a 68-62 key Class 1A, Area 2 win for over Red Level (10-6). The Panthers (17-2) defense held the AHSAA’s current leading scorer Javen Poindexter to 12 points – 22 below his season average of 34.6. Miles also had 20 points and 11 rebounds in a 77-46 win over Area 2 foe McKenzie, and Jaden Stallworth had 13 points and 12 rebounds.
AARON ADAMS-MARTIN, MIDFIELD: Totaled 21 points and seven rebounds to lead the Patriots (15-8) past Tarrant 85-59 in Class 3A, Area 9. Armonie Franklin added 18 points. He also had 15 points in the Patriots’ 72-31 win over Southeastern later in the week,
TERRELL JOHNSON, VIGOR: Scored 21 points to pace Vigor (19-5) to a Class 5A, Area 2 win over St. Paul’s 76-56. The Wolves improved to 6-0 in area play.
SKYLAR STOVALL, MONTGOMERY ACADEMY: Tallied 21 points, had 10 rebounds, three steals and three assists in the Eagles’ 66-54 win over Montgomery Catholic. Seth Edwards also had a double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and five steals for MA (18-6).
ALVIN HENDERSON, ELBA: Henderson, who had 68 touchdowns to lead the nation’s high schools in scoring in the 2023 football season, scored 20 points as the Class 1A Tigers beat Class 3A Opp 58-44.
COLBEN LANDREW, THOMPSON: Had 19 points, four rebounds and three assists, and DaeShaun Morrisette sank 4-of-5 treys on the way to 17 points as Thompson beat defending Class 7A state champion Hoover (20-3) in Class 7A, Area 5, 65-55. Salim London had 22 points and DeWayne Brown had 17 points, 11 rebounds and six blocked shots to lead the Bucs.
ETHAN STOKES, McGILL-TOOLEN CATHOLIC: In a battle where points were difficult to come by Stokes had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds as the Jackets (17-5) beat Murphy 39-36. Teammate Grayson Brower demonstrated the difficulty when he blocked a 3-point shot attempt that could have tied the game in the final seconds to preserve the win. Cordairius Dixon had 16 points and Deangelon Johnson totaled 14 to account for 30 of the Panthers’ 36 points. Zach Patrick followed with 16 points – 11 in the first half – as McGill-Toolen topped Robertsdale 78-42 in a Class 6A, Area 2 win on Friday to improve to 4-0 in area play.
MIKEL BONNER, WILLIAMSON: Had a double-double with 19 points and 17 rebounds as the Lions (19-6) downed Blount 58-31 in Class 5A, Area 1. He also blocked five shots. Teammate Silas Evans also had a double-double with 11 points, 10 boards and three blocks, and he had 19 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in a win over B.C. Rain earlier in the week. Jonathan Johnson had 19 points and nine rebounds in a 60-30 Area 1 victory over Elberta on Friday.
RAFE MERRIWEATHER, PAUL BRYANT: Led Bryant to a 55-43 Class 6A, Area 6 win over Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa with 19 points. Teammate Adrian Wooley added 18.
SIMS DRUHUN, UMS-WRIGHT: Had 19 points for the Bulldogs in a 56-53 win over Bayside Academy in Class 4A, Area 1. Jack Blackerby sank a 3-pointer late in the fourth period to tie the game at 40-40 to send the game into overtime. Jeff Holston also had 15 points for UMS-Wright (11-13) – all coming in the second half.
WILLIAM JOSEPH TAYLOR, JACKSON: Had 18 points as four players reached double figures for Jackson (20-2) in its 75-52 victory over Citronelle. Keeyun Chapman had 16 points and eight rebounds on Friday as the Aggies clawed from a 30-18 halftime deficit to beat Class 4A, Area 2 rival Escambia County 48-44. Taylor added 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Escambia County 6-9 senior center Stephen Williams cleared 14 rebounds, scored 10 points, and blocked seven shots in the loss.
COOPER CALVIN, ALBERTVILLE: Was on fire from the start nailing five of his first seven 3-point shot attempts as Albertville beat Douglas 48-43 in the opening round of the Marshall County Tourney on Saturday at Sneed State Community College. He finished with 15 points and 5-of-9 from the 3-point arc. Teammate Sam Barclift was clutch at the foul line in the fourth quarter sinking 6-of-8 to seal the win. He ended the night with 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
BENNY WHITEHURST, EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN: The eighth grader sank a 3-pointer with 30 seconds left in overtime to lead the Warriors to a 48-42 win over Samson. Emmanuel Christian, which lost its first 34 games after joining the AHSAA last year, improved to 6-11 on the season.
