Alabama Combo Guard Flying Under The Radar

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Hazel Green High combo guard still looking for offers

February 6, 2006 - Northern Alabama is quickly becoming a hoops hotbed in the south with current major college players Jonathan Wallace (Georgetown), Xavier Keeling (Indiana) and Jay-R Strowbridge (Nebraska) toiling for their respect schools.

The Huntsville area is stockpiled with mid to high major talent, especially in the backcourt. University of Alabama signee Rico Pickett from Decatur High and Keegan Bell (Hazel Green), who signed with Vanderbilt after reneging on a verbal commitment to Georgia, are the two highest ranked prospects from the area.

Astute fans of high school hoops in this area also are well aware that many of its best players fly under the radar or are under recruited. Hazel Green’s highly respected two-guard, DeAnthony ‘De’ Hereford is one of those talented young men who are looking for an opportunity to shine on the collegiate stage.

De Hereford has the requisite skills to play serious college basketball.

Despite checking in at only 6’0, 165, Hereford plays shooting guard for the Trojans. DeAnthony was moved to the two once All-Area performer Bell transferred in from Madison, AL’s Bob Jones High. Hereford’s transition to the position has been seamless, thanks to his ability to stroke the jumper and move without the basketball.

De knows that in order to perform on the next level he must revert back to his point guard ways, a position he’s played at the school for the last three years.

I’m actually more comfortable driving to the basket, while my jump shot is something that has come along through hard work and practice”, stated Hereford.

Despite a limited number of shot attempts, DeAnthony still quietly pumps in 10 points and four assists a game as Robin to Bell’s Batman. Hereford takes it all in stride though and just wants to get better and help his team win.

In a recent win over rival Buckhorn, DeAnthony had his usual solid effort with 12 points, while dishing out a handful of assists. More impressively for Hereford was his willingness to take the ball to the rack and not settle for jumpers, despite knocking down a couple.

In developing a complete game, Hereford is hoping to show that he is not a one dimensional player to schools of interest. Birmingham Southern and Faulkner University is showing Hereford the most love at this point, but DeAnthony believes he can play at a higher level.

“My dad is a big influence on me and my game and he keeps me working hard and disciplined so I can be the best that I can be”