Top Performers: NXT LVL Nashville (Thursday)
Thursday was a make or break day for a handful of teams. Losing two games in a row drains teams emotionally. For four teams Thursday represented a chance to advance in the Loser’s Bracket and a chance to erase that sour taste from losing Wednesday.
Facing the concerning circumstances several players excelled.
2018 F Cameron Jones (Whitehaven)
Tiger senior Cameron Jones played really sharp Wednesday night. The zone crumbled as soon as Jones found the lynchpin in deep. Jones’ touch in the paint excites fans and coaches alike. Jacksonville State is getting a springy, active forward.
202o WG Matthew Murrell (Whitehaven)
Outside of Darius Garland, Mattew Murrell is undeniably the greatest prospect in the field. His ceiling might be higher than Garland’s in time. Few work harder than Darius, but Murrell emanates an incredible natural athleticism. Already strong and sturdy the sophomore can grow into something special. He scored 18 points in the win. Murrell projects as a college shooting guard.
2018 G Bryce Smith (Hopkinsville)
It was a woeful outing for Hopkinsville, but Bryce Smith scored 10 points and only committed two turnovers. In all, Hopkinsville coughed up 24 turnovers. Bryce was more composed with the basketball. He also collected two steals and hit two triples.
2019 G Herbert Booker (Oak Ridge)
Facing a guard-driven Baptist Prep squad, Booker managed to score 16 points on 7-11 shooting. The nine rebounds he collected mattered too. Booker’s composure on the basketball compliments Levert Smith.
2018 Seth Caldwell (Oak Ridge)
Despite his future in baseball, Seth Caldwell can be a gnat on the glass at this level. Caldwell keeps racking up 8+ rebound nights. Against Baptist Prep, Caldwell scored 13 points and collected three rebounds and three steals.
2018 PG Levert Smith (Oak Ridge)
It was not a prolific scoring night for Levert Smith. Smith recorded just seven points, but his four assists and composure filters down to all teammates.
2018 PG Isaac McBride (Baptist Prep)
Baptist Prep tends to lean on Isaac McBride. The unsigned senior took 20 shots to score 27 points. Quick off the floor, McBride projects as a D1 college player with excellent upper body strength.
2019 G Coleman Boyd (Mt. Bethel)
Boyd emerged as perhaps the brightest surprise of the event.
WOW, 2019 G Coleman Boyd (@PrepHoopsGA) can shoot off the dribble. Magnificent quickness into J. 45-35 @theBAhoops up late 2Q.
— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) December 29, 2017
2018 G Cameron Johnson (Brentwood Academy)
According to Brentwood Academy Head Coach Hubie Smith, Johnson is still rusty. Imagining the senior in pristine form is downright scary. Johnson definitely turns the ball over too much, but his quickness dispatches of defenders. Johnson imposes a heightened toughness on the basketball game.
2018 G Darius Garland (Brentwood Academy)
Every year Darius Garland worked on a new skill, to develop his game further. The latest wrinkle Garland added is the off-hand finish. When he meets an imposing blocker Garland holds mid-air and then offers left-handed. The unexpected hand-change works. Garland’s quickness with the ball gets better by the month. His court vision sparkles.