The Pilot Rocky Top League took off in its most competitive manner yet in its third season.
Deeper rosters, closer games, and some lockdown defense - yes defense - became the norm over the course of the three-week season at Bearden High School.
Former CBA newcomer of the year and European star Boo Jackson became the first non-University of Tennessee player to win the coveted league MVP award after leading HT Group to the title.
A panel made up of coaches, league officials and media selected the team.
Jackson edged UT's Wayne Chism for the honor on his performance against the News Sentinel's Scotty Hopson in Thursday's championship game.
Hopson, a rising sophomore at UT who led the league in scoring, was held to just six points in the pivotal second half.
"Scotty is an incredibly talented player,'' said Jackson, who held Hopson to 24 points in the game while scoring a game-high 30 himself. "But he's got to go and get the ball instead of just fading away and waiting for it to get passed to him.
"I was picking him up at half-court, and I was literally looking him right in the eye.''
Jackson set an early tone for his team this season.
"Boo was a true professional, and he had a calming effect on everyone,'' said Pat Walden, the HT Group coach. "He let Wayne and everyone know from the start we were there to win.''
Chism, a rising senior, responded with his best Rocky Top League season. Chism had his moments of fun, but they were fewer and more far between.
Hopson, meanwhile, showed a comfort in taking over games throughout the year. On three occasions, the former McDonald's All-American led the News Sentinel back from double-digit deficits.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 13
movol53 writes:
OK Scotty someone who has been there done that is telling you what you need to work on. Can you meet the challenge?
peerless writes:
Way to support a very faithful former Vol that gave his all for the program. You can't ask for more than that! His stats in the league, by the way, were very respectable. Were you even in the draft?
newtonrail writes:
No matter what Nome De geur you choose Naffy, you are still a Racist. How long before Kaplan cans you again Robert?
peerless writes:
There is more to the game of basketball than scoring, but you obviously don't seem to understand that. Who made the steal and layup to beat Florida in a thriller? Oh yeah, it was Dane! Oh wait, he did it twice I believe. If you are interested, I'm sure Dane would welcome a one-on-one challenge for charity against you. If he's feeling real charitable, he'll let you score. Make sure to get back to me.
BillVol writes:
Shouldn't there be an award named after Elston Turner? Or Paul Hogue? I didn't think the league was associated in any way with the University of Tennessee. I thought it was a celebration of Knoxville basketball. And BTW, many of those awards should be renamed. The "underrated" award is named for Ernie G? That's ridiculous. The MVP of the league should be named for Ernie. Who's in charge here?
peerless writes:
I vote for Vol_RobE
richvol writes:
A very accurate observation of Hopson's play...if he was aggressive enough he could do whatever he wanted on the court. That is his biggest issue. It's never been his talent that's in question...it's his hunger and drive. Maybe this will be a wakeup call for him to not just look to shoot but to be an aggressive leader on the floor on defense,hustle and getting to the hoop.
Ironcity writes:
There is a fine line between being aggressive and selfish. Hopson still needs to learn that line. It takes time and maturity for players to realize the difference. Hopson will figure it out in time. I am glad that Boo didn't say he was a ball hog and needs to learn when to give it up. That would have concerned me.
chargervol writes:
Nice response to his racism. The white people get all the blame on slavery, but if they were willing to go back in history, they would find that slaves were gathered by their own people and traded to all countries. They have yet to to forgive us, yet they don't speak of their own people selling and trading them. That's a fact. They only have themselves to blame. You can't tell him anything, he is blinded by racism(caused by his own brothers). Anywho, GO VOLS!!!
BasketVols writes:
When is football season over, I'm ready for B-ball right now!
Just kidding, but that's awesome that Scotty and the rest had a good time and played hard in the League. I hope they keep working this hard for the rest of the off season.
Go Vols!
ebrownvol writes:
"Maybe next year Dane Bradshaw will save us fans from the pain of seeing his pathetic play and stick to driving his cab."
Obviously, you were not at any of the games. The News Sentinel missed Dane while he was on his honeymoon. I guess we can forgive him for missing those 2 games. In the title game, he not only played, but was the coach. When timeout was called close to the end of the game, Dane and JuJuan were the only two that talked. The coach was no where to be found.
Great "Rocky Top" this year.
GO VOLS and GO DANE!
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
notice Brian's FT percentage? What's happened to him?
Scotty will have to learn to adjust his game accordingly or we will have a long season with a 20-13 record again.
Bryce4Heisman writes:
Yeah i'm with you on Dane Bradshaw his shot is awful and he jacked several threes in the title game that had no chance to go in. Dane may be a fan favorite but its time for him to hang it up, aside from hustle stats he has absolutely no game.
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