Memphis Area 2018 Class Signings

Please email popo@girlsbasketballtrainer.com commitments/signing updates and pictures.


Alexis Acoff (Kirby) - signed with Grayson College
Katie Blackman (Olive Branch) - committed to Itawamba CC
Annaliese Burnett (MHEA/TN Glory) - committed to Tenn State University
Jasmine Carson (Whitehaven/AR Banshees) - signed with Georgia Tech
Gabby Crawford (Munford/TN Flight) - signed with  Alabama
Elizabeth Dixon (Ridgeway/AR Banshees) - signed with Georgia Tech
Surina Dixon (TPA/Lady Mambas) - Signed with Jackson State
Zareia Ector (Memphis Catholic) - Signed with Springhill College
Kymbriah Eugene (Craigmont) - Signed with Southwest
Kayla Freeman (East/Memphis Elite-Daniels) - Signed with CBU
Tyriana Gilbert (Olive Branch) - signed with Northeast CC
Carnessia Griggs (BTW) - Signed with Jackson State
Lauren Gross (Northpoint/Memphis Elite Daniels) - signed with North Florida
Gazmyne Herndon (Douglas/Walters State/-signed to Memphis
Sade' Hudson (Trezevant/Team Slink) - signed with UT Martin
Derrinesha Jackson (BTW) - Signed with Walters State
Dyrianda Johnson (MLK Prep) - signed with Southwest TN CC
Shay Johnson (Byhalia/Memphis Elite Daniels) - committed to Central Arkansas
Taylor Lattimore (Arlington/Lady Mambas) - Signed with Jackson State
Gigi Lewis (MHEA/TN Glory) - committed to Blue Mountain
Kira Lowery (Southwind/Memphis Select Girls) - signed with Dyersburg State CC
Danyell McAdams (Hamilton) - signed with Lane College
Tye Metcalf (Southaven/Lady Mambas) Signed with EMCC
Brittni Moore (White Station/Memphis Elite Daniels) - signed with UT Martin
Jessica Neal (Craigmont) - Signed with Lewis and Clark
Serena Shipp (Olive Branch) - signed with Rust College
Johne' Stewart (Central) - signed with Jacksonville
Carria Smith (Memphis Catholic) - signed with Clarendon College
Alexis Taylor (Collierville/Memphis Magic) - signed with Blue Mountain
Jada Taylor (Collierville/Memphis Magic) - signed with Blue Mountain
Lauren Taylor (Collierville/Memphis Magic) - signed with CBU
Mahogany Vaught (Olive Branch/Team Slink) - signed with South Alabama
Lindsey Vaughn (MHEA/Team TN Glory) - signed with Mississippi College
Jireh Washington (Central/Team Slink) - signed with Arkansas State
A'Mya Washington (Desoto Central) - signed with Itawamba CC
Jade Wells (Northpoint/Memphis Elite Daniels) - signed with Blue Mountain
Darry'l White (Hamilton) - commited to Harris-Stowe University
Ronni Williams (Raleigh-Egypt) - committed to MS Valley State
Kealy Wilson (Horn Lake) - signed with Itawamba CC

Bartlett girls basketball passes coaching torch from Lynn Whitfield to Jasmine James

 image/article from Commercial Appeal

Basketball took Jasmine James from Memphis to a standout career at Georgia, then on to the WNBA and countries like Brazil, Israel and Germany. But home was always special.

Now she's in a position to make Bartlett basketball special for the next generation.

The 26-year-old has been named coach of her alma mater replacing Lynn Whitfield, who is stepping down after 27 seasons at the school and 37 altogether. James served as an assistant under her old coach this past year.

"I figured out my freshman year of college that I wanted to coach," James said. "I always thought it would be in college ... (but) Bartlett has a special place in my heart. Honestly, it's a dream come true. It's a community that means the world to me."

Said Whitfield, "I'm so proud of J.J. She understands what Bartlett basketball is all about and she loves the tradition."

James played a huge part in creating that tradition. She ranks 16th all-time among Shelby County scorers with 2,378 points and is one of only three players to win The Commercial Appeal's Best of the Preps player of the year award three times.

Bartlett's new coach also played a big role in her old coach's success. Whitfield's 611 victories rank her second all-time among Shelby County coaches, trailing only Derek Hunter of Mitchell.

Whitfield said it was hard to call it a career but knowing she'd be passing the torch to James made it easier.

"There were pros and cons," she said. "But I knew J.J. would be the (best) one (to take over). I feel comfortable knowing who the job has been left to.

"It's hard. I played at Memphis for Mary Lou Johns and basically have been coaching since I graduated. I'm going to miss the relationships with the kids. I'm old-school; I'm more about teaching the game, seeing where you start and where you end up."

James said the year working with Whitfield has given her a leg up heading into her first summer with the team.

"The main thing I learned was patience," James said. "She told me, 'This isn't a pro team. This isn't a college team.' It's high school and there's a whole spectrum of skill levels and I had to get used to that."

Memphis Area 2019 Class Signings

Please email popo@girlsbasketballtrainer.com commitments/signing updates and pictures.

Ya'Taria Coleman (Southwind/Memphis Lady Mambas) - committed to North Carolina A&T
Jayla Hemingway (Houston/TN Flight) - committed to Mississippi State

2018 Commercial Appeal All-Metro Girls Basketball Team

Nominees for girls basketball player of the year, which will be announced at the Commercial Appeal Sports Awards on June 5.

First Team


Gabby Crawford
Munford, Sr.
Position: Guard

Why chosen: Crawford averaged 17.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists while leading the Cougars to a 22-10 record and a spot in the Class AAA sectionals for the second consecutive year. She'll play her college ball at Alabama.

Elizabeth Dixon
Ridgeway, Sr.
Position: Post

Why chosen: The 6-4 Dixon was a Miss Basketball finalist in Class AAA after averaging 24 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. She became the first girl from Memphis selected to play in the McDonald's All-American game and has signed with Georgia Tech.

Jayla Hemingway
Houston, Jr.
Position: Guard

Why chosen: Several Power 5 schools are clamoring for Hemingway's signature after she led the Mustangs to a 28-6 record and a runner-up finish in Class AAA. The three-year starter averaged 21.7 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the floor.

Sadé Hudson
Trezevant, Sr.
Position: Guard

Why chosen: Hudson averaged 22.9 points while leading the Bears to the Class AA SCIAA championship and a 21-7 record. She has signed to play her college ball at Tennessee-Martin.

Lanetta Williams
Arlington, Jr.
Position: Post

Why chosen: The 6-3 junior led Arlington to a 27-8 record and a spot in the Class AAA state tournament, averaging 12.5 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting 53 percent from the floor.

SECOND TEAM
G: Lauren Gross, Northpoint, Sr.
G: Akeria James, Craigmont, Jr.
G: Jireh Washington, Central, Sr.
G: Destinee Wells, Houston, So.
F: Jade Wells, Northpoint, Sr.

THIRD TEAM
G: Se'Quoia Allmond, Whitehaven, Fr.
G: Derrenishia Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Sr.
G: Savanna Owens, Briarcrest, Sr.
G: Johne' Stewart, Central, Sr.
F: Brittni Moore, White Station, Sr.

2018 AAU Team Tryout Information

February 8 & 15 | Woodz Elite Girls | 6pm (5/6th grade) | Tyronza (AR) Gym | Spencer Harston @ 870-919-7318 or Brandon Young @ 870-351-0676

February 10 | Lady War Eagles | 9am (5/6th grade), 10:15am (7/8th grade) | Memphis Catholic

February 10 | Life Changers | 4pm (8th grade) | Capleville United Methodist Church | Coach Taylor  coachtaylor@majorprepsports.com

February 10 | The Way | 10:30am (5th grade) | St. Louis Catholic Church | Dr. Carl "Buddy" Flinn @ 901-484-3705 or cef@drcarlflinn.com

February 11 | Arkansas (Mid South) Banshees | 2pm (7/8th grade) | St. George's Independent School (Collierville Location) | Contact Mario Strickland @ 901-277-9492 or Burl Woodhouse @ 901-574-8286

February 11 | Woodz Elite Girls | 7th | 3pm-5pm | Rivercrest High School (AR) | Gregory Turner @ 870-824-9035 or  Dustin Osment @ 870-740-1757

February 13 | The Way | 7pm (6/7th grade) | Second Pres Church | Dr. Carl "Buddy" Flinn @ 901-484-3705 or cef@drcarlflinn.com

February 15 | The Way | 7pm (8th grade) | Second Pres Church | Dr. Carl "Buddy" Flinn @ 901-484-3705 or cef@drcarlflinn.com

February 17 | Memphis Future Stars | 9am (6th grade), 10:30am (7/8th grade) | Ridgeway Baptist Church | memphisfuturestars1@comcast.net

February 17 | Team Journey| 9am (5/6th grade) | Hutchison School | teamjourneybasketball@gmail.com

February 17 & 18 | Memphis Elite | 2019/20 & 2021/22 | February 17 (10am) / February 18 (3pm) | Highland Oaks Middle

February 18 | Life Changers | 6pm (9th grade) | Capleville United Methodist Church | Coach Taylor tvtaylor@glorime.com

February 24 | Arkansas Bandits| 9am (5th grade), 10am (6th grade), 11am (7/8/9th grade) | Nettleton Fitness Center (AR) | Contact arkansasbandits@yahoo.com or 501-827-1016

February 24 | JB Lady Ballers | 9am (7th grade), 10:15am (5th grade), 11:30am (8th grade), 1:15pm (4th grade) | Temple Baptist Church (Jonesboro, AR) | Travis Woodruff at 870-897-6027

February 24 | Lady Tarheels | 12pm (2nd-4th grade), 1:15pm (5/6th grade), 2:15pm (7/8th grade) | KIPP Middle School | Contact Rachel Dorsey @ 901-502-5628

March 3 | Memphis Elite | 8th-11th grade | 10am | Rhodes College | Greg Stewart 901-830-0360; Eric Daniels 901-830-2271

March 3 | Memphis Select Girls | 10am (8th/9th grade &10th/11th grade) | Lester Prep | Contact Curtis Jones 901-406-9737 or Tavis Rutherford 901-647-8055

March 4 & 5 | Woodz Elite Girls | 9th | March 4: 2pm-4pm @ Valley View JR High (AR); March 5: 5pm-7pm @ Brookland High (AR) | Mikie Slater @ 870-761-2916 or Dustin Osmet @ 870-740-1757

March 10 | Lady War Eagles | 2:30pm (9/10/11th grade) | Quest Center | 901-574-1781

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2018 West Regional/DII Brackets

Class A West Regional Tournaments

Class AA West Regional Tournaments

Class AAA West Regional Tournaments

Division II-A First Round Quarterfinals

Division II-AA First Round Quarterfinals


Complete list of  Brackets

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Lanetta Williams Fans' Vote for Basketball Players of the Week

From Commercial Appeal

Lanetta Williams of Arlington and Kam Jones of ECS are this week's winners of The Commercial Appeal fan poll for high school basketball player of the week.

Williams, the Tigers' Class of 2019 standout, had 53.06 percent of the total after finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and six blocks in a victory over District 14-AAA rival Bolton. Southwind's Ya-Ya Coleman took second with 44.72 percent of the vote.

Trezevant star Sade Hudson was third while Division II-A Miss Basketball finalist Savanna Owens of Briarcrest finished fourth.

Jones garnered 53.84 percent of the boys vote after averaging 26.5 points in victories over FACS and USJ. Briarcrest's Cedric Henderson, a Mr. Basketball finalist in Division II-AA, was second with 27.75 percent of the vote.

Class AAA Mr. Basketball finalist Tyler Harris of Cordova, who leads the city in scoring at just over 30 points per game, was third while Antavious Buford of Douglass finished fourth after leading the Red Devils to a victory in the SCIAA Class A county championship game last week.

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Shelby County championships: What we learned

From the Commercial Appeal

 The SCIAA hosted its annual county championships Saturday at White Station, with boys and girls titles decided in Class AAA, Class AA and Class A divisions.

Here are some of the talking points from all the games.

East is still a beast 

With district tournaments starting this week, there's no reason to think that East won't be back in Murfreesboro to attempt to win a third straight Class AAA state title. The Mustangs' first postseason game was a success as they pulled away in the second half to defeat Ridgeway 80-55.

James Wiseman led a balanced attack with 14 points and seven rebounds as East improved to 22-3. Ryan Boyce added 12, Chandler Lawson 11 and Alex Lomax chipped in eight points and 10 assists.

"It's like a boxing match with us," East coach Penny Hardaway said. "We might come out and try to knock you out early sometimes. And sometimes we might try to see where you are, and if you adjust, we'll try something else.

"I'd be crazy to say I'm not (pleased with where the team is heading into the playoffs). We've been playing really good basketball."

East also got a big lift from 6-foot-9 junior Malcolm Dandridge, who celebrated his return to the starting lineup with 10 points and seven rebounds.

"It really doesn't matter," Dandridge said. "I just want to go out and win. But I am more comfortable starting. I'm just trying to get my confidence up, get my groove (back)."

Can't keep Central down 

You might not have recognized Central's girls team; coach Rashad Haynes said he was down seven players because of flu. But the result was typical Central as it won the Class AAA title 47-34 over Bolton.

"We got the end result," Haynes said. "To make it through with some kids stepping in and stepping up, I think this is going to help us."

Another thing that will help is that the Lady Warriors — last year's state runners-up — played at a pace that favored the opposition but still won without too much trouble. Johne' Stewart led the way with 16.

"Going into tournament play, we're going to face a lot of teams that are going to play us half-court," Haynes said. "And we have to learn to be effective in the half-court set anyway. ... We just have to learn to be patient. We can always take 3-pointers, but when we're not making them, they turn into long rebounds."

Hamilton looking legit 

For the first time in awhile, it looks like Memphis will have a legitimate state title contender in Class AA. And that is the new-age Hamilton Wildcats, who parlayed an offseason of yoga and Pilates into a 67-58 victory over Mitchell.

