Smokey Mountain Classic

Brandon Tinnon December 31, 2021 @ 04:39 PM

Mountain Tough. The Smokey Mountain Classic pitted teams from the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama, with some post-Christmas holiday hoops action. Teams came together for one final tune-up to prepare for district play and to finish out the second half of their season. Attendees who came out were dazzled with hustle plays, thrilling shots, and kids who found their strides. The tournament presented folks the opportunity to see great matchups as well as some of the next up-and-coming high school players around. The ladies who represented Tennessee did a phenomenal job competing against other states. Some matchups had Tennessee teams versus each other, while other matchups had our mighty squads battle it out against schools from other states. Either way, it was a great week of holiday hoops where teams got better and got to spend time with each other both on and off the court. Now that we are a little more than halfway into the season, The Smokey Mountain Classic was a great kick start for the second half of the season. Here are some outstanding hoopers from this week’s post-holiday clashes. [player_tooltip player_id="290971" first="Natalie" last="Kaye"] (5’8/ So./ SG/ Grace Christian Academy)- Tough kid who can handle the ball through traffic. Can knock down shots from all 3 levels, while playing tenacious defense. Plays the game with a lot of heart and passion. Came up clutch multiple times in her team’s victories during the tournament. From diving for loose balls to creating jump ball opportunities, her play led to some key momentum shifters for her Lady Lions club. [player_tooltip player_id="290993" first="McKenzie" last="Kaye"] (5’8/ So./ SF/ Grace Christian Academy)- Hit some big-time 3s throughout the tournament for her club. You could tell she was locked in as she shot with hands up in her face. Was a big contributor in multiple ways as her Lady Lions team got 3rd place. Isabella Pelham (6’1/Jr./ PF/ Cannon Co.)- Has a great inside presence. Was a bucket down low for her club. Displayed great post moves, finishing through contact. She got to the free-throw line multiple times to complete And 1 plays. Deterred shots on defense and grabbed tons of boards. [player_tooltip player_id="245353" first="Madi" last="Hawk"]- (5’10/So./ SG/ Lakeway Christian Academy)- Sharpshooter who comes up clutch in big moments. Madi is a savvy player who can score the basketball. Doesn’t matter where she is on the court, she has the confidence that every shot she takes will go in. Ultra competitive, she does the little things to help her team obtain a victory. Ti’Mia Lawson (5’10/Jr./PF/ Jackson Southside)- Played big-time all week long. Ti’Mia plays the game with a motor. Has a great downhill present and attacks the rim. She can hit shots from multiple levels but thrives at getting to the hooper. Has incredible instincts where she can create turnovers leading into points. Posses both great size and strength. [player_tooltip player_id="245207" first="Karly" last="Weathers"] (5’10/ Sr./ SG/ Loretto)- High ceiling kid that keeps getting better and better. Karly knocked down clutch shots throughout the tournament, taking away any hope for teams they matched up against. She was a huge presence on defense, where she directed teammates, clogged up gaps, and grabbed boards. K.W. was great in the open floor and hit many 15ft shots. [player_tooltip player_id="281335" first="Skylyn" last="Weisenborn"] (5’7/Sr./G/ St. Agnes)- A force with the ball in her hands, this young lady knows how to score the rock. A multi-level shooter who can get to the rim with ease. Doesn’t force and let the game come to her. Great at getting her teammates involved in the game. Has a high and plays true pressure defense.