Team Nashville knocked off the SYF Players 62-53 to capture 8th place in the 16 and under National AAU Tournament in very sunny Orlando.
Team Nashville got off to a fast start winning their pool with a record of 2-1 and moving into the championship bracket where they met and lost to the powerful BABC from Massachusetts.
Not to let a small mishap stop them from achieving their goals, the Music City crew tightens up their Nikes and takes on all comers starting with a 57-45 clubbering of the Connecticut Elite. A 79-64 drowning of the Florida TGFB preceded a sweet 62-58 dashing of the Alabama Celtics.
Each One Teach One felt the wrath of the Nashville charge falling 70-60 before their dismantling of SYF.
Cornelius Elder (Ensworth) was magnificent running the show and providing steady scoring from the outside while playing nearly every second of every game and some 17 and under action as well.
Devin Robinson (Ravenwood) was a demon on the defensive side of the ball and showed a much improved scoring touch, as he also played nearly every second of action on both age groups.
Vari Craig (Riverdale) was a big time performer in the paint grabbing tough rebounds and scoring off the block or with the short baseline jumper. His improvement on the court has been rapid.
Team Nashville proved to be a team atmosphere getting valuable minutes from Caymon Dial (LaVergne) and a relative newcomer to the Nashville scene Isaac Harris (Hunter's Lane). Trent McLaurie (Kenwood) was lauded for his overall hustle and determination throughout the tourney.
The Mid-State Ballerz 16 and under crew had a fine showing in Mickey's house as well finishing in the quarter finals of the classic bracket.
Aaron Wheeler (Morristown East) was a force with his quick strike slashing ability and his solid outside stroke. Antonio Miranda (Morristown East) despite being outsized in nearly every game held his own on the boards and on the defensive side of the ball.
The backcourt was solid for the Ballerz throughout the event with Rafeal Tyler (Lake County), Daniel Cartwright (Sequatchie County) and Nilan Hodge (USN) all providing scoring and defensive effort.
The Tennessee Tigers finished 2-3 improving their effort from earlier in the summer and providing some good insight for what will be their most important summer next year. Ross Welch (DCA), Danny McGrath (Brentwood Academy), Casey Smith (Morristown East) and Jarvis Webster (Columbia Central) were sighted for their efforts during the event.
