Underclassmen Letter Grades: Lipscomb Academy-Christian Brothers
This will be an evolving document throughout the evening with more players added. Read about the top-performing underclassmen below. Division II-AA Semifinal 1: LIPSCOMB ACADEMY (52) vs. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS (58) If you want to look at…
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Continue ReadingThis will be an evolving document throughout the evening with more players added.
Read about the top-performing underclassmen below.
Division II-AA
Semifinal 1: LIPSCOMB ACADEMY (52) vs. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS (58)
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Kaleb Beasley Kaleb Beasley 6'1" | PG Lipscomb Academy (football) | 2024 TN (Lipscomb Academy ’24) GRADE: A
Started. Kaleb hit a three-pointer to open his offensive play. The dual-sport athlete was strong on the glass and helped his team compete against a more physically mature CBHS lineup. He did not appear to be an offensive weapon at first though his aggression earned him second-quarter buckets. Most of his threat with the ball was bulling his way towards the basket. Incredibly explosive. His on-court balance was and is tremendous. He is not really a skilled scorer, but his bouncing around the floor reminds of a young Keshawn Lawrence. Change of direction is elite. Defensively, Beasley was tasked with checking Chandler Jackson Chandler Jackson 6'5" | CG Christian Brothers | 2022 State #87 Nation TN to end the first half. He did a great job during the first two possessions, partially blocking both makeable shots. As the game wore on, Kaleb was unable to keep Chandler from the lane. That did not make him unique. Chandler was fantastic at getting to his spots. “He is special,” said Lipscomb Academy Boys Basketball Coach Kevin Starks. “He is a difference maker for us. Kaleb is an athlete that can play. He could be a college basketball player. He could be a college football player. He has no fear. It doesn’t matter who you play.”
Hank Brown (Lipscomb Academy ’23) GRADE: B
Started. Brown came out like a ball of fire. The junior drew the first foul of the game and thoguh he missed both free throws (nerves?) he did continue his physical play for the entire stint on the floor. Brown opened the game on Chandler Jackson Chandler Jackson 6'5" | CG Christian Brothers | 2022 State #87 Nation TN , a mighty task for any player. The matchup seemed bizarre since Chandler is a lead guard, but strong. Brown is a high school power forward, essentially. That he was considered d a viable defender for CJ shows tremendous confidence in his leg power and quickness. He fouled out with 7 rebounds. “He is tough as nails,” said Coach Kevin Starks. “These guys believe in him. He is the one guy that you ask him to do anything. [His teammates] all believe in him.”
It seemed inevitable. Hank Brown (Lipscomb Academy) earned his 2nd foul, as the primary defender on Chandler Jackson. He plays very physical and pursued every rebound. I can't imagine he will be able to stay on the floor guarding Chandler.
— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) March 3, 2022
Michael Pepper Michael Pepper 6'3" | SG Christian Brothers | 2023 State TN (Christian Brothers ’23) GRADE: A-
Started. Pepper was ideal in his role as energy guy He guarded Willie Walton Willie Walton 6'2" | SG Lipscomb Academy (baseball) | 2022 State TN with the body. It was a masterclass. Walton is a dependable scorer, proven over time and almost entirely due to Pepper’s effort and muscle, Walton managed a single first half field goal attempt. He spent not a single second warming up at halftime, probably for good reason. His muscles were fully engaged and he earned a breather at the break. Pepper’s grade was dinged only because he did not shoot very well, so he was one-dimensional offensively much of the night. “ Michael Pepper Michael Pepper 6'3" | SG Christian Brothers | 2023 State TN is a really good player. And that guy [player_tooltip player_id="1179414" first="Willie" last="Walton"] is a great scorer and he did a great job. He is a strong, physical kid. He moves well laterally. And he has gained a lot of confidence offensively in the last couple games.”
Maureice Sherrill (Lipscomb Academy ’23) GRADE: D
Sherrill’s game will be better in the open floor of the AAU season. He was lightning quick, but in the halfcourt offense he struggled to find his seam, his driving lane. More quick than devastatingly precise. He does get credit for not forcing himself into the scoring column. He moved the ball and generally made simple plays effectively.
Myles Sidney Myles Sidney 6'6" | SG Lipscomb Academy | 2025 State TN (Lipscomb Academy ’25) GRADE: D+
Realize that Sidney’s grade is measured against the players in the game. He is a freshman. Christian Brothers played with six seniors. It is not a reflection of his potential, which is tremendous, rather his impact in this singular game. Entered late first quarter. When Lipscomb Academy was struggling to find a bucket, Sydney did hunt his own shot and find a little success. Sidney hit a key three-pointer.
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