The state tournament begins on Wednesday. Here are some highlights how the season closed along with some big-time efforts from the district, region and sub-state games.

HEADLINES

Fred Smith (Braircrest) put his name firmly on every recruiting list with a massive 26 point effort against Brentwood Academy as the Saints captured the Division II/Class AA state title last week.

Learn the names, you will hear them several times this week. Jarmon Brittman (Douglass) and Taquez Butler (Douglass) are a dynamic duo for the states only unbeaten team as they head into action this week at the state tourney. The tests will be tough as the defending Class AA champs Alcoa are in the field but the Red Devils are primed to make school history.

Youth was the flavor of the day as FACS captured the Division II/Class A state title this past week. Leading the charge for the Crusaders were junior Jacob Walker (FACS) who had 25 in playoff action against Harding Academy, and a pair of outstanding sophomores in Cello Jackson (FACS) and M.J. Hayes (FACS), who dropped 30 against Sacred Heart. Look for this squad to be an annual visitor to this state event.

SCORING EXPLOITS

Jordan Allen (Hillcrest) finished up one of the finest senior seasons in the history of Memphis hoops. The Vikings fell short of making it to state as Allen closed things up with a 26 spot against Westwood, 29 against City University and 37 against BTW.

Learn this name as you will hear it in abundance this week at the state tournament. Malachi Brooks (Union City) has been nothing but dynamic down the stretch for the Golden Tornadoes. He dropped a 50 spot against Huntingdon, added 38 against West Carroll and a cool 37 against Gleason.

Murray Norman (Munford) had a solid senior season closing with a 40-point effort against Melrose.

Julius Thedford (Cordova) had a fine senior season coming up just short at the sub-state. Thedford, who is headed to Missouri State, closed it strong with a 33-point effort down the stretch against Whitehaven.

MILESTONES

Cameron Brown (Whitehaven) added his name to an epic wall of legendary Tiger greats moving past the 1,000-point mark for his rising hoops career.

Marcus Martin (Dyer County) transcribed his name into Choctaw legend moving past the 1,000-point barrier for his hoop career.

Damion Cox (Memphis Central) firmly planted his name as among the best in the city and the state in Class of 2025. The junior guard closed strong with a 28-point effort against Memphis Overton and was named district MVP for his efforts. He also moved past the 1,000-point mark for his career.