EAB 2020 came into this event among the top 16U squads in the state and with the lineup we presented in that age group this was going to be a big weekend for the boys from Nashville.
Best in State Version VI got off to a big start for this group of EAB boys with an 89-52 win over Chattanooga Elite.
Jamaal Walker (East Hamilton) made his statement early dropping 24 points in the big win. Dusty Williams (Centennial) and Corey Stewart (East Nashville) added 13 and 12 points respectively.
J.J. Platt (Stewart's Creek) sunk a dagger three with mere ticks on the clock as EAB slid past a determined Team WHBH 87-86 to remain unblemished at Best in State 2018. Five players finished in double digits led by Keshaun Lawrence (Ensworth) with 15.
Platt added 12, Bayron Montos-Garcia (Hamilton Heights) dropped 11 while Walker and Tariq Daughton (Knoxville Webb) closed with 10 each.
Garcia led with 18 and Lawrence finished with 16 as EAB closed the day unbeaten with an 89-52 win over EOTO.
Williams and Dalton Marsh (Red Boiling Springs) finished with 10 points each.
Walker would finish among the top scorers for the day in the 16U age division with 14.3 points per game. Garcia and Lawrence were big time additions for EAB and both ended the event with 11.7 per game averages. Williams finishes as the fourth member to average double digits at 10.7.
Lawrence is a big time athlete plain and simple. He excels on the gridiron and could be a major factor on the hardwood if this was his one and only. He has an incredible burst, his body is next level and he competes every second he is on the floor. His athleticism changes games and he is just simply put a natural.
Garcia is a very impressive specimen. Only been in the states for a few months he has already established himself on the national scene with offers starting to pour in including Florida. He is a hero on the glass, he goes after every rebound, regardless of who's area it may be. He can score easily around the glass, his footwork is solid but will only get better as he gets more comfortable. His future is on a meteoric rise.
Williams is a lanky scorer who has some wiggle and I really like his pace and ability to score the ball. He is slight built but he competes. His shot is adequate and his feel for the game is top notch. Once he gets more strength in his game you will see a big time rise in his production.
Platt is plain and simple a competitor. He isn't the best shooter, defender or passer but he does everything well. He likes the big stage, he relishes the big shot and he shows leadership qualities which are paramount for any lead guard. His body is stocky and he knows how to use it to get to his spots on the floor. He likes to defend and he backs down from no one.
