Drew Barham

Private schools rule at defedning champs event.

Ah how sweet it is to hear the boucning of the ball, the squeaking of the shoes and yes sports fans basketball season is finally here.

The stage was set for a fantastic day of hoops at two-time, two-time defending AA state champion Liberty Tech hosted a playday with all the fervor and excitement of a playoff game.

Joining the Crusaders on this day were Hamilton, Craigmont, Covington, Haywood County, Christian Brothers, Briarcrest Christian, Seigel and Union City.

The most impressive of the bunch was certainly the boys from Christian Brothers. A starting five of Martin Mitchell, Alex Pressley, Caldwell Starnes, Brad Luckett and Drew Barham played hard and smart all day long. Whether the game was uptempo or slow down they relyed on their physical inside presence and solid decision making to get them their victories. Martin was solid all day with a nice looking outside shot. He works hard on defense and gets his teammates involved. Pressley returned to the Volunteer state after moonlighting elsewhere last season. This 6'4 athlete although thin can shoot and makes great decisions with the ball. Can drive to the hole and will throw it down on you also. Starnes was very impressive inside with an array of big time post moves. He finished with either hand and absorbed contact which was plentiful on this day. He has great hands, gets phenominal position and knows how to box out and grab boards out of his area, very impressed with his progress. Luckett had similiar inside presence but can go to the bucket off some transition. He showed an improved mid-range shot and played like his teammates very hard and smart. Barham has unlimited range and even when he misses it always looks like its going in. He is long can defend and when he gets stronger will be a college coaches dream.

The private schools had a great showing with Braircrest Christian showing they could play with anyone despite missing a few of their starters. Johnny Williams (Briarcrest Christian) was extremely impressive with his improved footwork and ability to catch even the most errant pass and convert them into points. He finished around the glass with either hand and left no shot unblocked. Gregg Wooten (Braircrest Christian) took this opportunity to shine as well. The point man was equally impressive mkaing the solid entry to Williams and showing he could go hard to the bucket and finish himself. His outside shot was falling and despite cramping up played as well as I have ever seen him play.

The host team Liberty Tech will not a pushover this season despite the loss of six college bound seniors and the move to AAA. Charles Holt (Liberty Tech) was knocking down shots and playing tough defense. Ricky Williams (Liberty Tech) knocked down at least eight threes and was a demon on the densive end of the floor giving his opponent fits with his sticky style of guarding. Tarius Johnson (Liberty Tech) is the next big thing from this burgeoining program. The 6'3 jumping jack has a motor that never stops and when he fixes his outside shot he will be coveted, thats a promise. Jay Greer (Liberty Tech) was knocking down threes at a record clip and Cordaro Williams (Liberty Tech) did his yeoman like work on both ends of the floor.

Derek Walker (Covington) was a beast on the offensive glass irregardless of his opponents size or skill. He has a knack for getting the loose ball and a nice set of offensive moves to score with.

Only breifly caught the Haywood County squad. They seemed to struggle on defense but Kenny Greer (Haywood County) was playing hard and tough. Ricky Taylor (Haywood County) hit some shots but will need to take control of this squad if they plan to make a move this season. I know they will get better as the pre-season moves along.

Seigel showed some signs of getting back into the hunt this season. Indiana State commitment Tyler Cutter (Seigel) was solid shooting his deep shot, driving to the bucket, plaing tough defense and making opportunities available for his young teammates. The Stars have a nice nucleus of youngsters including Kerry Hammonds, Levon Tate and Nick Nicholas.

Craigmont played a split squad so I only caught a bit of the varsity team but the few college coaches in attendance were quick to point out Terrico White (Craigmont) scored at will and had some highlight reels dunks and showed marked improvement on his outside shot. Zach Jones (Craigmont) showed signs of getting better but the tempo of the game did'nt allow much for seeing ones improvement.

A hearty welcome to our newest Tennessee prepster Nathan Garth (Hamilton). The New Mexico commitment was as good as advertised. He has a swet outside shot and is very creative with the pass. Sometimes too creative but this was only a playday. His first step is massive and he will be a handful this season for the Tigers opponents. Another newcomer 6'6 inside threat Ivan Releford (Hamilton) is a quick off the floor jumping jack who loves to finish with a flush. He can rebound above the cylinder but will need to expand his offenisve reportiore. Denario Robertson (Hamilton) showed some nice shooting touch but seemed content with the outisde game only, with his size he could score at will in the interior.

I did not get a chance to see Union City play. Those coaches in attendance remarked how well M.J. Brown (Union City) played and how well the team shot the ball.

Great time and great action.