Music City made a big impact this past weekend at the Real Deal on the Hill in Arkansas.
The Nashville Celtics made quality improvement in all three age groups and Team Nashville Fire had a nice run making it to the championship bracket round of 16.
A tough pool put the Celtics behind the eight ball to start the tourney but perserverance paid off with a nice run through the consolation bracket which was loaded with big time teams. The 17's advanced to the Semi-finals falling to Juice with Top 10 national talents Lance Stephenson and Karron Johnson.
Casey Prather (Jackson Northside) and Jon Hood (Kentucky) stood out all weekend. Prather was a joy to behold hitting runners and Sportscenter like slams against much bigger and older athletes. His block of an attempted Johnson flush was one of the highlights of the tourney.
Drew Kelly (Centennial) was his usual steady self finishing at around 16 per game and controlling the boards. Ricky Williams (Liberty Tech) had an outstanding event scoring and leading from the point spot, his progress is very evident.
Drew Barham (CBHS) and Chris Reeves (Bolivar Central) both had quality moments during the tourney.
In the 16 and under tourney the Celtics got outstanding and consistent play all weekend from sophomore guard Ish Sanders (Cleveland). His outside shot made him a threat and his steady play helped the Celtics finish at 2-2 overall. Also drawing praise for their efforts Jay Murphy (Bolivar Central) and Cody Henegar (Marion County). The 6'8 Henegar is an emerging big man with skills and is court time away from becoming a household name.
Pool play proved the strength of the 15 and under Celtics as they ran 3-0 before falling in the round of 16 of the championship bracket.
Kendall "Ant2" Anthony (Liberty Tech) provided the highlights with his ultra quickness and tempo changing momoents. Jamar Pope (Alabama) is an emerging star at this age group and Robert Veal (Ravenwood) had a nice tourney.
Also showing out for the 15's Janeal McDonald (Riverdale) and Joevonte Arnold (Liberty Tech).
Adrian Williamson (Hume Fogg) was huge all weekend leading his Nashville Team Fire into the rouund of 16 of the championship bracket at the Real Deal. Williamson averaged around 21 per contest including 25 large against SYF in a huge win for this program.
Terrenace Davis (Antioch) exploded for 15 big ones in the sweet 16 loss to Team Breakdown. Also having solid weekends Jonathan Williams (Rossview), who dropped around 16 per, Ton Gleaves (Antioch) and Adam Barnes (Clarksville).
