Team 8 had skilled players and leaders on the their team at the #CoachHemi Middle School Showcase. Photo cred – Larry Rhinehart
Cleveland, Tennessee – It is imperative for players to find opportunities to train and get better in the off-season. Finding weekends where players can travel and get out of their comfort zone can pay dividends in the future. The last weekend in February gave middle school players a chance to compete and gain valuable exposure before the travel basketball season kicks off in March. Here is a look at the players from Team 8.
Jordan Gresham and all the ladies from Team 8 came ready to work at the February showcase.
Matty Tanner
Emma Bentley
Jaiden Cox
Matty Tanner of Rutledge, Tennessee, is a coach on the floor. She sees the game and facilitates well to her teammates. She was equally as effective on the defensive end where defended the ball well and used quick footwork to get her job done. Class of 2021 Emma Bentley of Cleveland, Tennessee, shot the ball very well during the camp. She balanced her offensive game by putting the ball on the floor to score when necessary. Class of 2021 Jaiden Cox of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, played a combo-guard role during the camp. She pushed the ball in transition, dished to her teammates and showed a consistent perimeter jumper.
Kyndal Ludick
Kennedy Agee
Abbi Bilbrey
Class of 2021 wing Kyndal Ludick of Lafayette, Tennessee, has great size on the perimeter standing at 5-foot-8. She has a high release on her perimeter jumper and can also finish effectively around the basket. Class of 2022 Kennedy Agee of Liberty, Tennessee, was one of the better shooters at the camp. She shot the ball well off the dribble and off the spot-up. Abbi Bilbrey of Byrdstown, Tennessee, was a standout performer at this camp. She has remarkable mobility for a 5-11 team. Her footwork and finesse game allows her to score efficiently in and outside of the lane. Her feel for the game and ball skill could make her an impact player at the high school level.
Brenna Droke
Jordan Gresham
Jamaryn Blair
Brenna Droke of Cleveland, Tennessee, reminds us of Kiara Pankins of Lexington, Kentucky. She is a hustle forward who has perimeter shooting range. She is a consistent player who gets things done on both ends of the court. Class of 2021 wing Jordan Gresham of Lenoir City, Tennessee, is a great hustle player who does all the little things. She screens, rebounds and defends. She finished well around the basket. Class of 2021 guard Jamaryn Blair of Cleveland, Tennessee, is a quick point guard who can make plays in a variety of ways. She hit pull-up jumpers while also being able to hit the 3-ball. Her ability to defend and see the court as a distributor point to a game that is very balanced.
Jamaryn Blair (@jamaryn_b) has a nice shot and isn’t afraid to pull it when she’s left open. @JLHemingwayPSB @B_Stallings pic.twitter.com/AEGXX0N0nI
— Jonathan Hemingway (@CoachHemi) February 26, 2017
Highlights from the 2017 Coach Hemi Middle School Showcase courtesy of Larry Rhinehart and Jordan Davis
Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. also He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB
