Class AA Thievery
Four Class AA quarterfinals wrapped Thursday. Only four of the eight teams survived to Friday.
Defense requires a full team investment, but every once in awhile one player dominates the the back end. Whether it be steals, blocks, or simply physical denials these guys deserve extra recognition.
2018 PG Kevon McMahon (Hamilton)
Teammates and coaches know the full value of Kevon. The senior point guard defends with honor. He has a low center of gravity along with a big, foreboding chest. Kevon loves to dictate tempo and involve his friends offensively. That only captures a tiny portion of his value though.
2018 F Martrell Brooks (Hamilton)
The bouncy Martrell Brooks creates so many problems for attackers. He only looks like a guard. Brooks gets off the deck better than most, furiously swatting away feeble attempts.
2018 WG Mekhi Carter (Alcoa)
Carter collected two steals in the Alcoa loss. Offensively he was not where he wanted be, finishing with seven points on 3-10 shooting. Follow Mekhi online at @Yvngmdzc.
2020 PG Edward Lacey (Fulton)
Sophomore Lacey summoned a five-second defensive call early in the third quarter. It cause him to roar in excitement. Lacey hit a triple and then followed it directly up by forcing a travel. Edward is remarkable in the tight spaces guards usually defend.
This dude is next level quick. He might have the fastest defensive feet this week. @iamalo02 is the fastest with the ball IMO. https://t.co/7eaTwtmEuD
— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) March 15, 2018
2018 G Bryce McBride (Jackson South Side)
Certainly a college player, outgoing senior Bryce McBride recorded a game-high three steals in the loss. McBride is extremely quick for his size. Though McBride’s pedigree is scoring the aspiring college prospect can keep passes from their destination.
2020 F Mike Wallace (Stratford)
The imposing big hammers away shots with regularity. The glaring weakness for Wallace is his foul accumulation. At least half of his games this year featured a stinky session of reflection on the pine. When Wallace avoids that fate he is a game-altering force in the paint.
2018 G Ivan Buford (Stratford) @IvanBuford5
Oft-overlooked starter on the frenetic Stratford Spartans, Ivan Buford created multiple turnovers Thursday. He can identify player moves as they start, not when they arrive. Buford knocks the dribble lose on even the most steady point guards.
Damn @IvanBuford5 has some quick hands. The @Stratford_bball G just poked his third steal free. Don't cross him, and don't cross him. 71-47 4:16 4Q.
— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) March 16, 2018