"At first they laughed, but now they believe," said Wildcats coach Will Smith, himself a former standout at the school. "Very few injuries and we're able to last longer. You look at the end of the third quarter, the fourth quarter is where we (excel)."

The Wildcats finished 10-12 in Smith's first season, losing to Central in the first round of the District 16-AAA tournament. But an infusion of talent — most notably transfers Jordan Johnson and James DeJesus — and a step down after TSSAA reclassification have the Wildcats at 23-2 and on an 11-game winning streak heading into the playoffs.

"James DeJesus, Pop (Johnson) ... Martrell Brooks, Kevon McMahon my point guard ... I laugh with them all the time," Smith said. "I tell them, 'You never know what's behind door No. 2 or door No. 3. But the only team that can beat us is us."

UT Martin getting an ace in Hudson 

During a late timeout in the Class AA girls game, Mitchell coach Derek Hunter scolded his team.

"They've got one doggone girl doing all the shooting," he said.

The "doggone girl" in question was UT Martin signee Sade Hudson, who finished with 35 points and 12 rebounds to lead Trezevant (17-4) past the Tigers 57-47. The Bears trailed 39-31 late in the third quarter.

"We've been doubted throughout the year," said Hudson, who averaged 22.6 points per game during the regular season. "I've been pushing my teammates all year, and we just worked hard for it. This feels great."

More impressive, Hudson missed most of the first quarter after picking up a pair of early fouls.

"You know what she told me," Bears coach Brandon Hill said. "She said, 'Coach, I've got it. I'm going to stay with it and not lose my composure. I'm going to compete every minute I'm on the floor.' And that's what she did."

Kearra Tucker added 17 rebounds for Trezevant, while Quinterria Foster had nine points and 10 steals.

Douglass is for real 

Douglass has been flying under the radar all season, which is just the way coach Greg Williams likes it.

The secret might be out now, though, after the Red Devils' impressive 105-79 victory over W.E.B. DuBois in Class A boys. Douglass will enter the district tournament with a 23-1 record and 21 straight victories following a loss to Cordova on Dec. 1.

Antavious Buford scored 31 to lead the Red Devils, who managed just four points in the first four minutes of the game before scoring 101 over the remaining 28. Devin Payne added 22.

"Our play derives from our defense," said Williams, whose team won the SCIAA title in AA last year before dropping down. "(Saturday) we didn't have to run many sets because our defense was just on and clicking. My guys come in and play hard. They play extremely hard.

"And we're so deep at every position ... I can sub and not lose a beat."

Jok Nebk chipped in 11 for Douglass while Jamari Crawford added 10. Jamey Sanders scored 30 to lead DuBois, connecting on 19 of 30 free-throw attempts.

Persistence pays for Lady Warriors 

Booker T. Washington coach Steven McKinney ran down his frustrating recent history in girls Class A.

"We were here last year," he said. "Lost to Mitchell. The year before that? Lost to Mitchell. The year before that? Lost to Mitchell. And in my first year we lost to Oakhaven."

The fifth time was the charm for McKinney and his Lady Warriors as they took control in the fourth quarter and defeated Oakhaven 61-52. Derrineshia Jackson scored 20 and Carneesia Griggs added 12 to lead BTW, which plays at a fast tempo and looks for the 3-pointer at every opportunity.

"I like the fact that we played to the end and kept playing our style of basketball," McKinney said. "The problem was we kept playing our style of basketball. Even at the end when we were up, that's an adjustment we need to learn to make."

Girls Basketball Dandy Dozen

Released by the Commercial Appeal on 2/8/18


Here is this week's Commercial Appeal girls basketball Dandy Dozen. Rankings are based on games played through Feb. 7 and are final for the regular-season.

1. Houston (19-5) Last week: 2
Upcoming: Friday vs. Collierville; District 15-AAA tournament begins next week

2. Central (16-5) Last week: 4
Upcoming: Saturday vs. Bolton in SCIAA county championship game at White Station; District 16-AAA tournament begins next week

3. Olive Branch (20-5) Last week: 3
Upcoming: Played Lake Cormorant Thursday; Region 1-5A tournament begins next week

4. Whitehaven (15-4) Last week: 1
Upcoming: Friday vs. East; District 16-AAA tournament begins next week

5. MHEA (23-5) Last week: 6
Upcoming: Feb. 16 at Jackson (Miss.) Academy

6. Northpoint (23-2) Last week: 7
Upcoming: Played Margolin Hebrew Academy Thursday; Friday vs. Magnolia Heights; Division II-A West Region tournament begins next week

7. Hernando (22-3) Last week: 8
Upcoming: Played Center Hill Thursday; Friday at Lewisburg; Region 1-6A tournament begins next week

8. Horn Lake (19-4) Last week: 5
Upcoming: Friday at Cleveland Central; Region 1-6A tournament begins next week

9. Arlington (17-7) Last week: 8
Upcoming: Friday at Bolton; Monday vs. Bolton; District 14-AAA tournament begins next week

10. Bolton (16-6) Last week: NR
Upcoming: Friday vs. Arlington; Saturday vs. Central in SCIAA Class AAA championship game at White Station; Monday at Arlington; District 14-AAA tournament begins

11. Mitchell (20-7) Last week: NR
Upcoming: District 16-AA tournament begins next week

12. Tipton-Rosemark (21-7) Last week: NR
Upcoming: Friday at Jackson Sacred Heart; Division II-A West Region tournament begins next week

Dropped out: Southaven (17-9); Munford (16-8); Trezevant (16-5)

Honorable mention: Hutchison (15-4); Craigmont (17-7); Oakhaven (17-2); BTW (20-5)

Memphis High School Basketball Top Performers for Feb. 6

From Commercial Appeal


Shelbee Brown, Southwind: The Jaguars' talented 6-1 sophomore scored 15 points and pulled down 15 rebounds to lead her team to a big district victory, 65-59 over Collierville. Essence Rankin also scored 15, Kira Lowery 13 and YaTeria Coleman 12.

Tashun Bryson, Mitchell: Three Tigers scored over 20 points in a 75-22 victory over Mitchell, led by 25 from Bryson. Miata Borders added 22 and Markesha Hayes 21 as Mitchell improved to 20-7.

Analiese Burnett, MHEA: Burnett had a double-double (21 points, 12 rebounds) to lead the Eagles to an impressive 64-43 victory over Briarcrest. Lindsey Vaughn added 13 for the winners and Kamille Clark 12.

Isabella Everett, Macon Road Baptist: Everett's 25 points propelled Macon Road to a 53-14 victory over Calvary Christian.

Carnessia Griggs and Derrenishia Jackson, BTW: Both scored 21 as the Warriors tuned up for Saturday's SCIAA Class A title game with a 68-44 victory over KIPP. Tramesha Rogers added 15 as BTW improved to 15-0 in district play.

Jayla Hemingway, Houston: Hemingway's 23 points led three players in double figures as the Mustangs won their 10th game in a row, 72-43 over Kirby. Destinee Wells added 19 and Madison Griggs 17. Hemingway also had 10 rebounds.

