The first real tournament of the July season is winding down and Tennessee prepsters made some serious noise in the Hoosier state this past week.

In the 17 and under division the Tennessee Travelers and Tennessee YOMCA Tigers made the trek to the Sweet 16 and the Franklin Rage finished 2-2 winning their consolation game.

The Travelers despite playing with only six players fell to the Indy Spiece team today after a nice run with a very limited roster. Kyle Teichman (Brentwood) and Jalen Steele (Fulton) stepped up huge in the final contest after having solid performances throughout the weeks action.

Joe Meady (Knoxville Carter) as mentioned in an earlier story put on quite the display and has officially moved up the charts with a bright red shiny arrow, indicating he's a must-watch recruit for the remainder of the summer.

Zaccheus Mason (CPA) was the big scorer for the Tigers as they fell in quarterfinal action to the Minnesota Magic. Mason did his best to score and keep the Tigers in the contests but seemed to force the action at times trying to overcome the key scoring options who were not in attendance at this event.

Michael Young (Franklin) and James Haddix (Franklin) scored 21 and 20 points respectively as the Franklin Rage finished up their Hoosier Shootout 2-2 with a big consolation win. Kevin Kegarise (Franklin) showed those Indiana boys they were not the only ballers who could stroke from deep with 17 in this game.

Galen Campbell (Bearden) scored 22 points as the 15 and under Travelers fell to M33M-Canada in the semi-finals. Campbell was outstanding all week showing his above average basketball IQ and scoring off the dribble or from the outside when the opportunity presented itself. Lester Wilson (Knoxville Carter) finished as the top scorer and proved he belonged among the state's elite in the Class of 2011.

Cory Billingsley (Sweetwater) scored 24 points and helped the Knoxville Panthers to a solid showing in the 15 and under portion of the Shootout. Billingsley was the leading scorer all week and certainly made notice he was on the rise in the Class of 2011 himself. The Panthers got solid efforts from Dimitrique Inman (Harriman), who was the teams defensive stopper and glue man all week, Jerrell Davis (Knoxville West) and Skylar Brown (Seymour).

The summer begins for the Nashville Celtics in the friendly confines of the University of Cincinnati with the start of the adidas Take 5 Classic.

The Celtics are the lone Tennessee representative and have much to prove this July.

Leading the charge for the 17's will be Jon Hood (Kentucky), Drew Kelly (Centennial), Casey Prather (Jackson Northside) and Drew Barham (CBHS).

This is a huge summer for these rising seniors and players like Kelly, Barham, Gregg Wooten (Braircrest Christian), Chris Reeves (Bolivar Central), Patrick Shaughnessy (Grace Baptist) and Ricky Williams (Liberty Tech) will use this period to make a name in front of coaches or solidify their status and start reaping the awards of all their hard work.

Barham has drawn a great deal of interest with his length and ability to shoot the ball. Mid-majors all over the Southeast are clamoring for his services while some high majors are seriously starting to take notice.

In the 16 and under division the Celtics will welcome back Arthur McMillan (Hillsboro). His presence should be welcomed by emerging big man Cody Henegar (Marion County), which will allow the Celts to use both players in a variety of offensive sets.

The Celtics welcome the competition with their deep and talented backcourt led by Meiko Lyles (NCA), Jay Murphy (Bolivar Central), Mitchell Hill (Cookeville) and Ish Sanders (Cleveland).

I will keep everyone updated on the event as it happens.

Some of the top high school hoopers in the land have descended upon Akron for what many feel is one of the best showcases of talent this entire summer.

The Lebron James Skills Academy is rollin this week and three Tennessee hoppers are their to show their skills.

John Jenkins (Station Camp)

The Vanderbilt signee no doubt got his invitation after a sterling performance at the NPBA Players Top 100 Camp a few weeks back. Jenkins will put his high level game to the test against some of the best in the world this week in Ohio.

 

Johnnie Williams (Braircrest Christian)

Often the less talked about member of the Braircrest state champs, Williams brings size and skill to the LBJ with alot to prove to all the coaches in attendance.

 

Ferrakohn Hall (White Station)

Atending the camp despite nursing some injuries, lets hope that Hall can get some work in before the prestigious Peach jam which begins play this Saturday.

3-0.

Thats for real!!

The Tennessee Travelers 15 and under squad is off to a rousing July start running through the Hoosier state en route to 3 victories and nary a defeat.

