Indianapolis was simply the place to be for the second "live" period with shoe company events surrounding another solid affair the Spring Classic.
The Tennessee Tigers made another special run into the championship game in the 17 and under division garnering the runner-up spot. The Tigers finished 4-1 before falling in a close title contest closing out a very successful April Live period with two championship game appearances.
2016 Caleb Hodnett (Aaron Academy) had another fine week including a 29 spot in the quarter-final victory. Garrett Sanderson (Alabama) made the move to the lead guard position after P.J. Grooms (Franklin Classical) suffered an injury and shined bright including a tourney high 21 point game in the title game. Grooms started the tourney strong dropping bombs before the injury.
Nate Boyd (Tennessee Christian Prep) continued to impress with his athleticism despite some ankle trouble his tip-in late in the quarter-final victory. Laino Walker (Springfield) had another solid event playing tough on the glass including a offensive stick back to win the semi-final game.
Ben Bell (Franklin Classical) and C.J. Herbert (Home School) made buckets and big plays while Jonathan Matthews (Riverdale) made his Tiger debut a memorable one scoring seven big points in the title game loss.
Max Shulman (McCallie) got his deep game going as the tourney moved on. Caleb Ball (Dyer County) saw his minutes increase as Seth Clark (McCallie) was limited by injury. Ball used his size to bang inside and showed he was capable of playing at this level.
EABC Tennessee 17U
Staying in the 17 and under division EABC Tennessee had another fine showing finishing as the runner-up in the Gold Division.
Hunter Vick (Camden Central) continues to draw attention from D1 coaches with his range and skill level. The rising senior dropped a 33 spot in the semis and finished as the leading scorer for the EABC. Jontae Brown (Northeast) had another solid weekend averaging around 12 points per game while Diego Womack (Jackson Northside) continued his successful summer scoring at a 12 point per game clip and leading the squad on the glass at 8 per contest.
EABC got inspired play from Jeremiah Alexander (Antoich) and Collin Blanchard (Alabama) picking up the slack for the injured Clay Washburn (CPA).
Tennessee Tigers 16U
The backcourt continues to be the strength of this Tigers 16 and under crew. Winning the championship in the bronze division Jaden Lewis (Summit) and Gray Michael (Franklin Classical) continue to shine. Lewis runs the show averaging in the neighborhood of 5 assists per game to go along with double digit scoring. He sets the tone defensively as well. Michael is a deadeye from deep and continues to make strides defensively.
Will Midlick (Rossview), A.J. Johnson (Lipscomb Academy) and Bryce Watts (Franklin Classical) provided valuable minutes at both backcourt spots filling in for the injured Austin Jackson (Rossview).
Jacayah Webster (Columbia Central) had his breakout performance piling up stats including 4 deep ones in the title game victory. His length and athleticism will bode well as he gets his body stronger.
On the interior the Tigers got effort and production from Wesley Hennis (Providence Christian) and Christian Choice (Northeast). Their efforts made up for the absence of Nonte Davis (Columbia Central) who had a football commitment.
Coaches lauded the efforts of Bo Walker (Van Buren County) and Dalton Coleman (Monterey).
