Friday Night Insights (Jan 5-7): Part 3
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After an incredibly fun weekend of high school hoops, and some games that really taught us things, let’s take a look at some highlights: Jenna Bush Jenna Bush 5'11" | SF Cannon Co. | 2024 State TN HEIGHT 5'11" POS…
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Continue ReadingAfter an incredibly fun weekend of high school hoops, and some games that really taught us things, let’s take a look at some highlights:
Cannon County has been searching for a secondary scorer all season long, and ’24 Bush may just be her. Versus Cascade, Bush put up a 14 point, 8 rebound, 7 block performance. As Cannon sits at 13-5, their role players are really starting to play their best basketball of the season. She’s an unsigned ’24 that has college ready size and skill.
Madison Graham Madison Graham 5'10" | SG MTCS | 2026 TN
Madison Graham Madison Graham 5'10" | SG MTCS | 2026 TN
For MTCS to make a return trip to the state championship game, they too are looking for role players to step up. MTCS has a stud in Anna Clay Shirley Anna Clay Shirley 6’0″ | SG MTCS | 2026 State TN ; Rucker is very good; and now I’m really turning into a believer in Graham too. The ’26 guard had 16 points in a game vs PA this weekend, and looked like a potential 3rd scorer for this team.
Nora Walkup
Nora Walkup
Same as above: Cannnon County as been searching hard to find that reliable secondary scorer, and between the two seniors Bush and Walkup, they may just have enough firepower to make some post season noise. Walkup averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds over the weekend. They are currently sitting at 13-5 with a quality strength of schedule.
Brandimore is continuing to come into her own as the 6’2 sophomore posts has been tremendous of late. The ’26 had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 blocks in a near triple-double vs Brentwood. And then followed that up with 15 point, 9 rebound performance vs Ravenwood. Given her sheer physical tools, I truly believe she has the makings of one of the better posts in the state.
We really enjoy Brakefield’s overall, well-rounded game. Her diversity is part of what makes Nolensivlle so tough this year. In a win over Ravenwood, Brakefield had a near triple double with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 blocks. Extremely competitive kids with an exceptional motor.
I understand…..some kids get written about a lot! But it’s so hard to not include a player when they’ve worked their tail off to be dominant. See: Ryan, Ella. One of the highest scorers in the state, she did it again this weekend with a 25 point, 14 rebound performance and then followed that up by dropping 20 versus Independence. Regardless of level, regardless of class….Ryan is absolutely one of the best scorers in the state.
Coach Barrett has his young Lebanon squad looking very good. In a big win over Green Hill, ’26 PG Tiara Spencer Tiara Spencer 5’8″ | PG Lebanon | 2026 State TN 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 5 deflections, and most importantly ZERO turnovers. This team has some talent, and Spencer has to learn how to connect, lead, share, inspire, and defend at a high level. A lot to ask of a sophomore, but she’s rising to the occasion.
Highlights
Tramaria Neal
Tramaria Neal
Neal is an underrated role player who had a big-time game this weekend for Lebanon. She led the way with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. This Lebanon bunch is looking to sneak up on people come postseason time, and it’s always role players like Neal that inevitably end up playing huge roles.