Top Performers: McCallie Dr. Pepper Classic
The McCallie Dr. Pepper TEN Classic opened play Friday night with two sterling matchups.
First, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy clashed with Ensworth. The feature game was McCallie versus Oak Hill Academy (VA).
Saturday McCallie hosted Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in a battle of Chattanooga’s best. Earlier Oak Hill Academy defeated Ensworth.
With over a dozen future college players in the building these were the top players:
Keyshawn Lawrence (Ensworth)
Few dual-athletes in the state can dominate both football and basketball to Lawrence’s level. The ability to absorb contact and complete an athletic play astounds.
Junior Clay (McCallie)
Clay was simply spectacular against Oak Hill Academy. His 27 points along with constant press breaking accounted for one of the top 10 individual performances in the state all year.
Keyontae Johnson (Oak Hill Academy)
Dunks aplenty emanated from the scintillating Warrior’s game. He can do more, but all the fans will remember are the countless flushes by the leaping Johnson.
Jorden Starling (McCallie)
Saturday the big pivot for McCallie scored constantly on the low blocks. McCallie tried to draw and dish against the poaching Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (HHCA) big men. Starling possesses a deliciously soft touch around the rim. He can handle a bit too.
Trip Butler (McCallie)
Starting shooting guard, Trip Butler won the 3-point shootout and also scored in a variety of ways against a long, athletic Hamilton Heights Christian lineup.
Jaylan Clemmons (Ensworth)
The Tigers of Ensworth needed secondary scoring alongside Lawrence. Clemmons provided consistent shooting in the face of tough defenses. Without him Ensworth probably loses both games. The senior really developed his game in the last three years.
Tre Edwards (HHCA)
The sharpshooter stroked his Hawks to an enormous 18-point halftime lead against McCallie. Edwards still needs to establish better slashing ability, but his length and outside touch place him the top ten statewide.
Keldon Johnson (Oak Hill Academy)
Does any player in the event have a higher ceiling than Keldon? The off-guard explodes off the deck. Unlike most superstar high school players he shows plenty of emotion. Johnson lit up the scoreboard both nights and helped his Warriors avoid an upset Friday.
Wheza Panzo (HHCA)
Panzo scored in double-figures both nights. Scoring and rebounding are components he offers nightly. Panzo thinks team-first.