We made our way over to the Memphis Super Shootout, this time to see the #9 ranked player in the ESPNU Top 100 Ben McLemore. The 6’4” 185-pound guard from St. Louis left us shaking our heads in amazement, but one of the biggest surprises was an outstanding lead guard by the name of Lonnie McClanahan.

In his matchup against the Memphis Select, McLemore finished the game with 37 points, which is enough to impress, but it was how he scored that proved McLemore is one of the best in 2011. For about six minutes during the first half, McLemore dominated on the offensive end of the court with a barrage of dunks, jump-shots, and put backs. His first half explosion led to him being face guarded throughout the second half.


The perfect word for McLemore is smooth. His team ended up losing the game, but McLemore was the most talented player on the floor. He’ll pack up his bags after the Super Shootout finale on Sunday and head to Peach Jam in North Augusta, South Carolina. Stay tuned to The Shiver as we bring you more on how McLemore plays in the Peach Jam.


FIRST LOOK: 2011 PG Lonnie McClanahan

Ready for a new 2011 name who is the perfect definition of a sleeper? 6-foot-1 2011 PG Lonnie McClanahan from Oak Ridge, TN is it. Mainly making the trip to watch 2011 G Cedrick McAfee and the aforementioned McLemore, we were pleasantly surprised to walk into a back and forth contest with one player who stood out like a sore thumb. Lead guard for the Nashville Stars Elite, McClanahan single-handedly brought his team back from a double-digit deficit down the stretch. He created havoc on defense, setup teammates well on offense, and got to the cup at will.


According to McClanahan’s mother June, this is Lonnie’s first year to play AAU since his freshman year.


“He played junior varsity his freshman year, didn’t get to play much his sophomore year, and played under a new coach last season,” said June McClanahan. “His growth spurt was last year.”


While most guys may have a gear that makes them fast, McClanahan can rev it up an extra notch or two, making him blazingly fast in the open court. Showing a good change of pace, he pushed the ball when the opportunity presented itself and pulled it back into the Stars’ half-court offense when it did not. Not only is McClanahan fast, he is shifty. Although he stands at 6-foot-1, he gets low to the floor while penetrating and can finish with contact.


Since he was so good at getting in the paint, we didn’t get many looks at McClanahan’s jump shot. While he could stand to put on some weight, he has good size and a solid frame. McClanahan finished the early afternoon game with 24 points and double-digit assists. At this point, there are really no teams on McClanahan, but there is no doubt in our minds that the electric guard from Tennessee will be a new target for a ton of Division 1 coaches once the word gets out.

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