2025 Bama Jam: Recapping Friday night's opening action
Another Bama Jam is off to a racing start this weekend at the beautiful Finley Center in Hoover, Alabama. After Friday night’s session of game-play, here’s what out staff had to say about what they saw…
BUZZER BEATERS TO START THE EVENT
The opening night of action at Bama Jam didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was headlined by two different buzzer beater games in the 17U and 16U divisions.
In the 16U division, the Birmingham Blaze and NC Premier had a highly contested, back-and-forth matchup that came down to the wire. With just under five seconds remaining, the Blaze pushed the ball the full length of the floor and ended with a drive and kick 3 opportunity from Devonte Penn… SWISH!
I thought 2027 Wenonah (AL) guard Brendon Davis was one of the best long-term prospects I saw on Friday night. The wiry, 6-foot-4 guard has plus ball skills and can make shots at a high rate. He was a little inconsistent with his three-point shooting on the night, but the sophomore showed he can score from the mid-range and at the rim. Davis burst onto the scene with Wenonah at the Lighthouse Classic and ended the high school season on a high note, leading the Dragons to a regional appearance at Jacksonville State. Remember the name.
Despite the heart-breaking loss, 2027 Decatur (AL) West Morgan wing/forward Brendon Bradford showed plenty of promise. A 6-foot-5 lefty, Bradford did a nice job of using his size and length to his advantage, making long strides by defenders and making quality plays in the paint. He knocked down three treys, too. We’ll be monitoring him more throughout the weekend.
In one of the final games of the night, the North Alabama Lakers stormed back from a double-digit deficit to force overtime against Pro One Academic Select in the 17U division. The Lakers use some timely and aggressive defense late in the game to claw back into contention.
Nevertheless, Pro One Academic came up big in overtime, winning on a last-second shot from 2026 guard Marcellous Hall. 2026 point guard Isaiah McClain was pivotal in the matchup, getting to his spots and showcasing his speed and quickness in the open floor. - Garrett Tucker
CARSON PROVES HE BELONGS
The most impressive player I saw on Friday night was 2026 Homewood (AL) point guard Kaleb Carson, who led JSI Elite 17U to a big victory over Pro One UA. On a floor littered with college prospects, the junior showed he belonged and then some.
The 5-foot-10 floor general got to his spots on the floor, whether it was showing his patience and weaving in and out between bigs in the lane or picking his spots out of pick-and-roll opportunities. He exudes some toughness on the floor, too.
Carson put together a strong junior campaign with Homewood. If Friday night’s play was any indication, he could have a big travel season on tap. I could see him getting some Division II looks throughout the travel season.
HELLO, MY NAME IS…
2028 Goodpasture (TN) combo guard Aemero Lewis wasted no time announcing his presence for Pro One UA 16U on Friday night, as he debuted with a loud 30 points in a win. Playing up an age group, the freshman was one of the best players on the floor.
Lewis checks a lot of boxes as a lead/combo guard. He made shots at an efficient rate, scored off the bounce, and showed his ability as a passer and game manager, too. He’s smooth with the ball in his hands and showed a high IQ.
Goodpasture High School has produced some talented players over the years and it looks like Lewis may be the next guy up from the middle Tennessee program. - Garrett Tucker
2028 guard Zackery Winston kicked off #BamaJam in style, putting on a show with a smooth 29-point performance to lead We Play Basketball to a statement win over Iron City Hoops. The Etowah High School (AL) freshman was in attack mode from the jump, knocking down four three-pointers and finishing through contact with ease.
Winston’s athleticism was on full display—his quick first step, explosive bounce, and ability to finish above the rim had the crowd buzzing. Whether he was breaking down defenders off the dribble or rising up for acrobatic finishes, he looked confident and in control. It was a polished, well-rounded performance, and Winston could be one to watch in Alabama's 2028 class. - Mekhi Mckinney
I really liked what I saw from Refuse 2 Lose 2027 guard Dalton Black. He dropped 24 points, showcasing his deep range and smooth jumper. His length and creativity with the ball were fun to watch, as he consistently got to the basket off the dribble with counters for everything the defense threw at him. What stood out most was his pace and poise—Black was never sped up and stayed in control throughout, putting together an efficient and impressive 24-point performance. - Mekhi Mckinney
