Finally!!!!!!!!
Lets go over the rising senior Class of 2009.
My staff and I selected 15 players and others who deserve mention for their efforts at the Carson newman Showcase this past weekend. They will be listed alphabetically.
Drew Baker (Karns)
Youngster grew several inches over the summer and showed range with his lanky 6'5 frame. His lefty outside stroke was good but his body needs to catch up with his growth spurt. I like his game and he and Collin Crane (Karns) will team up for a formidible pair this season.
Caleb Bunch (Wartburg Central)
Tough minded player who fought hard and got many offesnive boards he had no business grabbing. Fearless to the glas he involves his teammates and will be one of the top players in Class A in the East Tennessee landscape this season.
Stephen Cook (Chattanooga Christian)
This guy does everything he is supposed to do and does it well. He can defend, can score and is a leader in every sense of the word. His outside is better than he himself realizes and if he was'nt so unselfish he could score more. College coaches please make this a priority for your fall travels.
Tyler Cross (Anderson County)
It has been so much fun watching Cross improve as he gears up for his senior season. He has range, a great build for a two guard and a mentality for the game that few possess. He has better than average athleticism and can guard any position on the floor.
Tyler DeVault (Sullivan Central)
Young inside player who is very well schooled in the fundamentals of the game. Great up and under moves, always keeps the boards high and can score off either block with either hand. A player whom we had not seen previously he made the coaches in attendance take notes and notice.
DeMario Hill (Chattanooga Christian)
Small, quick guard who got to the bucket whenever he pleased. Very good defender and make his living in transition. Must work on his outside shot.
Ben Mixer (Farragut)
This young man has improved exponentially since he was a freshman/sophomore. His weight is down and he is moving up and down the floor better. In the controlled game, Mixer showed the ability to post up catch and score. His hands are getting better and his size is amazing.
Jonathan Moore (Farragut)
One of the better pure shooter in a camp that lacked shooting. Moore can run the point but had no trouble knocking down open threes. His quickness is good but his defensive intensity needs a slight upgrade. Good lookin player who will have a very good senior campaign.
Carrin Nash (Upperman)
Prototypical two guard size with long arms and a better than average athletic swagger. Nash can score inside but a little more strength would help him finish better. He's explosive as was eveident by a nasty rebound slam and he was intruiging to more than one coach in attendance.
Cameron Pridemore (Grace Christian)
Point guard skills a given, Cam showed he could score against some tough defenders. His outside shot is adequate and he showed much more explosion off the bounce and to the cup. His forte is the leadership role and when the game was on the line he did just that, making the assist on a game winner.
Daniel Rial (Dickson County)
Hard working, banger, uses both hands equally well inside, knows positioning and just loves the game. He knows his limitations and is working hard to overcome them.
Jordan Short (Greeneville)
The first thing I noticed was Jordan's take charge attitude on the defensive end of the floor. He locked whomever he was guarding and literally took it personal when his man scored. His offensive game has flashes of brilliance, he can get hot and score deep but consistency will need to become his best friend. He has the athletic skill and ability to become a very good college player.
Jake Trotter (Walker Valley)
Steady and smart, Trotter can shoot and always leaves his underestimated opponent gawking at his better than average athletic ability. Can take his defender off the dribble in either direction and finishes close to the bucket.
David Ware (Walker Valley)
Arguably the purest stroke in the camp. Ware impressed with his ability to do other things besides only shoot. He showed leadership skills for a young squad at the camp and scored off the mid-range and going to the glass. This well rounded addition to his game will serve him well this season.
Sam Watson (Farragut)
Big, tough, hard nosed and strong as a bull, Watson controlled the glass and in a regular game would have made a living at the foul line. He has great hands and a knack for finding the ball. His dunk was one of the highlights of the camp according to onlookers. His best basketball is ahead of him, no doubt.
Others who caught our eyes:
Trenton Dunn (Cosby)
Charlie Hardrick (Heritage)
Hunter Osborne (Marshall County)
Dustin Ball (Cocke County)
Taylor Brown (Alcoa)
Jay Cannon (Knoxville Halls)
Brandon Burns (Marshall County)
Theo Collingsworth (Hancock County)
Garrett Styles (Cornersville)
Brandon Carpenter (Lenoir City)
Cody Dixon (Pigeon Forge)
Kelsey Hamlet (Upperman)
Joseph Darnell (Cornersville)
