Are They Ready?
1. There are a few other teams who represented in June I think have shots to be in the thick of things. One could even have winning the league on their mind, the Southwind Jaguars. Last year, they were on the cusp of a few upset wins. They were in games with Bartlett and Cordova, who only lost 3 or 4 games all year. Their youth showed in those games and that was expected.
Fast forward to now and most of those youngsters are now juniors: Ron Towns, Justin Edwards and 6’7 2026 Kris Smith, will all make heavy noise this year. Towns in his third year as a starter, should become one of the city’s best 2026 players. Right now, I’d say he’s arguably top 5-7. He’s one of the best shooters in Memphis. Every time he has a clean look, you can ring it up and put three on the board… even when it’s contested. He will shoulder a lot of scoring load for the Jaguars this season.
Justin Edwards is their 2-way stalwart, put him on the best player on the opposing team and he’s a menace, but he’s an opportunistic scorer and another ball handler. 6’7 Kris Smith has gotten better and better. He gives them size and a physical presence. His ability to rebound and finish is major.
The wild card is Kris Carroll. With Towns and him on the floor at the same time, you have 2 players capable of making 4-5 3 pointers in a game. Carroll is one of the premier shooters regardless of class and to boot, he’s 6’5. If all things line up and they are able to land him, I think Southwind could be right there with a chance to win that league. If KC is a Jag, Carroll along with Towns’ ability to shoot it from deep and score will make them a tough tough out for anyone and not just in their league.
2. The Central Warriors are another team who could be write there as well in 4A. Damion Cox and Dedrick Miles make up a nice backcourt but Jaydon Hill has hit a nice growth spurt. His added height has increased his confidence giving the Warriors a trio of good guards. Cox was the player of the year in their league last season so what should we expect this season? I think he’s their leading scorer all year long but Miles, does a lot for them as well. He defends well, plays bigger than he is, can score in a bunch of ways and he’s not afraid to go grab a rebound. He’s an athlete teams hate to play against but would love for him to be on their team. With those 3 along with another addition via transfer possibly, Central will have a shot at the (16 AAAA) title.
3. MASE was a game or 2 away from a state appearance last season but fell short. I never count out a Marcus Moody led team. Trey Leigh 2026 should lead the way for them along with Jaylen Goodwin, a 2025 point guard, Terry “TJ” Mitchell and Alex Gibbs. All of them must be at their best most nights for them to win how Moody has become accustomed too. Mitchell will get plenty of opportunities as an inside force. If he can be a consistent scorer in the middle and on both blocks, giving them rebounding, they should once again be there in 1A.
Another key for them will be a newcomer, Joshua Irons, a 6’4 2026 who will probably start a lot of games for them next year. He plays at about 6-7 with his wingspan. He can make jumpers, handle it, guard and rebound for the Phoenix and that will make him valuable. The more he plays, the better he becomes and that bodes well for MASE.
4. Don’t cry for Coach Rose at FACS just yet either. As I mentioned in Part 5, McGaughy, top 2-3 player in 2027 with a mixed bag of offense. Anterrius Odom is a physical 6’7 that will provide size, athleticism and length. He flashes scoring ability. Guard Cardale Manuel will go into league as one of the best guards there is and give them an immediate scoring pop with outside shot making. With him and McGaughy, they should have enough ball handling, playmaking and scoring to keep them pretty competitive in their league.
5. Memphis Business Academy might be a pretty good team as well! Trey Benson is one of the best point guards in Memphis. His summer has been filled with shots of confidence playing on the elite EYBL circuit. 2025 Teryck White is back and add Ethan Caswell to them and you have the makings of a 2A team who could have dreams of making it to the state.
Standouts and Breakouts are coming soon!! Be on the lookout for that!
