Written by Travis “Tray” Hunter — December 15, 2025

The doors are open. The lights are on. And the hardwood is officially alive.

As basketball season tips off across Tennessee, Tuesday Talent makes its annual shift from the turf to the court. The mission doesn’t change — spotlight the players who impact winning. Not empty numbers. Not hype alone. But hoopers who control tempo, elevate teammates, and show up when the gym gets loud and the pressure turns real.

This week’s Basketball Season Opener features players already setting the standard.

⭐ Spotlight Players

Tray — Trey Pearson

Pope John Paul II | Boys

Trey Pearson is the definition of a true lead guard.

At 6’3”, the left-handed point guard plays with pace, patience, and purpose — blending scoring efficiency with elite decision-making. Averaging 15.6 points and 5.3 assists per game, Pearson controls the rhythm and consistently puts teammates in the right spots.

A two-time Peach Jam champion, EYBL Breakout MVP, and Peach Jam single-game assist record holder, Pearson has already logged high-pressure reps against national competition. That experience shows in his poise, anticipation, and ability to dictate flow late in games.

Now committed to High Point University, Pearson enters the season as a guard built for the next level — mentally, physically, and tactically.

Coach Daniel — Jade Watson

Middle Tennessee Christian (MTCS) | Girls

Every championship-level team needs a point guard who settles things. Jade Watson does more than that — she sets the standard.

The MTCS junior controls tempo, leads on both ends, and plays with confidence well beyond her class year. She keeps her team organized under pressure and makes winning decisions when it matters.

That presence has earned Division I attention from Memphis, Austin Peay, Lipscomb, and Belmont. Watson’s composure, leadership, and court awareness make her one of the most trusted guards in the area.

JG — Eden Nandzo

Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet | Boys

Eden Nandzo is a versatile combo guard who impacts the game in multiple ways. Listed around 6’0”–6’2”, he can initiate offense, score efficiently, and make plays for others.

During the 2024–25 season, Nandzo has been reported in the 13–17 point per game range with around 4 assists per game, while also averaging roughly 8 rebounds — elite production for a guard. Club settings note production around 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game with strong three-point efficiency.

His impact showed on November 18 against Hillsboro, when he posted 25 points and 12 rebounds. With Nandzo running the backcourt, MLK plays composed, connected, and under control.

D — Christian Gibson

Tennessee Collegiate Academy | Boys

Christian Gibson looks like a scorer — and plays like one.

Standing between 6’4” and 6’5”, Gibson uses size, skill, and confidence to score at all three levels. His Nike EYBL experience put him on the national radar, where he emerged as one of the top scorers during session play.

That exposure translated into high-major interest before he committed to UCF. Gibson’s smooth shot creation, confident handle, and college-ready frame make him a problem for defenders every night.

💎 Underrated Stars

Tray — Ava Zenner

Franklin Road Academy | Girls

Ava Zenner is not playing like a sophomore — and hasn’t for a while.

The FRA guard averaged 18.3 points per game last season, reached the 1,000-point milestone early, and competes nationally with Kentucky Premier EYBL. She scores at all three levels, controls pace, and applies consistent defensive pressure. With a Division I offer from Coastal Carolina already on the table, her underrated label may not last long.

Coach Daniel — Lawson Lee

Battle Ground Academy | Boys

Lawson Lee does the work that wins games.

The BGA senior center anchors the paint, protects the rim, and controls the glass. He sets physical screens, finishes through contact, and brings interior toughness every night. His impact is felt on every possession.

JG — LaDamion Hunter

Pearl-Cohn | Boys

LaDamion Hunter is an underrated difference-maker for Pearl-Cohn. He brings toughness, pace, and defensive pressure that do not always show up in the box score but consistently impact winning.

He pushes tempo, guards the ball, and plays with nonstop energy. Hunter elevates teammates through effort plays, on-ball defense, and smart decision-making.

Hunter finished football season playing through a torn ACL and entered basketball season with it still partially torn, continuing to compete while rehabbing. That resilience shows up in how he plays and how Pearl-Cohn responds to his presence.

He may not lead every game in scoring, but his impact changes how Pearl-Cohn plays. His value shows up in control, competitiveness, and winning plays.

D — Fred Smith Jr.

Briarcrest Christian | Boys

The Tennessee MaxPreps Player of the Year averaged 21.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting nearly 67% from the field. At 6’6”–6’7”, Smith scores efficiently, rebounds with force, and handles like a wing.

With multiple Division I programs tracking him and a history of deep playoff runs, Smith is a matchup problem every time he steps on the floor.

🏁 Opening Tip

Different schools.

Different styles.

Same impact.

Tuesday Talent isn’t about hype — it’s about who moves the game. And as basketball season tips off, these players are already shaping how it will be remembered.

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