Alabama's Top-Spot: The C/O '23
Closing the book on the class of 2022 is bittersweet, but now it is time to shift the focus towards next year’s senior class of 2023.
There’s been a strong debate over who’s number one prospect coming out of this class for the past few years.
On some rankings, it’s guard RJ Johnson, and on others, it’s forward Cade Phillips. But after a tremendous performance from guard John Broom this season, he has definitely made his case for the top spot.
Cade Phillips
After transferring over to Jacksonville High during the off-season, this 6-foot-9 forward had quite a time getting things going within this new offense but after finding his groove, Phillips would begin thriving as expected.
Phillips suffered a minor injury halfway through the season but came back just in time to put on a show for the playoffs.
He would come up big time in the state championship game, dropping 19 points with nine rebounds and taking home the crown of finals MVP.
Phillips continues to show his explosiveness around the basket, and his defense was off the charts with his incredible shot-blocking.
Phillips will play for TSF this travel season.
With his performance in the postseason, Phillips has picked up another D1 offer from Clemson.
Other Offers: Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Memphis, Georgia, Virginia Tech, etc...
RJ Johnson
This season 6-foot-2 guard Johnson was a key factor in the success of Grissom High as he helped the team to a 24-6 record.
Johnson was selected as First-team 7A all area and made Third-team All-State.
Johnson made the paint his home this season as he played a lot around the basket, catching lobs and doing an amazing job finishing through contact.
Whenever a basket was needed for Grissom, Johnson was the guy that went toe-to-toe with any defender that stood in his way.
With the exit of elite guard Butta Johnson, one would believe that RJ will be the leading guy for next season.
Sadly, the state couldn’t see Johnson put on a show in the playoffs, but be sure to catch him playing with the Georgia Stars this summer.
Current Offers: LSU, Auburn, Jacksonville, and Samford.
John Broom
Standing at 6- foot- five, guard John Broom probably had one of the best junior seasons in the state. He averaged 20 points, pulled down six rebounds, and dished off five assists a game emerging as a front runner for the top spot.
Broom was incredible to watch this season; his leadership flourished as he was the frontman as Jacksonville finished with a 27-5 record.
He has a great skill of creating his own shot and is a great floor general keeping his teammates involved.
With Phillips by his side and the help of the Caden and Cameron Johnson, Jacksonville would coast to a 4A State title win over ESCAMBIA COUNTY 85-49.
Broom finished with 21 points and nine rebounds, making a strong case for why he should be looked at as the number one guy.
After his postseason play, Broom picked up offers from South Alabama, Jacksonville State, and Clemson.
Other offers: Radford, Mississippi State, Samford, and Tennessee Tech.
Broom will play with the Alabama Fusion this summer.
