Skylar McBee

The final event of the summer enters final days with a few Tennessee squads still alive.

A long hot summer is close to coming to an end with the 17 and under Nationals winding down in Orlando.

The Memphis YOMCA ran through pool play unblemished but fell in the championship bracket opener. They remained alive with a victory in the consolation brackets and play today to future advancement.  The Y are playing this event without the services of Leslie McDonald (Braircrest Christian). Leading the Memphis group are quick as a cat point man Tim Ware (BTW), Ferrakohn Hall (MUS) and Johnnie Williams (Braircrest Christian).

The Midstate program is well represented at this event by the Elite 17's and the Blue 16's. Both groups ran into a roadblock during pool play finishing 4th respectively. This must have awoken the giant because both squads jumped into classic bracket action and have won both contests.

The 16's got a shot in the arm from one of the summers highest riser Skylar McBee (Rutledge). The 6-2 shooting sensation dropped 30 in the opening classic game and continues to impress with the advancement of his game. Other younger Ballerz making some noise include Demonte Simpson (Bearden) and Nathan Parker (Bearden).

With superstar Scotty Hopson (Kentucky) off at the Nike event in Oregon, the Ballerz had to adjust and finally came together in the bracket action. Tyrone Caldwell (Clarksville) has run with the leadership role and proven he can lead any team. Robert Elam (Pioneer Christian) continues to show promise with his improved offensive and defensive skills.

The Tennessee Thunder finished pool play with a 1-2 victory and captured a victory in the classic bracket debut. Kyle Upton (Antioch) and Josh Gregory (Oak Ridge) lead the Thunder as they continue in bracket action today.

Special mention needs to be made for the Tri-State Grizzlies who finished pool play 2-1 and captured the second seed. Their run in the championship bracket ended with a first round loss but the Griz competed well.

The tournament action continues today and will be winding up as the week comes to a close.