Weekend Recap From The Lou!

I love this time of year. The grind season has been in full effect. Teams from our state scattered the country, looking for that opportunity to get better and attract the eyes of college coaches. There were nine (too many) exposure events going on this weekend. So coaches and players were stretched all across the country. Whatever the case may be, if you are checking your social media, you saw our girls from the Volunteer state handle their business and showed folks what our game is all about.   Personally, I took in The Classic held in Louisville, Kentucky. Teams such as Tennessee Platinum, Stars Basketball Club, [program_tooltip program_id='713296' first='Team' last='Brandan Wright'], [program_tooltip program_id='713616' first='Tennessee' last='Flight'] ( a few teams ), [program_tooltip program_id='712979' first='TN' last='Rush'], TN Top Guns, TN Sol, [program_tooltip program_id='712431' first='Bristol' last='Pistols'], [program_tooltip program_id='713260' first='ETA' last='Thunder'] ,TN Pride,  TN Trotters, ect.(apologies if I left a club name off)  all had some representation throughout the event. From juniors all the way to the 5th grade, ladies who rep the Tri-star state were hoopin. It was fun to go court to court to take in the action. If I am not mistaken most of our teams walked away with winning records. Look, the biggest thing about events like these arw about getting seen. I know coaches personally want to win ball games, but if your girls are playing with and showing tons of energy and effort, they get an opportunity to get scouted. That's what these events are about. There were plenty of coaches in the building from D1 all the way to JUCO, all looking for the next player to help put their program over the top. There was plenty of talent in the building and let me tell you, not one team from the state of Tennessee was disappointing. So coaches, if you happen to drop a couple of games, don't get upset. Keep doing what you do because at the end of the day, these girls are getting better.   Side note: I told one coach, look you may take your lumps in travel ball, but you won't see the fruits of your labor until down the road. It may be next February or March when accolades are given out from school ball until you actually see what you help put investment in. So keep doing what you do.   2025 Stars Basketball UA   2025 [program_tooltip program_id='712974' first='TN' last='Flight']   2026 TN Sol Black   2025 Team B Wright Black E40   2025 Team B Wright Red NEXXT   2027 Team B Wright Black E40   2030 Team B Wright Black NEXXT   All won their prospective division. Hey, not bad for a bunch of solid programs out here doing work and trying to elevate you ladies. Tons of coaches were on the baselines to witness games. That's what you want. At the end of the day, this was a great event and one that people must check out in the future.   Now, there were some hoopers in the building, I mentioned that earlier. Here are some kids who caught the eyes of collegiate coaches and scouts.   [player_tooltip player_id='821670' first='Jade' last='Watson'] (5'6/Fr./CG/ Rockvale)- The shifty guard from TBW was having a field day. She was scoring from the perimeter as well as in the paint. Her craftiness and her ability to get to the rim caught the eyes of many collegiate coaches. Finishing against contact, knocking down open shots, distributing the ball, playing D, the girl was on point and did a heck of a job. Her stock truly rose this weekend especially in the eyes of some prominent schools.   [player_tooltip player_id='816658' first='Anna' last='Hellums'] (5'10/Jr./SF/ Clarksville Academy)- Had a solid weekend where she contributed to her team's success. From knocking down shots from the arc to finishing at the cup, she elevated her game against some pretty stiff competition. She brought the energy and effort and her presence on the court brought an infectious spirit throughout her ball club. Great two-way player who was making an impact in more ways than one.   [player_tooltip player_id='506234' first='Leilani' last='Washington'] (5'6/ Jr./G/ Nolensville)- Speed demon. The kid was active on both ends of the floor. Active hands, active feet, she was creating chaos on the defensive end, which led to easy transition buckets going the other way. Hit some clutch shots from the arc in multiple games. Her ability to get to the rim really stands out as she is able to finesse the ball against the glass to get an easy lay. Solid kid who just goes out and competes.   [player_tooltip player_id='409017' first='Ella' last='Ryan']  (5'10/Jr./G/ Brentwood)- This kid is one of the hardest working individuals I know. It looked like she was having so much fun on the hardwood. Carving opponents up with hitting shots and playing tough D, she was putting on a show for coaches and fans in attendance. A multi-level scoring threat, she was in her bag and then some each and every game. The kid is on D1 coaches radars and whatever program gets her, she will definitely be a tremendous asset to them. Great kid who is a true hooper.   [player_tooltip player_id='513243' first='Bella' last='Shepherd'] (5'5/So./G/ Lipscomb Academy)- Dead eye shooter, when she is on, she is on. A healthy  Bella is dangerous and when she gets going, she is hard to stop. Has great court awareness, she knows when and where to exploit her opponents. From the arc, she is deadly, when she puts it on the floor, she's tough, she is a tremendous scoring guard who can truly fill it up. Plays solid D, great teammate, the kid made some noise this weekend and will continue to do so throughout the summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='409038' first='Kelsey' last='Holt'] (5'9/Jr./G/ Union Co.)- The kid is just a complete player. Has an all-around game to where she pretty much hits every statistical category. A multi-level scoring threat who is going to score in double figures, but it's the other stuff she does  that helps her club win is what sets her apart. Has great court vision, very selfless. This kid comes to play every time she laces up her shoes.   [player_tooltip player_id='894697' first='Layla' last='Clark'] (5'3/8th grade/G/ Clarksville Academy)- A fearless competitor who plays tremendous defense. She was on it this weekend, not only scoring the basketball, but distributing as well. Has a great feel for the game and knows where to exploit an opponent's weakness. Her D was at a premium, as she slid her feet to keep opponents in front, poking balls loose when the opportunity presented itself. She brought the fire and her team matched her energy. Solid kid who will be a problem to deal with for years to come.   [player_tooltip player_id='822475' first='Ariyah' last='Huffman'] (5'9/ 8th grade/F/ Cleveland Middle)- Her stock is rising that's for sure. Ariyah is just smooth with her game and once she is feeling it, she is tough to deal with. Was deadly from beyond the arc, had some key defensive stops down the stretch, rebounded, finished at the rim, she made a big-time impact for her club throughout the course of the weekend. She's a multi-level scoring threat who is about to have a breakthrough. Solid kid who is going to be a problem for years to come.

I love this time of year. The grind season has been in full effect. Teams from our state scattered the country, looking for that opportunity to get better and attract the eyes of college coaches. There were nine (too many) exposure events going on this weekend. So coaches and players were stretched all across the country. Whatever the case may be, if you are checking your social media, you saw our girls from the Volunteer state handle their business and showed folks what our game is all about.