The Stage: Volunteer Next Generation
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At the Southern end of the Grit Region. The state of Tennessee is beginning to emerge as hoops hotbed. Memphis has always been a fertile area. But with recent population upticks. Both Nashville and the Smokey Mountain region are beginning…
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Continue ReadingAt the Southern end of the Grit Region. The state of Tennessee is beginning to emerge as hoops hotbed. Memphis has always been a fertile area. But with recent population upticks. Both Nashville and the Smokey Mountain region are beginning to pump out blue chip prospects.
This was on full display at The Stage in Indianapolis. Particularly within the class of 2025. Following are five that stood out in the deep field.
Ty Glasper Ty Glasper 6'1" | PG Gatlinburg-Pittman | 2025 State TN 6-0 Gatlinburg- Pittman The play of this guard opened scouts eyes all weekend. The dynamic playmaker earned 2nd Team All Tournament Honors. This came off the heels of averaging 19 points per game at the Grit Region Kick Off in Louisville. And all this comes on the heels of averaging an eye popping 22 points per game in his freshman campaign. Looks like it’s more than just Dollywood and national parks in the region. A serious prospect is on the rise. Be sure to catch 865 Elite in action next on the Prep Hoops Circuit at Prep Hoops Live in Kansas City.
Collin O’Neal Collin O’Neal 6'0" | PG M.B.A. | 2025 TN 6-1 Montgomery Bell Academy 865 Elite wasn’t the only the Tennessee squad who had a big weekend. Nashville based Big 6 Sports matched their record at 3-1. O’Neal is a tall point guard who shot the ball all weekend. Standout game was the opener where he netted 26 points. Everyone of them was needed in the close 63-60 victory over Chicago area Powerhouse Sports. Scored inside and out in that contest. Got hot from deep in a Saturday afternoon game against All in Athletics. Hit six threes in the decisive victory. Able to play both backcourt spots well.
Clay Payne Clay Payne 6'7" | SF University School Of Nashville | 2025 State TN 6-4 University School of Nashville While O’Neal held it down for Big 6 on the perimeter. Payne was holding things down in the post. Averaged double figures on the weekend. Payne is a versatile player who can take his game out the perimeter when needed. He is easily projectable due his slender build and athletic frame. These qualities also allow him to be a plus defender. A lot potential for growth in this prospect.
Kaleb Musselman 6-2 Sevier County As a somewhat new player to the region. Musselman appears to be acclimating himself well. Having moved from Northern Michigan the well built 2 guard appears to have found a home with 865 Elite. Like fellow Volunteers Big 6 Sports. 865 Elite went 3-1 on the weekend. While backcourt mate Ty Glapser opened scouts eyes. Museelman’s well rounded game aided the cause. Musselman has the skills the play the two. But he is physical and versatile enough the play the three and even slide down to the four when needed.
MJ Gibbs MJ Gibbs 6'4" | SG Ezell Harding | 2025 State TN Jr 6-2 Ezell Harding Collin O’Neal’s running mate in the Big 6 Sports backcourt. Gibbs averaged double figures on the weekend. Like O’Neal has the ability toggle between the 1 and the 2. Good shooter but also an unselfish player with potential as a facilitator. A coaches son and he plays like it.