Alabama commit Spence Sims looked like he had been through a war Friday night following his Fairhope basketball team’s loss to Mary G. Montgomery.

Sims had ice packs on both knees as he chatted with fellow students on the floor.

“My body is pretty worn down,” he said. “I’m trying to catch a break. We’re good, though. I’m going to get one.”

The good news for the Pirates is that the 6-foot-1 guard is back on the court as his team opens Class 7A, Area 2 play against Foley later this week.

He missed most of the holiday schedule with plantar fasciitis in his right heel and pain in the knees normally associated with growth spurts on in young adults.

“It’s a good thing for Alabama because it means he is still growing,” Fairhope coach Solomon Johnson said. “He might be 6-foot-6 before it is said and done.”

Sims was averaging 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals before his injury issues in December. He said Friday it will just take a little time for him to get back into the flow of the game.

“I know my work is going to pay off, and I’m going to trust that,” he said. “I just have to get back into rhythm. I have to get back into shape, too. I’ve been trying to stay on the bike and everything and keep my feet kind of rested, but it’s not the same as being on the court.”

Sims started to find his rhythm in the second half on Friday, nailing three 3-pointers to keep the Pirates within striking distance of MGM. He had a final 3 attempt from the right corner in the waning seconds that would have tied the game but fell short.

“I should have pump faked it,” he said.

Fairhope (15-4) hosts Cottage Hill on Tuesday before traveling to Foley on Friday.

“I think we are really good,” Sims said of his team. “I think we have a chance to win state, but we have to put all the pieces together when it matters. We have to get healthy first, then we have young guys, and we just have to continue to lead them.”

Sims committed to Alabama in November. He said the Tide’s style of play suits his game and it’s the “best place to get better.” Johnson said his guard has a chance to be a factor on the next level.

“I think he’ll be great. He’s cerebral,” Johnson said. “He can see the entire floor. He does everything a point guard needs to do at the next level and more plus he can spread the floor and shoot it. He has shown he can defend players that have 3 or 4 inches above him. I don’t believe his size will matter. He can guard 1 and 2.”

Sims said his success will depend on his work ethic in college.

“Nothing is handed out there,” he said. “I just have to go in and work and show why I should be there.”