Outback Classic Preview
Thursday the Outback Classic kicks off at Blackman High School. PrepHoops.com only focuses on boys basketball, so take a look at the four pertinent games.
Stone Memorial vs. Community
The Stone Memorial Panthers really struggled in the last two weeks. After starting the 2017-2018 season 4-1, the Panthers dropped three road games: Riverdale, Cumberland County, Farragut. Community is a team they should beat rather easily. According to Blackman Head Coach Barry Wortman, Community’s head coach played for him about 20 years ago.
Community is currently 5-4 on the season, but Eagleville swept the Vikings just after Thanksgiving.
Lincoln County vs. Blackman
Frankly Blackman should roll on undefeated in their opener Thursday night. The way Brandon Thomas and Trenton Gibson are playing right now they should coast. There haven’t been many teams capable of discouraging the Blackman Blaze in 2017. Riverdale and Oakland look to be tough matchups down the line.
Community vs. Lincoln County
This will be Community’s best opportunity for a win in this event. Lincoln County has some holes the Vikings can exploit.
https://twitter.com/pmhsports/status/941874071339401217
Most of Lincoln County’s (5-5) wins are over smaller, less deep opponents. Community is the same. Pitted against each other the two squads will see an opportunity to get a nice neutral court win.
Blackman vs. Stone Memorial
The showcase game of the two-day Outback Classic certainly is Blackman against Stone Memorial. The Stone Memorial Panthers have a player good enough to threaten Blackman’s dominance.
#EAB2019 6’7 Justin Headrick (Stone Memorial, TN) is averaging 15ppg, 7rpg, 2 blks through first 5 games. Length, skilled, size & one of the premier shooters in the state! @Justin_H23 @StoneBBall pic.twitter.com/JJub8LSCEN
— #EAB TENNESSEE (@EAB_Tennessee) November 27, 2017
Class of 2019 shooter Justin Headrick will be a tough mark. Expect Trenton Gibson to spend some time on the 6-foot-7 scorer. Despite his prowess, Headrick’s Panthers struggle to close out good teams. Playing at home, Blackman should be favored and sweep the event.