Recap: Tip-Off Classic TN Part II

Recap: Tip-Off Classic TN Part II
Recap: Tip-Off Classic TN Part IITaryn McCutcheon

Chassity Carter helped lead Team Tennessee on Championship Sunday at the Tip-Off Classic-Tennessee. *Photo by Ty Freeman.

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Franklin Fieldhouse provided the stage for “Championship Sunday” at the Tip-Off Classic. New champions would be crowned for this first-year event and a number of individuals would gain new college interest. Here is a look back at a few of the top performers on day two.

TEAM OF THE DAY

TEAM TENNESSEE 2015

The “home team” was able to defend its turf versus the West Virginia Thunder in the championship game of the @KeilMoorePSB bracket. Coach Mark Springer’s squad is powered by the steady hand of Chassity Carter of Dickson, Tenn. The 6-foot guard is currently ranked No. 10 in the class of 2016 and is one of the top playmakers nationally. However, a well-balanced team effort was the reason this team was able to claim the championship. The post play dominated the lane which proved to be too much for the West Virginia Thunder to handle. Class of 2015 prospect Raeyana Degray, a 6-1 forward from Antioch, Tenn., led the interior assault with a combination of rebounding and step-out 3-point jumpers. Her sister, 6-1 Ronjanae Degray, also in the class of 2015, consistently rebounded on both ends and showed to be a reliable low post presence all weekend.

Team Tennessee also had its share of new faces for our ProspectsNation.com staff to evaluate. Class of 2015 guard Brianna Smith of Nashville, Tenn., was a sparkplug for coach Springer’s team. The 5-6 guard mixed it up on the defensive end by hounding ball handlers, but also connected on multiple 3-pointers on Sunday afternoon to help earn the win for her team. Class of 2015 prospect Lauren Ransom, a 5-11 forward from Antioch, Tenn., produced off the bench in the championship game by scoring around the rim and being active on the glass. Team Tennessee will be back with Peach State Basketball in July at the Real Deal in the ‘Ville Session I.

PLAYER OF THE DAY

Taryn McCutcheon (Washington, W.Va.), West Virginia Thunder – 2016

It is impossible to overlook the impact that the 5-5 point guard brings to the floor. A capable floor general, McCutcheon is able to set the table for her teammates with capable ball handling and floor vision. On this weekend she proved that she can be a go-to scorer as well in the half-court. Her range extends well beyond the arc, which puts pressure on the defense to guard her at all moments when she has the ball in her hands. Over the years she has added the penetration game to her skill set. Her quick first step and body control in the lane will catch defenders off guard and often she will find scoring opportunities amongst the taller players on the floor.

McCutcheon gave her verbal pledge to coach Suzy Merchant at Michigan State last September. She projects to be a high level system point guard who can also play-create in the Big Ten Conference. It is these talents that have her as an ELITE 60 watch list prospect in the class of 2016. You can track McCutcheon’s progress with the West Virginia Thunder as they will return to multiple Peach State Basketball events this July.


Hemingway is the Assistant Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report. He can be reached at jonathanhemingway@peachstatebasketball.com.

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