Tennessee Prep Academy High School Team Preview
Tennessee Prep Academy expanded its operations in 2017. They moved from one post-graduate team to two and strengthened the high school program. TPA President and HS Head Coach Harold Rayford Jr. discussed the squad with PrepHoops.com.
Take a look at the “National High School Team” roster.
1 | Antavion Collum | PG | JR | 6’8 | Memphis, TN |
2 | Jalen Lee | G-F | SR | 6’7 | Atlanta, GA |
3 | Tristan Jones | G | F | 6’4 | Memphis, TN |
5 | Thomas Gilmore | G | SR | 6’5 | Pittsburgh, PA |
10 | Tyrese Patterson | G | SR | 6’2 | Harlem, NY |
11 | Traizon Byrd | G | Jr | 6’7 | Huntsville, AL |
14 | Todd Greene | F | SR | 6’6 | Bronx, NY |
22 | Shawn Cornelius | C | SR | 6’10 | Houston, TX |
24 | Nasair Holland | G | SR | 6’6 | Newburgh, NY |
Antavion Collum leaps off the page, and should be considered one of the top five in 2019. Like James Wiseman and Chandler Lawson, Collum will have to make a few mistakes to avoid the National Basketball Association.
Head Coach Harold Rayford Jr. loves Shawn Cornelius. The lanky center landed a Northern Illinois offer late last month. He will start and play as much as his fitness allows.
“High major athleticism,” suggests Coach Rayford Jr. “I like Shawn because he is versatile, especially defensively. He can guard 1-5 even though he is a legit 6-foot-10. He gets low enough on defense that he can guard smaller guards and he is athletic enough to defend them.”
Shawn Cornelius was introduced to PHT readers at that time with a feature story.
Thomas Gilmore remains a prototypical shooting guard. He is picking up the minutiae of the game quickly. Bounce isn’t a problem for Gilmore. Look for him to provide slashing.
“(Thomas) is probably one of my better defenders,” said Coach Rayford Jr. “High motor. He is going to play various roles. My team is very versatile. Depending on matchups he may start. Other times he may come off the bench to give us that spark. He is an energy guy.”
LeMoyne-Owen College offered Thomas Gilmore.
Blessed with 6-foot-7 frame, wing Traizon Byrd earned a Tennessee Tech offer late in September. The baby of the team, freshman Tristan Jones picked up a Mississippi Valley State offer.
That’s my Youngin & He bout that Action 🦍! https://t.co/k8GwAbXxs8
— Tyrese Patterson (@Reeseway__) October 5, 2017
Coach Rayford Jr. raves about Tristan Jones.
“He is probably one of the better ninth graders int he state of Tennessee,” said Coach Rayford Jr. “This is the first ninth grader I have put on my high school team. It is a big deal.”
It will be interesting to see what TPA gets from Class of 2018 wing Jalen Lee. He came to Tennessee from Atlanta by the way of Queens, New York.
The Veteran
Look for Tyrese Patterson to slowly build some recruiting momentum as the season progresses. Still lanky he is finding his way around the arc. The body is a little behind his mind, but as he physically matures there is college potential there.
“This is Tyrese’s third year in my program,” said Coach Rayford Jr. “He is from Harlem, New York. He has that NY-style of the game. This is a big year for him.”
Patterson is growing into a larger role this season. His ability to score will help him see more minutes. Playing under Coach Rayford Jr. for two years already places him in a natural leadership role during practices and outside the gym.
He knows what to expect and can impart that on teammates.
“He has interest from a few schools in the OVC,” said Coach Rayford Jr. “Tennessee Tech really lieks him. UT Chatt really likes him. They will be coming back out. Slender 6’3″ kid. Do I take a chance or watch him develop? He is going to get an offer. That is the least of my concerns.”
Starting in December TPA and Coach Rayford Jr. will engage in the GRIND Session.