Elementary boys PotW (Sept. 29

Three weeks into the new 3–5 grade boys basketball season, the league is already delivering everything fans hoped for — nail-biting finishes, breakout stars, and big-time wins that are shaping the standings.

The highlight of the week came Monday at JK Stanley Gym, where Boyd edged Bobby Ray in a one-point classic that had fans on their feet. The Broncos and Stars are now locked in a battle for District 1 supremacy, while Centertown continues to pace District 2. At the same time, West picked up its biggest win yet behind a monster scoring performance, Dibrell found new contributors, and Irving College finally broke through with its first win.

Across the county, gyms are buzzing and young talent is shining. Guards are making clutch plays, posts are finding their touch in the paint, and defenses are tightening up as teams climb into contention. With three weeks down and plenty of basketball left, the race to November’s tournament is wide open.

Each Saturday, the Main Street Journal will spotlight a Player of the Week from each team, celebrating the kids who stood out on the hardwood and pushed their squads forward.

This recognition is made possible thanks to our amazing sponsors: Dos Marias Street Food, Crisp Springs Market, Prince HVAC, Grissom Underground, Crisp Spring Fireworks, Sara Beth Collins with Tree City Realty, Family Care Clinic and Hot Corner Cards.

Here are the players of the week from Sept. 29 - Oct. 3:

Braylen Locke – Bobby Ray Stars

Locke has been a steady presence for the Stars, and this week he showed why he’s such a dangerous guard. He scored nine in the rematch with Boyd and followed it with another strong outing against Dibrell. He's a terror on defense - a long-armed menace in the passing lanes who has helped Bobby Ray maintain pace at the top of District 1.

Denton Helton – Boyd Broncos

Helton picked the perfect time to step up for Boyd. He stabilized the offense in a rivalry win over Bobby Ray, then followed with another strong showing against Eastside. His outside shooting - expanding as he gets more and more comfortable following an elbow injury - and versatility on defense gives the Broncos a true Robin as the league's leading scorer - Ryder Reed - fills the role as Boyd's Bat-Man.

Bryce McGee – Centertown Warriors

McGee has been one of the most consistent producers for Centertown, which was off last week due to the shifting schedules that moved Thursday's games to later in November. Still, McGee is like many guards in the 3-5 grade league - a contributor because of his defense first. His ability to play both ends has helped keep Centertown in the thick of the District 2 race.

Ryder Blair – Dibrell Wildcats

Blair has been the pace setter in every sense for the Wildcats, helping run the show in coach Bryson Elrod’s system. Whether it’s speeding up in transition or slowing it down to get the right look, Blair’s steady hand and strong ball-handling have kept Dibrell composed. He added 11 points in the Wildcats’ win over West and continues to be the engine for his team.

Caden Nesbitt – Eastside Bulldogs

Nesbitt was the spark the Bulldogs needed this week, dropping five points in the matchup with Irving College. As Eastside continues to develop, Nesbitt’s ability to control the paint as one of the biggest posts in the league could become a bright spot.

Drew Templeton – Hickory Creek Hawks

Templeton had one of his best weeks, scoring eight against West in a close loss and showing he can be a consistent secondary scorer behind the Conleys. His ability to clean the glass and attack inside gives Hickory Creek another option on offense.

Gannon Powers – Irving College Tigers

What's better than celebrating your first win of the season? Getting to do it with your brother. Gannon Powers tied for a team high with six points this week when the Irving College Tigers went on the road and were able to defeat the Eastside Bulldogs.

Pictured below are Gannon and Gunner, who had two points in the victory. They are both in fourth grade at Irving College and are looking to become future stars for the Tigers.

James Starkey – Morrison Eagles

Starkey stepped up in a tough matchup against Boyd, scoring two points while also bringing toughness on defense and the boards. With Morrison trying to stay in contention in District 2, Starkey’s effort and energy are becoming critical.

Princeton Scott – West Wizards

Scott provided support for Camden Chadwell’s big week by chipping in at key moments, including having a huge impact in the narrow win over Hickory Creek. His defense and hustle plays don’t always show up in the box score, but they’ve been key for West as it clawed back into the standings.

League standings

District 1
Boyd 6-1 (3-1 district)
Bobby Ray 5-1 (3-1 district)
West 2-3 (1-2 district)
Hickory Creek 2-2 (1-2 district)
Irving College 1-3 (0-2 district)

District 2
Centertown 3-1 (3-0 district)
Dibrell 3-3 (2-1 district)
Morrison 1-3 (0-2 district)
Eastside 0-6 (0-2 district)

Elementary boys top scorers

Ryder Reed, Boyd — 20.1 ppg
Camden Chadwell, West — 14.4 ppg
Braylen Locke, Bobby Ray — 8.3 ppg
Michael Simmons, Bobby Ray — 8.3 ppg
Jeb Culwell, Dibrell — 7.6 ppg
Ryder Blair, Dibrell — 7.6 ppg
Greyson Eubanks, Centertown — 7.0 ppg
Branch Conley, Hickory Creek — 5.0 ppg
Levi Zahn, Boyd — 4.9 ppg
Trey Hawkins, Morrison — 4.8 ppg

Box scores from last week's games

Monday, Sept. 29

Boyd 28
Bobby Ray 27

Bronco scoring – Ryder Reed 21, Denton Helton 2, Gabe Curtis 2, Levi Zahn 2, Jax Burger 1

Star scoring – Braylen Locke 9, Asher Jones 8, Michael Simmons 6, Brantley Martin 2, Maddax Morrison 2

Dibrell 33
West Elementary 19

Wildcat scoring – Ryder Blair 11, Jean Garcia 10, Jeb Culwell 8, Carson Randolph 4

Wizard scoring – Camden Chadwell 15, Bryon Keyes 4

Tuesday, Sept. 30

West Elementary 27
Hickory Creek 24

Wizard scoring – Camden Chadwell 25, AJ Hall 1, Princeton Scott 1

Hawk scoring – Truett Conley 10, Drew Templeton 8, John McCory 4, Branch Conley 2

Boyd 36
Morrison 22

Bronco scoring – Ryder Reed 17, Levi Zahn 10, Gabe Curtis 3, Sailor Curtis 2, Judson Smith 2, Colton Vinson 2

Eagle scoring – Rylan Vincion 6, Beckham Frey 6, Trey Hawkins 4, Greyson Hawkins 2, Luke Harris 2, James Starkey 2

Irving College 31
Eastside 18

Tiger scoring – Gannon Powers 6, True Lusk 6, Ryan Yates 5, Hudson Pack 4, Behr Britton 2, Nathaniel Foust-Johnson 2, Kaden Madewell 2, Tucker Fann 2, Gunner Powers 2

Bulldog scoring – Oaklen Hutchison 9, Caden Nesbitt 5, Cain Rodriguez 4

Bobby Ray 30
Dibrell 8

Star scoring – Brantley Martin 11, Michael Simmons 8, Braylen Locke 4, Maddax Morrison 4, Asa Jones 2, Asher Jones 1

Wildcat scoring – Ryder Blair 4, River Rice 2, Jeb Culwell 2

Thursday, Oct. 2

Boyd 41
Eastside 12

Bronco scoring – Ryder Reed 19, Levi Zahn 7, Briggs Springer 5, Denton Helton 3, Sailor Curtis 2, Jax Burger 2, Tucker Myers 2, Colton Vinson 1

Bulldog scoring – Cain Rodriguez 6, Oaklen Hutchison 4, Caden Nesbitt 2