Sights, Sounds, & Hoops, From The Alabama State Finals
Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor
Here are some of the best of the best I saw past this weekend in Birmingham during the State Championships:
Courtney Fortson, 6’1 PG, Jeff Davis- This aggressive warrior of a point guard got to the hole at will versus Leflore in the 6A finals. Reminded me a lot of former Sparkman star Jay-R Strowbridge with his dreadlocks, ability to hit the open jumper and his ferocity in attacking the rim. Despite losing in the championship game, Fortson scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the loss to the Rattlers. Fortson averaged 17.5 points and seven rebounds and five assists in two games against Austin and Leflore.
Courtney Fortson (picture property of Montgomery Advitiser)
Jay Sears, 6’3 PG, Austin- The smooth-as-silk Sears is still unsigned, but is looking at Ole Miss among others. Sears led an unsung Austin team to the Final Four despite having double-digit losses during the regular season. Jay put up 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in the 6A Semifinal loss to Jeff Davis. Sears has good size and bounce for a point and really looks to set up his teammates with his dribble penetration. He is aggressive going to the basket and has an improving jump shot. A leader on the floor.
Jay Sears of Austin High School. (Photo by McDowell)
Rico Pickett, 6’3 PG, Decatur- Recently named 5A Player of the Year, Pickett is the most impressive guard in the state. He can pass, shoot, drive and rebound at the point. He was definitely the Red Raiders leader and constantly drew double teams and the opposing teams’ best defender. In his only outing in Birmingham, Rico lit up John Carroll for 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Rico will attend the University of Alabama.
Pickett will role with the Tide next year. (Photo by McDowell)
Bawa Muniru, 6’11 C, Madison Academy- The man-child from Ghana had a solid tourney with averages of 11 points, eight boards and four blocks a game. Muniru is an improving junior, but must catch the ball better in the post and continue to be aggressive on the offensive end and stay on the floor on the defensive end. Bawa has a tendency to leave his feet and try to block everything in sight. Now he gets to most, but is fooled on others. He is most adept at put backs, but can pivot and shoot out to 10 feet. Muniru has to learn to use his size and strength to his advantage, as he is typically bigger than anyone on the floor. Scored 14 points and snagged eight rebounds in helping Madison Academy to back-to-back 3A titles. Getting looks from Alabama, UAB, Auburn, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and UCLA.
Bawa Muniru, a developing big man, is getting major college looks (Photo by McDowell)