15 players who are important to their teams’ postseason run
In postseason play, the best players from each team have to step up if that team’s postseason run wants to end with a state championship. Two days ago via Twitter, I received a lot of help from people on who…
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Continue ReadingIn postseason play, the best players from each team have to step up if that team’s postseason run wants to end with a state championship.
Two days ago via Twitter, I received a lot of help from people on who are the most important players for their teams’ postseason run. At first, I was only going to put together a top 10 list, but expanding the list to 15 was needed.
Most of these players I have seen throughout the course of the 2018 season, while some I have yet to see, but I have heard good things about them.
Here are the 15 players who are important to their teams’ postseason run:
Luke Howard, Harding Academy – At 6-foot-9, Howard is a tough matchup. His athleticism gives him the ability to play multiple positions. Howard can put the basketball on the floor and knock down the long ball. The Lions will need Howard to be big time in every game.
Chandler Lawson, Wooddale – The Oregon commit has done his job since day one of the season. Lawson is a walking double-double. He’s been a mismatch for a lot of teams this season. Lawson is a point forward who can pick his spots on the floor. If Lawson plays well in the postseason, the Cardinals are going to be in the mix for the 2A state championship.
Alex Anderson, Tipton-Rosemark Academy – The sophomore forward proved this season that he’s capable of carrying the Rebels on his back to a victory. Anderson did it Tuesday night against Lausanne, scoring 25 points en route to the 56-51 victory over the Lynx in the Division II-A West Region Tournament.
Andrew Anderson, Tipton-Rosemark Academy – The South Alabama commit is a scoring point guard, but the pressure is off of him, thanks to the emergence of Alex Anderson. But, Andrew will still need to be one of the Rebels’ double-digit scorers in every postseason game. He had 11 against Lausanne. Andrew will need to play well against FACS Friday night.
Ques Glover, Knoxville Bearden – Glover is one of the toughest, undersized point guards in the state of Tennessee. His heart is unteachable. He’s a player who plays hard from the beginning to the end. Glover gives the Bulldogs a great chance of playing into March.
Matthew Murrell, Whitehaven – The 6-3 combo guard is the engine for the Tigers. Whitehaven will go as far as Murrell will be able to take them. Murrell had 12 points in the Tigers’ 62-41 win over White Station Wednesday night to setup a third meeting this season against Memphis East in the 3-A 16 District title game.
Keon Johnson, Webb Bell Buckle – The 6-5 wing seems to be able to do everything on the floor. He’s another mismatch for opponents. Johnson’s defense gets overlooked by his offensive gift.
Reese Glover, Franklin – The Missouri Western State commit is one of the best sharpshooters in the state of Tennessee. Glover can’t be left open and even if he’s face guarded, Glover is swift enough to get create enough space between he and his defender to get a good look at the rim.
Kennedy Chandler, Briarcrest – Chandler is the best sophomore point guard in the state of Tennessee at the moment. He impacts the game on both ends of the court. His style of play is similar to Chris Paul.
Randy Brady, Brentwood Academy – The sophomore forward is one of the top players in the 2021 class. Solid performances in the postseason will help his stock a lot.
Antavion Collum, Bartlett – The backcourt for the Panthers has been carrying them all season long, but Collum will need to emerge before the regional tournament. The Ole Miss commit has been up and down this season. A lot of his outside jump shots haven’t been falling. But a 30-point, 10-rebound performance against Cordova on Senior Night could be a sign for Collum to dominate in the postseason.
Tyson Banks, Tipton-Rosemark Academy – Banks just needs to take care of the basketball and knock down his free throw attempts. He went 6 for 13 from the charity stripe against Lausanne Tuesday night.
Calvin Temple, Center Hill – The IUPUI commit has been a double-digit scorer all season for Center Hill. If the Mustangs want a district championship and a trip to Jackson, Mississippi, Temple will have to lead the charge.
Kenneth Lewis, Center Hill – Alongside Temple, Lewis will have to put up big numbers in postseason play. The Mustangs came close to beating Olive Branch on its Senior Night because the backcourt played well. Lewis, Temple, and one more double-digit scorer may be scary in the 5A District Championship game against the ‘Quistors Friday night.
Jacobi Wood, Cleveland – The 6-2 combo guard is a sniper on the offensive end. An off night from Wood could mean his team’s season will end early.