The Middle Tennessee Magic behind a team effort and some sterling play from Malcolm Smith (Clarksville Academy) and Zavion Williams (Clarksville Northeast) proved to be the better squad downing the highly rated Devin Harris All-Stars 74-66 and captured the inaugural Knox Vegas Heat Invitational 16 and under championship.
The Magic only sport eight players so effort and their ability to fight fatigue came into play as they ran through bracket play with a few impressive wins.
Smith was a scoring and rebounding machine on this weekend. His knack for getting three-point plays make him invaluable to the offense while he boards and blocks shots on the defensive end.
Williams was a catalyst seemingly going to the rack for layups every time I looked up. His stock will certainly be on the rise after this weekend.
The Magic got inspired efforts from a host of players including Martin Smith (Clarksville Academy), Keenan Froedden (Sycamore) and Daijon Williams (Clarksville).
Team Nashville picked the right weekend to put this program on the AAU/Summer scene map. The 17's, as we reported yesterday, had a couple of big wins before losing to the eventual champion Wisconsin Playground Warriors in the quarterfinals of the event.
They will be a formidible opponent for anyone as the summer is just getting underway. Catching the eye of many in attendance with their play included Teraes Clemmons (Mt. Juliet), Emmanuel Andrews (Shelbyville), Fred Lee (Maplewood) and Daniel McFadden (Ensworth).
Not to be left out some other players contributed greatly to the Team Nashville success including Hollis Edwards (McGavock), Holden Mobley (MBA), Robert Wade (Maplewood) and Justin Claybrook (Hume Fogg).
The 16 and under Team Nashville group finsihed pool play unblemished before falling in a tough one by three points. Weldon Garlington (Brentwood Academy) was consistently the teams leading scorer for the weekend and he impressed with his ability to knock down some big shots.
Andre Brown (Clarksville Northwest) had himself a nice event holding his own against some of the best bigs in the event, while shooting guard Justin Perry (Overton) waqs clutch the entire tourney as well.
