CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy senior forward Eddie Ricks III has been named Clarksville Now Player of the Week after averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

Ricks played a crucial role in the Cougars’ final four run during the 2021-22 high school basketball season. During their post-season run last year, the 6-foot-7 senior forward was also recognized as a finalist for the Mr. Basketball award for his district.

Clarksville Academy was defeated by Mount Bethel during the 9th Annual NXT LVL Hoops Fest on Dec. 29, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)

His ability, production and physical qualifications earned him multiple Division-I basketball opportunities, and he ultimately committed to Morehead State University.

Ricks showcased why he was a hot commodity in the world of collegiate basketball this past week. After nearly averaging a double-double, Ricks and the Cougars dominated district opponents Ezell-Harding Christian and Davidson Academy.

“I felt good last week,” said Ricks. “We went into every game thinking it’s district play now, so we need to win every game. We’ve been playing hard with the mindset of winning and we’re putting together everything our coaches have taught us at practice and putting it on the floor.”

2022-23 season

During his Mr. Basketball campaign last season, Ricks averaged 21.6 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game and 2.1 assists per game.

The senior should receive support to become a finalist again in 2022-23. Statistically, he has showcased his growth in the same categories.

According to Clarksville Academy Head Coach Matt Hoppe, Ricks is averaging 23.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists up to this point in the season.

“This senior season means a lot to me,” said Ricks. “Personally, I could have gone to a prep school this season, but after what we accomplished my sophomore and junior seasons, I felt like I couldn’t do that. We have a lot to approve on still, but after coming back from last year and being so close and seeing what that actually looks like, that has prepared us for this year. I’m hungry for more after our final four appearance and being a Mr. Basketball finalist.”

Coaches corner

“First and foremost, Eddie’s a great guy,” said Hoppe. “His personality is magnetic. Everybody wants to talk to him and be around him, and it’s not because of how talented he is. It’s because of how great of a person he is. When you add that into what a talented player he is, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to him.

“I love coaching him. He’s a hard worker, he’s a yes sir type of guy and he tries to be a good teammate and tries to do everything asked of him. He does make my job easy in a lot of senses for those characteristics that he does have, but also sometimes with very talented players, there can be difficulties lining up what you want to happen. He’s the opposite of that though, he does everything we ask of him and has bought into everything taking place with our program,” said Hoppe.

“I think Eddie’s a guy who can go into college next year and play major minutes at Morehead State. From the times that I’ve talked to Morehead’s coaching staff, they are extremely excited by him and his potential. I think his game translates even more to the next level. With how big, athletic and skilled he is, he’ll have more room to work with a bigger court, faster pace to the game and Division-I players around him. He’s even got a level after college body; he’s got that kind of game. Throughout college he’ll need to get bigger, stronger, faster but there’s no reason why he can’t play professional basketball somewhere.”

Clarksville Academy currently sits at 17-7 on the season with three games left in their regular season. The Cougars next game will be against Nashville Christian on Friday, Jan. 27.

Honorable mention

Several other players had great weeks on the basketball court. Here are some that merit special mention:

  • Northeast guard Nazier Leonard averaged 30 points per game last week. (Previously was honored as POTW this season.)
  • Rossview guard Messiah Ward averaged around 17 points per game. (Previously was honored as POTW this season.)

Player of the Week

Correction: Nazier Leonard is a guard for Northeast High.