Its High School Hoops Time In Tennessee

[The Dude]

With HS basketball season quickly approaching, here are the top 5 teams and players to watch in the Knoxville area, per the KNS. I only included the top 5, because, lets face it, after that, its pretty weak in ET:

1. Bearden (26-10 last season): The Bulldogs return their starting five from its Region 2-AAA semifinals team, including Division I recruits Blake Jenkins (6-foot-7) and Demonte Simpson (6-9).

2. Maryville (30-7): The reigning Class AAA state champions will be at full strength when 6- 6 post player Aaron Douglas returns from football.

3. Austin-East (31-7): The Roadrunners made the AA state final four last season and are loaded again. They could challenge for a state title now that back-to-back state champion (Jackson) Liberty Magnet graduated its talent.

4. Fulton (28-5): The Falcons made it to Murfreesboro last season and, with their starting five back, should contend again.

5. Oak Ridge (25-9): With Appalachian State commitment Quinche Dowdell (6-5) and point guard Jared Stephens, the Wildcats have a palpable inside-outside punch.

Here are the top players:

1. C/F Quinche Dowdell (Oak Ridge, senior, 6-5, 205): 15 ppg and 6 rpg. Committed to Appalachian State, where he will play wing.

2. G/F Chase Jones (Austin-East, junior, 6-4, 200): 10 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2 steals pg.

3. C Aaron Douglas (Maryville, senior 6-6, 250): 12.3 ppg, 11.3 rpg in last years state tourney. Committed to play TE/OL for the Vols.

4. G Blake Jenkins (Bearden, junior, 6-7, 175): Received a scholarship offer from Virginia Tech.

5. C Demonte Simpson (Bearden, junior, 6-9, 260): Like teammate Jenkins was offered by Virginia Tech.

High School Hoops fans in Memphis, Jackson/West TN, Nashville, Murfreesboro/Middle TN, Chattanooga, and NE TN: inform us of the good teams and players in your area.