AA Sectionals Players to Watch: Part I
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Read about the key players in each Class AA matchup from Tennessee’s eastern half. Alcoa vs. Tyner Academy The [player_tooltip player_id="1121414" first="Jahvin" last="Carter"] Experience You already know Jahvin Carter Jahvin Carter 6'2" | PG Alcoa | 2024 State #214 Nation…
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Continue ReadingRead about the key players in each Class AA matchup from Tennessee’s eastern half.
Alcoa vs. Tyner Academy
You already know Jahvin Carter Jahvin Carter 6'2" | PG Alcoa | 2024 State #214 Nation TN is the guy for Alcoa, especially since Tai Cates Tai Cates 5'11" | PG South-Doyle | 2023 State TN moved over to South Doyle High School. Jahvin is electric as a catch-and-shoot guy, but this team requires him to be much more. Tyner Academy pressures as well as any AA team and the game will probably require Jahvin to split traps and break down defenses. He can.
For Tyner, Rodney Henderson Rodney Henderson 6'1" | PG Tyner Academy | 2025 State TN will be critical against the feisty Alcoa guards and traps. The lefty is merely a freshman, but his poise is uncommon.
Brainerd vs. Gatlinburg-Pittman
Picking a key player from Brainerd is challenging as they have several wonderful starters, Dennis Lewis Jr. and Joshua Hood Joshua Hood 6'4" | SG Brainerd | 2023 State TN . The pick here is Donivon Thomas Donivon Thomas 6'5" | PF Brainerd (football) | 2023 State TN though. Donivon is a freak of a leaper. Think Keon Johnson with bulkier upper body. He truly gets off the floor unlike any player in the Chattanooga-area. Donivon blocked a dude with both hands swatting down way back in December. He hurts feelings.
Gatlinburg-Pittman’s freshman Ty Glasper Ty Glasper 6'1" | PG Gatlinburg-Pittman | 2025 State TN is a wildly skilled player. He will be challenged in a new way against Brainerd’s athletes. Fulton is the only previous GP opponent that comes close.
York Institute vs. Pearl-Cohn
Blaine York hit the game-winner to vault YI to home game Monday night. The difference maker will be Nic Smith. Good size and skill. He is strong in the lane. Pearl-Cohn just has so much team speed, that guard talent will offset, perhaps lean towards Pearl.
For Pearl-Cohn, the player most capable of racking up buckets is Doyel Cockrill III. The dude hit 13 three-pointers mid-February.
The York Institute Dragons pulled out the 47-45 win over Jackson County to earn their 3rd straight Region Championship and 4th straight Sub State appearance. The Dragons are now 25-7 overall and will host Pearl Cohn Monday night at 7 PM in Jamestown, TN. @nicsmith_24 #GoDragons pic.twitter.com/H1ABFjEAEA
— Brandon Smith (@bransmith40) March 4, 2022
East Nashville vs. Jackson County
Jarrod Taylor Jarrod Taylor 6'1" | CG Salem | 2022 TN is a Mr. Basketball Finalist. And yet, Jaylen Jones Jaylen Jones 6'0" | PG East Nashville | 2023 State #178 Nation TN is the key to his team. He is impossible to trap. Jones’ court vision is insanely good. By himself he can erode defensive pressure and place teammates in checkmating positions via an exceptional pass. The state does not have many like him.
Senior Ramon Cuevas is a talented scorer. He scored 24 of JCHS’ 42 points to defeat York in the District Championship. He will be needed against a deeply talented East Nashville team.