Tennessee claims inaugural Border Wars title
The inaugural 'Border Wars' took place Saturday at Hoover High School in Birmingham. Pitting three of Tennessee's best high programs against three of Alabama's powers, the Volunteer State came away victorious 2-1.
Here's a look at the standouts from the event...
RAMSAY RUNS PAST WHITE STATION
Ramsay (AL) got the event off to a good start for the host state, as they defeated Memphis (TN) White Station, 75-67.
2016 power forward A.J. Luke and 2017 power forward Kobe McClain paced the Rams, as both big men challenged White Station by running the floor and protecting the rim. Luke was impressive, finishing with 23 points. The 6-foot-5 big man showed a couple of post moves that helped him finish everything around the rim. He has a soft touch and great hands, too.
Unsigned senior guard Nych Smith led White Station with a game-high 26 points. The skilled point guard scored the ball in a variety of ways. He connected on four three-point attempts, but the most impressive aspect of his outing was his ability to finish with either hand at the rim.
Smith mentioned offers from Memphis, UMass and Bradley, along with high interest from Tennessee and St. Louis.
BLACKMAN TURNS UP PRESSURE ON MOUNTAIN BROOK
In what was the most intense game I've seen all year (maybe even a couple of years), Blackman (TN) out-pressured Mountain Brook (AL) to win 56-46 and give Tennessee their first victory in the Battle For The Border.
Blackman jumped out to a quick start with an explosive backcourt. Senior Isaiah Hart, junior Cedriontis Wilson, and sophomore Donovan Sims set the tone early for the Blaze, as they jumped out to a 13-2 lead early in the first quarter.
However, a couple of quick baskets from Mountain Brook senior Terrell Guy got the Spartans going and they only trailed 16-13 at the end of the quarter. That would be the closest they would come to catching Blackman, though.
Blackman's pressure and speed gave Mountain Brook fits throughout the game. Wilson was very impressive for the Blaze. On offense, he showed he was capable of hitting shots from behind the three-point line and controlling the team as a combo guard. Defensively, he showed great athleticism for a 6-foot guard and he also blocked three shots.
Senior Jared Henderson led Mountain Brook with 20 points and Guy added 10.
BLACKWELL STEALS THE SHOW
In the event finale, 2016 CPA (TN) forward Braxton Blackwell (pictured above) proved he was the best prospect in the Border Wars event, as well as one of the best prospects in the country.
The 6-foot-8 forward made his mark by stuffing the stat sheet against a solid Hoover (AL) squad. CPA defeated Hoover 57-41 behind Blackwell's 24 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks, six steals, and three assists.
Blackwell displayed his versatility and skill from the opening tip. He scored when he needed to, but his unselfishness and ability to get his teammates involved was spectacular.
Tyger Campbell, one of the top 8th grade prospects in the country, ran the CPA team like an upperclassmen. He set the tone of the game by pushing the ball in transition, changing speeds, and attacking the rim.
Texas Pan-American signee Dylan Smith didn't have his best outing for Hoover, but he showed flashes of what he will be able to do at the next level. Smith is best when facilitating and making plays for others. He found teammates several times beyond the arch for three-pointers.
Sam Bowman hit three treys to lead the Bucs' with nine points.