The boys District 7AAA basketball tournament gets under way this Friday at La Vergne High.
The first boys’ game is Blackman vs Smyrna at 6. Blackman swept the Dogs this year but the second game was a I point affair, 38 – 37, so clearly there is no favorite. While Blackman’s DeShawn Smith is fun to watch, better keep your eye on J.D.White and Dajuan Brown as well. For Smyrna, both Josh Woodard and P.J. Whitaker deserve your attention.
The # 1 seed Oakland boys play the winner of Blackman/Smyrna boys on Saturday at 6. Oakland swept all four games this season but the second victory over Blackman was by 1, 49 – 48.
Players to watch for Oakland begin but do not end with Mr. All–everything, Jamal Hughes, the leading scorer in the county. Other than Hughes, team chemistry and unselfishness are Oakland’s best weapons. At various times this season, Christian Adams, Darius Rhodes, Buddy Mitchell, Will Walker and, frankly, most of the roster has contributed to Patriot success. I guess that’s why OHS won the title.
At 9 on Friday the La Vergne boys and Riverdale boys play for the third time. La Vergne, who must be the best # 3 seed anywhere, swept Riverdale this season. The players to watch are numerous, starting with Terrence Dixon, Julian Reese and Dominique Spears of LaVergne and Vari Craig, D.J.Smith and Travaris Clarke of Riverdale.
The # 2 seeded Siegel boys will take on the Riverdale/La Vergne winner at 9 on Saturday. Siegel beat Riverdale and La Vergne twice this year but the two wins over LaVergne were by 6 and 3.
Siegel is deep and Marc Gooch and Cedric Williams have been playing well but don’t take your eye off DeVante’ Ellis, Conner Smith, Oscar Butler, T.J. Mitchell or Stephen Hurt.
Boys notes
The chances are excellent that someone that you do not expect will step up and have a great tournament:
Someone like Tyrell Gale of LaVergne, Riverdale’s Taylor Thigpen or Bobby Walkup, Oakland’s Kody Brown, Jalen Smith of Blackman or Siegel’s Kerry Hammonds could be near playing shape after an injury and, if so, he’s a game and a tournament changer.
The Region Tournament is coming up. The Oakland and Siegel boys have earned berths. The winner of Blackman/ Smyrna and LaVergne/Riverdale will round out the four teams that will advance.
The Post will have the results and a schedule for you all week and into next week as well.
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