Memphis in May Invitational: Sunday’s Top Performers
I spent most of my Sunday at Collierville High School, sprinting between three gyms to watch competitive basketball. Let’s just say I came away impressed with the Tennessee prospects. Monday, which is Memorial Day, will mark the final day of…
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Continue ReadingI spent most of my Sunday at Collierville High School, sprinting between three gyms to watch competitive basketball.
Let’s just say I came away impressed with the Tennessee prospects.
Monday, which is Memorial Day, will mark the final day of the event, but I’m not sure if it will top the action from Sunday.
Here are the top performers from Sunday’s action of the Memphis in May Invitational.
2022
Chandler Jackson Chandler Jackson 6'5" | CG Christian Brothers | 2022 State #87 Nation TN , Team Thad 17U: The 6-5 combo guard didn’t play in the second half of his team’s 81-66 win over D1 Minnesota 3SSB due to an injury, but he started the game off getting to his spots in the paint. In a two-minute span, Jackson scored six of his eight points off face-up elbow jumpers. Thad’s opponent couldn’t keep Jackson out of the paint as he was finding a rhythm early on. He went just 4 for 10 from the field and had two assists in 15 minutes of action.
Tyler Byrd Tyler Byrd 6'3" | SF Tipton-Rosemark Academy | 2022 State TN , Team Thad 17U: Byrd had the highlight of the game with a one-handed dunk over one of the bigs for D1 Minnesota 3SSB. The 6-3 small forward also powered himself into the paint and went 9 for 10 from the field to lead his team with 19 points to go along with five rebounds. Byrd showed progression from an offensive standpoint, as he knocked down a couple of 15-foot jump shots. A consistent jump shot will take Byrd’s game up a notch.
Phil Dotson Phil Dotson 5'11" | SG Collierville | 2022 State TN , Hoop City Elite 17U: This is the first time I watched Dotson play an entire game at point guard. It’s the position he has to play if he wants to play Division 1 basketball. Dotson put forth the effort in a 71-46 loss to D1 Minnesota 3SSB. He made solid reads to open teammates, took shots when they were there and called out plays from the top of the key. Dotson had 26 points. If he continues to work at mastering the position, Dotson gives himself a chance for success at a position he has no other choice to play at this point of his high school basketball career.
2023
Jordan Frison Jordan Frison 6'0" | PG Overton | 2023 State TN , Hoop City Elite 16U: Frison played in the opening minutes of a 73-55 win over Team Brothers. The 5-10 guard came out aggressive offensively, knocking down shots from the perimeter and put in a running floater. It’s been a year since I have seen Frison. His growth spurt is a plus. His ball handles have improved. Frison has always played with heart, while wearing a chip on his shoulder. I’m eager to see his fiery defensive stance at some point.
2024
Christian Gilliland, Team Thad 15U: Gilliland had 23 points in a 63-62 overtime win over D1 Minnesota 3SSB. Gilliland attacked, attacked and attacked the rim. That’s what he does best. Slashing is his strength. This is the best I have seen Gilliland play. Adding a consistent jump shot will make a more reliable, dangerous offensive option for Thad.
Emerson Tenner, Team Thad 15U: Tenner had only seven points against D1 Minnesota 3SSB. At 5-9, Tenner is one of the most gifted offensive players in the class, but his defensive effort stood out the most. As both teams traded scoring blows in the waning minutes of overtime, one of the programs had to make one or two defensive stops. Tenner’s on-ball defensive manipulated the opposing team’s ball movement.
Cooper Haynes Cooper Haynes 6'3" | SG Briarcrest Christian | 2024 State TN , Team Thad 15U: Haynes had 23 points in the win and made a big 3 in overtime to put his team up for good and came up with the loose ball in the waning seconds to seal the win. Haynes plays with fire, intensity and a winning attitude. He made the go-ahead 3 with confidence and stayed poised on the defensive end to get the one stop to seal the win.