Chancey Jackson, Oakhaven: Jackson scored 18 as Oakhaven improved to 15-0 in district play with a 61-7 victory over Power Center Academy. The Hawks will play BTW in the SCIAA Class A title game Saturday at White Station.

Keyanna Logan, Bolton: Logan had 19 points and 10 assists as the Wildcats rolled past Cordova, 66-28. Bolton will play Central in Saturday's SCIAA Class AAA county title game.

Deja Pryor, St. Benedict: Pryor's 15 points led the Eagles to a 30-28 victory over Brighton, their second win in as many nights. On Monday, Pryor and Catalina Carrasco each had 13 in a 52-50 win over Bartlett.

Megan Sanfratello, Tipton-Rosemark: Sanfratello led the Rebels with 16 but it was University School of Jackson that got the victory, 49-47. Emily Jones hit the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer for the Bruins.

Carria Smith, Catholic: Smith's 15 points led four Chargers in double-figures in a 64-23 victory over St. George's. Lytia Flowers and Zareia Ector each had 14 and Deyon Gipson chipped in with 10 as Catholic improved to 16-8.

Jade Wells, Northpoint: The senior scored 25 of her 27 points in the first half as the Trojans took control early and cruised past Lausanne, 72-24. Caroline Swindoll connected on 5 of 6 3s to finish with 19 while Lauren Gross had 12 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Jayla Hemingway win Fans' Player of the Week Poll

from Commercial Appeal


Jayla Hemingway, a junior, averaged 32.7 points in three victories for the Mustangs last week. She tallied 48.99 percent of the vote — 1,521 in total — to easily defeat Annaliese Burnett of MHEA, who finished second with 26.02 percent (808 votes). Jireh Washington of Central was third and Sade' Hudson of Trezevant was fourth.

Memphis High School Basketball Top Performers for Feb. 2

from Commercial Appeal


Gabby Crawford, Munford: The Alabama signee had 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks to lead the Cougars to a 46-36 victory over Hardin County in District 13-AAA.

Elizabeth Dixon, Ridgeway: The McDonald's All-American scored 28 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked four shots as the Roadrunners held off a late rally to defeat Southwind, 67-64. Shelbee Brown led the Jaguars with 19 points, nine rebounds and seven steals before fouling out late.

Jayla Hemingway, Houston: Playing in front of coaches from Ole Miss and Tennessee, Hemingway scored 21 and pulled down seven rebounds in a 72-55 win over Collierville. On Thursday she was even better, scoring 31 with eight rebounds and six assists in a victory over Kirby.

Quinterria Foster, Trezevant: Foster had 16 points to help the Bears to a 64-31 victory over MLK Prep. Leading scorer Sade Hudson had 15 points, seven rebounds and four steals while Richara Cooper had 10 points, seven rebounds and six steals.

Rachel Greer, Hernando: Greer scored 22 as the Tigers improved to 21-3 and wrapped up the District 1-6A regular-season title with a 58-54 victory over Horn Lake.

Derrenishia Jackson, BTW: Jackson scored a season-high 30 and pulled down eight rebounds as the Warriors downed MASE, 70-55. Carnessia Griggs contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, 12 assists and five steals.

Diamond Nelson, Oakhaven: The Hawks improved to 16-2 with a 57-31 victory over City University. Nelson led the way with 25 while Chancey Jackson added 18. Oakhaven clinched a spot in next Saturday's SCIAA Class A county title game at White Station.

Bri Tipton, Bolton: The junior scored 19 points to lead the Wildcats to an easy 73-19 victory over Kingsbury in District 14-AAA. Keke Logan had 17 and Tyler Garner 11 as Bolton made 14 3-pointers.

Shmya Ward, Whitehaven: Ward scored 14 and freshman Se'Quoia Allmond added 11 as the Tigers, ranked No. 1 in the Dandy Dozen, overcame White Station, 52-48. Brittni Moore led the Spartans with a game-high 17.

Abby West, Tipton-Rosemark: Scored 16 points to lead three Rebels in double-digits in a 49-33 win over FACS. Megan Sanfratello had 13 and Jordan Allen 10 as TRA improved to 21-6.

Lanetta Williams, Arlington: The Tigers' star junior had 14 points and 12 rebounds as Arlington rolled over Bartlett in District 14-AAA, 65-27.

Venita Williams, Southaven: Williams scored 24 and handed out five assists to lead the Chargers to a 57-49 victory over DeSoto Central in Region 1-6A. Dereseia Randle also had a strong night, with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Memphis high school basketball: Girls Dandy Dozen

released by Commercial Appeal on 2/1/18

  Here is this week's Commercial Appeal girls basketball Dandy Dozen. Rankings are based on games played through Jan. 31.

1. Whitehaven (14-3) Last week: 1

Coming up: Friday at White Station

2. Houston (16-5) Last week: 4

Coming up: Friday at Collierville; Tuesday at Kirby

3. Olive Branch (18-5) Last week: 2

Coming up: Played Lake Cormorant Thursday; Tuesday at Center Hill

4. Central (14-5) Last week: 3

Coming up: Friday vs. East; Saturday vs. Montgomery (Ala.) Lee

5. Horn Lake (16-3) Last week: 6

Coming up: Friday at Hernando

6. MHEA (22-5) Last week: 7

Coming up: Tuesday at Briarcrest

7. Northpoint (20-2) Last week: 8

Coming up: Played Bayou Academy (Miss.) Thursday; Friday vs. Harding; Tuesday at Lausanne

8. Arlington (15-7) Last week: 6

Coming up: Friday at Bartlett; Tuesday vs. Kingsbury

9. Hernando (20-3) Last week: 12

Coming up: Friday vs. Horn Lake; Tuesday at Oxford; Thursday at Center Hill

10. Southaven (16-7) Last week: 9

Coming up: Friday vs. DeSoto Central; Tuesday vs. Tupelo

11. Munford (13-6) Last week: 10

Coming up: Friday at Hardin County; Tuesday vs. DeSoto Central

12. Trezevant (14-4) Last week: NR

Coming up: Friday at MLK Prep; Tuesday at Craigmont

Dropped out: Bolton (14-6)

Bubbling under: Oakhaven (14-2); Mitchell (18-7); White Station (13-8); Hutchison (12-4); Tipton-Rosemark (19-6); BTW (15-5)

Memphis High School Basketball Top Performers for Jan. 30

Se'Quoia Allmond, Whitehaven: The star freshman scored 14 as the Tigers picked up a big District 16-AAA win, 49-43 over Central. Jireh Washington led the Warriors with a game-high 21. Whitehaven is now 14-3.

Elizabeth Dixon, Ridgeway: The McDonald's All American scored 25 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked seven shots as the Roadrunners defeated Kirby, 70-59. Freshman guard Sierra Drew hit 4 of 5 3-pointers to finish with 12, as did classmate Faith Taylor.

Jayla Hemingway, Houston: Hemingway scored 16 and Melissa Carter added 15 as the Mustangs improved to 16-5 and stayed undefeated in District 15-AAA with a 69-31 victory over Southwind.

