Tyrone Caldwell

Potential McDonald's All-American leads another banner Mid-State summer.

A few years back I remember attending a basketball event in the Clarksville area and for the first time being exposed to what was to be the legend of Scotty Hopson (Kentucky). On that day the impressive youngster showed unlimited athletic skill and a huge upside which would come to fruition this summer. I have always been of the opinion that even though Scotty resides in Kentucky he is still a member of the Tennessee Prep Hoops family.

Hopson felt the sting of some critics who claimed he did'nt always play hard and made this summer his personal vendetta. From Colorado Springs to many destinations in between Hopson closed his final summer dropping thirty plus numerous times in Orlando and solidifying his name among those being considered for a spot on the ultimate all-star team.

The Ballerz once again combed the country proving to be one of the top draws in the Southeast. Solid efforts at the Real Deal, Tournament of Champions and King of the South prepared them for their typical July run. With coaches and scouts parked in the stands the Ballerz roster became a must see for everyone during the open period. 

Providing stability throughout this venture was the steady hand of Tyrone Caldwell (Clarksville). The state tournament stalwart continued his productive run to scholarship papers with a much improved outside shot and a mental capacity to take chage of any game he is a part of. Caldwell has caught the eye of numerous mid-major schools and will be one to watch as a rising senior in the 'ville.

With July on the horizon and the potential of Hopson being vacant for a good portion of this run someone needed to step up in a big way and that someone was John Primm (Dickson County). J.P. not only excentuated his strengths, defense and toughness but started knocking down threes and providing scoring punch in the absence of Hopson. Primm made himself a bonafide staple on the recruiting lists of all area college coaches.

July brought another level of success with a final four showing at the adidas Summer Kickoff and a strong event finish in Augusta. Then the trip to Orlando for the Super Showcase and a stay over for the 17 and under Nationals.

The Ballerz had another fine summer from their other Kentucky resident Tyshuan Edmondson. The slender baller showed much promise and had a very good July getting some very serious mid-major interest. Also providing backcourt help was Zamarius McClendon (Clarksville Northeast). The youngster has a knack for scoring and can drain the outside shot when he gets hot.

On the wing and inside the Ballerz would rely on a cavalcade of players who will all be recieving some major recruiting interests. Robert Elam (NCA) used his summer to make himself a viable option for numerous mid-major programs. His upside is very strong and he continues to get better with every game and practice. Rayshawn Walker (Clarksville Northeast) raised his stock with a solid summer of scoring and better basketball decision making. Walker showed he could knock down the three and had the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish with contact in traffic. Victor McLin (Dyersburg) did his yeoman work inside and will have a shot at playing on the next level. Nicolas Livesay (Bolton) showed some improvement over the summer and has a number of schools interested in his size and especially his potential. The 6-9 Livesay always plays hard and has a substantial upside. Finally Kyle Binder (Farragut) came through with another solid summer. The Knoxville native showed he could bang with some of the countries top big men and did not back down in the face of contact. His solid mid-range shooting is his biggest asset and his feel for the game is well above average. With his academic excellence Binder is a must have for a Patriot League or Ivy League school.

Coach Mike Artis got the most of his troops in the best part of the summer and has these players on the short lists of college coaches everywhere.