TSSAA Class AAA: Unsung heroes Part 1
Last week, I listed the top guards in the TSSAA Class AAA. Now, let’s turn to the players who will play an important reserve role. You know, those guys that dive for the loose balls. You know, those guys that…
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Continue ReadingLast week, I listed the top guards in the TSSAA Class AAA. Now, let’s turn to the players who will play an important reserve role.
You know, those guys that dive for the loose balls. You know, those guys that get important stops at crucial points of the game. You know, those guys that give their teams a spark on both ends of the court. You know, those guys that do the small things. I call them unsung heroes.
There are plenty of them in 3A, so this is just part one, meaning I’m just getting started. As of right now, I have 10 players who should be able to fill the role of an unsung hero.
Here are the 10:
Jaylin Lucas, Bartlett: The 6-foot-4 forward will be asked to be a leader for the Panthers this season since he’s one of the seniors on the team. Lucas is one of the most athletic players on the team. He’s an energy guy. Lucas dives for the loose balls. He rebounds, and he plays defense. Lucas will light a fire into Bartlett on both ends of the court this upcoming season.
Jordan Hamilton, Cordova: The junior wing can shoot the basketball. Many people don’t know about Hamilton, but he’s going to help the Wolfpack spread the floor and score a lot of points. Hamilton, 6-4, will make some big shots for Cordova this upcoming season.
Rodney Mason II, Bartlett: Here’s another senior that will need to lead the Panthers to a successful season. Mason II, 6-5, has been working on playing on the perimeter, and he will get his chance under head coach Dion Real at times during the season. Mason II will be called upon to play at the center position. He will also be called upon to be one of the team’s top scorers. Let’s hope he’s ready for it.
Will Farris, Bartlett: I attended the Panthers’ practice on Tuesday of this week, and coach Real mentioned how much potential Farris has. He just has to be pushed to play at a high level. Bartlett’s backcourt will lack experience, so Farris, 6-0, will have to lead the way. The junior can shoot from long range. He has speed. Farris just has to put all of his offensive capabilities together and be big time for the Panthers.
Ricky Lofties, Bartlett: The 6-2 guard is back where he was as a freshman and sophomore. The senior can shoot the 3 and will need to make a lot of them this upcoming season. Lofties was brought in to make shots. Real has been pleased with his flow in the offense since the school year started. Hopefully, it will carry over into the season.
Devine Owens, Whitehaven: The 6-4 senior forward will not be asked to score points this upcoming season with Jesse Payne, Kavion McClain and Alvin Miles in the backcourt. He will just need to rebound and play defense. Owens did those two things last season.
Chris McKnight, Arlington: McKnight isn’t a great shooter nor is he a solid ball handler. At 6-5, he will help the Tigers with rebounding and being a mentor to a core of young players that have aspirations of playing deep into the postseason. McKnight experienced a small amount of success last season at Raleigh-Egypt.
Jason Coleman, Overton: Coleman’s mid-range jump shot has improved. He has gotten stronger, and he has a better understanding of the game than some of his teammates. First year head coach Shelvie Rose will rely heavily on Coleman to lead this team to wins.
Anterrio Jeffries, Overton: The 6-6 forward will be a huge help for the Wolverines. Jeffries can run the floor and knows how to finish in transition. He plays well with his back to the basket. Jeffries’ skillset along with Coleman will help change the culture at Overton.
Calvin Jennings, Cordova: Jennings is a 6-3 bulldog. He’s very physical and plays bigger than his size. Jennings can play on the wing and can be used at the power forward spot if he’s needed at times throughout the season. By the end of this year, a lot of people will know about Jennings.