Class AAA: 5 seniors who have to play well for their teams

<p>Class AAA should be competitive in 2020, thanks to the amount of talent that’s going to be on the rosters.</p> <p>Each high school wants to know the feeling of jumping up and down on the bench, staring down the clock, patiently waiting for the final buzzer to sound off so the celebration can begin.</p> <p>If Covid-19 doesn’t get in the way, the first act will begin soon.</p> <p>But for a team to win a state title, the seniors have to play a part in making the final act happen.</p> <p><strong>Kley</strong> <strong>McGowan</strong>, <strong>Cleveland</strong>: The Blue Raiders will have depth, thanks to their 2023 class, but head coach Reggie Tucker will look to his senior class to lead the charge. McGowan, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard, will need to be sharp each night he steps onto the floor. McGowan’s scoring will be important. Since [player_tooltip player_id="537125" first="Jacobi" last="Wood"] has graduated, McGowan’s shot attempts will increase. He will just need to be ready to shoot and yes, he can stroke it.</p> <p><strong>Tadarius</strong> <strong>Jacobs</strong>, <strong>Memphis</strong> <strong>East</strong>: Yes, head coach Javonte Holmes has a lot of young talent that should impress people for the next three to four seasons, but right now, Jacobs has to be the leader for the Mustangs. The offense will need to run through the 6-1 guard since he has the tendency to take a lot of great shots. Jacobs should average at least 20 points per game in 2020.</p> <p><strong>Madison</strong> <strong>Peaster</strong>, <strong>Arlington</strong>: If Peaster used the summer to improve on his shooting, then the 6-2 point guard should be a positive for the Tigers in 2020. That’s all he’s missing. Peaster is athletic and crafty with the basketball. As long as he make smart decisions with the basketball, take advantage of mismatches and play solid defense, Arlington should be in position for another successful season.</p> <p><strong>Johnathan</strong> <strong>Milloway</strong>, <strong>Oak</strong> <strong>Ridge</strong>: Milloway should be the preseason frontrunner for Mr. Basketball in Class AAA. The 6-8 forward has solid post moves, can knock down 17-foot jump shots and occasionally knock down shots from 3-point range. Milloway is a handful because of his ability to stretch the floor. He averaged a double-double last season (16 points and 10 rebounds). In 2020, he should do the same.</p> <p><strong>Grant</strong> <strong>Hurst</strong>, <strong>Cleveland</strong>: Hurst will be utilized at point guard and shooting guard. He will need to initiate the offense and make shots when a play is orchestrated for him to do so. The 6-1 guard can do both – he averaged 12.9 points and 2.5 assists last season. Like McGowan, he shot attempts will increase. His importance on the court will increase as well. Hopefully, Hurst is huge for the Blue Raiders when they need him.</p>