Ten impact transfers to know about in Alabama this season
Basketball season is officially underway throughout the state of Alabama. The majority of teams have already tipped off while the rest plan to get going this week.
As action begins to heat up, several familiar faces across the state have new homes. Most notably, Baker and Westminster Christian Academy lost top 100 prospects Labaron Philon and Chase McCarty. However, there are several other important AHSAA transfers that have taken place since the end of last season.
Here are ten transfers to keep an eye on this season that could ultimately impact the state playoffs:
Marianna (FL) to Dothan
Coleman raised some eyebrows and plenty of “who’s that kid” questions during the month of June for Dothan. The quick guard was impressive during the AHSAA Live event at the Finley Center and put himself on the map with college coaches and evaluators. Dothan returns the majority of their roster from last year’s final four squad, but Coleman should be a valuable piece as they look to make another run this year.
Barbour County to Eufaula
After averaging nearly 25 points per game last season for Barbour County, Grubbs was named to the HoopSeen Alabama 2A First Team All-State team. That’s one of the main reasons why this is such a notable move. Grubbs will join fellow senior Toney Coleman to make a formidable backcourt and they should be one of the favorites in the 4A Central region this season.
Haleyville to Florence
Shortly after the Falcons announced Dylan Burleson as their head coach, James followed up and made the same transfer from Haleyville to Florence. The talented guard was also an all-state player last season, landing on the 4A third team. Now, he makes the jump to 7A where he should play a pivotal role in Florence’s season. They’re a sneaky team to watch as the season gets going.
Wenonah to Fairfield
There’s nothing better than a high school rivalry, but how about transferring to a cross-town rival? That’s exactly what sophomore Milton Jones did before the school year, as he left Wenonah for 5A, Area 9 foe Fairfield. With all that being said, if there’s one rivalry game I would call can’t-miss this season, it has to be this one. I’d buy a ticket to that game at Wenonah.
Pinson Valley to Shades Valley
McCants had all intentions to transfer to a prep school in Florida for the rest of his high school career. However, some different things brought him back home and now the talented wing man is suiting up for Shades Valley. McCants played some valuable minutes last year for Pinson Valley, who was undefeated before being put out by Buckhorn in the 6A state playoffs. McCants joins Rashad Bryant and Jeremiah Williams in what should be a talented and promising roster at Shades Valley.
Westminster Christian Academy to Bob Jones
Following legendary head coach Ronnie Stapler’s retirement from Westminster, Rickard was among the exodus of players from the school. Luckily for Bob Jones, the talented 6-foot-6 wing is back at his original school. After playing alongside Chase McCarty at Westminster, Rickard should be the go-to guy for the Patriots. He was a standout at the Alabama Fall Preview last month and should be one of the best players in the Huntsville area this season.
Lighthouse Baptist Academy to Cottage Hill Christian
Cottage Hill lost Tyler and Trent Thomas to graduation last year, so Scofield is a welcomed addition for the 3A bunch. Last year at Lighthouse Baptist Academy, the 6-foot-5 wing averaged a staggering 41 points and 16 rebounds per game. Scofield will team up with talented senior Shadrick Toodle and make one of the most versatile 1-2 punches in the Mobile area.
Sylvania to Fort Payne
Scott followed up his sophomore campaign at Sylvania with a nice travel season with the Pro One 16U group. Now, he’ll move up to 6A and suit up for legendary head coach Robi Coker at Fort Payne, where both will look to continue their winning ways. The 6-foot-7 forward should flourish in Coker’s potent offense with his shooting and playmaking abilities. I think Scott is one of the biggest sleepers in Alabama’s deep and talented 2025 class.
Columbia to Lee-Huntsville
Watkins put up some big numbers during his high school career at Columbia, including a couple of 50-point games last season. The physical wing will now lace ‘em up for head coach Greg Brown at Lee-Huntsville. Watkins will also reunite with fellow Alabama Generals teammate Namon Hobson, so expect a good sense of chemistry between the two. Watkins’ move to Lee is one of the most notable transfers in the Huntsville area and it could make a big difference come February.
Saraland to Baker
Let’s face it, it’s tough to lose a talent like Labaron Philon to the prep school ranks. Fortunately for Baker, they will be able to rebound nicely as Williams made the move from Saraland this summer following a coaching change. The skilled guard put the ball in the basket consistently at Saraland, and Baker head coach David Armstrong has a history of letting his guards play and put up points. He joins a strong senior backcourt with Lovalle Nelson and Dashawn Thomas
