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HAMILTON 2007-2008
At first when I looked at the returning roster I said,
"there weakest teams in my recent memory". All of a
sudden some luck falls their way, sophomore Justin
Harris transfers from Central, then nationally ranked
Nathan Garth
(New Mexico
commit - Steve Alford new coach this year)
from Woodrow Wilson in Dallas, Texas moves to Memphis.
Dallas, Texas. Hamilton is back in the mix and a top
three contender for 16-AAa where I almost had them
counted out. Coach Lawson told me during MUS in July
that he will contend in the championship game for
16-AAA, then I said, "no way", Now I strongly agree
senor.
Juniors Freshun Cole, Tidell Mcleod, and Ivana Reliford
will amass quality minutes in the Wildcat rotation.
Senior Tony Driver will contribute heavily year long.
Senior sharp shooter DeNario Robertson will lead in scoring
multiple times this year and display his strong
perimeter game. Another senior Donald law will bang down
low all year and contribute consistently. All the controversy over last years
roster player Sampson
Carter (6'7 - 200 lbs.
diamond in
the rough)
transferring to Ridgeway after the MUS tournament in
July where he participated with Hamilton. Carter, brother of Shyrone Chatman,
remember that name. Coach Lawson has landed another gem
in Garth so that nullified the loss of Carter.
Hamilton will play in the MLK Tournament plus the
Fayette Ware Classic. Freshmen Corry Clear will get
playing time early and also have the opportunity to
start in many occasions, he is a Top 21 Freshman.list go to player profiles to see.
College
Coaches:
Diamond in the Rough Team with legitimate off the
radar prospects,
(college coaches click here).
Recap 11-22-2007
Players:
| Nathan
Garth |
6'0 |
Senior |
| DeNario
Robertson |
6'4 |
Senior |
| Tony
Driver |
6'3 |
Senior |
| Donald Law |
6'5 |
Senior |
| Freshun
Cole |
6'2 |
Junior |
| Tidell
Mcleod |
6'2 |
Junior |
| Ivana
Reliford |
6'6 |
Junior |
| Justin
Harris |
6'0 |
Sophomore |
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Senior |
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| Andre
Lawson |
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MESSAGE BOARD TOPIC
OF THE DAY
Why does basketball reward being
left back in school?
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Recap 8-25-2005
BY : ANDRE WHITEHEAD
OF TENNESSEE PREP HOOPS
It was the best
of times, it was the worst of times. I think there is a
book that starts off that way, but I digress.
The anticipation of the upcoming AAU or summer campaign
was alive and kicking all over the country in May of
2005, especially in Memphis.
The expectations seemed enormous, having finished second
in the 17 and under nationals last season as 16's the
Memphis YOMCA seemed primed for the ultimate run.
Something happened on the way to the gym.
It was apparent the Bluff City faithful were not the
only parties interested in getting a piece of the star
studded squad.
Adidas wanted to get a foothold in the ever burgeoning
Memphis hoop scene and this seemed to be the initial
move to start this particular ball
rolling.
So the YOMCA was no longer in the loop and the Memphis
Pump-N-Run were officially born.
Taking a peek at the roster one could not blame Adidas
for their bold move. Thaddeus Young, Willie Kemp, Wayne
Chism, Pierre Niles and Brandon Powell made up a nucleus
that would surely lead Team Memphis to the promised
land.
The summer campaign started with a most interesting
scenario as the "PNR" lost a game to the Mid-State
Ballerz, who ironically had Willie Kemp running the
show. This was an illusion that would soon change, as
Kemp
shortly thereafter joined the PNR.
With all their ducks in a row, the PNR set out to
establish themselves and put a benchmark on the national
attention that would follow.
The Real Deal on the Hill, the first major tournament of
the summer that coaches could attend. The pundits pined
for the impending matchup between Team Memphis and the
defending mythical goliath The Indy Spiece Heat. The
Heat were led by the consensus top player in the class
Greg Oden and numerous other high level prospects who
could actually match the
PNR with name recognition.
The reputation was established and the aura of the PNR
was created as the boys from Memphis soundly defeated
the Heat and made a huge cry across the land as the best
summer squad in existence.
Another funny thing happened on the way to their future
endeavors, nothing.
For some inexplicable reason the PNR did not suit up for
any of the Memorial Day festivities and was sparsely
seen until the Adidas Super 64 in Atlanta, following the
shoe camps.
The aforementioned players participated in various high
level exposure camps and the three major shoe camps and
kept their names on the tongues of coaches nationwide.
After achieving individual success at these various
camps, the boys got back together with the purpose of
putting the finishing touches on a grand and final run
through the top programs the country had to offer. They
added Ridgeway jumping jack Ernest Fields and ECS
powerhouse Tim Johnson to the fold and things looked
bright.
Once again a funny thing happened on the way to the gym.
The time off and the lack of continuity played havoc on
the chemistry of the PNR and they bowed out early in
Atlanta.
Heading to Las Vegas for the final big time event of the
summer, the PNR seemed poised and ready to achieve.
After dominating pool play the lack of chemistry once
again reared it's ugly head and some resentment among
the players seemed to end this summer campaign on a sour
note.
This team had the potential to be one of the best of all
time. It is truly unclear what precipitated these events
that grounded this team for much of the latter portion
of May and June, but it truly had it's effect on their
success.
None the less these kids are part of the best class of
seniors to dot the Tennessee landscape in many years.
The decision to completely disassociate themselves with
the
organization that they grew up playing for in retrospect
now seems like a mistake. The YOMCA will continue on
with quality younger teams and what to make of the
Adidas affiliation with the Bluff City at this juncture
is
unclear.
BY : ANDRE WHITEHEAD
OF TENNESSEE PREP HOOPS
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