Familiar players face bigger roles with their high school teams

<p>High school basketball teams just started summer practices last week. Some teams have only had one practice, while others have had a couple.</p> <p>It’s too early to say which team in Tennessee looks the part to make a state title run, but there are some prospects that will have to step into bigger roles next season. Well, now would be a great time to start stepping into those meaningful roles.</p> <p>In just two days, eight players have shown they are prepared to step into meaningful roles after key departures.</p> <p><strong>Forward David Dixon (MAHS):</strong> The 6-foot-8 junior forward appears to be in a role where he will need to be a point forward, similar to what Kevin Durant has been his entire NBA career. Dixon will need to be a rim protector, handle the basketball, knockdown outside shots and post up on the block. He’s very alert on the defensive end, but needs some work on his ball handling and outside shooting. His team will need productive scoring each game.</p> <p><strong>Forward Zander Yates (Houston):</strong> The junior forward gives the Mustangs the proper spacing it needs. At 6-7, Yates can shoot the long ball and score on the block. Houston already has<strong> Mason Miller</strong>, a 6-7 forward with outside shooting abilities. Mixing in Yates to go along with junior point guard <strong>T.J. Madlock</strong> opens up the flood gates for the Mustangs’ offense. Senior big man <strong>Faizon Fields</strong> isn’t naturally gifted offensively, so Yates will have to be one of Houston’s primary scoring options.</p> <p><strong>Forward Cameron Matthews (Olive Branch):</strong> At 6-6, Matthews is too big and physical for most opponents. He’s too strong to stop once he elevates into the air. With the ‘Quistors losing <strong>D.J. Jeffries</strong>, Matthews will have to lead Olive Branch back to a state title game, this time in 6A. In just summer league play, Matthews is doing that.</p> <p><strong>Guard Wes Taylor (Olive Branch): Joe Cooper</strong> won’t be suiting up for the ‘Quistors next season, but Wes Taylor will be around to take up the point guard duties. Taylor is different from Cooper. First of all, he’s a better scorer, and he’s just as aggressive. Taylor thrives on transition points. Under his leadership, Olive Branch could run less offensive sets and hit the ground running for transition 3s and alley-oops.</p> <p><strong>Guard Kyron Pleas (Olive Branch)</strong>: Pleas is one tough rascal, just like his teammate Taylor. Pleas can play either guard position and thrives off steals. Taylor and Pleas will give teams problems because of their toughness and physicality.</p> <p><strong>Shooting guard Brandon Wade (Olive Branch)</strong>: Wade has to be the ‘Quistors’ secret weapon. That’s what head coach Eric Rambough said after the team’s scrimmage against Arlington. Wade can shoot from deep. He made a handful of 3s Tuesday night against the Tigers. Taylor can shoot the 3. Pleas isn’t a bad shooter, either. Wade didn’t play much as a junior last season, but will do so next season.</p> <p><strong>Point guard Braxton Morris (Center Hill)</strong>: The 6-1 senior point guard played in a reserve role last season for the Mustangs. Entering his senior season, Morris will be starting. So far, he’s been what the defending MHSAA 5A state champion Center Hill needs him to be. Morris has solid court vision, but will need to score between 15-20 points a game for the Mustangs.</p> <p><strong>Forward Decorian Payton (Center Hill)</strong>: The senior forward has improved on his outside shooting. Ball handling will need to improve since he’s only 6-5 and has aspirations of playing Division I basketball. Payton spacing the floor will help the Mustangs after losing<strong> Calvin Temple</strong>, <strong>Kenneth Lewis</strong> and <strong>Kevin Henry</strong>. He will need to put the ball on the floor at some point. The trio of Payton, Morris and <strong>Kaeden Laws</strong> will have to lead the way.</p>