Way Too Early Best Returners in D16-4A

Andrew Force March 24, 2023 @ 12:38 PM

A Mr. Basketball candidate, Alijah Curry Alijah Curry 6'8" | PF Camden | 2024 State #314 Nation NJ shoots a beautiful jumper. His shooting range extends comfortably out to 15′, making him a tremendous chore to defend with a big. Alijah played great in the 2023 tournament run. In the Mustangs’ final game of the 2023 State Tournament, Curry managed 20 points (9-13 FG) and 15 rebounds with 3 blocks!

Curry’s defensive rebounding can improve in pockets. His shot-blocking can be very good. Curry looks like he might just be a better college player than high school player considering the shooting range and natural athleticism. Needs to add some significant muscle/heft to be the dominant force he can be in Division I basketball.

2024 Joshua Thompson Joshua Thompson 6'5" | SF Douglass | 2024 State TN (Memphis East)

Joshua Thompson Joshua Thompson 6'5" | SF Douglass | 2024 State TN scored six points with 4 rebounds in the Memphis East state semifinal loss to Independence.

2025 Gary Greer (Overton)

Wears jersey #1. Greer was low on totem pole. Though he started in the state tournament he did not seek buckets or shot attempts. Starting games in Murfreesboro as a sophomore is invaluable experience. It can not be replicated in the practice gym or at a home game in January. Pressure makes diamonds.

2024 Cameron Hudson Cameron Hudson 6'7" | SF Memphis Central | 2024 State TN (Memphis Central)

2024 Julius Thedford Julius Thedford 6'3" | SG Cordova | 2024 State #186 Nation TN (Whitehaven)

2024 Cordell Bailey (Overton)

Cordell is a 5-foot-8 guard, who started in the 2023 State Tournament. Bailey wisely spent most of his 2022-2023 season complimenting and setting up Mr. Basketball Finalist Jordan Frison Jordan Frison 6'0" | PG Overton | 2023 State TN . Now Bailey needs to score more. The whole team does, as Frison was a uniquely creative and skilled scorer.

Good, physical off-ball defender. Bumps the cutter and keeps his chest butted up against the hopeful scorer. Embraces contact like a fullback.

2024 Kody Hickerson Kody Hickerson 5'11" | PG Bartlett | 2024 State TN (White Station)

Entering his final AAU season ranked in the Top 25 statewide.

Teams Included
Memphis East*
Kingsbury
Memphis Central*
Overton*
White Station*
Whitehaven*

Final: Independence defeats Memphis East, 78-58. Eagles will play Memphis Overton tomorrow for the Class 4A state title. pic.x.com/knZvRhA2uj
— Courtney Asher Smith (@CourtneyHoops90) March 17, 2023