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Home  News Latest Ballerz vs. Ballerz: Riverdale Classic Info
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Ballerz vs. Ballerz: Riverdale Classic Info |
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Written by Andre Whitehead
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Monday, 10 April 2006 |
News and notes from Riverdale
The Mid-State Ballerz Elite had a tough decision to make as the finals of the Riverdale Classic game to an end. The opponent was to be the Mid-State Ballerz Select. Do the two squads tangle or do we call it a draw, give them the co-championship and let everyone who has travels go their merry way. The latter was the right and sound decision and thus concluded a fine weekend of play for some of the best teams in the mid state area.
The proposed marquee match-up of the weekend did not disappoint any of the onlookers in attendance. The Mid-State Ballerz Elite 17's used a strong early run and hung on for a 79-74 victory over a tough Nashville Celtics 17 and under squad. A track meet that resulted in numerous thunderous dunks and unbelievable athletic plays was also a defensive clinic on the perimeter and showed some good teamwork from both squads. The Ballerz were led in scoring by Kevin Smith (Riverdale) with 17 points, Jewon Long (Liberty Tech) with 11 and Jeff McClain (Kentucky) and Ken Bingham (McNairy Central) with 10 each. The Celtics got 18 big points from ultra quick guard Gerald Robinson (MLK), 14 from Lipscomb commitment Josh Slater (Lipscomb) and 11 from Jeremy Anderson (Kentucky).
Just when the Ballerz thought the hard part was over along comes the Tennessee Thunder 17's and gives the Mid-State boys all they can handle. The Ballerz weather the storm and the blistering shooting of Wil Peters (White's Creek) to come away with the tough, close victory.
I was impressed by the work of numerous players at the event especially the all-out hustle of Ken Bingham. The talented athlete from McNairy Central has finally realized his athletic potential and played some of the best basketball of his young life. He guarded in the post and especially on the perimeter. He shot lights out from 3 and had presence of mind to put the ball on the floor and made the right decision with the ball every time. His stock will continue to rise if he plays with this much heart and fire every time out. Other players who shown out this weekend for the 17's included:
Jewon Long (Liberty Tech) (Mid-State Ballerz Elite 17's)
"Red" is only a consistent jump shot away from being a big time player. His length is staggering and his on ball defense is Corey Brewer like.
Gerald Robinson (MLK) (Nashville Celtics 17's)
The quickest human being in the state. His drives to the bucket, his hesitation dribble and go, his outside shot and his basketball savvy are unmatched.
Deveyon Hunter (Hamilton) (Mid-State Ballerz Elite 17's)
The tough, strong inside/outside threat has a great game with huge upside. His handles need work, but his work ethic will never be in question.
Scott Saunders (BGA) (Nashville Celtic's 17's)
The big man only played on Saturday night but his inside work was very good. Possesses a great set of hands and finishes everything around the bucket. His basketball smarts will help him against overly athletic big men.
Demonte Harper (White's Creek) (Tennessee Thunder 17's)
This wirey youngster played extremely well in the hard fought loss to the Ballerz. His athletic prowess is breathtaking and his overall game has improved a great deal.
Other 17's worth mentioning:
Ryan Westbrooks (Hillsboro) (Mid-State Ballerz Select 17's)
Michael McAdoo (Antioch) (Tennessee Thunder 17's)
Jaime Graham (White's Creek) (Nashville Celtic's 17's)
Kevin Smith (Riverdale) (Mid-State Ballerz Elite 17's)
Deontrey Siske (Franklin) (Franklin Rage 17's)
The 16 and under finals came down to the favorite versus the upstart searching for respect.
The Mid-State Ballerz Elite 16's led by the phenominal Scotty Hopson rolled in the finals defeating a very tough and very young Tennessee Tigers bunch. The Tigers who will compete this season as a 15 and under group are very tough and well coached by former Vanderbilt star Drew Maddox.
Players of note:
Scotty Hopson (Kentucky) (Mid-State Ballerz Elite 16's)
The kid is oozing with talent and the oNly thing that will keep him from achieving his goals will be himself. He has the basketball world in the palm of his hands.
Demario Williams (Culleoka) (Nashville Celtic's 16's)
The Celtics played up an age group but Williams showed why he is a top player in the class. His outside shot is very good and his strength allows him to finish and make great passes in the lane.
Tavarus Jefferson (Ensworth) (Tennessee Tiger's 15's)
An absolute blur with the ball. His understanding of the game was above average for his age and his headstrong drives to the bucket were nice. A great young player who will be a huge prospect down the road.
Tyler Cutter (Seigel) (Mid-State Ballerz Elite 16's)
One of the toughest kids in the tourney. His basketball IQ is second to none and his range is in the parking lot. When his strength catches up with his ability, he will be dangerous.
Charles Watson (Pearl Cohn) (Nashville Stallions 16's)
A pleasant surprise with his quick jumping ability and hustle. Has a nose for the ball and good size to finish down low. Solid future if he works on his outside game.
Zeke Mason (Davidson Academy) (Tennessee Tigers 15's)
With his team playing up this strong young man showed what he could do in the post against very good older players. Has good hands and can finish inside. Could be very good.
Other players worth mentioning:
Tyrone Caldwell (Clarksville) (Mid-State Ballerz Elite 16's)
Steve Shelton (Stratford) (Nashville Stallions 16's)
Rapheal Gaskins (Glencliff) (Nashville Celtics 16's)
Justin Snelling (Maplewood) (Tennessee Tigers 15's)
Tyshaun Edmondson (Kentucky) (Mid-State Ballerz Elite 16's)
I was unable to watch any of the 15 and under action. So forgive me for not having any info on that age group.
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