Sade Hudson, Trezevant: There's no player in town — male or female — on a better run than Hudson over the last few games. She scored 35 to go along with 10 rebounds and five steals as the Bears defeated Hamilton, 57-42. Hudson has 34 or more points in three of her last four games and double-digit rebounds in all four.

Carnessia Griggs, BTW: Griggs scored 12 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 14 assists as the Lady Warriors improved to 16-5 with a 70-36 victory over MAHS. Derrenishia Jackson scored 18 and grabbed seven rebounds, while Tremesha Rogers added 17. BTW is 11-0 in district play.

Markesha Hayes, Mitchell: Hayes scored 20 and Miata Borders pitched in with 15 as the Tigers shook off a loss to Hamilton with a 56-39 victory over Melrose.

Brittni Moore, White Station: Moore scored 22 as the Spartans rebounded from a pair of losses to Central last week with a 61-29 victory over East. Kayla Freeman led the Mustangs with 17.

Diamond Nelson, Oakhaven: Nelson scored 16 points and added four rebounds, four assists, five steals and three blocks as the Hawks defeated Wooddale 81-32. Alexandra Wade scored 14 with a team-high eight rebounds while Chancey Jackson also scored 14. Alista Williams added 10 points and four assists. Wade had 24 points and 14 boards in a 58-8 victory over W.E.B. DuBois LP&P on Monday.

Savanna Owens, Briarcrest: The University of Memphis track signee was on track against Harding, scoring 21 as the Saints won, 63-46.

Ashley Payne, Bartlett: Payne outscored the opposition by herself, dropping in 20 points as the Panthers downed Kingsbury, 62-18 in District 14-AAA.

Jade Wells, Northpoint: Wells scored 14 and fellow senior Lauren Gross added 11 as the Trojans improved to 20-2 with a 70-36 victory over St. George's. Leah Jones scored 10 for Northpoint while Caroline Swindoll had nine and four assists.

Emily West, Tipton-Rosemark: The sophomore led a balanced attack with 15 points as the Rebels rolled over Carroll Academy, 81-19. Megan Sanfratello and Sarah Allyn Thornell each scored 11 while Autumn Payne and Eva McIntosh had 10 as TRA improved to 19-6.

Lanetta Williams, Arlington: The talented 6-4 junior had 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals as the Tigers rolled over Cordova, 75-21 in District 14-AAA play.

Memphis High School Basketball Top Performers for Jan. 23

Here are the top boys and girls basketball standouts for games played on Jan. 23 as reported to The Commercial Appeal. To submit your players for consideration e-mail reporter John Varlas (John.Varlas@commercialappeal.com) or reach him on Twitter (@johnvarlas).


Janina Barber, Macon Road Baptist: Barber scored 15 to lead three players in double figures in a 53-16 victory over Calvary Christian. Isabella Everett added 14 and Hope Howlett contributed 12.

Lytia Flowers, Catholic: The Chargers got 19 points from Flowers in a 63-17 win over Rossville that improved their record to 13-6.

Lily Gleneck, St. Benedict: Gleneck scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds as the Eagles improved to 3-0 in region play with a 52-34 victory over St. Mary's. Catalina Carrasco added 12 points while Kristina Ferris and Deja Pryor scored 10 each.

Markesha Hayes, Mitchell: Hayes scored 32 as the Tigers ran their record to 15-6 with an 84-7 victory over Sheffield. Tashun Bryson added 20 and Miata Borders 18 for the District 16-AA leaders.

Jayla Hemingway, Houston: With Mississippi State coach Vic Schaffer in attendance, the junior had a monster game in a 67-48 victory over Ridgeway and McDonald's All-American Elizabeth Dixon. Hemingway scored 35 points to go along with 12 rebounds, two assists and six steals.

Sade Hudson, Trezevant: The Bears topped Raleigh-Egypt 66-56 in an afternoon matinee and Hudson was the star, scoring 34 points to go along with 10 rebounds and six steals. Quinterria Foster added 13 for Trezevant.

Darrenishia Jackson, BTW: The Warriors had no trouble with Middle College, winning 56-16 behind Jackson's 13 points and six steals. Tranae Carter scored 11 while Carnessia Griggs had a great all-around game with eight points, five rebounds, eight assists and seven steals as the Warriors improve to 13-3.

Brittni Moore, White Station: The UT-Martin signee scored 15 and freshman Lyric Cole had 12 as the Spartans downed Overton, 57-34 in 16-AAA.

Diamond Nelson, Oakhaven: Nelson had 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals as the Hawks rolled past Freedom Prep, 58-12.

Jada Taylor and Lauren Taylor, Collierville: The two unrelated Taylors scored 19 and 17 apiece as Collierville improved to 12-5 with a 50-32 victory over Kirby.

Abby West, Tipton-Rosemark: The sophomore led the way with 16 in a 53-21 victory over Fayette Academy. Briana Hall added 14 for the Rebels, who improve to 17-5.

Taylor Woodhouse, Southaven: Woodhouse scored 19 points and had four assists as the Chargers remained perfect in league play with a 73-56 win over DeSoto Central. Tye Metcalf finished with 18 for Southaven.

Family ties, ferocious schedule fuel Arlington girls basketball team

article and image from Commercial Appeal

For the Arlington High girls basketball team, success is relative.

Literally.

This year's Tigers team, which is currently ranked fifth in The Commercial Appeal's Dandy Dozen, has two sets of twins on the team, juniors Lanetta and Lanyce Williams and freshmen Carmen and Charmen Taylor. Sophomore starter Nya Stewart's sister Shanobia is one of the team's managers.

"Lanyce and Lanetta ... they don't look anything alike so they're easy to tell apart," said Tigers coach Wes Shappley. "My younger set, to this day I'm looking for cues trying to tell which one is which. One wears her hair longer than the other; one wears tall socks and the other wears short socks.

"It makes it tough. We even have referees that have been thrown off ... Having three sets of sisters in the program definitely brings that family feeling in. But our girls do a good job relating with one another any way."

Which is one of the reasons why the Tigers look certain to be in the mix for one of the area's two spots in this year's Class AAA state tournament. Despite — or maybe because of — playing the toughest schedule in town, Arlington began this week with a 14-6 record.

Counted among those defeats are losses to Olive Branch and Houston, who are ranked second and fourth in this week's Dandy Dozen. The Tigers also lost to Hamilton Heights from Chattanooga, which is sending two players to the McDonald's All-American game, undefeated Bradley Central and Murfreesboro Riverdale, the defending state and USA Today national champions.

If Arlington does make it to Murfreesboro in March, it will have been well-earned.

"Playing a tough schedule is very beneficial when it comes to district play," said senior Sarah Grandberry. "We know what tough games are like ... and we learn from our mistakes. Those games are exciting though. I love challenges."

The challenge for Arlington will be having to go forward without leading scorer Caitlyn Wilson, who provided 15 points per game but is out for the year with a torn MCL.

But there's plenty of talent still on hand, lead by Lanetta Williams, an almost-freakishly athletic 6-3 junior who is ranked 35th in the Class of 2019 according to ESPN. The left-hander boasts excellent length, a soft touch around the hoop and — most impressively — the ability to handle the ball like a much smaller player.

