Clarksville area boys basketball 10 players to watch for 2017-18 season

Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle

Rossview's Will Midlick (20) looks to block the shot of Clarksville's Michael Fair during the first half of their District 10 basketball game Tuesday at William Workman Gym.

High school basketball games began this week with Hall of Fame matchups highlighting the first week's action.

As the season starts, The Leaf-Chronicle will be taking a look at the top girls and boys players from the Montgomery County area.

Here are the 10 boys players to watch this season.

Will Midlick, Rossview

A quintessential coach's son (APSU women's coach David Midlick is his father), there aren't a lot of holes to Will's game. He can shoot inside and out, drive to the basket, defend and rebound and could lead the city in scoring.

Clarksville Academy's Daniel Loos (40) calls for the ball down on the block against East Robertson Friday night.

Daniel Loos, Clarksville Academy

Loos, a sophomore, is the grandson of former APSU men's coach Dave Loos. He came in as a freshman last year with some polished post moves at 6-foot-6, and the Cougars' move to Division II should allow him to thrive, along with big frontcourt teammates.

Northeast forward Alec Kegler goes up for two points in the lane against Beech's 2-3 zone during the boys Region 5-AAA tournament semifinal Tuesday in Lebanon

Alec Kegler, Northeast

Kegler missed time last year with a broken foot. But when he returned he was a load, as Northeast won the Region 5-AAA title. This year, Kegler is bigger (6-5) and stronger and almost every offensive set the Eagles have runs through him.

Trey Spencer, Montgomery Central

Central has moved into Class AAA in basketball and joins the city schools this year. Most would assume the Indians struggle in this first season. But coach Jimmy Young has a team that could compete right away, led by Spencer who averaged 16 points last season.

Northeast's Quinton Cross glides into the lane for a lay up against Rossview during their district quarterfinal game Friday night at Northwest High School.

Quinton Cross, Northeast

Arguably the quickest guard in the city. A proven football star, Cross' steal and assist to a trailing Resean Taylor in the final seconds of last year's region championship resulted in the dunk heard around the region. He'll set the tone each night for a talented Eagles squad.

Northwest's Shatar McClay fights for a rebound against Beech during their Region 5-AAA boys tournament game Saturday at Northwest High.

Shatar McClay, Northwest

McClay is coming off a disappointing football season and is eager to win games. His aggressive, no-fear approach finds him scoring under the basket as well as taking those deep 3's Northwest is known for.

James Williams, Kenwood

Only a sophomore, Williams plays an aggressive style that fits District 10-AAA. Coach Dennis Pardue's team hovered around the top of the district last year. If the Knights want to break through, Williams will have to be the spark.

Isaiah Farrior, Northwest

Northwest lost quite a bit from last year's District 10-AAA tournament title team, a first for the program in 22 years. But with players like McClay and Farrior, the Vikings could repeat. Farrior provides the perfect complement to McClay with a smooth game that translates well with coach Vincent Turner's up-tempo attack.

Jamarco Mimms, Clarksville High

Mimms is a rising star with multi-position skills, according to coach Ted Young. In baseball they call it a 5-tool player, but Mimms can "defend, shoot, dribble, and is a superb slasher in the scoring lanes."

Austin Jackson, Rossview

Need a 3-pointer? There are few in Clarksville more trusted to knock them down then Jackson. At 6-5, he stretches the defense because if you leave him open on the wing, he'll kill your chances of a win by halftime. Having Midlick around should give Jackson open looks.

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.