I want to preface this newest entry with a message for everyone as to why there have been so little contents on the site this past month. My father was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor early in the month and I have spent a great deal of time driving between Nashville and Knoxville making sure everything is as comfortable as can be with him during this tough time for our family. Please keep my Dad in your prayers and thanks for all your well wishes..
Indianapolis is the place to be as the summer season gets underway this week with a couple of high level events leading off what is sure to be a whirlwind of hoops activity. The adidas Invitational will tip for the second straight season and features some of the best talent in the country in all age groups.
In the 17 and under division the Memphis Magic and their guard tandem of Cameron Golden (Ridgeway) and Adam Weary (Ridgeway) start action on Wednesday. The Nashville Celtics will represent Tennessee with their outstanding backcourt trio of Demarc Richardson (Briarcrest Christian), Taylor Barnette (Kentucky) and Daijon Williams (Clarksville).
Rounding out the 17 and under for the Volunteer state the M33M Ballerz led by Alex Anderson (Memphis East), Andre Applewhite (Memphis Central) and Josh Jones (Memphis Central).
The Nashville Celtics will carry the torch in both the 16 and 15 under divisions as the lone Tennessee representative.
Across town an old staple tips for another summer, The Hoosier Shootout brings a slew of teams from the Volunteer state in all three age groups.
Braylen "Vitamin B" Bennett (Carter) leads the Tennessee Tigers into Hoosier Shootout battle. The Tigers will need solid performances from their two bigs Logan Ramsey (Livingston Academy) and Kyle Weldon (Rossview).
Caleb Chowbay (Mt. Juliet) leads the guard happy Mid-State Ballerz East. His backcourt mates include Rafeal Tyler (Lake County), Cedarius Taylor (Dyer County) and Aaron Wheeler (Morristown East).
Drew Standifer (Bearden) and Jervon Johnson (Ooltewah) bring the Tennessee Chsoen Few into the Hoosier state with a lot to prove that they are one of the elite teams in the state.
The Tennessee Contenders represent the Volunteer state led by Donya Burnette (Riverdale).
The Tennessee Ice wish to melt their competition behind a strong inside/outside contingent featuring JayJuan Mitchell (Knoxville West), Andy Barnette (Pigeon Forge), Calvin Walker (Knoxville West) and Ben Arnold (Cumberland Gap).
Jalen Lindsey (CPA), Carson Brooks (Knoxville West) and Darryl Hicks (Kentucky) lead the Tennessee Travelers into their annual pilgrimage to the Hoosier Shootout.
Team Hustle, Team Got Shook and the Nashville Stars Elite will also represent Tennessee in the 17 and under division.
In the 16 and under category, the Nashville Stars Elite, Tennessee Chosen Few, Tennessee Thunder, Tennessee Tigers and Tennessee Travelers take on the task of representing for the state.
While over in the 15 and under division, the Tennessee Travelers, Chattanooga Titans, Tennessee Chosen Few, Select Basketball, Team Hustle and Team Cory Brewer make up the Tennessee contingent.