Tigers, Thunder, Travelers and Select Play for Championships at Hoosier Shootout

 

"The Tennessee Shootout" would have been a much more appropriate title for the 2011 Hoosier Shootout when it came to the 16 and under division. The Tennessee Tigers represented in the Gold bracket, The Tennessee Thunder in the silver and the Tennessee Travelers in the bronze for a real Volunteer state flavor.

 

In the Gold division the Tigers ran out of steam against a very well coached West Virginia Select squad and despite bringing the game close with little time remaining they could not hold on a fell 51-46. JaQuan Lewis (Dickson County) was a standout all weekend long and drew the attention of many a college coaching passerby. Mason Ramsey (Livingston Academy) played hard and tough grabbing boards and converting buckets.

 

In almost the opposite effect, the Tennessee Thunder held a huge lead only to almost see it evaporate but held on to bring home the silver bracket championship 62-59 over ACH. Soon to be household name Jamontae Davis (Hillsboro) led the Thunder with 17 points after dropping 25 in the semi-final victory. He is a long, rangy athlete with some handles, a decent shot and a future. Kenny Robertson (Maplewood) added 15 in the title game win and Jason Stone (Maplewood) finished with 13.

 

Burton Sampson (Knoxville Webb) put the final nail in the proverbial coffin with an old-fashioned three-point play as the Tennessee Travelers brought home the bronze championship with a 60-55 victory over Team Impact.

 

The Travelers were in a back and forth battle before Kenny Dean (Alcoa) converted a bucket to give them a 55-51 lead then the Sampson 3-point play sealed it for the crew.

 

Asa Duvall (Brentwood) was solid in the tournament, running the point guard spot and making big shots. Brock "Jimmer" Rowan (Stone Memorial) continues his reign as the state's premier shooter with a host of deep buckets throughout the week.

 

Over in the 15 and under division Select Basketball continued the fine showing for the Volunteer state advancing to the title game but falling to a tough Cincinnati squad by three.

 

Select Basketball advanced to the title match-up with a win over a surging Team Cory Brewer in the semi-final behind 36 points from Jake Allsmiller (CPA). The execution and team values of the boys from Select are a thing of beauty and counteracts any lack of size or perceived athleticism they should encounter. Braxton Bonds (CPA) was truly outstanding with his leadership and passing skills. Andrew Cowie (BGA), Andy Schumpert (Brentwood), Andrew Manuel (CPA) and Duncan Smith (MBA) all made vital contributions to the team's success in the tournament.