Week 4 Observations: Thoughts from Around the State (Part 1)
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As the season swings into full gear, we are now able to make some clear observations about players and teams around the state, and how they are fairing thus far this season. Shelby Higgins TN #29 SG #11 HEIGHT 5'11"…
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Continue ReadingAs the season swings into full gear, we are now able to make some clear observations about players and teams around the state, and how they are fairing thus far this season.
Higgins has put together a spectacular season so far! She’s averaging 20 points per game on 47%. Defenses know the Richland offense runs through Higgins, but she still finds a way to get to the rim, get to her spots, and put points on the board every game. Shoots 40% from 3. Shoots 91% from the free throw line. Higgins is also averaging right at a charge per game defensively. Players both able to score, and willing to sacrifice their bodies are always going to get looks from college coaches.
Highlights
Darnell has William Blount basketball knocking on the door of relevance after a few down years. The ’25 wing is averaging 18.6 points per game. Shooting 46% from two, and 35% from three, Darnell is playing smart, efficient basketball, and William Blount is reaping the rewards.
Wilhoit averaged in the mid 20’s last season as an 8th grader, but enrolled at Tennessee HS for her freshman year. The highly touted ’27 guard has impressed, and answered any questions about competition level. She’s averaging 18.1 points/game. She’s averaging over 2 made three’s per game, and shooting 89% from the free throw line. Kid is a star in the making.
She’s also shooting one of the highest number of free throws in the state, which means she’s comfortable attacking the rim.
Murray is helping this Rockvale squad get back to consistant high level of relevance. She’s averaging 17.4 points and 8.3 rebounds a game. The senior is the heart beat of this highly competitive Rockvale team. This week she scored a total of 35 points in two wins.
As of this writing, White Co was undefeated, and Celeste Reed Celeste Reed 5’11” | C White Co. | 2024 State TN is a huge part of that. The senior has been a double-double machine, averaging 15 and 10. She gives White Co the consistent interior scoring threat that is beginning to make this team deadly.
Garcia only averages 12.2, but shoots over 50% from the field in getting there. What I love about Garcia’s game is that she knows how to capture the moment: when her team needs her to score, she can score in bunches. So far, she’s picked her spots, and while it might not equate to big numbers, it is equating to big success.
Reeder simply continues to dominate for Picket Co. The former Region MVP has put together some huge games lately for a Pickett team that’s played a really difficult schedule:
Recent stat lines:
28 points/12 rebounds/5 blocks
19 points/5 rebounds/1 block
She’s doing a bit of everything for this Pickett County team, and colleges are really starting to notice.
Highlights
Fly has quietly been one of the best 2027’s in the state this year for Wilson Central. As I look through stats around the state, I’ve seen the freshman show up in numerous areas. She’s averaging 11 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks. Those are fantastic numbers from a freshman being thrown into the fire! Wilson Central has been more competitive then people thought, and Fly gets a lot of that credit!
Kaykay Strayhorn
Kaykay Strayhorn
Another 2027 that I thought deserved to be mentioned! The freshman is averaging 10.5 points, and more importantly for her team, 2.6 made 3’s per game. She is a 2027 that has already proven us wrong in our ’27 rankings. She’s played like an upperclassman without appearance of nervousness. She’s been a joy to watch!
Shirley continues to be a scoring machine this season. Shirley has been one of the best three point shooters in the state over the past two years, and this season has been no different. Averaging 20+ points per game, Shirley averaged 26 points per game in two games this week.
The play of ’27 Payton Rollins Payton Rollins 5’8″ | PG South Doyle | 2027 TN for South Doyle is worth a continuing mention. She entered high school with a big time reputation…and she’s more than delivered. She’s averageing 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists for a competitive young South-Doyle team. She continues to be one of the great stories of the year in Tennessee.