The 12th annual Battle in the Boro, presented by National Exposure Basketball, saw 642 teams gather in Metro Nashville, Tennessee, from July 10-13. The Junior Showcase Division was won by Team Penny Pruitt 2017 (based out of the Memphis, Tennessee, area) 70-55 over Sports City U (based out of Ohio). The Sophomore Showcase Division was won by North Tartan Nike 10th EYBL (based out of Minnesota) 39-35 over Essence Silver (based out of Florida). Players below are listed alphabe

Not only does Battle in the Boro host some of the top teams in the country, but the event is also a stop on the Nike Girls' EYBL tour. Cal Stars is one EYBL team that decided to play in Nashville this year. Aquira DeCosta, a rising junior from Stockton, California, is one of only three returning players on this year's Cal Stars team. DeCosta says their road has not been easy. "There are three returning players and the rest are all new," she says. "We are still trying to get u

One of the most incredible things about an event the size of Battle in the Boro is observing the people who attend the event. The many college coaches are what first comes to mind. Coaches from all levels, from UConn to mid-majors to junior colleges, scour the courts for their next star. Equally as impressive is the sheer amount of talent present at Battle in the Boro. Seeing so many nationally ranked players in one room is incredible. Also in attendance, and often overlooked

Battle in the Boro gives much of the credit for its success to the relationships that have been formed through the event. Many of those attending this year are organizations that bring multiple teams to play year after year. One such organization is the West Virginia Thunder, led by Coach Scott Johnson. This is Johnson's 8th year to bring his teams to middle Tennessee. Johnson says Battle in the Boro is his favorite event of the year. "I love it here, there is some great comp

Battle in the Boro is the largest girls' exposure event in the nation and it just keeps getting bigger. Every year the event adds nearly 100 teams. For many teams, it is their first year attending. One such team is the Boston Showstoppers. Not only is it their first year to come to Battle in the Boro, but this is also their first year to be a team. Coach Clinton Lassiter put together this talented group of girls during the offseason with the intention of bringing them to Batt

Oakland Soldiers coach, Pico Wilburn is no stranger to the Battle in the Boro. He has been a faithful attendee, bringing his California-based teams for several years before taking a hiatus to get married. This is Wilburn's first year to bring his new team, the Oakland Soldiers, and his first to attend in the new 29-court Music City Center. Wilburn was enthusiastic when asked about his experience this year and the Music City Center. "It has been a great experience," Wilburn s

Kianna Smith of California powerhouse West Coast Premier is a stand-out star. As the daughter of Cal State-Fullerton's men's associate head coach John Smith, she is a natural talent and has a high basketball IQ. Smith joined the West Coast Premier program three years ago. Kianna is one of eight juniors on the team. The team is currently 4-0 in the Battle In the Boro. Smith's team is determined to win the biggest event in exposure basketball in order to accomplish their goal o

KY Premier began in 2009 under David Tapley. His teams have been coming to Battle in the Boro since their program began. Throughout the years, David Tapley has put 125 kids through his program and all of those through college. Tapley stated, “I have had several All-Americans go through my program as well as Miss Kentucky Basketball winners.” His daughter was also apart of the program, graduated in 2011, and is now a coach at Northern Kentucky. When asked about his experienc