NXT LVL Nashville is an event that, despite its relatively short life traditionally draws an elite team from Memphis, Kentucky, and sometimes Alabama, Arkansas, or Georgia.
The event draws some really sound competition to Brentwood, Tennessee late December each year.
All eight teams are guaranteed three games this week. On the opening afternoon/evening these were the top performers:
2018 G Levert Smith (Oak Ridge)
A true floor general,
Levert Smith (
PrepHoopsTN #34) controlled the action out of the gate. The senior simply doesn't make mental or physical mistakes. Levert is a proven winner and if not for his height (5'8" ish) he would be signed to a college program already. The lefty played steady and composed all afternoon.
2018 F Seth Caldwell (Oak Ridge)
The springy senior helped the Wildcats compete against a significantly bigger frontline. For a largely undersized Oak Ridge team, Caldwell is very, very important. He guards opposing bigs and finishes with quick reflexes.
2018 F Kalu Ezkpe (Discovery)
Ezkpe ranked as one of the best athletes in the gym. So quick off the floor, the thin forward proved he is a D-1 athlete quickly. Three first half shots from Oak Ridge returned to sender thanks to Ezkpe's vertical tenacity. The senior signed to Old Dominion.
2022 WG Braeden Moore (C.P.A.)
Judging purely by his game performance Braeden is one of the top shooters in the state. Capable of hitting open triples at a startling rate, Moore grew a comfortable C.P.A. lead. He can handle a little, but C.P.A. Head Coach Drew Maddux wisely opts to lean on more physically mature teammates to handle.
2018 G Bryce McCormick (C.P.A.)
Senior Bryce McCormick endured a heavy burden Wednesday night. His 18 points were all needed and the press break truly fell on his shoulders. Of the teams 22 turnovers, Bryce only committed four. McCormick can shoot, but he was largely slashing and creating against Baptist Prep.
2018 G Isaac McBride (Baptist Prep)
The shooting for Isaac was poor, and credit the C.P.A. zone. Still McBride earned four steals and spearheaded a stifling 1-2-2 press. McBride racked up eight assists in the win.
2020 WG Cory Reynolds (Brentwood Academy)
The sophomore did not shrink from the moment. Facing a packed gym and a lengthy Whitehaven team Reynolds looked not only capable of competing, but creating. Reynolds is a gifted slasher with an imposing underclassmen body. Look for a breakout spring from him.
2018 G Kam Lyons (Brentwood Academy)
In a game of stars, Kam Lyons scored six points in the early stages. Lyons handled some quick-handed Tigers with relative ease. Lyons finished with nine points and just one turnover in 25 minutes.
2018 PG Darius Garland (Brentwood Academy)
The star was good, not incredible. The standards for Garland are so high. Whitehaven tried to force the basketball out of his hands. Darius broke down the defense most times. Unfortunately for Garland teammates could not expertly finish off the play. Garland is an exceptional ball-handler and he rarely misses a free throw. When leading late you want the basketball in his hands. Darius Garland scored 25 points. While his shot wasn't typically remarkable from the field he buried all 12 free throws.
2019 PG Simmie Jones III (Whitehaven)
A new Tiger, junior guard Simmie Jones III really found a way to compete right away. Jones III knocked down some outside shots. He also served as a competent ball-handler in the halfcourt. Jones III recorded six points, three rebounds, and two steals. He was the most sure-handed Whitehaven guard.
2020 G Matthew Murrell (Whitehaven)
The sophomore of high regard handled the moment very well. He attacked without fear. Though he missed a couple attempts you gladly take the bad with the great. Murrell also defended Garland more than a few times. He has a stunningly high ceiling. Murrell finished with 17 points (5-9 FG's) with a bothersome five turnovers (two charges).
