Mid-State Contingent Fairing Well…Here at Augusta

2008 Peach State Summer Showcase wherever you look you see ballerz, Mid-State Ballerz that is.

The South, North, East and 16's all have ascended upon Augusta to see how they stack up against a pretty stout field of hoopers.

I got to observe the Mid-State Ballerz North eek out a tough double overtime victory against the Georgia Hurricanes. Collin Crane (Karns) was awesome scoring 26 including big shots down the stretch in regulation and the extra period. Josh Odom (Science Hill) dropped 21 and has been the leading scorer throughout the tourney at around 25 per contest.

Solid effort on both ends of the floor by Jamarious Alderson (Clarksville Northeast) and Demarious Smith (Kenwood), a rising junior playing up this weekend.

I was also able to witness the mid-State Ballerz South annilihate a Topps Sports squad by almost 40 points. Everyone played well and was in the scoring column. Skylar McBee (Grainger), Nathan Parker (Bearden) and Deonte Alexander (Glencliff) have drawn the coaching crowds with their play. Chase Jones (Austin East) has played sterling this entire event including today. He was the leading scorer in an earlier victory and was good on both ends of the floor today.

I was not able to see the Mid-State Ballerz East but found out from numerous onlookers that they have performed very well. Their usual suspects Trey Carrouthers (Harpeth), Tevin Crayton (Humboldt) and Tyler Edwards (Oakland) are always consistent. They have gotten a big lift from Dustin Baxter (Upperman) who has played his way onto the notepads of many coaches in attendance. Ben Mixer (Farragut) has also been a surprise with his effort and hard work.

Tarius Johnson (Liberty Tech) has been the big dog for the 16's averaging in excess of 27 points per game inlcuding a big 34 against the Carolina Raptors. Thomas Greer (West Carroll) and Cordaro Williams (Liberty Tech) have'nt shot as well as normal but have not lacked in the effort department.