Tennessee’s Late Season Riser’s list Recap:4
Christopher Nix, 6’8, PF, Class 2018, Hillwood High School, is simply a beast in the paint. Standing 6’8, in the paint, Nix has emerged as one of the best big men in the State of Tennessee. He’s averaging 20 Ppg., 10 Rbp., 3 Apg., and 3 Bpg. Nix, is simply a double-double machine putting up a season best 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks versus a tough, John Howard, Jr., and the Cane Ridge Raptors earlier this season. He commands the paint, has great footwork and simply makes his opponents shoot more jump shots then attacking the basket when he’s in the game. Nix, will have to put on muscle as he moves to the next level, but he is ready to show coaches at the next level what he can offer a program. When speaking with coaches at the next level about Nix, they all say that with a little seasoning, this kid could be special. Nix is truly a D1 mid major type player with an opportunity to push that to a high D1 offer by the end of the season. Current schools of interest are W. Virginia and offers from Tennessee State, Lincoln Memorial, W. Carolina and Florida Atlantic
Alex Harrison, 6’3, SG, Class 2018, Springhill High School, has the ability to fill it up quickly. Harrison, who’s the shooting duo with Justin Oden, Springhill High School, makes for an easy offense when he’s on the floor. Harrison is currently averaging 12.9 Ppg., 4 Rpg., 4 Apg., 2 Spg, and shooting better than 43% behind the 3-point line. Harrison, not only has deep range on his jumper, but he isn’t afraid to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. Coaches are going to love this kid because whether he’s in transition or coming off a ball screen, he is a catch and shoot player. He’s not afraid to take the game winning shot and because he shoots so well, it allows Springhill to stay competitive in a very tough district. He is showing interest from D-1 JUCO’s and NAIA schools
Auston Thomas, 6’4 Wing, Class 2018, Hillwood High School, plays multiple positions for the Hilltoppers. Thomas, not only has the ability to finish at the rim, but can put the ball on the floor and find open teammates in transition. Thomas is currently averaging 15.5% Ppg., 9.5 Rbp., 4.5 Apg, 2 Spg. He can be a nightmare to the defense and has great accuracy on his jumper. Playing along side of Christopher Nix, who draws many doubles throughout the game, Thomas is the benefactor of kick outs and open opportunities. You must box him out because he is active around the glass and picks up a lot of garbage points. Currently, Thomas is showing interest from D1 JUCO’s, NAIA’s and a few D1 mid majors.
Dennis Stallings, Jr. 6’4, Combo Guard, Class 2018, Whites Creek High School. Stallings, Jr. is the most underrated recruit in this class, and he’s out to prove that he’s the best. He is currently averaging 22 Ppg., 8 Apg., 6Rpg., and 3 Spg.. Stallings, Jr. was voted MVP, All Tournament and All-District teams this year. He’s played against big time kids like McDonald’s All-American Darius Garland and South Carolina’s, Zion Williamson. Stallings, Jr. is a southpaw and when he gets going, he’s a tough customer. He has range and can shoot the 3 ball, and when he attacks the basket, if you are not defensively sound, the kid will make you pay for your mistake. He is a definite D1 mid-major to high D1 player. Stallings, Jr. is looking to put the Creek (Whites Creek HS) on his back and make another deep run at a Class AA State Title run. Coaches if this kid is not on your recruiting list, you are missing out on a gem. Where ever Stallings, Jr. decides to play college basketball, the coaching staff will get a steal, but if he doesn’t get the look that he wants, Stallings, Jr. is considering a top ranked prep school.
John Howard, Jr., 6’1 PG, Class 2018, Cane Ridge High School, is the motor behind the uptempo charged Ravens offense. He’s averaging 14.9 Ppg., 4 Rpg., 4 Apg., and 2 Spg. Howard, Jr. is a solid PG and a great floor general. He has helped to keep Cane Ridge boys basketball team in the drivers seat of 12 AAA conference play as they head into the 2018 state tournament. If Howard, Jr. can have a strong appearance in District and Regionals, they have a great shot of making it to the state finals. If they can make a big push, Howard, Jr. might have the opportunity to play Penny Hardaway’s, East Memphis HS, for the state title. Boy would that be a treat. Howard, Jr. is strong with the ball, shoots well from the field and can step back and knock down the 3 ball. The best part about his game is the ability to sit down defensively and lock up the opponents best ball handler. He has current interest from several D-1 JUCO’s.
Kaleb Mack, 6’4, Combo Guard, Class 2018, checks in from Alabama and Sparkman High School. Mack, the 6’4, Combo Guard has great skills, and at his height, he’s hard to guard in transition or within the halfcourt for his opponents. Mack is currently averaging 15Ppg., 7Rpg., 5 Apg., 3 Bpg., and was awarded All-Tournament team for the Times Daily holiday tournament. He attacks the basket with vengeance and scores at a high percentage from mid range. If unguarded, Mack will step back to the 3point and knock it down. He has faced great talent such as nationally ranked Alabama product, Kira Lewis and several others. The best part of Mack’s game is his defense. He hawks the ball and because of his size, he can guard the 1,2 and 3 positions. Mack is very competitive and college coaches are going to simpy love this guy. Mack is a D-1, High D-2, playe, and his Schools of interest are Iowa St., Mercer, Georgia St. Sneed St., W. Michigan, and Freed Harriman. Coach Avery Johnson, please don’t let this guy get away from the University of Alabama. Mack is a keeper.