Team Preview: Austin-East

Andrew Force November 23, 2023 @ 12:25 PM

Shane Cherry Shane Cherry 5'9" | PG Academy Of Central Florida | 2025 State #353 Nation FL is the most athletic guard in Tennessee. For the last two years he could get to the rim without impediment. This year is the same story with an even stronger protagonist. When Shane decides he is going to the rim, it takes him a hesi-dribble and two giant strides. Nothing more.

Nobody is faster with the basketball in his hands than Shane. He reminds of Tyus Edney (UCLA National Champion), but with more upper body strength and hops. Maybe a Ty Lawson. Shane Cherry Shane Cherry 5'9" | PG Academy Of Central Florida | 2025 State #353 Nation FL is ranked #3 in the state, reflective of is exceptional ceiling. There is no doubt that Cherry will play Division I basketball.

While Cherry is the superstar of the team, Juwaan Troutman Juwaan Troutman 6'5" | PF Austin-East | 2025 State TN is absolutely critical because he gives them their only legitimate back-to-basket player. Troutman is 6-foot-4 with strength and composure around the rim. He weighs around 225 and will take a bump without blinking. He missing time for any reason instantly makes this a pretty good team, not a very good team.

D'andre Hundley (2026) is an energy guy. He perfectly fits the team identity with remarkably quick hands and tenacious rebounding. Hundley plays with consistent hunger and does not need the basketball to make an impact. Only a sophomore, Hundley is embedded in the rotation, probably because of his defense, effort, and rebounding. The team lists him at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds. They call him a power forward/center. In truth, Hundley is kind of positionless. He does whatever whenever wherever. Demarcus Johnson Demarcus Johnson 6'3" | SF Austin-East | 2025 State TN (2025) is a similar player. Hard worker. Defends multiple positions.

A player to watch for the future is Condis Cherry Condis Cherry 5'6" | PG Alcoa | 2027 State TN . Very small for a hooper, the 5-foot-5 Cherry is a dart with soft shooting touch. His three-point shot is not there yet, but he will make one every once in awhile. Also, Condis is bankable on the free throw line. It is difficult to alter his dribble.

Shane Cherry Shane Cherry 5'9" | PG Academy Of Central Florida | 2025 State #353 Nation FL vs. Karns High

It is difficult to entirely encapsulate Shane Cherry Shane Cherry 5'9" | PG Academy Of Central Florida | 2025 State #353 Nation FL with glittering words. The first week of the season he and Austin-East faced Karns High. Here was his complete stat line.
27 points
9-17 FG
4-7 3's
5-7 FTs
2 assists
1 steal
2 off reb
2 TO
3 fouls