Alabama SportsMed Shootout Player Evals

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

December 1, 2008 - The recently completed SportsMed Shootout showcased some of the finest talent in the Southeast. Teams from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida descended upon Huntsville, Alabama for the three days over the Thanksgiving holiday. Below are my evaluations for some of the players I saw.

Trevor Lacey, 6’3 Guard, Butler (AL) - The ultra-smooth Lacey’s scoring numbers were down, but that’s not unusual considering his team is very balanced and unselfish. His full skills were on display however, as he glided through the lane for easy finishes at the basket. Lacey’s game is effortless and while being a good athlete his best attribute is his hoops intelligence. The best guard in the state and he’s just a sophomore.

Justin Pride, 5’8 Guard, Butler (AL) - The catalyst to everything the Rebels want to do. If Butler has the lead down the stretch the ball is in Justin’s hands. Small in stature, but very quick and fast, Pride has yo-yo type handles, good court vision and is a pest defensively when he wants to be. He is just a freshman, so he has maturing to do in his game. Pride is a poor shooter from the perimeter and gets most of his buckets off dribble penetration.

Karron Johnson, 5’11 Guard, Madison Academy (AL) - Johnson is a bulldog and a winner. Having led his team to three 3A state championships, Johnson consistently hits big shots at big moments. Johnson was an all-tourney selection and basically the only legitimate scoring option Madison Academy had. Wiry-strong and a fine athlete, the Belmont signee is the best guard in the Huntsville area and one of the best in the state.

Multi-talented Levi Randolph. (Photo courtesy of Allen Smith)

Levi Randolph, 6’4, Wing, Bob Jones (AL) - Long and lanky, Randolph is a nice player on an up and coming Patriots team. He can shoot it from deep, finishes well in traffic and has a high IQ. Once he adds more strength to his confident game, look out. This was my first time seeing Randolph and I was impressed with this sophomore who led Bob Jones to the finals.

Kriss Cross, 5’11, Guard, J.O. Johnson (AL) - This senior guard consistently stroked the three for a Johnson team that won three games in the tournament. His ability to handle and shoot the ball was essential for the Jags to take pressure off their big guys inside. Cross’ decision making was on point as the younger guards struggled. A definite pleasant surprise.