This proved to be a break-out summer for many members of the Class of 2009. The War Eagles and Tennessee Tigers reigned as the head honchos and their stories will be written on a later date, but the class is still loaded with good, solid players at all positions.

We find a group of youngsters who are steadily climbing the ladder in the most inconspicious place of all, East Tennessee. Long the football hotbed, the East gave us a solid core with the Tennessee Flight turning heads around the state. The boys, coached by former Tennessee standout Fred Jenkins, were a solid athletic bunch who only lacked depth from competing on a national level. Leading the way for the Flight was the athletic Blake Jenkins (Bearden). The sinewy star overcame a serious injury to make huge strides in his game and finished the summer on a high note. He will add strength and improve his outside shot and thus become a highly sought after prospect. The player with the most upside on the team could be big Demonte Simpson (Bearden). The 6-5 mover showed good hands and the ability to finish around the bucket. He also displayed good athletic movement and grabbed rebounds out of his area. The most intruiging prospect for the Flight is without question Chase Jones (Austin East). The big twin has ridiculous athletic skill and plays very hard. He must develop his offensive skill set and improve his ball-handling to make a major move.

The guard play for the Flight was solid with point man Demarcus Rogers (Oak Ridge), Nathan Parker (Bearden), Landry Stanton (Knoxville Carter) and Tyler Clark (Oak Ridge) all contributing in some way or fashion. Rogers was good at the point when he played under control, Parker showed offensive flashes, Stanton was the best shooter on the team and buried some hapless opponents from the three point line and Clark played smart and solid from either the two or three. Another exciting prospect for the Flight was the sometimes injured Dusty Craig (Bearden). When healthy he gives the squad an intangible with his smart play on both ends of the floor. He could be a very unique prospect if he remains healthy enough to improve his overall skill.

Another name familiar to summer enthusiasts, The Mid-State Ballerz Elite, battled slightly with their group but three standouts in Jamerious Alderson (Clarksville Northeast) , C.J. Crittendon (Dyer County) and Aaron Puckett (White County) certainly stood out. Alderson catches your eye with his smooth gait and his pretty shot release. He has good size and will be very highly watched over the next three seasons. Crittendon has good bloodlines and mentally plays well above his age. Puckett is big and strong and has post skills players two years older wish to attain. If he develops a nice mid-range shot he could be dangerous.

Another name that kept us happy was Chase Dunn (Livingston Academy) ,who balled for the Murfreesboro Stars. The little big man was a ball of energy with his all out hustle and determination. He showed a very good pull-up in transition and showed range on his three. The kind of player that wins games for you, very comperable to former Lexington standout Mack Gardner. Staying in Middle Tennessee another player that garnered our attention was Adrian Williamson (Hume Fogg). A strong athlete with a knack for the ball, Williamson was a bright shining star for the Tennessee Thunder. He must develop a consistent outside shot to go along with his slashing skills.

Quickly jumping back to the Eastern end of the state someone else who caught our collective eye was energetic combo guard Skyler McBee (Rutledge). The shaggy haired youngster showed the basketball savvy of a coaches kid and improved his game the more he played. He ran with the Knoxville Cagers as the summer came to a head.

Taking the trip back to the opposite end of the state, the Memphis YOMCA had some very solid prospects whose futures could shine very bright as they grow. Zach Jones (Craigmont) showed wonderful athletic skills and the ability to slash to the basket and Marlon Brown (Harding Academy) could develop into a high level talent with his array of basketball skills. Other players who showed solid potential include Ian Clark (Germantown), who later in the summer played with the War Eagles, Courtney Easterwood (CBHS), the big man with the soft touch is also a big time football recruit and Darren Bates (CBHS) was a talented quick guard with ball hawking skills and scoring ability to the hole.

Two other prospects who have peaked our imagination for the coming years are Drew Kelley (Centennial) and Thad McHaney (Brentwood Academy). Kelley is a big strong tough guy who commands attention, but played sparingly on the circuit so we were unable to see him. McHaney played for the Southeast Elite and had a good summer, his defensive effort is superb and he is improving his skill set on offense. This high school season should be a breakout year for Big Thad.

Tomorrow we will have the final two stories in our rundwon. The Memphis War Eagles and Tennessee Tigers.