It may not be the official start to the high school season but for the past 8 or so years I have made the trek to Murfreesboro for the annual Siegel play day. In my opinion and for me the start of the high school basketball season.
Several teams, some lacking their gridiron athletes, some not make the trek to the 'boro and gave some solid efforts. Those teams included:
CPA
Station Camp
Mt. Juliet
LaVergne
Columbia Central
Siegel
Hunter's Lane
Oak Ridge
Bradley Central
Bearden
Dyersburg
Lawrence County
Here are 20 players that I saw who could have an impact on the success of their respective teams this season.
Listed alphabetically these players will be, that's how Yoda would have said it.
Christian Bell (Mt. Juliet)
Smart player with a real good shooting stroke, good size for a guard, adding quickness makes him deadly
E.J. Bush (Oak Ridge)
Slick athlete who can score, especially around the basket, he defends and is confidence away from being great
Marquis Davis (LaVergne)
Skilled lefty who makes tough finsihes, shoots adequately and seems to be the go to guy for the Wolverines
Keaton Dotson (Station Camp)
Rising senior shot the ball very well, played under control for a very good Station Camp crew.
Quez Fair (Bearden)
Active guard, much improved shooter made several big steals and buckets throughout the day, heart and soul man
Tyler Faulkenberry (Mt. Juliet)
Great size for a guard, excellent shooter with range, once he takes defense just as serious he will be a must have
Chase Freeman (Station Camp)
Good teams need leaders, the Camp has found one, slick lead guard, runs the show, passes and can score, nice
Geevontay Gee (Oak Ridge)
The Cats go as the Gee goes, he is a master at drawing fouls, he controls the tempo and has raised his scoring
Marcus Hardy (Siegel)
Relentless worker on the boards, gets easy scoring chances and never gives up on a play, undersized warrior
Taijon Jones (Oak Ridge)
Hit several big shots from three, has made this a weapon but don't forget there are other ways to score, athlete
Marsellis Martin (Siegel)
Active rising sophomore, loves going hard to the rim, defends with passion and has an improve shot, Nation rise
Michael Mayernick (CPA)
He's small but he was all over the yard, his ball handling has improved, he sees the floor and can knock it down
Bradley McCurdy (Bradley Central)
Senior guard played with confidence and was spectacular passing the ball, his shot was on target, good job Brad
Evan Ragsdale (CPA)
Best shooter in the state had a little struggle early but finished strong from deep, he will be key for the Lions
Yalen Reed (Station Camp)
Big senior year approaches, Reed showed solid mid-range skills, blocked shots and rebounded well, good team
Jason Smith (Bearden)
Fundamentally sound big man, scored at will inside, jumpers, hooks the arsenal was there, love his floor presence
Darius Sparks (LaVergne)
Strong defender, has a relentless motor, can score off the dribble and his shot is not bad either, big year awaits
Kevin Spencer (Dyersburg)
Rising sophomore guard was the go to guy for Dyersburg, he shoots the ball well with time and has ball skills
Trent Stephane (Bearden)
2019 guard with a major upside, he is smooth, shoots the ball well and is magnificent in the lane, good defender
Tristan Williams (Columbia Central)
Active defender, made several solid plays in transition finding open scorers, good in the open court, finishes at rim
Some others who had a good weekend
Javion Johnson (Oak Ridge)
Sawyer Taylor (Station Camp)
Roman Robinson (Bearden)
Brandon Levier (Columbia Central)
James Franklin (Siegel)
Clay Washburn (CPA)
Kody Eden (Station Camp)
Jacquez Glover (Bearden)
