Jason Jones

Rising seniors set the summer on fire.

Some players found the summer campaign very much to their liking. Big name players increased their visibility with standout efforts, many players notched up the recruiting ladder with solid peformances of their own and some others played so well they made themselves the recipeient of several scribbles on their respective names in the programs. Amonfg the several players who had outstanding summers I chose seven who deserved mentioning.

Elliot Williams (St. George's)

Clearly established himself as one of the top guards in the nation for the Class of 2008. His incredible first step and effortless like flow to his game made him one of the most watched ballers of the season. He is in the midst of a tough recruiting battle believed to have been narrowed down to Tennessee and Duke. The state's top ranked player made the most of every event he participated in and is one of the many being consiered for a spot on the prestigious McDonald's All-American squad.

Tim Benford (Red Bank)

The Chattanooga native was once considered a football player who dabbled in basketball but this summer may have reversed those roles. Benford showcased this explosive athletic talent with a humungous July and served notice he has the stuff to make in on the hardwood as well. His athleticism serves him well in the defensive arena but his offenisve reportiore will need to expand to achieve his deserved level of play.

Robert Elam (NCA)

Big Rob had a very productive summer starring inside for the always formidible Mid-State Ballerz. His effort served notice to college coaches he is ready to contribute and showed improvement as the summer wore on. His offensive game will ned more gym work but his ability to boards and block shots should be enough to ensure his place on someone's roster. The 6-8 worker has moved to Nashville Christian Advancement to finish his senior season.

Tyler Cutter (Seigel) and Kevin Giltner (Harpeth)

Seems like every coach whom I spoke with this summer when mentioning the Tennessee Travelers always came back with Cutter and Giltner. Like a newly formed law firm these two made incredible strides with their consistency and showed their was no doubt they could compete on the next level. Cutter impressed everyone with his on court toughness and proved he could run the show if called upon to do so. Giltner continues to impress with his above average basketball sense and ability to consitently knock down the three. Both players picked up numerous mid-major offers and will be settling in for their senior season with visions of the 'boro.

Jason Jones (Ridgeway)

As one of the few seniors on the Memphis YOMCA it was obvious Jones had to show some leadership and with this being his last summer to make some noise this effort would be formidible for the rising senior from Ridgeway. Jones made the most of his opportunity with a solid summer showing some great moves off the dribble and in transition but still not consitent enough from the perimeter. He is on the radar of most mid-majors in the Southeast and right on the cusp of the next step up as well.

Sampson Carter (Ridgeway)

Long and athletic both describe Mr. Carter to a T. He exploded on the scene this summer and made schools from all the big conferences stand up and take note. The slender 6-8 youngster can drop the long ball and will take you off the bounce if you crowd him. As of this week Carter has enrolled at Ridgeway and will team up with Jason Jones to form a very dangerous duo in the Memphis area. Stay tuned another trip to the 'boro may be on the horizon.