-As the travel season gets back into full stride, we head back to the Finley Center for Hoopseen’s annual BamaJam.

I had this event marked on my calendar simply because it was coming to my neck of the woods of Alabama.

Today was just a tiny taste of how great this weekend will be, and for day one, I wanted to get my eyes on some teams I haven’t had the pleasure to cover. 

Here’s my day one recap of BamaJam.

All-Alabama 16u Still Hot

I kicked off my day with a 16u matchup between two teams from Alabama, Iron City, and All-Alabama. 

After going a perfect 4-0 in Louisville last weekend, this All-Alabama squad came with that same energy making a solid statement to start the weekend. 

They really came out clicking on all cylinders, and before Iron city could get things going, it was already too late. All-Alabama is simply tough on both ends of the floor. 

They are loaded with guards that can get things done off the wing and bigs who can hold it down in the paint. 

Jaquille Malone was the leading guy for All-Alabama, dropping 19 points, but it was his performance in the first half that stretched the gap for a 53-35 win. 

Malone stands at 6-foot-4, and his shot from the midrange is smooth. He’s a tough competitor that can finish and a strong rebounder.

Battle of the Night 

EAB 70, CP25 63

There was definitely some anticipation for the showcase game of the night between EAB Tennessee and CP25 AL/MS; I must say that this one definitely delivered. 

CP25 started off strong behind some great shooting of 6-foot-6 guard Carson Muse. He caught fire early with four quick threes, and it seemed like an easy run away to victory. 

After getting their footing, EAB would quickly get things going as Dallas Roberts, who finished with 12 points, would start making things gel from the point. 

Big Somtochukwu Cyril was also a problem as he didn’t allow any easy baskets around the rim with his incredible rim protection.

This battle would go back and forth throughout the game, and Eddie Ricks stepped up as the deciding factor dropping 25 points while cleaning up every miss around the rim. 

JSI 16u Shines Opening Night

This was my first time getting eyes on this young squad, and I was really impressed by their performance and how they approached the game. 

JSI was very aggressive on defense, and they really thrived off, causing turnovers. They know how to bring that pressure and will make any team pay for it with any careless pass. 

The team is full of scorers, solid spot-up shooters, and quick guards that can slash toward the basket. 

In a solid win over the Stars 63-53, guard Josh Williams led the way with 17 points, and the way he got the basket was simply amazing. 

Emmanuel Johnson was another guard that put up some great buckets adding 16 points from the point.