Her basketball lineage is solid too; the twins' father Lance played at DePaul before carving out a 15-year career overseas.

"He played in Greece, Bosnia, Turkey ... most of our life we've been overseas," said Lanetta. "Watching basketball all the time, that was one of the things that influenced me.

"(With ball-handling), honestly my coaches gave me the freedom to do it and our guards also. That was really important to me and they let me learn and develop and make mistakes. And also my sister helping me."

Lanyce is also out for the year through injury so her contribution will be supporting her sister, whether it be by timing Lanetta's post-practice sprints or using what Shappley calls their "twin telepathy" to motivate and encourage.

"We critique each other all the time," Lanyce said. "Now I'm on sitting the sideline but I'll turn around and tell Lanetta 'hey, that wasn't the smartest move' or 'I know you can do better than what you're doing. And she understands. She'll say, 'yeah, I know what you're trying to say.'"

The Tigers square off against Hamilton Heights again Saturday at the Robertson Sportswear Classic in Baldwin, Miss. After that, it will be strictly local competition. Shappley thinks his team will be ready.

"Taylor Lattimore, she's a senior and a Jackson State signee and she's been playing really good basketball for the last month and a half," he said. "She's provided scoring but even defensively and rebounding ... she's providing what that senior is supposed to be.

"Her and Lanetta are going to carry a lot of the weight but I've got five or six girls that are sophomores and freshman and I told them, 'quite honestly, ya'll have got to pick up the weight.' And they can. They're capable."

Girls Basketball Dandy Dozen

Released by the Commercial Appeal on 1/23/18

Here is this week's Commercial Appeal girls basketball Dandy Dozen. Rankings are based on games played through Jan. 20. Please note, SCIAA schools have until Wednesday to submit their make-up dates prompted by last week's school closures.

1. Whitehaven (12-3)
Last week: 1

This week: Friday at East

2. Olive Branch (15-4)
Last week: 2

This week: Tuesday vs. Lewisburg; Friday vs. Center Hill

3. Central (9-4)
Last week: 3
This week: Played Overton Monday; Friday at White Station

4. Houston (11-5)
Last week: 4
This week: Tuesday vs. Ridgeway; Friday vs. Germantown

5. Arlington (14-5)
Last week: 5

This week: Saturday vs. Whitehaven

6. Horn Lake (15-3)
Last week: 6

This week: Friday vs. Southaven

7. MHEA (19-5)
Last week: 7

This week: Friday at BTW

8. Northpoint (16-2)
Last week: 8
This week: Friday vs. Catholic; Saturday vs. Westminster

9. Southaven (15-6)
Last week: 9
This week: Tuesday at DeSoto Central; Friday vs. Horn Lake

10. Munford (13-5)
Last week: 10
This week: Tuesday at Dyer County

11. Bolton (12-4)
Last week: 12
This week: Played Kingsbury Monday; Wednesday at Cordova; Friday at Bartlett

12. Hernando (17-2)
Last week: NR
This week: Friday at DeSoto Central


Dropped out: Southwind (13-6)

Bubbling under: Trezevant (10-4); White Station (11-6); East (10-6); Tipton-Rosemark (15-5); Collierville (11-5); Oakhaven (10-2) Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas.

Hadley Horner, Commercial Appeal Player of the Week

released 1/23/18

Hadley Horner, Harding: Horner turned in two strong performances in victories over St. George's and Rossville Christian. The junior had 13 points and seven steals against the Gryphons on Friday before dropping 30 on the Wolves on Saturday to help Harding improve to 12-7.

Gabby Crawford, Commercial Appeal Player of the Week

released 1/16/18


Gabby Crawford, Munford: One the same night her future school won the college football national championship, Alabama signee Crawford had a memorable night of her own in a 63-53 victory over Dyer County. The 6-1 senior finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Cougars improved their record to 13-5.

Ride with Po Part 2

Ride with Po Part 1

Chyna Ellis (Arlington) Records 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks Triple-Double

Read entire South Alabama womens basketball story

Ashley Jackson (Ridgeway) Career High 20 points

Read entire Old Dominion Womens basketball story

Erica Jones (Southaven) Named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Week

Read entire Kentucky State story

Elizabeth Dixon (Ridgeway) named a 2018 McDonald's All American

Congratulations to Liz Dixon on being named a 2018 McDonald's All American!!!

Read entire USA Today story

Tesia Thompson (Hamilton) Named the adidas® OVC Freshman of the Week, Again

Read SEMO Womens Basketball story

#AnotherOne Let’s also congratulate Tesia (@901MostHated) for earning the Madness OVC Player of the Week 🏀🙏🏾 Great accomplishment for her & our program! pic.twitter.com/aceRpSOfjy

— SEMO Women's Hoops (@SEMOWBB) January 16, 2018

Girls Basketball Dandy Dozen

Released by the Commercial Appeal on 1/16/18


Here is this week's Commercial Appeal girls basketball Dandy Dozen. Rankings are based on games played through Jan. 13.

1. Whitehaven (12-3)
Last week: 1
This week: Tuesday at Central; Friday vs. White Station

2. Olive Branch (15-4)
Last week: 2
This week: Tuesday vs. Byhalia; Friday at Lake Cormorant

3. Central (9-4)
Last week: 4
This week: Tuesday vs. Whitehaven; Thursday at East; Saturday at Montgomery (Ala.) Lee

4. Houston (11-5)
Last week: 6
This week: Tuesday at Southwind; Friday vs. Kirby

5. Arlington (13-5)
Last week: 5
This week: Tuesday at Kingsbury; Friday vs. Bolton

6. Horn Lake (15-3)
Last week: 2
This week: Friday at DeSoto Central

7. MHEA (18-5)
Last week: 8
This week: Tuesday at Dyer County

8. Northpoint (14-2)
Last week: 9
This week: Tuesday at Margolin Hebrew Academy; Friday vs. Rossville

9. Southaven (15-6)
Last week: 10
This week: Tuesday at DeSoto Central; Friday vs. Hernando

10. Munford (13-5)
Last week: 12
This week: Tuesday vs. Brighton; Friday at Jackson Liberty Tech

11. Southwind (13-5)
Last week: 11
This week: Tuesday vs. Houston; Friday at Collierville

12. Bolton (12-4)
Last week: NR
This week: Tuesday at Cordova; Friday at Arlington

Dropped out: White Station (11-6)

Bubbling under: Hernando (17-2); Trezevant (10-4); Mitchell (13-5); East (10-6); Hutchison (12-3); Tipton-Rosemark (15-5); Collierville (10-5); Oakhaven (10-2)

Elizabeth Dixon (Ridgeway) on 2018 Naismith Trophy Midseason Girls Basketball Watch List

Congratulations to Liz Dixon for making the 2018 Naismith Trophy Midseason Girls Basketball Watch List!!

The Player of the Year and All-America teams will be announced in March by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

View full list

Houston's Jayla Hemingway growing more and more comfortable

Article from Commercial Appeal

Years ago, Jayla Hemingway decided to trade in the balance beam for the basketball court. And she hasn't looked back.

