Catching up on some of the action in the final week before the start of team camps. We take a stroll down to Atlanta where Team Nashville took the court at the Nike Memorial Day Event.
The boys from the MusicCity finished 2-2 in the 17 and under division falling in their opening game 51-48 on a last second shot to Team Heat then playing gassed as they fell to the Georgia Wizards 63-55.
A 60-40 melting of the Marietta Heat steered the ship in the right direction and they closed very strong with a blowout win over the Chattanooga Elite.
Ryan Jones (Siegel) was lauded for his leadership and consistent play throughout the weekend. Charles Clark (Siegel) rebounded from his earlier injury to have a solid effort in Atlanta.
Special kudos to big man Andrew Golden (Columbia Academy) for his improved effort and Jacob Williams (Wilson Central) who led the scoring charge for majority of the tournament.
Coaches also took time to mention Ladarius Chester (Melrose) and his much improved attitude and effort during the event.
In the 15 and under classification, Team Nashville finished a strong 4-1 losing to Hoop Dreams in the Sweet 16.
Jordan Bone (Ensworth) and Nick Hopkins (Fayetteville) played well from the perimeter on both ends of the floor. Clayton Hughes (USJ) continues to impress with his athletic skills and improving scoring ability. Yalen Reed (Lebanon) was a force on the interior with his quick leaping ability and nose for the ball.
Special mention was lauded for Anthony Ramsey (Pearl Cohn) and Austin Brown (Mt. Juliet).
The Tennessee Bobcats had a fine showing at the 16 and under state tournament at White House finishing with a 4-1 record and garnering 5th place in the event.
John Bryant (Jefferson County) dropped 13 points and snatched 10 caroms as the Bobcats took their opener 60-53 over Team Nashville. Malik McGue (Science Hill) and Jacob Cawood (Midway) each finished with 10 points. Cawood also grabbed 10 boards.
Bryant again led the scoring charge with 11 as the Bobcats beat the Tennessee Future Stars 59-36. Kyle Briggs (Jefferson County) added 10 points in the win.
The Bobcats ended their win streak with a 74-61 defeat to the Memphis Bulls. McGue and Bryson Stephens (Morristown East) led the scoring with 11 points. Harper Feltner (Jefferson County) led with 8 boards.
Getting back on the right track, Bryant again went double/double with 20 and 10 and the Bobcats slid past the Tennessee Glory to the tune of 46-42.
McGue closed the tourney strong putting up a tourney high 21 as the Bobcats defeated the Tennessee Thunder 68-49. Kaden Wampler (Science Hill) added 12, Bryant finished with 11 and Cawood added 10.
