The state's top ranked summer program showed exactly why this past weekend in Memphis.

The Memphis YOMCA used a very balanced attack to run through the rest of the 17 and under field and capture the crown as the AAU state champions.

The Y chalked up each victory in double digit fashion showing balance and a nice mixture of talent from from the rising senior and junior classes.

The championship game proved to be a closer than advertised affair with the Tri-Cities Grizzlies coming to play, but things settled down as the game went on and the Y captured the crown.

Showing out for the YOMCA were Ferrohkan Hall (MUS), the talented big man was solid the entire weekend showing his skills on both ends of the floor. Leslie McDonald (Briarcrest Christian) and Jason Jones (Ridgeway) also had stellar weekends for the former War Eagles. Balance and depth is the name of the game for this group and the intensity they play with keeps the competition from sneaking the proverbial upset.

The Grizzlies had a great showing coming out of nowhere on the circuit and scoring wins against the Thunder and Mid-State Ballerz Blue. Leading the way for the future newest ranked 17 and under squad were Sherrod Baldwin (Collierville), a deadeye shooter with quickness to burn, Ramon Williams (Arlington), a sweet athletic wing, Anthony Sanford (ECS) and Trey Jackson (Arlington), a solid front man who plays very hard. Also worthy of mention was Preston Laird (Germantown) who shot lights out all weekend.

Finishing in the third spot the Tennessee Thunder had some nice moments. Josh Gregory (Oak Ridge) was solid on both ends of the court especially on the glass and Kyle Upton (Antioch) continues to defy logic with his scoring prowess and ability to make tough shots in traffic.

Rounding out the top four the Memphis YOMCA 16's got some inspired play from Ian Clark (Germantown) and Drew Barham (Christian Brothers). Clark has grown to 6-3 and showed much promise with his length, explosiveness and ability to shoot. Barham showed some toughness and shot the ball very well.

The remainder of the field finished as follows:

Mid-State Ballerz Blue had a tough run this year and came in fifth. Nicholas Livesay (Bolton) was the only Baller who drew any mention from the sources in attendance.

The Mid-State Ballerz White gathered 6th place behind some inspired play from a couple of young point guards in Dee Williamson (Jackson Southside) and Michael Anderson (Kenwood).

The third member of the Ballerz family managed a 7th place finish, the Mid-State Ballerz Blue 16's. Playing up they showed some courage but not enough to make a run for the title. Great effort from Nathan Parker (Bearden), who continues to improve his scoring averaged almost 8 boards per game during the event, Charles Taylor (Humboldt), has good athleticism, can shoot from deep but must develop game off the dribble, Skyler McBee (Rutledge), back from an ankle injury that kept him from Memorial Day comp was solid all weekend even managed the spectacular four-point play on a couple of occassions on Saturday, and last but not least rising sophomore point guard Jay Murphy (Bolivar), the next great one for Rudesill and Co., his poise and scoring ability make him special.

Closing out the competition the Chattanooga Warriors finished in the final spot and got good play from Dontay Hampton (CSAS) and Reginald Gilmore (Tyner Academy). Hampton showed his versatility going to the basket and mkaing things happen and Gilmore, only a rising sophomore, has a big future if he works at it.

Stay tuned for some coverage of the 16 and under event next weekend in Nashville.