Tennessee Preview Camp: Top Performers, Part I
The TOA Sports Performance Center played host to the HoopSeen Tennessee Preview Camp on Saturday, and some of the state's top talent converged in Franklin for the opportunity to compete. After polling our coaches and staff, we have come to an agreement on our top performers of the event. Here's our first installment of our top performers from the Tennessee Preview Camp.
Yerald Mieses, 2021 PG, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (TN): Mieses wasted no time bursting onto the scene and ultimately took advantage of the stage on Saturday. A native of the Dominican Republic, the senior was a blur in the open floor with the ball in his hands. His speed allowed him to get by defenders and score in transition with ease. Mieses also showed the ability to score from all three levels at different points during the event. His motor and ability to score in bunches impressed our staff during 5-on-5 play. Mieses has drawn some interest from a variety of college programs throughout his high school career. However, after suffering a couple of knee injuries, he has surfed under the radar. If this weekend was any indication, Mieses is deserving of mid to high-major interest.
Kristian Shaw, 2022 SG, Beech (TN): I heard my colleague Justin Young rave about PSB Elite Nashville Dozier from our Bama Jam back in the summer, and a lot of that high praise was because of Kristian Shaw. The 6-foot-6 wing was impressive throughout the day, highlighted by his ability to shoot the basketball with range. The junior connected on a handful of three-point attempts each game and made the defense aware of his shooting ability. He also kept the defense on its toes with his sneaky athleticism and passing ability. I can see Shaw being a guy Southern mid-major programs prioritize as he progresses through his junior campaign.
Camden Andrews, 2023 CG, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (TN): There's only one way to describe Andrews: bucket getter. The sophomore guard was one of the most talented scorers we had in attendance at camp and he did it in bunches. The 5-foot-10 combo guard kept the defense on its heels with his ability to get downhill, especially during pick-and-roll opportunities. Andrews shot the ball well from behind the three-point line, too. I think he's a nice underclassmen for schools to key in on this winter as he suits up for Hamilton Heights.
Felix Okpara, 2021 C, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (TN): Okpara continues to get better each time I see him play. Primarily known as a rim protector on the defensive end, the senior did an impressive job of blocking and altering shots. His combination of length, size, and timing make him a nightmare for opposing offenses around the paint. While his defensive acumen is his calling card, it's hard to ignore the steps Okpara has taken on the offensive end of the floor. The 7-footer connected on a couple of perimeter shots throughout the play and even handled the basketball from time to time. Okpara is a guy I'm buying stock in going forward.
