CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association is weeks away from announcing the winners of the 2022-23 Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards, and a pair of Clarksville area student-athletes are on the lists.
The finalists were named Thursday, and they include Clarksville Academy senior forward Eddie Ricks III and Clarksville High junior guard Imari Berry, both of whom have been named a finalist in consecutive seasons.
Eddie Ricks III
Clarksville Academy senior forward Eddie Ricks III has been one of the most dominant players in Tennessee this season. The 6-foot-7 Morehead State commit is averaging 24 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.8 steals per game during the 2022-23 season.
Ricks has improved in almost every statistical category and that’s one reason he’s earned recognition as a finalist for the Division II-A Mr. Basketball award in consecutive years.
“Eddie Ricks has not only been a fantastic basketball player for our program and one of the best players in the state at any level, but he’s been a great ambassador and representative of our school since he’s been at Clarksville Academy,” said Cougars Head Coach and Athletic Director Matt Hoppe.
“He’s our best player and our hardest worker. He definitely sets a high standard for all of our players in our program. He’s been an awesome leader for us, and I’ve loved coaching him, we’re definitely going to miss him.”
Imari Berry
Clarksville High junior guard Imari Berry has now been nominated for the Miss Basketball award at the Class 4A level in consecutive seasons.
Berry is one of the most talented and sought-after players from the class of 2024 in the country. According to ESPN, Berry is currently labeled as a four-star recruit and ranked 32nd in the nation by HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings.
Throughout her recruitment process, the junior guard detailed on social media that she’s received offers from women’s basketball programs such as University of Tennessee, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Louisville and Connecticut. She remains uncommitted for the time being.