The change of scenery did nothing to deter the talent that graced the court at the Nike Memorial Day Tournament this past weekend in Atlanta.
Tennessee was fairly well represented but found the going tough as they battled some of the best teams in the country.
The Memphis YOMCA playing in the 17 and under diviison despite their 16 and under roster finished 2-2 with Andre Hollins (White Station) finishing as one of the events top scorers at 24.0 per game.
Battling the giants from some of the others clubs the Y got solid production from their bigs Marvin Williams (White Station) and Nino Johnson (White Station). Johnson continues to impress with his work ethic and ever improving game in the post.
Kerell Davis (Melrose) played some of his best ball against some of the biggest point guards in the country and Steve Kasper (ECS) was not short on effort and hustle.
The Travelers 17 and under squad managed a 1-3 finish but got some solid play from their core of Tyler Hood (Lenoir City), Jalen Steele (Fulton), Brandon Herman (Grace Baptist) and Dwight Tarwater (Knoxville Webb).
Down in the 16 and under division the record was the same but playing without Lester Wilson (Knoxville Carter) and Tres Palmer (Powell) who were moved up to the 17's really put a toll on the Travs.
Scoring came from the dynamic backourt of Rico White (Bearden) and Galen Campbell (Fulton), Campbell notched 24 in the final game victory.
Coaches also sighted D.J. Porter (Brainerd) and Zach Garland (David Crockett) for their battles in the paint and Alex Tipton (Maryville), for his effort and huslte on both ends of the floor.
Finally in the 15 and under, the Travs finished 1-3 but found their stride as the event went along and almost closed out some tough games despite always seemingly getting down early and not having enough to fight all the way back.
Cory Nelson (Grace Baptist) had moments of extreme athleticism despite an injury and Matt Shown (Alcoa) continued to battle inside against far superior athletic and sized players but holding his own. Cody Malicottte (Campbell County) came on strong leading the team in scoring with 16 in the finale.
Craig 'The Professor" Bradshaw (Greenbrier) and Braylen "Vitamin B" Bennett (Knoxville Carter) provided toughness and attitude for the Travs and Jaylen Allen (Science Hill) had moments where he scored the ball well.
