The Circuit Report: Team Preview - The Tri County Rockets

The Tri County Rockets out of Arkansas continue to be a program on the rise under Head Coach and founder Tarrus Hayes. We first saw the Rockets in 2017 and they have made humongous strides while still maintaining the same mission of getting overlooked players on to college. Coach Hayes works hard for his players and does a fantastic job of making connections for his high level players. Since the Rockets' conception, over 20 players have went on to play at the collegiate level thanks to exposure from traveling state to state in the spring and summer time.

In 2018, the Rockets were ranked as the #1 team in the Reebok Series and sent 3 players on to the Division One Junior College and NAIA levels. From the 2021 class, all 5 Rockets starters went on to commit to college. The 2022 Rockets will continue the tradition as all 5 seniors currently hold JUCO offers.

Coach Hayes is proud of the growth of his program. He says "We truly got it out the mud." As the program has grown, so have Coach Hayes's connections "I went from one college coach contact to over 75." He uses these connections for his players and will continue to help players from Arkansas grow as students, athletes, and men using his motto "IT'S BIGGER THAN BASKETBALL."

PLAYER FEATURES:

6'6" Forward Braylon Diggs:

The Tri County Rockets are led by 6'6" Forward Braylon Diggs. Diggs is an impressive prospect out of Arkansas who does a lot to contribute. He is a great offensive & defensive rebounder and is extremely active on the glass. He finds a way to add a lot to his stat line but sprinting to boards and getting in position. He is plus shot blocker who alters shots constantly with his long frame. Diggs also has great hands and is impressive in transition for his size. Coach Hayes describes him as a "junk yard dog" how does whatever it takes to win. He has interest from several JUCO programs.

6'3" Guard Clay Burks:

Clay Burks is one of the most underrated guards in the country but Coach Hayes is out to change that. Burks is currently averaging 20 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds on the AAU scene. During the school year in Arkansas he was named All-State, All-Conference, and All-Region. Burks is a winner and has helped lead the Rockets to several top finishes through the spring and summer on top of a state title during his sophomore year. He has offers from several junior colleges but projects to be a high level college prospect.

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Next up for the Tri County Rockets is the AthElite Select Super 16 National Invite in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on June 25-26. For more info on the team, check out Coach Hayes on Twitter at twitter.com/tarrus_hayes

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