Strong AA Quarterfinal Performances

Thursday the AA class tipped with four intriguing matchups. While many players exceled in the four games, the following features a number of the standouts.

Fairview vs. Brainerd

Donivon Thomas Donivon Thomas 6'5" | PF Brainerd (football) | 2023 State TN (Brainerd) is one of the best athletes in the state. Just remarkably quick off of the wooden planks. The burst is incredible at 6-foot-6 and he is a nightmare to shoot over or around primarily for this reason. Thomas was explosive with his first shot-altering of the game, early in the first quarter. Midway through the first quarter, DT did it again. The lofted layup left the FHS guard’s hand and violently returned to the floor thanks to Thomas’ spike.

Jacob Neal (Fairview) gave FHS a scrappy edge to help them match the pep and intensity of Brainerd. He gave a nice assist off of a high post play. Neal rebounded aggressively. And Brainerd often attacked the loose balls and rebounds more quickly overall, meaning Neal’s efforts mitigated that somewhat.

Dennis Lewis (Brainerd) played a quiet game offensively, but when an extra pass found him on the far wing he made the three-pointer. Lewis Jr. tends to be an aggressor in the halfcourt. Fairview’s defense required that Lewis Jr. pick his moments. He did that well.

Power Center vs. Giles County

Cordarious Sledge Cordarious Sledge 6'5" | SF Power Center Academy | 2023 State TN (Power Center) hit the game’s first three-pointer. He missed his second chance. Sledge’s best contribution in the first half came on the opposing end. Sledge committed to defending Jake Cardin face-up. For the opening quarter Power Center defended with a 1-3-1 zone, quite successfully. The second quarter arrived, and Power Center gave the Bobcats a completely different look by checking man-to-man.

Nazir Allen Nazir Allen 6'7" | SF Power Center Academy | 2024 State TN (Power Center) is a pogostick of a player. So springy and active. Allen impacted the game around both rims. He made a powerful two-handed dunk in the second quarter. He did force a couple of three-pointers.

Clay Mitchell (Giles County) searched and probed, ultimately earning his way to the free throw line. Mitchell’s trips to the free throw line enabled Giles County to eliminate a 7-point deficit. As daunting as the opponent appeared through the first 12 minutes, the Bobcats found their footing with high-percentage shots and the Mitchell free throw makes.

Kamari “KT” Turner (Giles County) found seven points in the opening half, to lead his team in scoring. Turner did a decent job dealing with the Power Center pressure. He did turn the ball over a couple of times, not the many possible.