Notes on AAA Game
Check back periodically throughout the Class AAA Championships for the best statewide coverage.
Here is a periscope link to my videos throughout the game. There will be sprinklings of LIVE coverage along with some things you don’t get to see ordinarily like postgame presser, the fans, coach in-game reactions. Enjoy. https://www.periscope.tv/PrepHoopsTN/1YpKkEpPqZYJj
PREGAME
- Whitehaven Head Coach Faragi Phillips got a sweat-inducing workout in this morning at Middle Tennessee State University gym. He wrapped about 45 minutes before the contest.
- Cameron Jones (Whitehaven) is nearing 90%, maybe higher. Remember Cameron missed a game earlier this month with an ankle injury. I watched him get it taped at 12:15 PM. I would label it lightly taped, but they strapped the layer below the heel up to the sides and above his ankle. He definitely lacks a little mobility off his best. Jones is verbally committed to Jacksonville State University as a member of the Class of 2018. He is one of three basketball players in this game committed to a college. Both Alex Lomax (Wichita State) and Ryan Boyce (UAB) are signed.
- Matthew Murrell will not play (left arm). He is absolutely one of the three best sophomores in the state.
- James Wiseman (PrepHoops national #4) had his ankles wrapped pregame. His mobility is closer to his peak than Cameron Jones.
- Jonathan Duncan (Whitehaven) will not play (foot). He was a minor contributor most of the year. He has been injured a lot, according to WHS Assistant Coach.
- With a win Memphis East will be the winningest boys basketball program in Tennessee history. Entering today’s game they are tied with Brentwood Academy with 8 Championships. They won last year. And the year before.
- Whitehaven claims two state championships, their last coming in 1985.
STARTERS
WG Cameron Jones
PG Alvin Miles
SG Jesse Payne
PF Anthony Whitmore
C Latrell Carter
PG Alex Lomax
SF Chandler Lawson
SF Ryan Boyce
C James Wiseman
PF Malcolm Dandridge
James Wiseman pulled down his first offensive rebound just 38 seconds in to the Championship Game.
All three Whitehaven frontline players picked up two fouls in the first half. In fact, star wing forward Cameron Jones earned his third, a tricky call…on a charge while trying to beat the press. It was a push-off, I guess.
Pivotal moment!! James Wiseman earns his fourth foul. Then you see some live 3rd quarter action of play followed by Anthony Whitmore picking up his fifth personal foul!
https://www.periscope.tv/PrepHoopsTN/1lPKqnzMwMNGb
Alvin Miles coaxed a foul out of nowhere. He did the head kick back. Chandler Lawson (not the guy whistled) said, "C'mon ref. Damn (under breath)." 43-34. The game has speeded up incredibly. Cameron Jones earned his 4th foul!!! Wow. We will not see the best guys.
— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) March 17, 2018
44-34 Memphis East grabs another ten-point lead. It is approximately their third time entering the double figure leading life space.
50-37 after Smith of Whitehaven slashes for an easy layup. 50-37 East leads. Wiseman can comeback at some point with four fouls. Anthony Whitmore cannot.
Kavion McClain gives Whitehaven some hope with 7:23 to play in the game. McClain has eight points. Since late in the third quarter Head Coach Faragi Phillips is riding with Cameron Jones (four fouls). It is a tightrope walk that Coach Phillips knows to be necessary.
50-40 Memphis East leads with 7:23 to play in the basketball game.
Memphis East put together a 28-13 second half since Whitehaven closed it up to 31-30 early in the second quarter.
Chandler Lawson tech. That is the third technical so far. To be clear Ryan Boyce, Chandler Lawson, and Alvin Miles (Whitehaven) all received technical foul calls on that single play. Because the Lawson/Miles fouls offset, WHS got two free throws for the additional tech. They made both and received the basketball back. Then the Tigers made a layup. It was a big swing.
This is a WILD game. Whitehaven is down 11. The only reason I think they have a chance is East is facing so many bizarre obstacles. Techs, foul outs, injuries, the Penny to Memphis news, and expectations. It is a lot. Don't look for Boyce or Lomax to return. 3:10 left.
— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) March 17, 2018