Class of 2019 Debutants: Part I
By updating and expanding the Class of 2019 rankings in December @PrepHoopsTN justifiably added many new players to the list.
Many of the players added originated from out of state and now compete with a Tennessee High School team. Several play for a prep school (TPA).
Half of the newly-ranked players are listed and explored below.
Brandon Nicholas (Tennessee Prep Academy) #18
Formerly an Alabama-based hooper, Brandon Nicholas joined TPA early in December. Since that time, Nicholas proved he is a physical multi-faceted scorer.
Elijah Cobb (Riverdale) #21
We have raved about Elijah for the last two months. With more fire and consistency he could be a top 15 player and D-1 teams will recruit him in the coming months.
Willie Wilson (Ridgeway) #22
Both Wilson and Simmie Jones moved into Memphis from Mississippi for their junior seasons. Wilson plays with a soft touch around the rim. He projects as a college 3/4.
Traizon Byrd (Tennessee Prep Academy) #23
Byrd’s lefty shot helps TPA expand defenses. He can catch fire, but needs to add more elements to his arsenal.
#24 Alec Kegler (Northeast)Alec Kegler (Clarksville Northeast) #25
Kegler thrives as a wing for a very successful Northeast Eagle team. He might be a college wing. If that materializes Kegler needs to improve his handle.
Simmie Jones III (Whitehaven) #31
Another Mississippi-native, Simmie Jones III gives Whitehaven a sharpshooter with the ability to help on press breaking. Jones III also gives stars Cameron Jones (Jacksonville State) and Matthew Murrell (2020) a complimentary scoring option.
Ques Glover (Bearden) #32
Bearden’s wonderful season has many authors, but typically the scoring leader Glover gets the media shine. Look for a recruiting story on Ques in the coming week.
Bobo Hodges (Maplewood) #36
Toughness and leadership are invaluable intangibles that Bobo Hodges exudes. Hodges (pictured above) doesn’t have the height of older brother Bo Hodges (ETSU), but he batters defenses with shoulders and grit. According to Maplewood’s coaching staff Bobo still hasn’t decided if he wants to pursue college football or basketball.
Nazair Holland (Tennessee Prep Academy #40
The length of the lanky forward vaulted him up the charts. You can’t teach height and most college coaches would rather gamble on a taller player than thrive with a shorter player. The New York native can shoot a little and looks like a post defender…if he ever adds the needed bulk.
Anthony Jones (Humboldt) #41
The 6-foot-5 forward reminds with tenacity. He might be a tweener at the college level. Team Thad 16u relied upon him Summer 2017 for offensive rebounding and toughness.
Continue to Class of 2019 Debutants: Part II, also a FREE read.