.@TNPrepHoops breaks down some of the standouts from Tennessee from the #ALTJAM, Part IV
The HoopSeen Atlanta Jam took on a Tennessee flavor as teams from all over the Volunteer state made statements all over the Suwanee Sports Academy this past weekend. Here are some of my top players, listed alphabetically, who shined bright and continued to make their presence felt during this unorthodox summer/fall basketball campaign.
Who had a better weekend than Sam? He helped lead his Tigers to an unblemished record and in the process turned even more heads with his ability to score from the perimeter. Specht showed more aggression this weekend than I have seen in the past and it was so welcomed. He scored some tough buckets, scrapping for boards, but still had time to knock down several outside shots. His size is eye catching and his skill level is as well. He is rounding into a versatile prospect that will demand more attention.
Swader had an outstanding weekend in Atlanta. He showed leadership skills and a will to win I hadn't seen before at this level. He single handedly almost willed his squad to a win over a superior opponent with timely scoring decisions and quick basketball plays that kept them in the game till the bitter end. His first step is electric and he is as a good a lay-up maker as anyone in our state. He simply runs the show. His outside shooting was much better at this event and his confidence level in his shot was higher as well.
This has been a breakout summer for the middle Tennessee native. A scoring lead guard that has the size and strength to be a force on the high school level this season. He averaged 19 per game at the Jam and kept his team unbeaten for the event. He is strong and gets his shot off against most guards, he shows improved passing skills; as well as, a much improved effort on the defensive side of the floor. He has the temperament and the skill level that continues to turn heads on the circuit.
This star is shining ever so bright with his performance at the Atlanta Jam. Tough and strong, Wheat showed some next level scoring ability with his point barrage in some early contests on Saturday. His outside shot is very nice and he has the lower body strength to finish his drives to the bucket despite his lack of height. If a scoring point is your preference, then look no further than this kid.
I love the intangibles this kid brings to the table, he isn't the top scorer, but he could be. He is steady and a great teammate, he makes others better and in the end he is always the kid on the winning team. Need proof, late entry squad went unbeaten at the Jam. He can shoot the mid-range shot with high success, he finishes at the rim hard and he takes defending seriously. He is a coaches dream and in the proper system he will be magnificent.