Lester Wilson (Knoxville Carter), Brandon Lopez (Austin East) and Galen Campbell (Bearden) have made the most of their July playing like seasoned veterans.

Staying in the 15 and under division the Knoxville Panthers behind Cory Billingsley (Sweetwater) advanced to championship round action and continue their quest for gold this evening.

The Tennessee YOMCA Tigers finsihed 2-1 in their pool play action playing without the services of three top players John Jenkins (Station Camp), who is attending the Lebron James Skills Academy and Demonte Simpson (Bearden) and Blake Jenkins (Bearden).

Zaccheus Mason (CPA) and Joshua Lee (Maplewood) were the scoring leaders for the Tigers in their second round game while Hunter Miller (CPA) took top honors in the opening bout.

The Franklin Rage started their quest at 1-1 before a big game today to see if they advance in the field. Michael Young (Franklin) dropped 19 in the losing effort and balance keyed the win with Young, James Haddix (Franklin) and Kevin Kegarise (Franklin) all scoring 10 points respectively.

Well have more info as the tourney moves along.

Zaccheus Mason (CPA) is on a mission.

Playing without a couple vital cogs in their arsenal the Tennessee YOMCA Tigers still found enough firepower to advance to the sweet 16 of the infamous Hoosier Shootout.

Mason has been a flat out beast picking up the scoring slack along with Taverres Jefferson (Ensworth) and Gabriel Campbell (Bearden).

The Tigers will hoop tomorrow afternoon and are primed to move towards the 'ship.

Kevin Kegarise (Franklin) had a monster game dropping 25 large but it wasn't enough to help the Franklin Rage advance to the championship round at the Hoosier.

Saty tuned for more action from Indiana tomorrow.

Big things are poppin in Indianapolis as my home town is hosting the prestigious Hoosier Shootout.

This time of year the cream rises to the top and that means more success for the dean of the summer scene in Tennessee, of course that means the Tennessee Travelers.

In 17 and under action the Travs, playing with only six players have finished 2nd in their pool and currently stand at 3-1 with sweet 16 action ready to commence tomorrow.

Joe Meady (Knoxville Carter) seems to have grasp the idea that he is big, strong, talented and has a very bright future. The rising senior is playing very well and has coaches scribbling his name on their notes with hopes of future contact.

Kyle Teichman (Brentwood) is opening some eyes with his steady effort and Jalen Steele (Fulton) continues his metioric rise up the national charts. The rising junior is on everyones high major recruiting lists.

The Travs also welcome the return of William Moore (Chattanooga Christian). He's been forced into action with the limited roster and is holding up well thus far. Also playing hard for the Travs Jay Reynolds (Maryville) and Steve Cook (Chattanooga Christian).

 

Hoops fans in Tennesse I want to welcome you to the Lester Wilson (Knoxville Carter) power hour. The rising sophomore dropped 28 markers and Galen Campbell (Bearden) added 18 as the 15 and under Travelers moved on to the elite eight.

Rico White (Bearden), Jordan Cross (Sullivan East) and Brandon Lopez (Austin East) have also shined in their efforts thus far in Indy.

Wilson, coming off a few very successful elite camp appearances, is playing with extreme confidence and is averaging in excess of 26 points per game thus far in the tourney.

 

The summer season starts in earnest on July 6th with the tipoff of the annual Hoosier Shootout.

One of the summers best tourneys starts the campaign off on the right foot with some serious Tennessee representation.

15 and under

Tennessee Travelers

Lester Wilson (Knoxville Carter) leads the 15 and under squad in Circle City after a month of visiting various major universities for a series of elite camps. Wilson and his backcourt sidekicks Galen Campbell (Bearden) and Brandon Lopez (Austin East) are ready to make the folks in Indy recognize.

 

Knoxville Panthers

Cory Billingsley (Sweetwater) leads the Panthers in the capital of the Hoosier state.

 

16 and under

Tennessee Travelers

Brandon Herman (Grace Baptist) begins phase two of the his summer of recognition tour with the Hoosier classic. Herman has been steady and will need inspired play from the likes of Tyler Hood (Lenoir City), Fred Sturdivant (Brainerd) and DeAngelo Williams (Spring Hill).

