Move over kids it's time for the big dogs to eat.
The 17 and under Gold and Silver division of the Super Showcase got underway today with some rousing action.
Team Nashville behind a stupendous effort from Robert Wade (Maplewood), Jacob Lloyd (Westview), Andre Brown (Clarksville Northwest) and Fred Lee (Maplewood) started their odyssey at 1-1 with their final pool play game tomorrow.
The Tennessee Tigers begin with an identical 1-1 record with a nice 50-42 win over the Suffolk Blazers. Cory Stanton (Springfield) continues his downright assault on July with 14 and 6 thefts. Reggie Gilmore (Tyner Academy) was a welcome returnee finishing with a robust 8 points, 5 boards and some additional statistical positives.
Carter Sanderson (Lipscomb) picked up the scoring slack with 23 as the Tigers fell in a tough one to Wave Basketball 66-61. Michael Bradley (Tyner Academy) had a double/double with 12 points and 16 caroms. Gilmore had another solid game with 8 and 6. Stanton finished with 7 on a tough day from the field.
The Tigers will also conclude pool play tomorrow.
As the only representative in the Gold Division you knew the competition would be stout...but this is ridiculous. The Tennessee Travelers 17's played their guts out but came up just short 87-81 to a powerful CP3 All-Stars squad. Jalen Steele (Fulton) was fearless with 24 points and Tyler Hood (Lenoir City) played very well adding 21. Dwight Tarwater (Knoxville Webb) was outstanding in game, scoring 9 points and giving a great deal of effort against some high major talent.
So you go from a squad with commitments to North Carolina, Wake Forest and a top 10 junior to Team Stat.
The Travs hung tough for the half but depth and size took its toll. Steele was tough getting 17, while Hood added 14.
If you've never seen Austin Rivers from Team Stat make it a point to do so. We hardly mention opposing players, especially if their not from our state, but this kid was downright sensational. He hit step-back three from 30 feet like they were lay-ups and his cross-over is young Iverson like. His three-point barrage but the game out of reach but credit the Travs with fighting and giving a team effort. Their final pool game is also tomorrow.
