Game Recap: Memphis Knights 15u vs. Kentucky Elite Mentality Gold 15u

AthElite had a chance to check in on two of our favorites in Paducah at the Easter Showcase on Friday night. The Memphis Knights out of Tennessee and the hometown Kentucky Elite Mentality squared off in the 5:30 game. Both teams showed a lot of progress since we saw them last in 2021 but maintained the same core values of gritty defense, high-level coaching, and hard work on both ends of the floor. KEM pulled away late to win 46-39. Here are a few top performers who stood out.

Memphis Knights:

#15 Bj Carter - Long and athletic, blocked shot off the backboard early, good handle for size, gets to rim at will, very good at controlling body when driving. Very good and starting breaks and triggering offenses. Active on offensive boards. Threw down a big time left handed dunk late in the half. So crafty and can score on all three levels.

#10 K. Parnell- Parnell had a bold charge attempt early in the half that set the tone defensively for the Knights early. He plays with a ton of heart and emotion. Finishes strong around the rim with both hands. Was great at staying engaged on the bench when it wasn’t his turn and contributed from start to finish.

#1 Cody McGhee - Nice lead guard at the 15u level. Very good at turning ball handlers when he’s on the ball and has a smooth pull up game when he gets a step on defenders. Provided a huge spark for the Knights. Got to the rim with ease and was great at playing off two feet.

#5 Kobe Milan - Milan was the glue guy for the Knights throughout the first half. Did lots of little things that others at this age level don’t want to do. Rebounded at a high rate, did a nice job of staying planted in the paint, and worked hard on both ends. Very bouncy with nice touch around the rim.

#13 C. Carpenter - Carpenter is a solid guard who was impressive getting downhill with the ball. With one of the quickest first steps in the event, he was very good at getting past defenders in the half court and also at creating in transition.

Kentucky Elite Mentality Gold:

#8 Josh Campbell- Campbell is very athletic and poised off the bounce. Great in transition, loves to get out and run. Does a great job of turning defense into offense. Smooth handles for his size and had a few huge blocks.

#1 Twon McClure- McClure was a major spark early for KEM. Hit a smooth looking three to trigger a run for his team a few minutes into the first half. Defends exceptionally well and is good on the ball, always closes out with hands and runs to help side. Runs hard in transition and has a non stop motor.

#11 Kris Garnett - First look at the smooth guard was a good one. Has a nice handle and uses it to get downhill and score using an array of crafty finishes or make decisions in the paint and create for others. Made a few crucial plays to spark an 11-0 run towards the end of the first half. Very good athlete who tried to get up for a put back dunk early in the second half.

#10 Julian Warfield- Warfield got going early in the second half and found a rhythm. Hit a smooth jumper which sparked his motor. Made plays. Defensively and stepped up as a leader giving his teammates instructions, echoing play calls,

#0 Tay Morris - Tay Morris is a small guard who plays with a huge heart on the court. Went hard start to finish and was willing to pick up his “man” full court throughout. Was very good at getting to the line and ran his team well. Has a very good feel for the game and dove on the floor multiple times.

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