The summer begins for the Nashville Celtics in the friendly confines of the University of Cincinnati with the start of the adidas Take 5 Classic.
The Celtics are the lone Tennessee representative and have much to prove this July.
Leading the charge for the 17's will be Jon Hood (Kentucky), Drew Kelly (Centennial), Casey Prather (Jackson Northside) and Drew Barham (CBHS).
This is a huge summer for these rising seniors and players like Kelly, Barham, Gregg Wooten (Braircrest Christian), Chris Reeves (Bolivar Central), Patrick Shaughnessy (Grace Baptist) and Ricky Williams (Liberty Tech) will use this period to make a name in front of coaches or solidify their status and start reaping the awards of all their hard work.
Barham has drawn a great deal of interest with his length and ability to shoot the ball. Mid-majors all over the Southeast are clamoring for his services while some high majors are seriously starting to take notice.
In the 16 and under division the Celtics will welcome back Arthur McMillan (Hillsboro). His presence should be welcomed by emerging big man Cody Henegar (Marion County), which will allow the Celts to use both players in a variety of offensive sets.
The Celtics welcome the competition with their deep and talented backcourt led by Meiko Lyles (NCA), Jay Murphy (Bolivar Central), Mitchell Hill (Cookeville) and Ish Sanders (Cleveland).
I will keep everyone updated on the event as it happens.