The iBall Radio Game of the Week heads to Austin High School on Friday night for an inner-city rivalry showdown between two programs that don’t just compete — they collide. Austin enters at 3–3 (0–1 in 7A Area 8) looking to set the tone at home, while Decatur comes in 4–5 searching for a statement win before area play begins.
This one will be fast, physical, guard-heavy, and loud. The gym will be rocking.
Head Coach: Desmond Phillips
Austin is versatile defensively — they’ll heat you up with pressure to change the pace, but they’re also comfortable dropping back into zone and forcing teams to think. Offensively, the Black Bears run 4-out with a high post, using pindowns and cross screens to free shooters and flow into post touches.
They thrive in transition and turn defense into offense in a hurry.
• Caiden Ricks (2026, 6’7 SF) – A true D1-level talent. Elite in pick-and-pop and pick-and-roll actions, gets tremendous elevation on his jumper, and is a tough shot-maker at all three levels. Dominant on the glass and a rim protector defensively.
• Quinton Pryor (2026, 6’3 G) – Lefty slasher who lives downhill. Finishes through contact, plays above the rim in transition, and knocks down the 3 when defenders sag. One of the best open-court threats in the game.
• Landyn Williams (2028, 5’10 PG) – Small but fearless. Aggressive scorer who hits threes consistently when given space. Strong small-space handle and does a solid job managing pressure.
Head Coach: Ben Mastin
Decatur is guard-heavy and explosive in space. Offensively, they run a lot of 5-out, using spacing and speed to create driving lanes. Defensively, they apply full-court pressure and primarily sit in man-to-man, but will pack into a zone when outsized — which is most nights.
• Dakota Moncus (2028, PG) – One of the fastest-rising names in Alabama’s loaded 2028 PG class. Shifty, dynamic handle, puts defenders on skates, and is a true 3-level scorer with creativity at the rim.
• Kamron Gamble (2026, CG) – A downhill finisher with physicality. A hound defensively who embraces the toughest assignments.
• Gary Willie (2027, 6’2 F) – Stretch-forward who shoots it from the outside but has been forced to play bigger due to Decatur’s lack of size.
This is a classic rivalry clash: Austin’s size, athleticism, and transition game vs. Decatur’s guard play, spacing, and pressure.
Austin wants to make this a physical, up-tempo game that wears down Decatur.
Decatur wants pace too — but controlled pace, driven by guard creativity rather than chaos.
Whichever team dictates the rhythm wins.
DWill’s Pick: Austin
Score Prediction: 86–80
This will be one of the most intense atmospheres of the season. Austin has the star power, size, and transition edge, but Decatur’s guards absolutely have the ability to make this a thriller.
Expect a loud gym, big momentum swings, and highlight plays on both ends.
For full coverage, tune into the iBall Radio GOTW livestream on the iBall Radio YouTube page.
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