Alabama Heat Wins 13U Title At Future150 Battleground
by Zachary Lyon, Future150 (10:37 AM CT, Mon May 22, 2017)

Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- The 13U division at the Birmingham Battleground was loaded with young talent and saw the Alabama Heat take the 13U title led by 2022 PG Michael McGraw, who was one of the best lead guards in the entire tournament regardless of age. 

Denzel Chatman, 2022 SF, Ducks Elite (AL): Standing nearly 6'0", Chatman has solid size on the wing for a 7th grader. He was a matchup problem on both ends throughout the weekend using his strength, length, and versatility to his advantage. A great rebounder, slasher, and on-ball defender, Chatman needs to be watched closely heading forward as he could be one of the best prospects in the state of Alabama out of his class.

Archie Strong, 2022 CF, Team DR1VEN (AL): Aruably the best rebounder in the middle grade division, Strong plays with an extremely high motor as he dominated the glass on both ends. He has a solid post game and showcased the ability to stretch out the defense and knock down the mid-range jumper. At 6'1" he has solid size as a 7th grader, and it will be very fun to see how he grows and develops the next few years. 

James Swindell III, 2023 PG, Meridian Cougars (MS): Possibly the prospect with the most upside in the division was Swindell. Still a 6th grader, he has great size for a true lead guard at his age standing around 5'11". He is a deadly scorer from all three levels and used his speed and handles to create plenty of oppurtunities for his teammates by drawing the defense in. Don't be surprised to see Swindell featured in Future150's 2023 National Rankings once they debut down the road. 

David Harbour, 2022 F/C, Tupelo Thunder (MS): Standing around 6'4" and a half, Harbour has fantastic potential and upside assuming he continues to grow at this rate. He had trouble always keeping his motor running, but when he was focused and engaged Harbour was a huge force on both ends of the floor. With more skill development and focus, he has a real chance to be one of the best players in Mississippi in the 2022 class. 

Michael McGraw, 2022 PG, Alabama Heat (AL): A top performer at the Future150 All-Southeast Qualifier Camp, McGraw came into the weekend with high expectations and failed to dissapoint. His good size and strength for a guard his age, along with his high IQ and three way scoring abilities helped his squad walk away with the championship. McGraw has a bright future ahead of himself. 

Braxton Bishop, 2022 PG, Tupelo Thunder (MS): Bishop was impressive right off the bat during pool play, showcasing his court vision, speed, and ability to finish through contact on a consistent basis. Rarely turning the ball over throughout the weekend, his great feel for the game is what sets him above most lead guards in his age group. 

James Dooley, 2022 PF, Starkville Swish (MS): At 5'10" Dooley wasn't the biggest post player in the division but his long lanky frame is a good sign that he's got a growth spurt ahead of himself. He used his length to protect the paint and block plenty of shots. On the other end he was cleaning up the offensive glass and getting second chance buckets and oppurtunities for his team on a consistent basis. 

Antjuan McKay, 2022 SG, Savannah Blue Chips (GA): McKay continues to impress at Future150's exposure events! His size and scoring abilities makes him an instant impact player for the Blue Chips. He has a beautiful stroke on his jumper, and has no issues with getting into the lane and playing through contact. At 6'0" he has great size for a 7th grade two-guard, and the future definitely looks bright for this young gun. 

De'Javion Spratling, 2021 SF, Alabama Heat (AL): Even though he stands just around 5'7", Spratling played extremely tough all throughout the weekend. His ability to score inside, and crash the glass was a huge factor into his squad bringing home the championship. There wasn't a moment where it seemed that he was lagging behind or not putting in enough effort. 

Caden Regins, 2023 PG, Team Elite Heat (MS): Playing up an age division, Regins was a pesky defender and showed good handles for a 6th grade prospect. He was slashing the lane and getting to the line on a consistent basis and always played with very good energy and hustle. Depending on his growth and skill development heading forward, he definitely has a chance to be a very intriguing prospect down the road.