Monday night, the iBall Radio Game of the Week heads to Pelham High School for a true rivalry matchup between two of the most respected programs in the Birmingham area. Pelham enters undefeated at 8–0, while Hoover comes in at 7–3, battle-tested and built on championship pedigree.

The gym will be packed. The energy will be loud. And the styles will clash.

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PELHAM PANTHERS (8–0)

Head Coach: Greg Dickinson

Identity & Style of Play

Pelham is the definition of a complete team — high-level players at every position, multiple ballhandlers, shooters, scorers, and legitimate size.

They can:

• Slow the game down and execute
• Or speed teams up with full-court pressure
• Or simply out-score you with weapons everywhere

This group is experienced, versatile, and unselfish.

Key Players

• Deshauan Morrissette (2026, 6’1 PG) – Transfer from Thompson and a true D1-caliber point guard. Healthy again and playing his best basketball. Controls pace, scores it, and makes Pelham’s offense hum.

• Andy Olds (2026, 6’2 CG, Wallace State–Selma Signee) – The ultimate glue guy. Knockdown shooter, secondary playmaker, and a defensive pest who loves picking up full-court.

• Greyson Childress (2026, 6’6 PF) – Versatile forward who projects as a wing at the next level. Shoots the three, runs the floor, competes like crazy, and produces in every phase.

• Tre Pittman (2028, 6’3 CG) – One of the best young scorers in Alabama. Three-level bucket who is now playing above the rim, making him a matchup nightmare.

Strengths

• Can play multiple styles at a high level
• Several players capable of 20+ on any night
• Experienced group with chemistry and high IQ

Keys to Victory

1. Contain Hoover’s inside monster, Jackson Sheffield — must run multiple bodies at him.
2. Use 6’7 Jayden Robinson as a defensive anchor against Hoover’s size.
3. Force Hoover’s guards to score from the perimeter.

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HOOVER BUCCANEERS (7–3)

Head Coach: Scott Ware

Identity & Style of Play

Hoover is gritty, tough, and physical.

Defensively, they:

• Play primarily man-to-man
• Mix in zone to change tempo or protect the perimeter

Offensively, they want to punish opponents inside.

Key Players

• Jackson Sheffield (2026, 6’10 C, Vanderbilt Signee) – One of the most dominant interior players in the country. Physical, skilled, plays with a nasty streak, and a true rim protector. Elite touch with jump hooks over either shoulder.

• Mellow June (2026, 6’5 W, lefty) – One of the best rebounders in the state, creating extra possessions every night.

• Kendarius Steele (2027, 6’8 PF) – Big, physical, and effective from 15–17 feet. Takes up massive space.

• Messiah Millin (2026, PG) – Steady hand at the point. Ensures Sheffield gets touches, controls tempo, and can score when needed.

Other contributors: 2026 guards Kane Burns (6’2) and Kobe Boleware (5’10) must hit shots to loosen Pelham’s defense.

Strengths

• Dominant size across the frontcourt
• Championship pedigree (three straight 7A titles)
• Physicality and coaching — Ware knows how to win

Keys to Victory

1. Feed Jackson Sheffield early and often.
2. Keep him out of foul trouble.
3. Get outside scoring to balance the offense.

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MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

This is a classic pace vs. power matchup.

Pelham wants to use its depth, skill, and versatility to move Hoover around the floor. Hoover wants to slow the game down and impose its size.

Whoever controls tempo wins.

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SPREAD & PREDICTION

Vegas-Style Line: Pelham -6

DWill’s Pick: Pelham
Score Prediction: 78–72

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Pelham is rolling, deep, balanced, and hard to guard — but Hoover’s size and pedigree make them dangerous every night. This rivalry always means something, and Monday should be no different.

For full coverage, tune into the iBall Radio GOTW livestream on the iBall Radio YouTube page.

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