Tennessee Heat

17 and under

Franklin Rage

Huge event for the Franklin crew. Michael Young (Franklin) and James Haddix (Franklin) will have eyes on them all over the gym. Kevin Kegarise (Franklin), Peyton Henry (Franklin) and Daniel Miller-McLemore (Franklin) have the opportunity to raise their stock with strong performances.

Tennessee YOMCA Tigers

John Jenkins (Station Camp) may not be with the Tigers as he was selected to participate in the LeBron James Camp but the squad still has more than enough talent to make a run. The Tigers will need to step up their efforts in the second half of the summer and need the leadership from Taverres Jeffferson (Ensworth) and Zaccheus Mason (CPA). Blake Jenkins (Bearden), Demonte Simpson (Bearden) and Joshua Lee (Maplewood) have the opportunity to put themselves on another level with standout performances.

Tennessee Travelers

Jalen Steele (Fulton) will make certain that coaches align the sidelines when the Travelers suit up in Indy. The Fulton rising junior is brimming with confidence and his teammates will reap the benefits of his success. James Gallman (Fulton), Robert Wade (Maplewood) and Joe Meady (Knoxville Carter) will look to take advantage of the opportunities coming their way.

Chattanooga Thunder

Nashville Celtics-Green

Tennessee Thunder

TGAND Express

 

 

 Franklin Rage

Schedule:

Hoosier Shootout (July 6-9) Indianapolis, IN

AAU Super Showcase (July 23-26) Orlando, FL

AAU Division I National Championships (July 26-31) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Michael Young (Franklin)

Michael Haddix (Franklin)

Kevin Kegarise (Franklin)

Austin Pace (Franklin)

Peyton Henry (Franklin)

 

Mid-State Ballerz East

Schedule:

Big Shots (July 11-13) Myrtle Beach,SC

Peach State Summer Showcase (July 13-15) Augusta, GA

AAU Division I National Championships (July 26-31) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Trey Caruthers (Harpeth)

Tyler Edwards (Oakland)

Tevin Crayton (Humboldt)

Dustin Craig (Bearden)

Marlin Dotson (Liberty Tech)

 

Nashville Celtics

Schedule:

adidas It Takes 5 (July 6-8) Cincinnati.OH

Battle at the Bluff (July 11-13) Memphis, TN

adidas Super 64 (July 22-26) Las Vegas, NV

Top Players:

Jon Hood (Kentucky)

Casey Prather (Jackson Northside)

Drew Kelly (Centennial)

Drew Barham (CBHS)

Gregg Wooten (Braircrest Christian)

 

Team Nashville

Schedule:

AAU Super Showcase (July 23-26) Orlando, FL

AAU Division I National Championships (July 26-31) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Adrian Williamson (Hume Fogg)

Jonathan Williams (Rossview)

Marquis Rudolph (Clarksville Northwest)

Terrence Davis (Antioch)

 

Tennessee Travelers

Schedule:

Hoosier Shootout (July 6-9) Indianapolis, IN

Harley Davidson Jam Fest (July 16-18) Morganton, WV

AAU Super Showcase (July 23-27) Orlando, FL

Price Chopper Invitational (July 28-31) Kansas City, MO

Top Players:

James Gallman (Fulton)

Robert Wade (Maplewood)

Joe Meady (Knoxville Carter)

Jalen Steele (Fulton)

Stephen Cook (Chattanooga Christian)

 

Mid-State Ballerz North

Schedule:

Big Shots (July 11-13) Myrtle Beach,SC

Peach State Summer Showcase (July 13-15) Augusta, GA

AAU Division I National Championships (July 26-31) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Derrick Walker (Covington)

Ashlon Adams (Science Hill)

Jamarious Alderson (Calrksville Northeast)

Eric Mosley (Indiana)

Josh Odom (Science Hill)

 

Memphis YOMCA

Schedule:

Nike Peach Jam (July 12-16) Augusta, GA

AAU Super Showcase (July 24-27) Orlando, FL

AAU Division I National Championships (July 27-31) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Leslie McDonald (Braircrest Christian)

Ferrakohn Hall (White Station)

Ian Clark (Germantown)

Johnnie Williams (Braircrest Christian)

Marlon Brown (Harding Academy)

 

M33M Ballerz-Memphis

Schedule:

Battle at the Bluff (July 11-13) Memphis, TN

adidas Super 64 (July 22-26) Las Vegas, NV

Tourney in Los Angeles

Top Players:

Christian Watford (Alabama)

Tim Peete (Memphis Central)

