Class AAA District 7 Preview
The 2017-2018 Tennessee high school basketball season is right around the corner
To prepare fans for the season, Prep Hoops is putting together preseason team capsules for some of the most intriguing teams in the strongest districts around the state. First up is the Class AAA District 7.
Blackman Blaze
Last Year’s record: 26-5
Head Coach: Barry Wortman
Key Returners: Trenton Gibson (2018), Brandon Thomas (2018), James Polite (2018), Nathan Nelson (2018), Charles Bennett (2018), Jordan Burchfield (2019), Gabriel Martin (2018)
Young Blood: Jaylen Staton (2020), Jalen Page (2020)
Outlook: The Blackman Blaze drip with excellence. The success of the program carries great weight, and the players know they are not playing just for stats and Twitter likes. They are playing for a team that intends to win and historically has won. The Blaze should be able to claw their way deeper in the playoffs this winter. Trenton Gibson will make a push for Mr. Basketball and Brandon Thomas will earn D2 and NAIA scholarships by year’s end.
What to expect: Though Blackman plays with a large senior class, they have some growing pains to endure in November. The team rightfully relies upon Trenton Gibson and Brandon Thomas, but could use more from their other seniors. Look for Charles Bennett to give some grit under the basket. He can really rebound. Nathan Nelson is a key player. If he shoots well, the team will generally win. The gym will be packed for Oakland-Blackman.
Siegel Stars
Last Year’s record: 11-14 overall
Head Coach: Ben Dotson
Key Returners: James Franklin (2018), Joseph Howard (2019), Quenton Byrd (2019)
Young Blood: Zion Swader (2021), Brennon Marsh (2020)
Outlook: Siegel features an athletic team that probably needs more offensive direction. They will outscore teams in the transition game and can play wonderful off their press. Early in the season the offensive structure is lacking. Too often the plays devolve into James Franklin attacking on a solo project, which is not necessarily a bad option. It is just not going to work against good defensive teams that understand it is coming.
What to expect: Siegel will challenge for the District Championship. They have the pieces to compete every night. Most importantly they have a star player, which can bail them out of jams. It will help if they can bring along some young players and role players to meet Franklin’s high standard. Depth might be a concern, but Zion Swader is a really special young guard that should alleviate that somewhat.
LaVergne Wolverines
Last Year’s Record: 8-18
Head Coach: Jeremy Moore
Returning Starters: Robjhay Bush (2018), Sean Morris (2018), Montez Gray (2018), Josh Lewis (2018), Keianthony Conner (2018), Jaylen Herrera (2018),
Young Bloods: Antuan Williams (2020), Devin Kline (2020), Armon Lumas (2019)
Outlook: The senior Robjhay Bush is good. He scored 25 in the season opener. Unfortunately, the team still lost to Page. He needs help in the worst way. Sophomore Antuan Williams can be a secondary scorer, but he has to grow into that role quickly. A lot of the upperclassmen need to work on efficiency. There is a glut of athletic hoopers that don’t necessarily contribute that much. It has come time for the coach to make tough decisions, possibly disrupting the pecking order.
What to expect: Six of their eight wins came at road/neutral sites. Obviously an improved home record will be coveted by the Wolverines. When the football players return the squad will be tougher and more difficult to dominate in the post. Sophomore Devin Kline deserves to play in the rotation. How much he can help this season remains to be seen. He certainly sees the floor well for an underclassman.