7AAA Notebook and Predictions

Andrew Force January 13, 2023 @ 02:07 PM

7AAA Notebook and Predictions

In district 7AAA, the level of competition is very high and there are key players that make
district 7AAA the most competitive district in the state of Tennessee. There are a plethora of
good players in 7AAA. These are Zac Lewis' picks for the All-District starting five.

Point Guard: 2025 Trip Pinion, White County

If you look at the point guard position, there are many guards that are worthy of this spot. In
7AAA, you can't look at the point guard position and not talk about Tripp Pinion Tripp Pinion 5'11" | PG White County | 2025 State TN from White
County. The sophomore won the defensive MVP award as a freshman, and he is looking to win
it again his sophomore season. Pinion is also a threat on the offensive end for the Warriors. With
him being such a threat defensively, he is the top point guard in the district.

Shooting Guard: 2023 AJ Nash AJ Nash 6'1" | SG Upperman | 2023 State TN , Upperman

Many 7AAA players could have this spot, but AJ Nash AJ Nash 6'1" | SG Upperman | 2023 State TN 's experience and performance as a senior shows when he is on the court. The Bees have played well without their star senior, but
they definitely are missing their shooter. Nash started along with the Upperman legends such as
Alex Rush and Collin Gore. His shooting is what brings him to this spot. He is one of the best
shooters in the state and possibly the best shooter in district 7AAA.

Nash is currently ranked #118 in the Class of 2023.

Small Forward: 2024 Wyatt Hargis, Livingston Academy

At the start of the season, you could have told me that Wyatt Hargis wouldn't be one of the top
forwards in 7AAA and I would have believed you. However, if someone stated that today, I
would be flabbergasted. The junior can is so versatile in Millers lineup especially since most of
the team are guards, Wyatt has some inside presence when he is playing against smaller post
players. Hargis has showed that he can compete with any player in district 7AAA and that he can
be a threat on both ends of the floor. If Hargis was to stay consistent on both ends, then he could
be a contender for Mr. Basketball later down the road.

Power Forward: 2025 Cade Capps Cade Capps 6'5" | SG Stone Memorial | 2025 State #210 Nation TN , Stone Memorial

You can't have a list like this and not include Cade Capps Cade Capps 6'5" | SG Stone Memorial | 2025 State #210 Nation TN . I know he don't usually play the big
but when he does, he is good at it. Capps won freshmen of the year last year and I'm sure he is
seeking district MVP in his sophomore year. He led his team to the state semifinals last year and
pushed the eventual champions (Greenville) to the brink. Capps gives Upperman's senior (AJ
Nash) a run for his money as he is one of the best shooters in the district. When the sophomore
doesn't let frustration get in the way he is probably the best player in the area. If he keeps up the
way he's been playing, then he will certainly be up for a Mr. Basketball award.

Capps is currently ranked #3 in Tennessee.

Center: 2023 Japheth Richmond Japheth Richmond 6'6" | PF White County | 2023 State TN , White County

This is the easiest position to pick if you are picking the top post in 7AAA. White County may
have dropped a few games recently but when the Warriors find their groove, they could be state
title contenders. Richmond brings an inside presence that nobody in the Upper Cumberland can
guard and he uses his size to his advantage. Coach Eric Mitchell uses the height of the post
player to contribute to the already tall starting five. White County is the tallest team in 7AAA.

Japheth earned PrepHoopsTN Combine All-Star during his only two appearances at the annual event. His debut appearance netted him the Mr. Unorthodox Award. The lefty can finish around the rim with guile.