Team Brandan Wright Memorial Day Classic Recap

What a tremendous vibe. A true hoops vibe was felt throughout the city of Nashville as a few clubs got together and just competed against one another. It was a true sense of community as people filled different locations (Brentwood Academy, Lipscomb Academy, and CPA) and watched some top talent in the area (and some from other states) compete against one another. The bleachers were filled as grades 6th-rising seniors showcased their skills in front of attendees. The love affair for the game and kids really getting after it brought out the true essence of what this sport is all about.   There were a ton of tough battles throughout the course of the weekend. Team such at [program_tooltip program_id='713296' first='Team' last='Brandan Wright'], B. Maze, Elite, Stars Basketball Club, NSJ Elite, Tennessee Storm, F.I.E. TTG Free Agents, Franklin Lady Warriors, Alpha Dogs, Flight, RTG Elite, Team Tae, Alabama Heat, and a few others, just battled and got some games under their belt. What I loved about the weekend was that you felt a true sense of the basketball community throughout. A lot of talent was in the building and this event will surely grow over time.   Though there was a lot of young talent on display, here are some girls who showed out from the high school ranks.   [player_tooltip player_id='366664' first='Lyriq' last='Mastin'] (5'6/Jr./CG/Blackman)- She dazzled the crowd with her impressive play. Her ability to change speeds, attack gaps, knock down open shots, or dish to open teammates was very impressive. She set the tone for the club and they followed her lead as her energy level was through the roof. She was active on defense, creating turnover opportunities. The kid was truly an X factor that was tough to stop. Tough and talented kid who will look to capitalize on her previous success and attract even more coaches to the baseline come July. High major kid who is going to be a difference maker at the next level.   Addy Osborne (5'7/8th Grader/G/ West Wilson Middle)- This rising freshman is going to be hard to deal with at the next level. A multi-level scoring threat, she plays with a lot of energy. A great two-way player who gives multiple efforts on both ends. She can shoot the 3 ball at a consistent clip, put the ball on the floor to either pull up or finish at the rim, has a knack for hitting the open cutter with ease. Solid talent who is going to turn a lot of heads with her style of play.   [player_tooltip player_id='509171' first='Tiara' last='Spencer'] (5'7/So./G/ Lebanon)- Shifty guard who has a great feel for the game. She was locking up on D, but her offensive prowess was impressive. Hitting teammates for easy buckets in stride, knocking down clutch shots, she was an absolute dawg when it came to competing between the lines. T played with a sense of urgency. In doing so, she not only sparked runs for her club, but took away the hopes of the opponents. Solid kid who had a great weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='513241' first='Amaya' last='Nash'] (5'7/So./G/ Oakland)- An absolute dawg. She was killing all weekend. She was cookin. A heady basketball player who was a pest on defense. Displayed tight handles, had a nice jumper from both the arc and the 15ft range. She was active and affected the game in so many ways. Amaya has a knack for being around the ball. Yes, she is a great on ball defender, but all the other stuff she contributes doing is what really sets her apart. Solid kid who has a tremendous future.   Mackenzie Ross (5'3/ 8th grader/ PG/ East Nashville)- Swag city. Mackenzie Ross is a ball of fire. Talk about pressure defense, this kid was giving that work plus more. She was creating turnovers on the defensive end by the boatload. Offensively, she attacked the rim challenging taller defenders. She was clutch from 3, hitting shots from Caitlyn Clark range (well a little closer). The kid had a weekend and her confidence is soaring through the roof.   [player_tooltip player_id='1155042' first='Isa' last='Gelbard'] (5'9/8th Grader/F/ Harpeth Hall)- All around player who contributes on both ends of the floor. Has great size, incredible wing-span, her ability to affect the game in so many ways is crazy good. She is a tough competitor who is up for any task. She grabs boards, she defends, she gets steals, deflections, and blocks shots. On offense she shoots the 3 ball, gets to the rim with ease, and makes timely assists. Harpeth Hall has a solid prospect on their hands for years to come.   [player_tooltip player_id='515028' first='Mariah' last='Okorie'] (5'10/So./C/ Blackman)- Solid post who is about to blossom. This weekend she was big on the boards, controlling them on both ends. Her footwork was impressive around the blocks, where she finished through contact. She was solid in the pick n'roll game, where she got a few open looks. On D, she was solid, making it difficult for opponents to work downlow. Had a few key blocks and stopped any runs an opponent was looking to have. Solid kid who is going to be big for the Lady Blaze this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='513275' first='Lily' last='Morrow'] (5'11/So/G/CPA)- This exceptional talent keeps getting better every time she steps on the floor. Has an impressive inside and out game, where she exploits a defender any way possible. She is such a mismatch with the ball in her hands, it's crazy how she can destroy what's in front of her. Pull-up jumper, finish at the rim, unleash it from 3, the ball finds the bottom of the net at a consistent clip. Yes she scores at a high rate, but she contributes doing everything else as well. Solid kid who has a very high ceiling.

What a tremendous vibe. A true hoops vibe was felt throughout the city of Nashville as a few clubs got together and just competed against one another. It was a true sense of community as people filled different locations (Brentwood Academy, Lipscomb Academy, and CPA) and watched some top talent in the area (and some from other states) compete against one another. The bleachers were filled as grades 6th-rising seniors showcased their skills in front of attendees. The love affair for the game and kids really getting after it brought out the true essence of what this sport is all about.