We’re about 2 weeks into 2023 but I wanted to take some time to look back at a few prospects who caught my eye during the week between Christmas & the New Year. This has a bit of an Alabama flavor to it as I was able to watch a handful of Alabama teams during that time period. All 5 players featured came through in important times for their respective teams.

5’11” Caleb White (2024/Pinson Valley)
Pinson Valley still hasn’t lost a game and White has led the charge for them, averaging right around 20 PPG. He just recently surpassed 1,000 points and on New Year’s Eve, he came through with a big game to help the Indians’ defeat Grovetown at the Big South Shootout. White showed off some versatile perimeter shot-making that kept Grovetown guessing & was hard to defend. He’s comfortable knocking down a variety of shots off the bounce and can connect on the move as well. There’s a smoothness & deceptiveness to White with the ball in his hands which allows him to create opportunities despite giving up size. He’s usually able to get to the spots he wants and provides a calming presence for Pinson. I’m excited to see how far White and this team go.

6’3” Will Hawkins (2023/Sparkman)
Hawkins is a prospect I’ve been able to see at different points over the last 2-3 years. He looks to have really put things together as a senior at Sparkman, which was evident in his performance at the Huntsville City Classic. The Senators won the championships and his production on both sides of the ball was huge in that. He’s a long, agile 6’3” who can be a disruptive defender. He’s good both on & off the ball, bothering ball-handlers with his activity & length and anticipating things well. His effort on defense resulted in transition opportunities and easy baskets for both him & his teammates. In the halfcourt, Hawkins was good slashing in straight lines while also connecting on some 3’s to keep the defense honest. It was impressive how he embraced defensive matchups with talented offensive players throughout the tournament and his production didn’t drop off. 

6’1” Bryant James (2025/Haleyville)
When I watched James over the summer with CP25 AL/MS, he was very impressive while playing up 2 age groups against an ultra-talented George Hill All-Indy team. The Huntsville Classic was my first viewing of him since then and he had another exceptional performance in Haleyville’s first round win. He ended the game with 25 points & 7 3’s after drilling 6 triples in the 1st half. You can’t give James any space as he possesses an ultra-quick release and gets right into his shot pocket. His range extends well beyond the high school 3-point line and the ball comes off his hand with great rotation. James showed IQ moving off the ball to free himself up, finding openings both inside & outside the arc. He’ll have to continue as a threat creating with the ball in his hands but he does have some craft & toughness when operating in the lane. His development will be worth tracking.

5’7” Torre Costin (2026/Buford)
On most nights, Costin will be the smallest player on the floor, but that does not matter for him as he is fearless and finds ways to be effective for Buford. In the Wolves’ matchup with Carrollton, the freshman really stepped up in the 2nd half and had multiple key buckets down the stretch. Costin is extremely quick, getting past defenders & all the way to the basket before the defense can recover. His quickness helps him defensively too, staying in front of guys and using pesky hands. He does not have any tentativeness or hesitancy when looking to finish in traffic despite his size and although he is good around the basket, he will hit some shots from deep too. Costin fits in well with the style Buford wants to play; he’ll continue to help them in region play.

6’2” Jalexs Ewing (2023/Westside Augusta)
Ewing is among the most athletic players in the entire state of Georgia. He can get up way above the rim while also being able to hang & adjust in the air. His explosiveness results in a lot of wow plays but he is more than a high-flyer. He’s averaging 15.5 PPG on 55% shooting for Westside this season, which includes 18 points & 7 rebounds in their blowout win over Mays on New Year’s Eve. He often found himself deep in the paint where his body is strong enough to take contact and he finished pretty consistently. His athletic abilities help him in getting downhill as he can change gears & keep defenders off balance. I also liked his motor on the defensive end and on the glass. Ewing and the entire Westside team bring a competitive mentality that you have to appreciate watching.