Coach Talk: Tennessee Run Director Hunter Johnson
I talked with Tennessee Run AAU Director Hunter Johnson early Tuesday morning. He coaches the 17u team and obviously recruits for all of the teams. This article is primarily a discussion of his 16u and 17u teams and their spring…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingI talked with Tennessee Run AAU Director Hunter Johnson early Tuesday morning. He coaches the 17u team and obviously recruits for all of the teams. This article is primarily a discussion of his 16u and 17u teams and their spring thus far.
How deep into AAU are unsigned seniors allowed to play?
What I have been told is, until they sign. I have guys that are going to prep schools. The VEA Super 12 is allowing them to play.
What age groups do you have?
15u, 16u, 17u. But my 15u is a mix.
What events have you played so far?
Week 1, we went to Cam Jackson (VEA 12). 17u, we went 4-0. 16u went 3-1. After that we went to the TN Jam down in Memphis. I believe we went 3-1 with 17u. 16u went 3-1 down there and played great.
3-2 17u
2-2 16u
15u Played up in Sparta, TN. They lost in the Championship Game.
What is your May schedule like?
We are going to pick up a smaller tournament to get our confidence back a little back. In Atlanta we are going to PrepHoops (ATL) and then Rocky Top Sports World VEA Memorial Day Classic (May 25-27)
Do you have a consistent starting lineup?
I am the 17u coach and the director. When I have everybody there, yes.
’24 Nic Hodge (WIlliam Blount)
’24 AJ Gray (Hardin Valley)
’24 Chris Bozeman (Karns)
Jackson Young (Austin-East) — playing for fun.
’25 PF Kaden Ison (Clinton)
He (AJ Gray) has a visit to Columbia State this week and may sign.
’24 Bennett Simerlein (CAK) He could start.
’25
Deonte Smith
Deonte
Smith
5'11" | CG
Berean Christian | 2025
TN
(Berean Christian)
2026’s that you really like?
The #1 guy is Antonio Hutchison, out of CAK. He is a guy who plays with a lot of energy. Really good defender. Really good. Long, athletic. He even comes up with my 17u if I don’t have enough people. He will pop the top off of it. Just give him space.
Rejuan Womble His weakness is being more consistent on the jumpshot. He can hit it but needs to get more consistent.
Justin Pruitt Justin Pruitt 5'9" | PG Austin-East | 2026 State TN (Austin-East). He is probably the most sound defender in the whole organization. Sits down and defends. He makes guys work. Hard to stay in front of on the offensive end. Really good shooter.
The last would be Larion Winton. Energy guy. They really feed off of him. When he is playing good they really follow. He gets to the rack and a really good creator too. He doesn’t do the same move to get to the rack. He will switch it up. Whatever the defense gives