GRAY DEYOSports Writer

The Tullahoma basketball program is in the midst of its summer circuit, and some new faces are tagging along for the long offseason.

Just a few months ago, some Panther and Bobcat new grads were putting the ribbon on their middle school seasons. Now, they are getting thrown into the fire for their first taste of high school ball. On Thursday afternoon the varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen Tullahoma teams scrimmaged against Warren County. The freshmen showed their skills in their game against the Pioneer freshmen, while some of the new-coming Wildcats were already making an impact on the JV level. 

Julius Jones

East middle school product, Julius Jones, was one of the players having a positive effect on the JV game, and a lot of it came on the defensive side. Jones is the tallest player out of the incoming class, standing at 6’4”. With that height, he has above-average speed. Because of this speed, it makes him a more dynamic player. Normally at the high school level, anyone at Jones’ size would be stamped into the center role of a team. But with the athleticism that Jones has, he can do things normal bigs cannot do. One of these things is the ability he has to guard positions one through five.

He is quick enough to guard guards, and tall enough to guard bigs. He showed this in full effect in the JV Wildcats’ 46-32 win over Warren County.

No freshman last year got any extended run for the varsity team, but Jones, with his defensive versatility, may have a shot at cracking the rotation. Tullahoma’s current iteration of their roster does not really have somebody with this skill that the last year Panther possesses. 

Price Harden and Cooper Knight

 Two freshmen, Price Harden and Cooper Knight, from West Middle School made their presence felt in their cut of minutes in the JV game as well. Harden, who was a multi-sport athlete in his time as a Bobcat, flashed his athletic ability throughout the matchup. He made it hard for opposing defenders to get around him and was able to also force heavily contested shots. He is a promising, fun player and can have a major impact in helping Tullahoma sustain success over the next few years.

 Knight showed what Wildcat fans will have to look forward to, by knocking down a corner pocket three in the contest. He did this routinely at the middle school level.

 As the game of basketball evolves the stock and want for players who are able to knock down threes is only rising. Knight being able to provide this skill could help him have an important role for the Wildcats in the future.