17 And Under Previews….Part 2 of 4

M33M Ballerz

Winners of last season's 15 and under championship at the prestigious Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions, this group of Ballerz will defy the odds and play in the 17 and under division.

Versatility will the key as the Ballerz feature some of the best sophomore guards in the state including Tim Peete (Memphis Central), Mardracus Wade (Mitchell), Alan Farmer (Cordova) and Masceo Harmon (Memphis Central).

Wade and Farmer will handle things from the point guard spot and both are more than capable of scoring some buckets. Peete will play the two and three with Harmon playing any of the perimeter spots where he will be needed.

Playing without a true post the Ballerz will rely on superb athletes like Tyler Stone (Memphis Central), Adonis Thomas (Melrose), Sampson Carter (Ridgeway) and Christian Watford (Alabama).

Stone will play with his back to the basket on occassion but can face up and score. Thomas, only a freshman, will bounce between his 15 and under squad and the Ballerz. Carter, who will apparently attend a prep, was MVP of the state tournament and will floursih this summer. Watford, one of the best in the Southeast, is a handful for any defense.

 

 

Team Hoopsters

The group from out of the tri-cities area will certainly be a competitve force on the circuit with a deep and talented line-up.

Inside the Hoopsters look to 6'6 Jordan Edwards (Dobyns Bennett), Larry Smith (Science Hill), Ashlon Adams (Science Hill and Tre Webb (Tennessee High).

Edwards is a true post with Adams versatile enough to alternate between the wing and inside.

The strength of this squad will come from their guard play led by Josh Odem (Science Hill), Justin Sylvester (Dobyns Bennett), Cory Young (Tennessee High), Chris Campbell (David Crockett), Tihlee Anderson (Virginia), Spencer Bradley (Science Hill) and Detrick Hancock (Science Hill).

Odem and Sylvester are solid players who will have great summers with their overall basketball skills. Anderson is a good, tough little guy who has quickness to burn.

 

 

Mid-State Ballerz South

Athletes, defensive intensity and scoring will be the mantra for the group of Mid-State Ballerz. They have talent at every spot and good solid depth to make this a very memorable summer.

Length would be the best way to describe the talented wings for the Ballerz. Nathan "Stat-Man" Parker (Bearden), Chase Jones (Austin East), Charles Taylor (Humboldt) and Deshun Carter (Mississippi) can all score and defend.

Parker is ready for his breakout summer, Jones can defend every spot on the floor and is offensive consistency away from being high sought after, Taylor simply understand how to play and Carter is talented and athletic.

The only true post the Ballerz possess is 6'6 Sam Watson (Farragut). His offensive skills are coming along nicely and with the quick up and down nature of summer ball his ability to post up will be anice change of pace.

Guards are plentiful and deep for the Ballerz led by Skylar McBee (Rutledge), Deonte Alexander (Glencliff), C.J. Crittendon (Dyer County), Chance Jones (Austin East), Davell Lloyd (Westview) and Rico Rankins (Mississippi).

Alexander is a point who can score in bunches, he will be someone everyone has heard of after this summer is complete. Crittendon's stock rose exponentially after his state tourney run and he will be on display for coaches everywhere. McBee can stroke and is getting much better off the bounce. Jones can shoot and has improved as much as any one player i nthe state this past season. Lloyd has scoring ability and Rankins is a tough athlete who can score off the bounce with ease.