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 alphabetically with height, position, graduation year and club team with home town in parenthesis. The criteria for selection was performance at the event in conjunction with success of the team. Congratulations to all select

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 used to one another." As the defending national champions, the Cal Stars know the games they play in Nashville are very important. They are determined to repeat their success from last year, but they have a target on thei

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, are scouts from some of basketball's top recruiting services. Brett Vana is a freelance writer attending Battle in the Boro this year. He enjoys scouting, especially at events like Battle in the Boro. Vana says the mul

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 competition," Johnson says. "You know this place is real easy to get to. Everything is run right." Johnson finds the Music City Center to be especially beneficial to getting his players more college looks. "I like the layout

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 Battle in the Boro specifically. The Boston Showstoppers may be new to the event, but they are certainly not intimidated by the size of the event or the level of competition. "It is my first time here at this event and I wil

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 said. "I use to come all the time up until I got married." Though his team is new and have not played together as long as more experienced teams, Wilburn has a very talented bunch, and are currently undefeated at this eve

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 of qualifying for Nike Nationals. Smith is very excited about this opportunity saying, "We, as juniors, wanted to go out with a bang by going to Nike Nationals." Smith is enjoying her experience at Battle in the Boro and

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 experience here at the Music City Center, David Tapley said, “The experience here has been great.” He also went on to say his program has also been going great since they started. Tapley also said, “The competition here at Battle