Sampson Carter (Ridgeway)

Mardracus Wade (Mitchell)

 

Memphis Pacers

Schedule:

Battle at the Bluff (July 11-13) Memphis, TN

Top Players:

Joe Jackson (White Station)

Tarik Black (Ridgeway)

Zach Jones (Craigmont)

 

Tennessee YOMCA Tigers

Schedule:

Hoosier Shootout (July 6-9) Indianapolis, IN

Kentucky Hoop Fest (July 9-13) Louisville, KY

Battle at the Bluff (July 13-15) Mmephis, TN

AAU Super Showcase (July 23-27) Orlando, FL

AAU Division I National Championships (July 26-31) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

John Jenkins (Station Camp)

Zaccheus Mason (CPA)

Demonte Simpson (Bearden)

Hunter Miller (CPA)

Blake Jenkins (Bearden)

 

Memphis Hoopers

Schedule:

Battle at the Bluff (July 13-15) Memphis, TN

Top Players:

Reginald Buckner (Manassas)

John David Little (Mississippi)

Tonye Smith (Progressive Christian)

Josh Wilkerson (Progressive Christian)

 

Mid-State Ballerz South

Schedule:

Atlantic Slam (July 9-10) Myrtle Beach, SC

Big Shots (July 11-13) Myrtle Beach, SC

Peach State Summer Showcase (July 13-15) Augusta, GA

AAU Division I National Championships (July 26-31) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Nathan Parker (Bearden)

Skylar McBee (Grainger)

Chase Jones (Austin East)

Travai Pryor (Austin East)

Deonte Alexander (Glencliff)

16 And Under:

Tennessee Travelers

Schedule:

Hoosier Shootout (July 6-9) Indianapolis, IN

Harley Davidson Triple S Jam Fest (July 16-18) Morgantown, WV

AAU Super Showcase (July 21-24) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Brandon Herman (Grace Baptist)

Fred Sturdivant (Brainerd)

Dwight Trawater (Knoxville Webb)

Tyler Hood (Lenoir City)

DeAngelo Wiliams (Spring Hill)

 

YOMCA Memphis Bulldogs

Schedule:

Nike Peach Jam (July 12-16) Augusta, GA

AAU Super Showcase (July 21-24) Orlando, FL

AAU Division I National Championships (July 25-30) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Julian Burton (White Station)

Ronald Brown (Raleigh-Egypt)

Tyler Stone (Memphis Central)

Nicholas Mason (Fairley)

Marquis Wilson (Wooddale)

 

Nashville Celtics

Schedule:

adidas It Takes 5 (July 6-8) Cincinnati, OH

Battle at the Bluff (July 12-16) Memphis, TN

adidas Super 64 (July 22-26) Las Vegas, NV

Top Players:

Ish Sanders (Cleveland)

Mitchell Hill (Cookeville)

Cody Henegar (Marion County)

Meiko Lyles (NCA)

Jay Murphy (Bolivar Central)

 

Mid-State Ballerz West

Schedule:

Big Shots Myrtle Beach (July 11-13) Myrtle Beach, SC

Peach State Summer Showcase (July 13-15) Augusta, GA

AAU Division I National Championships (July 24-30) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Demarius Smith (Kenwood)

Thomas Greer (West Carroll)

Kaneal Windon (JCM)

Tarius Johnson (Liberty Tech)

Cordaro Williams (Liberty Tech)

 

Mid-State Ballerz

Schedule:

Hoopz Summer Shootout (July 18-20) Clarksville, TN

Top Players:

E.J. Perry (Westmoreland)

Danterio Dansby (Cheatham County)

Tyler Smith (Union County)

Jujuan Blalock (Liberty Tech)

 

Tennessee Tigers

Schedule:

Kentucky Hoopfest (July 9-13) Louisville, KY

AAU Division I National Championships (July 24-30) Orlando, FL

Top Players:

Justin Claybrook (Hume Fogg)

David Sanders (MLK)

David Woodard (East Robertson)

Reggie Gilmore (Tyner Academy)

Deshawn Kizer (Lexington)

 

Tennessee Trailblazers

Schedule:

Hoosier Shootout (July 6-9) Indianapolis, IN

Top Players:

Cameron Langley (Maryville)

Dylan Powers (Lenoir City)

Zach Witherspoon (Oak Ridge)

Micah Ballard (William Blount)