You can feel the ball bouncing. 

You can hear the sneakers squeaking. 

This is the sound of basketball. 

Some limitations remain in tact but the fact is we were able to have the 2021 Tennessee State High School playoffs and everything went off without a hitch. 

Three classifications and three state champions were crowned last week at the Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. Lets break down each classification with some talk of the action, the top scorers and three players who stood out among the field. 

CLASS A

State Champion: Clay County
State Tournament MVP: Grant Strong (Clay County)
Mr. Basketball: Grant Strong (Clay County)

What a fine way to spend a weekend in the 'boro. 

Grant Strong (Clay County) was masterful dropping 29 points leading the Bulldogs to a 62-52 victory over MAHS bringing the Gold Ball back to Celina. 

The junior guard took home MVP honors; as well as, being named Class A Mr. Basketball. More on his scoring exploits in the top player discussion. 

Top Scoring Efforts: 

Grant Strong (Clay County) 32pts vs. North Greene
Grant Strong (Clay County) 32pts vs. Madison Magnet
Grant Strong (Clay County) 29pts vs. MAHS
Jaylin Anglin (West Carroll) 28pts vs. MAHS
Zach Amonett (Pickett County) 27pts vs. Cosby
Dylan Woods (MAHS) 24pts vs. Pickett County
Zach Amonett (Pickett County) 20pts vs. MAHS

Three Players Whose Effort Shone Large

Chriss Shultz (North Greene) 

German exchange student had an outstanding event landing on the all-tournament squad with two double/double efforts. He averaged 17 points per game and 12 rebound per click as he helped North Greene advance to the final four. 

Zach Amonett (Pickett County)

Junior guard shot lights out and helped his squad advance to the final four of the Class A division. Amonett finished the event averaging 23.5 points per contest and is poised for a monster senior season. 

Grant Strong (Clay County)

Surprise, surprise, the junior guard made this his own state event capturing all the hardware and averaging a gaudy 31.0 points per contest. College coaches take note this kid is the real deal, slick handles, superb stroke, great length, above-average feel for the game.