Part II: More of Tennessee’s best are in the gym
In my last story, I asked some of Tennessee’s elite about their work ethic in preparation for this upcoming high school basketball season and where they’re currently in the recruitment department. I was just getting started in my last story…
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Continue ReadingIn my last story, I asked some of Tennessee’s elite about their work ethic in preparation for this upcoming high school basketball season and where they’re currently in the recruitment department.
I was just getting started in my last story as I have contacted more talent in the state to ask the same questions. This week marks the second NCAA live period, and it’s very important for players to play well in front of college coaches in hopes of getting looks.
Here are the next set of players that have been putting in the work this summer:
Kameron Jones, ECS: The 6-foot-3 point guard has had a great summer. Jones has picked up three offers (Tennessee Tech, Troy and South Alabama) and had a great outing at the BCAT Top 100 Camp in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Jones can score with ease. He’s very smooth with the basketball. Jones is one of the most talented offensive players in the 2021 class.
“I have been polishing and adding things to my offensive game,” Jones said. “I have been in the weight room, getting faster, stronger and working on defense.”
Outside of Jones’ three offers, he’s receiving interests from Evansville and Belmont.
Matthew Sells, Livingston Academy: Sells has yet to pick up an offer, but has been in contact with Tennessee Tech, Roane State and Western Kentucky.
Sells is another solid guard in the 2021 class that will have a lot of college coaches coming for his services, and so far this summer, Sells has been working on his offensive game.
“I’ve mostly been working on my ball handles and shooting while moving and coming off screens.”
Sells also mentioned what this summer means for his recruitment.
“It has been a really important summer, because this is when colleges can start reaching out and watch more of your games.”
Ethan Riggs Abner, Mt. Juliet: The 6-6 wing is preparing to take his game up a notch in his junior season after averaging 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals last season.
“I have been improving my ball handling and shooting off the dribble,” Abner said. “I have been gaining weight and become stronger also.”
Abner has been receiving interests from Western Carolina, UT-Martin, Rio Grande, Alabama-Huntsville, Union, Liberty, Trevecca, Florida College, North Arkansas, Missouri Western, West Georgia and UAB.
R.J. Berkley, MAHS: The 6-2 combo guard is coming up on his final year of high school, so he has to have a solid season if he’s hoping to go into college basketball once the season is done. Berkley is very skilled offensively, and there’s no need to see a lot more since his strengths are on the offensive end.
Most likely, Berkley will have some responsibilities at point guard once he heads off to college, so being a vocal leader is something he has taken ownership of during the summer.
“I have been working on being a better ball handler and finisher skill wise, but for MAHS, I’ve been trying to be a better leader for them.”
Berkley has one offer from Trinity Christian and holds interests from American University, University of the Incarnate Word, Brown University, Lyon College and Christian Brothers University.
Tony Farrar, Tyner Academy: Farrar, a 5-11 point guard, has been injured most of the summer, but is finally healthy to play this weekend in the Best of the South AAU Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia. The former Hamilton Heights product is determined to end the summer on a high note before the start of his junior season.
Farrar has yet to pick up an offer, but will have Wichita State, Gardner Webb and Murray State in attendance this weekend to see him play.