The 17 and under Super Showcase tipped off in Orlando today with numerous team representing the Volunteer state squeaking the hardwood.
In the Gold Division, the Memphis YOMCA burst out to a 2-0 start with wins over the Michigan Hurricanes and the King James Shooting Stars.
Jarnell Stokes (Virginia) did his deed inside but the YOMCA got balance from the outside shooting of Anthlon Bell (Bartlett) and the crafty scoring of rising senior Martavious Newby (BTW).
Markel Crawford (Melrose) played a big role in the outcomes of both games with his steady scoring and playmaking.
The Tennessee Travelers played inspired but fell in their games to the Carolina Ravens and Team Takeover.
In the first game, Shannon Hale (North Carolina) played one of his best games of the summer scoring 20 points and blocking several shots, recent Belmont commitment Craig "The Professor" Bradshaw (CPA) added 15 in the loss.
Jalen Lindsey (CPA) was high man with 12 points in the second game loss, Hale added 11 and Montrae Williams (Spring Hill) finished with 10.
In the silver bracket, the Tennessee Chosen Few dropped their first two pool games to Team Buckets and the New Jersey Celtics. Tanner Torres (Anderson County) played very well in the second contest scoring over 20 points and showing some point guard skills along the way.
Bennie Williams (Fayette-Ware) drew praise from onlookers for his play with the Memphis Stars. Game outcomes not yet determined.
Kyle Weldon (Rossview) continues to impress with his offensive repertoire. The rising senior can score over either shoulder, has improved his hand strength, can finish in traffic and is showing a nice short jumper from 8 feet out. Despite his improved play the Tennessee Tigers fell to a gigantic ACB Bank Hoops squad out of Michigan in their pool opener.
Team Nashville used a super team effort to win their pool opener over DC Assault-Farmington.
Rafeal Tyler (Lake County) dropped 15 and Matt Shown (Alcoa) added 12 as the Mid-State Ballerz East got a win in their pool opener against Charlotte Reign. Cody Malicoat (Jellico) added 10 in the victory.
More pool play and bracket results coming tomorrow, stay tuned.
