"Live Weekend"
The first live weekend of the spring/summer basketball scene commenced this past weekend with tournaments all over the countryside.
Indianapolis was the home to the adidas Spring Classic and representing from Tennessee the Tennessee Tigers.
And represent they did.
The Tigers finished 3-2 in the 17 and under division finishing in the semi-finals of the Silver Bracket falling to the eventual champion Louisville Prospects.
The Tigers created a feverish buzz early with the play of newcomer Dakota Quinn (Davidson Academy).
The 6'8 presence proved he could finish inside, block shots and snatch rebounds. He averaged 16 and 9 for the tournament garnering some serious attention from several D1 coaches, with certainly many more to follow.
J.T. Marable (Pearl Cohn) was a standout in the backcourt with his quickness and decision making. Anthony Williams (Davidson Academy) provided solid minutes at both guard spots throughout the tournament.
On the perimeter the Tigers relied on the deep range of Jay Howard (Dyersburg), Zach Bentley (Hickman County) and Jonathan Jones (Goodpasture).
John Payne (Cookeville) made his presence felt with his new squad showing his versatility from the outside and finishing in transition. Colt Nokes (Gordonsville) did yeomans work inside while newcomer Aidan Waldrum (Goodpasture) used his size to alter some shots and create a presence in the paint.
Coaches were quick to applaud the efforts of Cash Dansby (Hickman County) and Antonio Knight (Franklin Classical).
Tennessee Tigers 16s
As expected the 16 and under Tigers squad would be one of the better teams in their age group from our state this summer. The Tigers bunch finished 3-1 playing unblemished hoops in pool play before falling in the semi-finals of the Gold Bracket to the eventual champions Michigan Mustangs.
Caleb Hollander (Homeschool) lived up to his press clippings with a solid tournament experience. Leading the team with around 18 points per game the rising junior had a game high 24 markers on two occasions for the Tigers.
Kenny Bunton (Walker Valley) got the Tigers off and running with a 21 spot in the opening game of pool play.
On the interior the Tigers used a plethora of performers including Antwan Jennings (Franklin Classical(, Brad Allen (Greenbrier), Matt Norl (Kenwood) and Javon Vaughn (Rossview).
With Hollander and Bunton garnering a lot of the defensive attention the perimeter guns for the Tigers had their way in Indy. Ross Cummings (Creek Wood), Keaton Dotson (Station Camp) and Ben Bell (Franklin Classical) combined for 18 threes on the weekend.
Out front the Tigers used a triumvirate of capable leaders including Gabe Cummings (Creek Wood), Gabe Reasor (Franklin Classical) and Cannon Campbell (Rossview).
The trio provided defense and leadership in leading the Tigers to their successful run in Indianapolis.
