Rob Robertson:
Future150 GM/National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball nationally.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- There's no bigger game changer in basketball than a dominant big man. 2017 C Austin Wiley has been a dominant big man in Alabama high school basketball this season for the 7A fifth-ranked Spain Park Jaguars.
Tuesday's 7A Area 6 clash hosting top-ranked Mountain Brook was an intense contest, featuring a number of players who will one day play college ball at some level. Wiley dominated against Mountain Brook's ferocious swarming defense by controlling the paint and the glass, lifting his team to a 57-49 victory.
This matchup was the second of the season between Spain Park and Mountain Brook and in the first meeting a couple of weeks ago, Wiley was sick and did not play. His Jags got beat 64-44, and never were really in it, but Wiley's presence in this game was obvious from the tip and he was not only as a difference maker, but a complete game-changing force.
Wiley demonstrated that he can not only post up on the block and score against a great defense, but that he can knock down midrange jump shots as well, finishing with a game-high 22 points. The sophomore is excellent at getting to the free throw line if he doesn't score, and knocking down free-throws, as he was 8-of-9 on Tuesday. The Jags big man owned the boards, basically single-handedly relegating Mountain Brook to one shot per possession, and defensively he had 4 blocks, while many more shots were deterred or affected. He ran the floor well, playing nearly the entire game, demonstrating good stamina. Simply put, he played like the tenth-ranked player in the country that he is.
Jamal Johnson, Future150's 63rd-ranked player in the country, is Austin Wiley's running mate. Having transferred in this year -- as teammates at Spain Park -- but for years as AAU teammates. The two complement each other well, and Tuesday night he was the main facilitator setting up Wiley. Most impressive this night was how he raced the ball up the court, exhibiting excellent speed on the dribble against Mountain Brook's speedy and relentless backcourt. Johnson is able to score at all three levels, and on Tuesday he scored 16. Like Wiley, he too played nearly event minute of this contest, showing strong endurance.
In years past, Jamal has played mostly off the ball, but now by playing the point in high school, we can see he's developing the handle and court awareness necessary to be a secondary ball handler at the high major level.
OTHER PROSPECTS...
This game featured as much next-level talent on the floor tonight as you'll see in a game in Birmingham. Alabama. A wide range of levels, but college basketball at any level requires a certain amount of skill, athletic ability, and want-to.
For Mountain Brook, the prospects are...
Jack Kline, 2016: A punishing, bruising power forward, averaging 12.1 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game. What he lacks in height (6-foot-4) and ability to elevate, he makes up for with a big strong body that moves well for his size. Good court sense, a scorer's mentality, and the ability to score and rebound in volume. Jack shoots an impressive 60% from two-point range. Working on his third letter at Mountain Brook.
Jordan Rich, 2015: 5-foot-11 inch guard with excellent midrange shot and good outside shooting capabilities. Possesses a quick release. Solid handle. Very high game IQ and offseason work ethic. Jordan is a good game manager either from the point or as a two. He will translate well to the next level as a player who can set others up, knock down shots, and help his team win.
Terrell Guy, 2015: Six-foot combo guard. Terrell is a big-bodied guard with excellent ball fakes and a killer jab step. Averages 10.1 points per game. Can always get his shot off. Has a strong mid-range game and an improving outside shot. Solid rebounder. Has trimmed down, playing in two-time state championship coach Bucky McMillan's demanding full-court pressing system. It has served him well. He's grown more dangerous in the full court, and can defend in the full court. Terrell is a player who keeps getting better by the week in the Mountain Brook program under Bucky's tutelage.
Jared Henderson, 2015: 6-foot-6 Inch stretch 4. Averages 11 points per game. Pretty good outside shot. Shoots 61% from two-point range. Has a knack for finding the timely putback, making a key shot. A quiet presence on the court, but plays with a consistent motor. Will be a solid find for someone.
Clay Collins, 2017: 6-foot-1 inch slashing guard. Clay is playing up and doing a solid job for Coach McMillan. Interested to see how he progresses.
Will Hartley, 2015: 6-foot-2 inch guard. Will is a strong on-ball defender. Very physical, fast, strong, fearless. Averaging 7.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Known for his hustle plays. Can knock down a three and finishes strong around the rim. Has been a good leader for the Mountain Brook team, and would contribute at the next level in a similar way.
For Spain Park, additional prospects...
Malik Blanchard, 2015: 6-foot-4 inch small forward. Malik has a strong athletic build and rebounds at a high level. Good shooter from mid-range and his outside shooting is improving. Physical player.
Davis Lewallen, 2015: 6-foot-9 inch stretch 4. Davis has the ability to knock down outside shots, as well as make plays around the rim. His dimensions and inside-out abilities make him a compelling prospect for someone.
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