"When Jayla first started in athletics, my wife had her in cheerleading and in gymnastics," said Jayla's dad, Jeff. "We go to Gloucester, Va. for a gymnastics meet...and she says 'dad, I work hard. I just can't get anything better than fourth or third place. What's the problem?'

"And I said, 'Baby, look around. You're in the third grade and you're taller than the oldest kid in your class. (Gymnastics) might not be the best thing for you. So she started playing basketball, playing at the YMCA.

"She was a gym rat from a young age. And she was just a sponge."

Gymanstics' loss has been Houston's gain. Hemingway led the Mustangs to a trip to the Class AAA state tournament last season and Houston will be one of the favorites to return again this year. Heading into this week, the Mustangs — who played a brutal non-district schedule — were 10-5 and ranked sixth in The Commercial Appeal's Dandy Dozen.

Hemingway is pretty high in the rankings too; ProspectsNation.com has her 13th nationally in the class of 2019. As a result, she's got a list of interested colleges as long as her 5-10 frame.

"Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Arkansas, Clemson, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt, Kansas State," she said to name just a few. "I'm definitely (looking for) a place where I have a good relationship with the coaches and where I can play my game."

The most noticeable part of Hemingway's game right now is scoring. She surpassed 1,000 career points during her sophomore season and is averaging 17.1 so far this year. But she knows there's more to succeeding at the next level than just putting the ball in the bucket.

That's why after a recent Houston practice, Hemingway was in the gym for another hour-and-a-half by herself, honing her skills for the postseason and beyond.

"If you want to be the best you have to train like the best," she said. "I always try to make sure...(someone) may be better than me but they'll never outwork me."

Second-year Houston coach Ben Moore likes the way that sounds.

"I think she's growing pretty well into being an all-around player," he said. "Early on in her career, I think she was a really good scorer. But she's become a much better shooter and she's much more reliable on the defensive end.

"The biggest thing for a kid like her, with the talent she has and the motor she has, is how are you making the people around you better? What kind of an example are you setting...she faces a lot of tough situations on the floor just because there's a lot of focus on her."

Hemingway has indeed been in the spotlight for a long time now. After the family moved to the area from Virginia Beach, she enrolled at Schilling Farms Middle School where she quickly began to make her mark.

"It took a lot of getting used to but eventually I was able to adapt to it," said Hemingway of being in the spotlight. "At first it was kind of weird, but I got used to it."

Added Jeff, "I remember the first day at Schilling Farms and Ohio State walks in to watch her play. But for her, the end is what she kept in mind. 'What do I want to do in the end?'

"Basically, she's modeled herself behind kids that have been there and done that. Crystal Dangerfield (a former Miss Basketball now at UConn), (Tennessee's) Meme Jackson, Alexa Middleton (another former Miss Basketball)...all these kids beating up on her.

"So she's watching what they did and how they did it. She thinks that's a part of the process and doesn't know any different."

Mahogany Vaught, Gabby Crawford, and Liz Dixon Nominated for 2018 McDonald's All American Game

Congratulations to Mahogany Vaught (Olive Branch), Gabby Crawford (Munford), and Liz Dixon (Ridgeway)!!
See full nominee list 

Memphis High School Basketball Top Performers for Jan. 9

Vertonia Bady, Whitehaven: The Tigers marked their debut at No. 1 in the Dandy Dozen with a 55-39 victory over Briarcrest. Bady made 6 of 7 shots to finish with 16 points while Shmya Ward had 12 and eight rebounds. Taylor Clemons led the Saints with 22.

Miata Borders, Mitchell: The Tigers improved to 6-0 in District 16-AA as Borders scored 14 in a 50-48 victory over Melrose. Tashun Bryson and Markesha Hayes added 13 and 11 while Kayla Johnson had 18 for the Golden Wildcats.

Gabby Crawford, Munford: One night after her future school won another football national championship, Crawford celebrated with a big game in the Cougars' 63-53 win over Dyer County. The Alabama signee finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Lanerra Gray and Kristen Davis, Bartlett: After nine straight losses, the Panthers picked up their first victory of the year, 64-13 over Kingsbury. Gray and Davis led the way, scoring 14 and 13 respectively.

Carnessia Griggs, BTW: Griggs finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists as the Warriors (13-3) hammered Middle College, 72-52. Derrinesha Jackson led with 21 while Tremesha Rogers added 14.

Lauren Gross, Northpoint: Gross tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals as the Trojans ran their record to 14-2 with a 44-39 win over Harding.

Brianna Hall, Tipton-Rosemark: Hall led four players in double-figures, scoring 16 in a 78-29 victory over FACS. Megan Sanfratello added 12 while Abby West and Eva McIntosh scored 10 each as the Rebels improved to 14-5.

Jayla Hemingway, Houston: The junior scored 32 as the Mustangs improved to 11-5 with an 81-39 victory over Ridgeway. Madison Griggs also had 21 for the Dandy Dozen's sixth-ranked team while Georgia Tech signee Elizabeth Dixon led the Roadrunners with 21.

Sade Hudson, Trezevant: Hudson had another big game, scoring 25 points to go along with five rebounds and five steals as the Bears downed Hamilton, 54-35. Quinterria Foster recorded 12 steals while chipping in with 19 points.

Chancey Jackson, Oakhaven: Jackson had 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals as the Hawks remained perfect with a 58-3 victory over Freedom Prep. Alista Williams added eight points, 17 rebounds and four steals for the Hawks (9-0) while Mikayla Beamon had 10 steals.

Aaliyah Mitchell, East: Mitchell scored 18 as the Mustangs knocked off the No. 7 team in the Dandy Dozen, 55-50. Jamaya Bell added 15 for East. Tennessee-Martin signee Brittni Moore led the Spartans with 20 while Lyric Cole pitched in with 15.

Deresia Randle, Southaven: The Chargers, ranked 10th in the Dandy Dozen, upended second-ranked Horn Lake 64-57 as Randle finished with 16 points and eight rebounds. Taylor Woodhouse contributed 13 points, six assists and four steals while Venita Williams had 13 points and five boards.

Takayla Roach, Wooddale: Scored 24 points to lead the Cardinals to their second victory of the year, 52-42 over Sheffield.

Lauren Taylor, Collierville: Taylor scored a team-high 12 as the Dragons moved to 2-0 in District 15-AAA play with a 67-46 victory over Kirby. Alexis Acoff led the Cougars with 17.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas.

Memphis High School Basketball Schedule: Jan. 9-14

Compiled by the Commercial Appeal


Here are the Memphis area high school basketball schedules for the week of Jan. 9-14. All girls games begin at 6 p.m. with boys following at 7:30 p.m. unless noted. Please send updates, corrections or rescheduled games to reporter John Varlas (john.varlas@commercialappeal.com) or reach him on Twitter (@johnvarlas).

Tuesday
Girls/boys: Central at Overton; East at White Station; Kirby at Collierville; Germantown at Southwind; Houston at Ridgeway; Arlington at Cordova; Bartlett at Kingsbury; Center Hill at Brighton; Dyer County at Munford; Trezevant at Hamilton; Melrose at Mitchell; MLK Prep at Raleigh-Egypt; Sheffield at Wooddale; Covington at Brownsville Haywood; Bolivar at Fayette-Ware; Millington at Ripley; City University at W.E.B. DuBois A&T; Power Center Academy at Fairley; Freedom Prep at Oakhaven; Hillcrest at Memphis School of Excellence; W.E.B. DuBois LP&P at Westwood; Memphis Business Academy at Douglass; KIPP at MASE; Manassas at MAHS; Middle College at BTW; Briarcrest at Whitehaven; Northpoint at Harding; St. George's at Lausanne; Margolin Hebrew Academy at Rossville Christian; Fayette Academy at ECS; FACS at Tipton-Rosemark

Girls only: St. Mary's at St. Agnes

Wednesday
Girls/boys: Cordova at Kingsbury; Craigmont at Melrose; Fairley at GRAD Academy; Westwood at City University; Catholic at Lausanne

Boys only: Manassas at Memphis Rise

Thursday
Girls/boys: Manassas at MLK Prep; Oakhaven at Wooddale; Harding at Margolin Hebrew Academy; Tipton-Rosemark at Rossville Christian

Boys only: Memphis Rise at W.E.B. DuBois A&T

Friday
Girls/boys: White Station at Central; East at Whitehaven; Collierville at Houston; Kirby at Germantown; Southwind at Ridgeway; Bartlett at Arlington; Kingsbury at Bolton; Brighton at Dyer County; Hardin County at Munford; Hamilton at Craigmont; GRAD Academy at Raleigh-Egypt; Wooddale at Melrose; MLK Prep at Trezevant; Mitchell at Sheffield; Covington at Millington; Brownsville Haywood at Fayette-Ware; Fairley at City University; Freedom Prep at Westwood; W.E.B. DuBois A&T at Hillcrest; Memphis School of Excellence at Power Center Academy; Oakhaven at W.E.B. DuBois LP&P; Douglass at BTW; KIPP at Soulsville; Middle College at Manassas; MAHS at Memphis Business Academy; Lausanne at Northpoint; Catholic at St. George's; FACS at ECS; Fayette Academy at Carroll Academy; University School of Jackson at Tipton-Rosemark

Girls only: St. Agnes at Briarcrest; Hutchison at St. Benedict

Boys only: CBHS at Briarcrest; MUS at St. Benedict

Saturday
Girls/boys: Central at Brownsville Haywood; Rossville Christian at Fayette Academy;

Monday
Boys only: Cordova at Music City Classic in Nashville

Girls Basketball Dandy Dozen

Released by Commercial Appeal on January 4, 2018.


1. Olive Branch (15-3) The rundown: Katie Blackmon, Mahogany Vaught and Endya Buford have kept OB clicking right along despite the graduation of three-time Commercial Appeal player of the year Myah Taylor.
Upcoming games: Saturday vs. Choctaw Central in the Tangle on the Trail in Pontotoc, Miss.

2. Whitehaven (10-3) The rundown: Shmya Ward is averaging just under 20 points per game and talented freshman point guard Se'Quoia Allmond is living up to her billing for Lynn Smith's Tigers.
Upcoming games: Jan. 8 vs. Overton; Jan. 9 vs. Briarcrest

3. Horn Lake (14-2) The rundown: Latavia Jones took most valuable player honors as the Eagles defeated a solid field to take the championship at the Larry Ransom tournament hosted by Fayette-Ware over the holidays.
Upcoming games: Friday vs. DeSoto Central; Jan. 9 at Southaven

4. Central (8-4) The rundown: Seniors Johne' Stewart and Jireh Washington have been excellent as always for last year's Class AAA runners-up. Brianna Cooks' recent return from injury will only further improve the squad.
Upcoming games: Jan. 9 at Overton

5. Arlington (12-5) The rundown: Lanetta Williams, a 6-4 junior, is emerging as a star for the Tigers, who have played a brutal schedule that includes losses to Houston, defending state champ Murfreesboro Riverdale and undefeated Bradley Central.
Upcoming games: Friday vs. Brownsville Haywood; Jan. 9 at Cordova

6. Houston (9-5) The rundown: Another team that's been challenged heavily; among Houston's losses are setbacks against East Hamilton and Bradley Central. Highly-touted junior Jayla Hemingway, Destinee Wells and Madison Griggs lead a talented cast.
Upcoming games: Friday at Germantown; Jan. 9 at Ridgeway

7. White Station (11-5) The rundown: Tennessee-Martin is getting a good one in 5-10 senior Brittni Moore, who scored 29 and grabbed 18 rebounds in a late-November win over Whitehaven. Lyric Cole, a 6-0 freshman, dropped 33 on Raleigh-Egypt on Dec. 15.
Upcoming game: Jan. 9 vs. East

8. MHEA (17-5) The rundown: The Eagles are getting great play from veterans Annaliese Burnett, Lindsey Vaughn and Kylie Loadholt as they tune up to make a run at another home school national championship.
Upcoming games: Jan.8 at St. Benedict

9. Hernando (16-1) The rundown: Junior guard Zuri Dunlap and senior forward Rachel Greer have carried the scoring load for the Tigers, who will only be tougher to beat now that Alyssa Greer is healthy after knee surgery.
Upcoming games: Friday at Southaven; Jan. 9 vs. DeSoto Central

10. Northpoint (11-2) The rundown: Lauren Gross and Jade Wells are the top performers for the Trojans, who will be bidding to reach state for the sixth year in a row when the playoffs begin next month.
Upcoming games: Saturday vs. St. George's; Jan. 9 at Harding

11. Southwind (11-5) The rundown: After winning just 13 games last year, coach James Seymour's Jaguars have emerged as a pleasant surprise, with victories over MHEA and Northpoint among others.
Upcoming game: Friday at Kirby; Jan. 9 vs. Germantown

12. Munford (11-5) The rundown: Alabama signee Gabby Crawford needed only about 12 minutes to put up 22 points in a victory over Soulsville on Tuesday. The schedule is about to get tougher though.
Upcoming games: Friday at Millington; Jan. 9 vs. Dyer County

Bubbling under: Bolton (11-3); Mitchell (12-5); BTW (11-4); Trezevant (9-4); Hutchison (11-3); Southaven (13-6); Tipton-Rosemark (12-5)

Jireh Washington, Commercial Appeal Player of the Week

Jireh Washington, Central: Washington, who has signed to play at Arkansas State, had an excellent tournament as the Warriors finished runner-up in the Collierville Dragon Fire Invitational last week. She averaged 22 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 4.8 steals and had 26 as Central fell to Central Arkansas Christian in the championship game.

2018 Preview Camp Dates Set

Registration is Open!

Read Details Here

Ariel Williams (Whitehaven) Career High 16 Points

Read entire Grambling State Womens Basketball article

Tesia Thompson (Hamilton) Earns adidas® OVC Freshman of the Week Honors

Read entire SEMO Womens Basketball article

Derica Wiggins (Oakhaven) SWAC Player of the Week, Joins 1,000 Point Club

Read entire Jackson State Womens Basketball article