Jerry Peters Summer Classic: Saturday’s notes - Prep Hoops (2024)

The Jerry Peters Summer Classic at Memphis University School featured solid local talent. I was on hand to watch some of the best talent in Memphis.

Here are notes from Saturday’s action:

Defense, defense, defense

Defense has been the backbone of Bartlett’s success under head coach Dion Real. In 2024, things will be no different. In a scrimmage against Christian Brothers, which didn’t have junior point guard BJ Brown BJ Brown 6'0" | PG Christian Brothers | 2026 State TN and senior guard Carson Chandler Carson Chandler 6'3" | PG Christian Brothers | 2025 State TN , the Panthers trapped the Purple Wave on a lot of inbounds passes, deflected passes in the lane, and controlled the boards. Bartlett came away with a 56-41 win, thanks to its defense making Christian Brothers uncomfortable on crucial possessions.

”I think that’s kind of our DNA. If you’re going to play at Bartlett, you’re going to defend, you’re going to get after it,” Real said. “We’re going to force the issue.”

A great blend

Let’s also note that the Panthers will have a solid blend of prospects suit up in 2024. First, let’s start with the upperclassmen. Senior point guard KJ Neville is the vocal leader and the engine the program will get behind for another deep postseason run. Senior guard Bryson Johnson is Bartlett’s best on-ball defender. Senior forward Elliot Driver could play a pivotal role on the defensive side. Juniors Jayden Mitchell and Sydney Thompson will play bigger roles in 2024 after playing as reserves last season. Junior forward Axton Perry Axton Perry 6'5" | PF Bartlett | 2026 State TN will provide length and athleticism in the frontcourt. Perry is also active on the glass, alters shots at the rim, and runs the floor well.

Junior forward Ethan Gatewood is another prospect that will provide length. Sophom*ore forward Dylan Jones is probably the team’s best offensive wing. He can make shots from the perimeter. Sophom*ore guard Jayden Jordan–James has displayed his ability to make shots from the perimeter. He’s been bumped up from junior varsity to varsity. James is a prospect many in the program are excited about. Incoming freshmen Braylon Williams and DJ Okoth are talented prospects that should adjust quickly to the speed of TSSAA Class 4A basketball.

”We have youth and one of the best leaders I have ever coached before in KJ, and our youth is very, very talented,” Real said. “The best thing is that they keep showing up. We have put in a lot of hours in the gym. We just keep pushing through.”

1-2 punch

Junior forward Fred Smith has earned the trust of his teammates and coaching staff at Briarcrest to take turns with sophom*ore point guard Greg Spight to run the offense. In a loss to Houston, the pick-and-roll with Smith setting solid screens, allowing Spight to get free for great looks worked to perfection. Just the thought of having to chase Spight off ball screens all game sounds like a 4-hour shift at the FedEx Hub. Also, Spight can drop dimes. He made a nice drop off to Smith in the paint in the first half. Briarcrest has its duo it can lean on.

Junior guard Parker Pounds isn’t afraid of big moments. He made big 3s against the Mustangs. It’s expected for Pounds to have a productive 2024 season.

A huge difference

Senior point guard Jacob Walker makes Houston so much better offensively. Less attention is on sophom*ore point guard Justin Frison since he’s temporarily in the backcourt with Walker. Walker can initiate the offense, make great reads, make timely shots, and play solid defense on the other team’s best guard. He’s a handful on both ends of the floor. With a veteran like Walker playing alongside a confident Frison, there’s reason to be highly optimistic about the pairing, if Walker can, somehow, become eligible after leaving First Assembly Christian School.