Big things were expected from the 2006 version of the Mid-State Ballerz Elite. Great players dot the roster and the schedule is challenging to say the least.

The summer got off to a rousing start with a good showing at The Real Deal including six victories in the classic division. The Kingwood Classic in Houston was the next stop on the journey and the Ballerz showed out with a clean sweep of pool play and a tough loss in bracket action. King of the South proved prophetic with another 3-1 weekend and then a sub-state championship readied the Ballerz for the big time, The Bob Gibbons Tournmanet of Champions.

The T.O.C. produced a huge victory over a very good Baltimore Stars team and a highlight finish to capture victory on Deveyon Hunters (Hamilton) buzzer beater in other pool action. The Ballerz used the momentum before bowing to the Memphis Tigers in a very spirited state championship game that went to overtime.

July began with the Hoosier Shootout and then a trip to the inagural Summer Kickoff in Atlanta. The Ballerz played some of their best ball and made it to the championship of the Kickoff losing to the powerful Georgia Hurricanes on a last second buzzer beater. Orlando proved cold and hot with rough finishes in pool play but a huge run in the classic division finishing in the runner-up spot.

Leading the charge for the Ballerz was the heart and soul of the organization, Jewon Long (Liberty Tech). The smooth operator has the natural leadership ability to carry his comrads to highs they only dream about. He was the wheel that drove the Liberty machine to an improbable state championship and the main ingredient of the Ballerz rise to summer excellence. Long has the god given talent to make his teammates play above their heads and shows the skill and savvy to be a complete winner. His best asset is his ability to penetrate and finish in traffic. He can drop the dime and leads by example. The most complete player in the state.

The backcourt was rich with talent including Antwon Long (Liberty Tech), who could be most underrated player in the state with his ability to rise over his stature, Matt Smigelski (LaVergne), the hot man from the big line parlayed his summer into a nice potential D1 scholarship recipient, Anthony Sampson (Liberty Tech), the mighty mite showed what he was made of with a sterling July, Catarious Taylor (Brighton), the point man proved to be just what the doctor ordered with his good solid effort and Ryan Westbrook (Hillsboro) the slight youngster who showed he belonged with a better than average summer.

The lack of a true post forced the Ballerz to rely on their strength which included great depth at the wing positions. Josh Sain (Liberty Tech) was one of the more consistent performers over the course of the summer. No one ever questioned his talent, but his tendency to disappear in games was a cause for concern. His effort over the summer proved he had matured and overcome that negative and showed he was a solid mid-major player. Deveyon Hunter showed he could score from inside and out, but lacked intensity on the defensive end. Ken Bingham (McNairy County) also cut down his disappearing act and proved to be one of the best ball defenders on the team. He showed he could score when he put his mind to it and should see numerous D1 offers if he takes care of business in the classroom.

Rounding out the veritable potpourri of wings would be Jeremy Dixon (Mt. Juliet) and Kevin Smith (Riverdale). Dixon came on strong at the end of the summer proving he could play on the next level. Smith, arguably the most athletic player in the state, fought through injuries but salvaged his season with a strong close in Orlando, including one of the nastiest dunks the fans in the sunshine state had ever seen.

The Ballerz most consistent inside threat proved to be Kentucky big man Jeff McClain. He was very important for the Ballerz controlling the paint and providing inside scoring to counteract the outside barrage from the plethora of guards and wings. Shawn Merriweather (Clarksville) provided some inside relief and showed flashes of promise when he gains needed strength.

The Ballerz had numerous big victories over the course of the summer including the New York Panthers, Baltimore Stars, Arkansas Hawks, Atlanta Celtics, Tallahasee Wildcats, South Carolina Celtics, K.C. Rocktown, Old Gold and the Lamar Odom All-Stars.

The 2006 version of the Ballerz showed their ability to adapt despite player defections, injuries and inconsistent play. The 40 victories proved to the most ever and look for 5 to 6 players from this squad to recieve D1 scholarships.