Amier Ali, Garwey Dual among standouts at Chick Fil A Classic
Columbia, South Carolina – This was my second night at the 20th annual Chick Fil A Classic. This was bracket play, so win and advance, the second round of games had a little more fire in them.
It was the game in the middle of the day that left the gym buzzing. No. 3 Miami (FL) Columbus High faced off with No. 16 Richmond (VA) John Marshall. Four-star NC State signee Dennis Parker, Jr. led John Marshall and twins Cayden Boozer and Cameron Boozer were who Columbus featured.
With all the star power on the floor, John Marshall freshman Latrell Almond may have been the game’s biggest takeaway. The 6-foot-8 forward guarded 2025 On3 50 No. 2 Cameron Boozer holding him well below hid season averages. Almond also finished 5-of-9 from the field for 12 points and six rebounds. Earmark the name and watch how he progresses.
The games started at 9 AM and continued until after 10 PM. Louisville head coach Kenny Payne and South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris were joined by coaches from LSU, Elon, Monmouth, and VMI to take in the action.
On3s Jamie Shaw was courtside for the day, here are the standouts and storylines.
Four-star SF Amier Ali (2024)
Height/Weight: 6-8/185
High school: Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
2024 On3 Consensus: No. 29
It’s really been the shooting for Amier Ali. He has always played with a scorers mentality, but in past viewings the shot selection could get a bit wild at times.
At 6-foot-8, Ali showcased a smooth, pure jump shot with a lot of confidence. He knocked down multiple two-dribble pull ups, both going left from the elbow. He was very confident in getting to his spots. The three-point shot was balanced with a quick release. The efficiency of his scoring is what stuck out, as it did on night one as well. This version of Ali could have a very bright future.
Ali finished with 16 points on 5-of-8 from the field and 4-of-6 from three.
Four-star SG Cam Scott (2024)
Height/Weight: 6-5/180
High school: Lexington (SC) High
2024 On3 Consensus: No. 23
After dropping the final game of night one, Cam Scott and his Lexington (SC) High teammates played in the first game of day two. Scott bounced back this morning, with a good early morning showing.
Scott is a lengthy, and explosive shooting guard. The intrigue starts when you add in the shot-making. Scott shot the ball well in this one off the bounce. He showed a two dribble pull up in the mid-range going both ways here. He also was consistent with his feet set, knocking down multiple spot threes from the middle area of the floor.
South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris was courtside as Scott finished with 19 points on 7-of-13 from the field and 3-of-4 from three.
Four-star G Garwey Dual (2023)
Height/Weight: 6-5/175
High school: Los Angeles (CA) So Cal Academy
2023 On3 Consensus: No. 57
Garwey Dual passes the look test. He walks on the floor with the look of a basketball player. This is Dual’s first season at Los Angeles (CA) So Cal Academy after transferring this summer from Carmel, Indiana.
Dual played in this one with great pace, an aspect of his game that has really developed. He touched the paint on balance probing to make plays, and showcased on target passes along with an array of finishes. The 6-foot-5 guard finished with a game-high 14 points, going 6-fo-7 from the field and 1-of-2 from three. It was an impressively efficient performance.
The four-star is committed to Providence but he did not sign during the early period.
Other notes
Virginia Tech signee Jaydon Young of Greensboro (NC) Day School did is part in carrying Greensboro (NC) Day School to an impressive morning win. The 6-foot-3 guard finished with 15 points, three assists, and five steals. There is an innate sense of toughness and competitive fire here.
2025 guard Evan Sterck of Gainesville (FL) The Rock School played a gritty floor game against Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy. Sterck made some big shots, and was never afraid of the moment. The 6-foot-2 guard finished with a game-high 21 points on 9-of-15 from the floor and four steals.
2023 PG Jaylen Curry of Fort Lauderdale (FL) Calvary Christian exploded for 32 points and six assists. His ability to touch the paint was impressive, as he did it often throughout the game.
2024 forward Jordan McCullum of Huntington (WV) Prep was an interesting prospect. The 6-foot-8 forward has a great frame and is extremely athletic. Where the interest arose was his motor. McCullum seemed to simply make plays. McCullum finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals.