Notebook: Kennesaw State Team Camp

Notebook: Kennesaw State Team Camp

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Marietta, GA – The team camp tour continues with a stop at Kennesaw State.

This is the inaugural camp under new Owls head coach Antoine Pettway. He had a watchful eye on as many prospects on the main floor and the recreation center. KSU’s camp had quality matchups and the players did not disappoint.

Here are some names who raised an eyebrow or two.

Cordova High made the trip from Memphis to make an impression. The Wolves were a tight-knit group on the floor. They were always in attack mode and setting the tempo of each game they played. The entire staff was on the main floor when Cordova took on Archer. They are there to see the Wolves’ KJ Tenner and the Tigers’ Kahmare Holmes.

Both players put on impressive moments for the Owl’s coaching staff. Tenner was tactical and intentional with his performance on the floor. He did not shy away from guarding Holmes, who was taller than him. Tenner shot the ball well from deep. He found ways to get teammates into easy-scoring positions. His connection with the head coach helped the Wolves run smoothly. Tenner’s performance will garner more attention as the summer progresses.

Archer has a new head coach in Antoine Stroud. The Tigers are making the adjustments to hearing a new voice, but their effort is to Stroud’s liking. They refused to give in to the Wolves and were a last-second heave away from picking up a win.

Nevertheless, the Tigers have plenty to build on with Holmes leading the way. The 6-foot-5 combo guard is a problem playing downhill. His athleticism helps separate him from opponents. He is a tireless defender. He has a running mate in Darrian Joseph. The rising senior shot the ball fluidly and attacked the rim with purpose.

Pope had an impressive performance against Pace Academy. The Greyhounds went into sudden death with the Knights before falling short. Pope’s effort caught the eye of many watching but one of the standouts was Zachary Bleshoy. The rising junior was poised against pressure. He controlled things on both ends of the floor for the Greyhounds. His ability to make plays impressed the KSU staff. Bleshoy is a player to keep track of this summer.

Cedar Shoals is coming off a rough year. The Jaguars were one of the youngest teams in its region. They may have taken a rough ride through the season but gained some experience, which showed on the floor. One of those young players is Devin Hubbard. This rising sophomore looked more poised and in control on the floor. He was efficient in shooting the ball. Hubbard is also handling the ball better. His time will come as the game slows down for him.