Holly Jolly Hoops Action
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Tis the season for some holiday hoop action. This time of the year, clubs get to do a little traveling for the holidays and go compete against some other clubs throughout the state and other parts of the country. During…
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Continue ReadingTis the season for some holiday hoop action. This time of the year, clubs get to do a little traveling for the holidays and go compete against some other clubs throughout the state and other parts of the country. During this time, teams sharpen what they’ve been doing before they get hot and heavy into district play. Clubs can hit a hot streak, make adjustments for future opponents, and spend some time with each other getting to know one another better. For scouts like myself, I love this time because I get to sit in a gym all day looking at talented kids who will be the next up-and-coming stars from the state of Tennessee.
As we approach Christmas Day, here are some young ladies who have helped propel their team during the Pre-Christmas tournaments.
Lauren Hassell (7th Grade/ 6’3/ F/ Clarksville Christian)– Wow. I’m going to dub Lauren “The Big Ticket” of women’s basketball. Yes, the nickname belongs to NBA great Kevin Garnett, but like him, she possesses size, athleticism, and smarts. Only in the 7th grade, she has gone toe-toe against some outstanding talent and has done more than hold her own. She is a multi-level scorer who can handle the ball. She understands the little nuances of the game and is always looking to put her team in a position to win. Offensively, she doesn’t force, knowing when to use her body down low or take someone off the dribble. Defensively, she is a juggernaut in the painted area, but can also defend smaller guards. Lauren has tremendous upside and a bright future.
Lauren Bailey Lauren Bailey 5'10" | SF Greeneville | 2023 State TN (Jr./ 5’10/ W/ Greeneville)– Has posted many double-doubles this year. A strong kid who can shoot lights out. She does the little things right and is always looking to leave a mark on the game. From gaining rebounds to shooting shots at a high clip. This young lady is a true leader for her ball club.
Jennifer Sullivan (Sr./5’7/ SG/ Bearden)– Sharpshooter who is looking to leave her thumbprint on the game every time she plays. Her offensive attributes come to light when you think of her, but she is just a tough all-around player. Has great instincts and doesn’t force anything. She lets the game come to her. From playing on the defensive end to leading the charge offensively, Jennifer embodies what this game is all about.
Kennedy Johnson-Corley (Jr./5’10/G/ Goodpasture)– A dynamic player who can dribble with a ball on the string. Kennedy is a 3-level scorer who can play any position on the team. She brings that “dawg” mentality to the court and is always looking to be the X factor every time she laces her shoes up. A lockdown defender who is always looking to create chaos. A tremendous player who is always down to compete against anyone.
Mallory Collier Mallory Collier 6'5" | C Bartlett | 2023 State TN (Jr./ 6’5/C/ Bartlett)– Continues to be the anchor for her ball club. Posting double-doubles in back-to-back contests, Mallory just gets it done. From locking down the painted area to scoring the rock, she is a tremendous talent that is helping propel her club. Offensively, she has great footwork and can finish around the rim through contact. Defensively, she knows how to use her size and is a staple in the middle. From deterring shots to eliminating second chance opportunities, Mallory is a beast in the paint.
Kennedy Cambridge Kennedy Cambridge 5'8" | CG Ensworth | 2022 State TN (Sr./5’8/G/Ensworth)– Super tough kid. Passionate. Strong-willed. Doesn’t get rocked. Poise. Kennedy never backs down from a challenge. She is dynamic with the ball in her hands, has amazing court vision, can shoot from anywhere on the court, and she plays the game fast. A tenacious defender who wants to always go at her opponent. An amazing student-athlete who one day will make noise on the collegiate level.
Kami Wilson Kami Wilson 5'11" | SG Lakeway Christian Academy | 2025 State TN (Fr./5’8/G/ Lakeway Christian Academy)- “ That girl is poison.” Perfect song to describe this tough freshman baller. A sharpshooter who can plays the game of basketball with poise. Offensively, she is unselfish and scores within the flow of the game. Defensively, she is a hustler, looking to create turnovers leading to transition buckets. She may only be a freshman, but she does big-time things for her club. Kami has had a tremendous freshman campaign thus far, but she isn’t done yet. Look for her to leave her mark and have an impressive high school career.
Julie Clifton (Sr./5’6/G/Loretto)– Julie has been a lights-out shooter from the arc for her club. Her ability to catch and shoot has helped put her team in a position to win nightly. She has great court awareness and is always at the right spot at the right time. Though she may get overlooked, Julie is the silent assassin of her team as she makes her mark in little ways throughout the course of the game.
Olivia Hart Olivia Hart 5'10" | SG Central Magnet | 2023 State TN (Jr./5’10/PF/ Central Magnet)– This girl knows how to score the basketball. Olivia is having an impressive junior season thus far. From knocking down shots all over the court to locking down opponents, Ms. Hart is the leading catalyst to the team’s success. The last two games, she has posted a combined 49 points in her team’s wins. But rebounding, eliminating second chance opportunities, has helped propel her team to these victories. She’s a stretch 4 who can score inside and out. She has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. A sound player who is a tough kid to face nightly.
Millie Brown Millie Brown 5'7" | PG Brentwood Academy | 2022 State TN (Sr./5’6/PG/ Brentwood Academy)– This kid has been phenomenal for a long time now. A multi-level scorer who displays poise. She’s a true leader, a floor general, who has amazing court awareness. From knocking down shots consistently to being unselfish and putting her teammates in a position to excel, Millie has been the key ingredient to a strong Lady Eagles attack. Her defensive prowess may get overlooked, but she is dynamic on both ends of the court.
Kristyna Boyd (Sr./ 5’9/W/ Collierville)– A heady player who is always thinking about “team.” A true leader, who takes pride in doing the little things. From locking down defenders to rebounding the basketball, Kristyna is going to go hard at anything she does. She is a multi-level scorer who knows how and when to strike. She’s a tremendous student-athlete who plays the game of basketball with a passion.
Mikaela Reynolds (So./5’4/SG/ McKenzie)– Smart and fearless, Mikaela plays the game at a fast tempo. She loves to create havoc on the defensive end, anticipating passes that lead the transition breaks. She gets down in a stance, locks up her girl, and forces them into questionable decision-making. Offensively, she can slice through traffic to finish at the rim or knock down 3s from beyond the arc. She’s a tough kid who has tremendous upside.
Karsee Weber Karsee Weber 5'11" | SF Bradley Central | 2022 State TN (Sr./5’11/W/ Bradley Central)– Karsee knows how to use her size to her advantage. Offensively, she can stretch the floor and knock down 3s from beyond the arc. She has a nice mid-range game that compliments her ability to excel in the painted area. Defensively, she establishes her presence by taking away passing lanes and grabbing boards. She’s a smart player who excels at her role for the Lady Bearettes.