Welcome to our newest weekly feature. This segment will be called This Week at Tennessee Prep Hoops and will feature what's happening in the hoops world in our state information on upcoming tournaments, commitments, future showcases, unsigned senior events and more.
THIS WEEK AT TENNESSEE PREP HOOPS
I ventured to Karns last Tuesday for a nice District 3AAA clash between then unbeaten Oak Ridge and Karns. Devin Sibley (Karns) had a monster game scoring 27 and making the pass for his squad to snatch victory. The shot fell short and Oak Ridge came away with a one point win. On Friday I was honored to be in attendance for the ceremony to celebrate the 1,000 point for Knoxville Webb senior Burton "Big Money" Sampson (Knoxville Webb). The Spartans got a big effort from Money and handled defending state champions DCA.
A.P. STATE TEAM RANKINGS (CLASSIFICATIONS)
I am pleased to once again be part of the group of media members that submits a ballot for the State Basketball Classifications Rankings. The first poll will be released in January.
MCDONALD'S NOMINATIONS
Once again I have the honor of submitting my recommendations for nominations for the 2012-2013 McDonald's All-American squad. Each state is allowed a certain number of nominations based on population. In Tennessee we generally receive 22 to 24. I will release my list next week in a story on the website. Stay tuned.
GAME OF THE WEEK FEATURE
Starting in January I will have the Game of the Week feature back in the fold and hopefully let everyone know about the top upcoming games in all areas of the state each week.
HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT COVERAGE
Thanks to those of you who sent me additional information on some of the Holiday events we did not have listed last week. I also ask anyone who can help provide some additional info as I will be attending as many of the events as I am able. I hope to do stories on as many of the events as we can ascertain information for and will need some additional information to make sure we cover as many of the events as we are able. This is one of the best times of the year for basketball and I look forward to seeing everyone out and about at the various venues around the state.
KEEP AN EYE ON THESE GUYS
East Tennessee
Devin Sibley (Karns)
Junior guard is shooting the ball exceptionally well this season; Sibley notched 27 in a close loss to Oak Ridge and added 23 this past Friday against Hardin Valley in a victory.
Middle Tennessee
Austin Gee (Ezell-Harding)
Senior guard is making a mockery of the scoreboard this season. He had three strong games this past week which included 25 markers against USN, 26 in a win over Nashville Christian and finally topped the week with 29 against Hume Fogg. No signs of slowing down yet as Gee added 30 points in a game this week and surpassed the 1,000 point mark for his career.
West Tennessee
Fatodd Lewis (Raleigh-Egypt)
A sleeping giant may have been awoken as Lewis is starting to push his might around in the Bluff City. He has scored over 30 numerous times and looks to have his confidence back which kept him from being his best this summer.
TEAMS TO WATCH
East Tennessee
McMinn Central
The Chargers have always had a solid and competitive program under Coach Armstrong but this year's version is off to a rousing 10-1 start and looking to represent come March. Max Miller (McMinn Central), Tim Webb (McMinn Central) and Josh Scudder (McMinn Central) lead a balanced and deep attack as the Chargers make the rounds in District 5AA.
Middle Tennessee
Cheatham County
The Cubs are sporting a solid 8-1 mark thus far and look to make additional noise in District 11AA. Leading the way is sharp shooting junior Jacob Saunders (Cheatham County). The rising Class of 2014 product gives the Cubs a scoring option on every possession. He is by no mean a one man show as production has come from numerous teammates including Jordan Darden (Cheatham County), Devin Connor (Cheatham County), Billy Miller (Cheatham County) and Mason Bates (Cheatham County).
West Tennessee
Whitehaven
Over on Elvis Presley Boulevard, The Tigers of Whitehaven High School are officially putting themselves on notice as one of the best teams, not only in Memphis, but in the state in Class AAA. Led by junior transfer C.J. Anderson (Whitehaven) and talented rising big man junior Marcanvis Hymon (Whitehaven), the Tigers are for real. Playing in the toughest District in the state with nightly battles against Melrose, White Station, and defending state champion Memphis East will only prepare them for their destiny.
