Monday Matchups: Standout District Champions in Middle & West TN
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Cut down the nets! Teams across the state punched their ticket to the next round. Final district championships took place (some took place on Saturday) Monday night, elevating teams to top seeds to the next round. It’s such a humbling…
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Continue ReadingCut down the nets! Teams across the state punched their ticket to the next round. Final district championships took place (some took place on Saturday) Monday night, elevating teams to top seeds to the next round. It’s such a humbling experience to obtain a championship, with everything you have put your hard work into. The blood. The sweat. The tears. Early morning workouts. Film sessions. Weight training. Gassers. Everything. All comes down to this moment. The work isn’t done yet, but you can celebrate the present with an eyes towards the future.
On Monday, there were some players who rose up to the challenge. These girls shined in the moment. Their efforts helped propel their club towards the ship. Here are some young ladies who shined bright when the lights and the ball was tipped off on Monday night.
Middle Tennessee
Brianna Burgess Brianna Burgess 5'10" | SG Creek Wood | 2023 State TN (5’10/ Jr./ SG/ Creek Wood)– Such a stellar performer, this sharpshooting kid is a tough opponent. Multi-level scorer who can shoot lights out. Can come off screens or create her own shot. Dropped 30 pts in the championship victory. A kid to keep your eyes on as she continues to grow into a dominate force.
Laura Nichols Laura Nichols 5'8" | SF Creek Wood | 2023 State TN (5’9/ Jr./ CG/ Creek Wood)– Versatile Guard. She is a part of the 1-2 punch that fuels the Lady Red Hawks attack. Another sharpshooter who can put the ball on the floor and finish. Scoring threat who is unselfish. Plays hard on the defensive end, doing the little things to get the job done. Scored 21 points in the championship game.
Reese Beaty (5’7/ Fr./ PG/ York Institute)– Sensational freshman, led her team with 21 points on Monday night’s tilt. She is a 3 level scoring machine and plays hard on both ends of the floor. A dynamic floor general who is always up to a challenge. Feisty guard who plays tenacious defense and is always in attack mode on the offensive side. Phenomenal player who has a high ceiling.
Amani Sharif Amani Sharif 5'9" | SF Rockvale | 2022 State TN (5’7/ Sr./ W/ Rockvale)– Often overlooked, this speedster is a tenacious defender. An old school junkyard dog who uses speed to create havoc. She had 24 points in the consolation game, creating chaos, which led to transition buckets. Hard nosed kid who is a challenger.
Jazz Walters (5’9/ So./ W/ East Nashville)– Tough kid who plays the game with a lot of passion. Dropped 22 points in the championship game. Can score it on multiple levels, yet prides herself on the defensive end. Hard working kid who is going to be a problem for future opponents.
Imari Berry Imari Berry 5'10" | SG Clarksville | 2024 State TN (5’10/ So./ CG/ Clarksville)– The 931’s next sensational stud. Imari uses her length to create problems. Deceptive speed, this young lady can get to the hoop and finish with contact. 3 level scoring threat who creates mismatches on the defensive end due to her size. Phenomenal kid who is such a dynamic player. Finished with 27 points in the championship game over Rossview.
Anna Claire Milam Anna Claire Milam 5'9" | SG Dickson Co. | 2023 State TN (5’9/ Jr./ SG/ Dickson Co.)– Hit 20 points in the Lady Cougars consolation win. Hard working kid who can knock down shots from all over the floor. Can get to the rim and finish, using different counter moves. She plays hard on the defensive end, where she anticipates well, leading to turnovers and transition buckets. Incredible work ethic and is always ready to step up when the ball tips off.
West Tennessee
Mauryah Jones Mauryah Jones 5'4" | PG Rossville Christian Academy | 2024 State TN (5’2/ So./ PG/ Fayette Ware)– A wiz with the ball in her hands, this undersized hooper dropped 16 Monday night. Plays the game with a lot of heart and passion. She has a high +/- rating and is unselfish as she looks to get her teammates involved.
Sydnei Marshall (5’7/ Jr./ SG/ Fayette Ware)– Scored 16 pts in her team’s win on Monday night. Can score it from beyond the arc and inside the paint. Contributes on defensive end by grabbing boards and getting steals leading to transition buckets. Team player who is an intrical part of her team’s success.
Kristyna Boyd Kristyna Boyd 5'6" | PG Collierville | 2022 State TN (5’7/ Sr./ SG/ Collierville)– Team leader who just gets it done. Dropped 16 points and had a tremendous game Monday night. A defensive hustler who is a multi-level scorer. Very skilled.Contributes on the glass on both ends of the floor. Hard working kid who looks to lead the Lady Dragons attack.
Anna Lee Avery Anna Lee Avery 6'0" | SF Houston | 2024 State TN (6’0/ So./ SF/ Houston)– Had 18 pts in their team’s defeat on Monday night. Anna Lee shot well from beyond the arc. She was a factor in scoring the ball as well as a contributor on the defensive end. Has great shooting ability from deep, the sophomore ballplayer can do many things for her club. From grabbing boards, getting steals, and shooting at a high clip, Anna Lee will be the leading catalyst for her team’s success moving forward.