By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Word of Ben McMillan’s shooting prowess made its rounds throughout the state.
That talk helped earn the Union City High School 3-point marksman a spot on the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 1A All-State team, announced today.
McMillan, who averaged 18.4 points per game and shot better than 45 percent from beyond the arc in leading the Golden Tornadoes to a sectional berth, was one of just 15 players to make the elite list. Just three of those stalwarts were from rural West Tennessee.
Despite being the object of numerous “junk” defenses and often double-teamed, the wiry 5-11 junior still managed to sink 96 3-pointers and help the Purple and Gold to its ninth straight 20-win season. The Twisters claimed both the District 13 and Region 7 championships – with McMillan the Most Valuable Player at both levels — and finished with a 23-11 overall record.
Eleven times, McMillan made four or more 3-pointers in a single game – the best of that lot in the season opener when he sank seven treys against an athletic Memphis Ridgeway squad. He shot better than 51 percent from 2-point range for the year and hit 83 percent of his free throws while scoring 20 or more points on 16 occasions in 31 games.
He also took good care of the basketball, committing just 45 turnovers for the season.
UCHS head coach Shane Sisco had no doubt that McMillan was worthy of such an accolade.
“I think the most obvious thing is that Ben was the focal point defensively of everyone we played, yet he still managed to shoot 45 percent from 3-point range and over 50 from 2-point and average over 18 points-per-game,” the Tornado skipper said.
“He led by example every day, be it in conditioning, in practice or in games. He always gave his best effort in everything he did.
“He’s extremely dedicated. Even during this time, when the gyms are closed, he’s found a way to work out and get up his shots every day at home. He always puts in extra work and, because of that, his passion for not only the game but his desire to get better, is obvious.”
Mr. Basketball finalist Lucas King of McKenzie and Madison Academic’s James Anderson joined McMillan as the only area representatives on the glitter unit that was chosen by a statewide vote of sports writers and broadcasters.
More than a half-dozen of those honored were recognized as Player of the Year in their respective districts or regionals and more than half of the 15 either averaged 20 or more points-per-game or a double-double.
TSWA ALL STATE BASKETBALL
BOYS’ CLASS A
Lucas King, McKenzie, Sr.
Dalton Marsh, Red Boiling Springs, Sr.
Ryley McClaran, Eagleville, Sr.
David Dixon, Memphis Academy of Health Sciences, Jr.
Charterio Porter, Booker T. Washington, Sr.
Zach Amonett, Pickett County, So.
Taylor Groves, East Robertson, So.
Amauri Young, Loretto, So.
Peyton West, Monterey, Sr.
Ben McMillan, Union City, Jr.
Trey Johnson, Cosby, Jr.
Nate Brackett, Rockwood, Sr.
Nathan Bowling, Oneida, Jr.
James Anderson, Madison Academic, Sr.
Kaleb Meredith, University School-Johnson City, Jr.