Dedric Lawson (Hamilton / Memphis - McDonald's All American)

TSSAA State Bracket

Haywood County Regional Champions @ Covington High School 2015

Division AAA: MemphisHoopers.com will say it again, the 800 lb. gorilla Hamilton Wildcats should roll thru early state action and did with a quarterfinal game thumping Hillsboro 55-34 and a Friday meeting with Blackman. A rematch against district rival Memphis East seems very realistic with The Mustangs beating Oak Ridge 68-57 and facing Brentwood Friday in semifinal action. You have a former McDonald's All American in Head Coach Todd Day coaching the only other Hamilton player to ever be named McDonald's All American in Dedric Lawson. This only happens in cycles that come far and few apart with 10-15 year interval at the least.

Dedric & K.J. Lawson 2015

The finishing to the newsletter story is below:

ECS since he came to this country in the 7th grade  from Haiti and played under a legendary coach Terry Tippet. MemphisHoopers.com interviewed coach Tippett after they won TSSAA State in 2010 championship with Walter Weaver (Hooper for Life),  & Steve Casper, he stated, "he wasn't going to retire until probably the best player he ever had graduated and sometime he evidently seen from a iconic coach". Well that would of been this year and MemphisHoopers.com isn't scared compadres. All the flim flam, wishy wash, mumbo jumbo and limited playing in controlled environments definitely raises red flags. Bottomline we will see in the near future and you can email me at any time to make notes.  COACHES, NATIONAL RANKINGS CAN &*^% YOU OFF BOTTOMLINE!!!!, w

       In a short three years, Coach Jermaine Johnson has Melrose in the record books with a astounding victory over the defending state champions White Station Spartans.  Melrose deeply talented team was too much for the Spartans who missed two of their top scorers from scoring in double digits and much needed if any chance of winning. Tournament MVP Chris Jones (35 points and 5 steals) proved why he is a Tennessee commitment with his savvy ball handling, outside shooting when needed, and strong drives to the goal when called upon. Jones shot 95% from the free throw line on 18-19 shooting and 57% from the field in another stellar performance. The game was a back and forth contest the entire game with 10 lead changes and 9 ties that started with the score being tied 16 all at the end of the first quarter.

     White Station led majority of the first half after Melrose being patient on offense scored first but the Spartans started the game with a 8-0 run after Melrose scored.  Adonis Thomas shot extremely well 47% from the field and snatched a game high 13 rebounds to go along with 19 points in a double double performance. Melrose finally took the lead in the second quarter with a 1 minute left using full court pressure that rattled the Spartans a little. Melrose went into the break up 35-33. White Station was killing Melrose on the boards (19-10 first half advantage) due to Melrose big man and Northern Illinois signee Nate Rucker breaking his ankle in the previous quarterfinal game against Bearden. Melrose caused 11 first half turnovers but controlled the ball to only commit 3 turnovers to nullify the rebounding disadvantage. Melrose had a 5-2 ratio on steals at the break also.

     White Station usually brings a nice crowd with them every year but Melrose's Orange Mound was definitely in the house as the Golden Wildcats were in force new and old. The Wildcats extended their lead as high as 8 points in the third quarter at the 2:01 mark of the third with Coach Jesus Patino of White Station trying to find a solution to his team poor offense with multiple substituting to gain momentum to no avail. Melrose closed the third quarter up 55-50 and in solid control for the time being.

     You know having Mr. Basketball, McDonald's All American and Memphis signee Joe Jackson (22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) was not going to let that happen just laying there. He is a warrior and showed why he received all the postseason accolades, Jackson sat out only 6 seconds of the entire game in the fourth quarter at the 5:00 minute mark after picking up his 4th foul. Another senior who has been their since the first day with Jackson is Missouri State football signee Julian Burton (12 points on 50% shooting and 3-3 from long range). White Station William Woodfork and Rodriguez Tucker notched important minutes and played strong coming off the bench in supporting roles. White Station tried to rally by getting the score down to 3 points (63-60) and the closest they would ever get with each time  Jones snubbing out the effort and with Thomas in the wing.

Key Points of The Game: White Station Andre Hollins and Nino Johnson scoring only 4 points each. At least Johnson grabbed 10 rebounds in the cause respectively. Chris Jones awesome free throw shooting down the stretch and the entire game.

By Staff Writer Harold Rivera                          Posted 3-13-10 7:02 p.m.