Cameron Golden (Ridgeway/Raleigh-Egypt) dropped 24 markers and Jerrell Stokes (Braircrest Christian) added 13 as the Memphis YOMCA played possessed and put the defense to the Tennessee Travelers in the 14 and under state tournament finals at Seymour High School winning 67-49.
Memphis had cruised through the tourney winning by wide margin but were obviously psyched to play the Travlers and the effort was without question. This Memphis squad is very well coached, plays extremely hard and is unselfish from top to bottom.
For the Travelers Jaylen Allen (Science Hill) scored 14 points despite being hounded by Robert Houston (Craigmont) the best on ball defender in the entire tourney.
Keep in mind the school sassociated with the players are what was told to us and may change before they enter high school next season.
In the consolation game the Ragin Rhinos behind 19 points from Drew Standifer (Bearden) and 16 points and about a thousand rebounds from Brandon Guy (Maryville) got by the Memphis Ballers 70-60. The Ballers were led in scoring by Alex Anderson (Wooddale) with 24 and Tobey Baker (MUS) with 16.
The top players at the event which I witnessed on both Saturday and Sunday will be listed in alphabetical order. Once again keep in mind the high schools are what was told to us and could and probably will change before entering high school next season. Also I don't normally evaluate players this young so their games will change drastically as they get older, this is simply an observation from this weekends action.
Jaylen Allen (Science Hill) Tennessee Travelers
Smooth lefty with skills must get stronger to handle tough defenses which will come his way.
Alex Anderson (Wooddale) Memphis Ballers
Great shooter and can finish with either hand going hard to the bucket, shot selection a real concern.
Tobey Baker (MUS) Memphis Ballers
Nice deep shooter with skills to put the ball on the floor and score, less emotion on the floor will help him
Braylon Bennett (Knoxville Carter) Tennessee Travelers
Nice length, was not phased during title game by intense defense, can score around bucket, work on shot
Craig Bradshaw (Greenbriar) Tennessee Travelers
"The Professor" played tough and hard, never gave up, shot it well, unselfish, if size comes he will be great
Jamal Donaldson (Memphis East) Memphis Ballers
Quick as lightning, good shooter, will need to become more of a point with his limited size.
Cameron Golden (Ridgeway/Raleigh-Egypt) Memphis YOMCA
Sweet lefty can stroke deep or mid-range, goes hard to the glass, finishes off the break, size only question
Brandon Guy (Maryville) Ragin Rhinos
Used his skills as well as anyone here, position rebounder, strong and quick with his shot,
Robert Houston (Craigmont) Memphis YOMCA
Unmatched defender on the ball or helping with the trap, can score and is fearless, very bright future
David Howard (Father Ryan) Tennessee Tigers
Superb hands, finished strong moving or stationary, moved well up and down floor, got winded easily
Billy Hughes (Hillsboro) Nashville Nuggets
Quick lefty finished on the break and broke down defender off the bounce, size is the question
Blake Johnson (Memphis Central) Memphis YOMCA
Ran the show for the Y and did it well. Can shoot the ball and defends very well, size only issue if any
Chad Nabors (Knoxville Webb) Ragin Rhinos
Loved his intensity and never give up mentality, good ball defender, ok shooter, size a factor but young
Martavious Newby (Melrose) Memphis Bearcats
Athletic lefty could score in a multitude of ways must learn the difference between a good shot and bad
DeMark Richardson (Briarcrest Christian) Memphis YOMCA
Very explosive going to the basket and went out of his area several times for tough boards, perimeter?
Jarrell Stokes (Braircrest Christian) Memphis YOMCA
Big man with great hands and understanding of the game, will need to get in better shape to be great
Adam Weary (?) Memphis Bearcats
Good basketball IQ, solid shooter made smart plays but gets lost during games at times, concentration
Bennie Williams (Fayette Ware) Memphis Golden Eagles
This kid was everywhere every rebounds was his, every errant pass was his also, work on outside shot
Good luck to everyone as they enter the world of Tennessee High School basketball
