Hoops City Highlights

Highlights from action at the Bluff City Classic hosted by Southwest Community College in Memphis,TN. It's a mix of the area's top pro and ameature basketball players and it's an exciting brand of basketball. After a seven year lay-off, Local business man, Stanley Blue and Former NBA great, Penny Hardaway were the driving forces in bring this staple of Southern hoops back to life. Plenty of Memphians are happy that the Bluff is back!

In the absense of Bobby Parks, DeVonte Hampton stepped up in a big way for the Melrose Wildcats this past season. Hampton was one of the main baller handlers and hit some big shots during the stretch run. Dude is clutch! One of the more uderated players in the city of Memphis, Hampton continues to work hard. That hard work is about to get him some well deserved notice.

LeRon Black, 6'7" 190 lbs SG/SF, is a physical specimen. At his size, Black has the quickness and foot speed to dance on the wing with the guards and the toughness and attitude to bang on the block with the big boys. His transition from middle school to high school basketball was about as tough as any transition to a higher level, but Black kept his composure and posted pretty good numbers for a freshmen. Black just recently had an awesome showing at the Super Soph. camp. Mark my word, LeRon will be one of the best basketball players to ever come out of the city of Memphis.

The first time I met Davell Roby was the summer going into his freshman year at White Station. At the time he was about 6' or even 6'1", but during the season he sprouted up to 6'5". As a freshman, Roby was one of the main ball handler for Coach Jesus Pitino's White Station Spartans. His control of the rock and poise on the hardwood is far beyond his age and experience. Roby also his ice running through his veins, as he was responsible for knocking down some clutch shots for his Spartans. Look out for the name "Davell Roby" in the future.

    Adam Weary is a hard-nosed combo guard with a knack for getting buckets. As a junior last season, Weary had just begun to scratch the surface of his potential. Along side Cameron Golden, 2012 Guard, Weary was able to lead his Ridgeway Roadrunners to last year's District 15 AAA crown. You can catch Adam ballin' out with the Memphis Magic 17u travel team this summer.

 Austin Nichols, 6'8" PF from Briarcrest Christian, has quietly made a name for himself. As a freshman, he averaged 9 points 10 rebounds a game. This past season as a sophomore, he bumped his averages up to 15 points and 12 rebounds per game. Beyond basketball, Austin is a humble young man with both feet planted firmly on the ground. Thanks to Leroy Watson for conducting the interview.

Winston Shepard 2012-6'8" Wing-Findlay Prep, Las Vegas,NV   PM Hoops' Charley Bass had an opportunity to talk to Winston Shepard, of Findlay Prep. Shepard, a top ten talent, is a special kind of player that can do just about any and everything on the hardwood. At 6'8", Shepard can handle the rock like a guard and can go bang with the boys in the paint. He is a special kind of ball player that his a knack for making plays. He doesn't have to score in order to dominate a basketball game. In our interview Shepard talked about his Summer, his season at Findley Prep, and recruiting. Makes a Memphis Mention!

  Martavious Newby (2012) of BTW Memphis, is a hard nosed 6'3" 210 lbs. combo Guard that can shoot, defend, get to the rack and dish as well. Martavious had a break out summer last year playing up in age for the Memphis Magic Elite Squad that featured the likes of Adonis Thomas, Chris Jones and Andre Hollins. Basketball isn't the only sport Newby excels in. He is one of the top safety (football) prospect in the state of Tennessee. Look out for Martavious Newby to continue his rise up the rankings.

This is an interview I did with Jarnell Stokes a month before the beginning of his junior campagne. All that has changed since then is that Stokes has more than solidified his place as one of the nation's top hoop prospects of 2012.Here's what I said about Jarnell a year ago. Jarnell Stokes, Rival's 9th ranked basketball prospect in the nation 2012, sat down with PM Hoops's Charley Bass to discuss how his summer was, the recruiting process, what's he adding to his game and more. At 6'9", Stokes has an arsenal of low post moves. He has the strength to over -power and also has the ability to finess his oppenent. Going into his junior year, Stokes stated that he is working towards becoming a more versital basketball player. Look for amazing work from Jarnell Stokes in 2010-11.

Jonathan Williams, III has made a name for himself lately. After sitting out most of his Freshman year and some of the summer due to injury, Williams exploded onto the scene with a strong showing at the E.A.T. All-American Camp in Inglewood,Ca a few weeks back. Williams has a unique skill set for a young kid that has a legit 6'9" body. Williams is a skill post player, but his game isn't limitted to the block. He also can knock down the Tre ball and handle the rock as well. Most would compare him to a young Lamar Odom. Look out for the name "J3" as he and his Southwind HS team are poised to make some noise in Memphis,TN.