Underdog Jeremiah Miller wins Memphis basketball 1-on-1 tournament, $5,000 prize

The ending was fitting for a city like Memphis.With former Division I standouts and local prep legends among those playing in TIGs first 1-on-1 basketball tournament at Lester Community Center, it was two defensive-minded underdogs battling for the $5,000 prize at the end.Christian Jones was fresh off an overtime win against former Melrose High and Louisville Cardinals star Chris Jones.

On the other side of the bracket, Jeremiah Miller had just defeated James Justice in another semifinals upset.The community center crowd stood, waiting to see who would win between Miller and Christian Jones.

After Miller jumped out to a 6-1 lead, Jones fought back and got within one, but he couldnt get the lead.As time expired, Miller took home the king of the court title and a $5,000 prize.

He immediately dashed for the throne on the baseline, where fans rushed with him.

The new 1-on-1 king then put the crown on his head with the assistance of Memphis fans.

I didnt say anything about offense, Miller said about his mindset.

I just know I really guard.

I feel like I have the best defense in the world, non-negotiable.Millers route to the championship wasnt easy.

He defeated former Arkansas State guard Donald Boone in the second round before a thrilling battle against Justice and securing the title against Jones.Playing 1-on-1's wasnt new to Miller.

He said he started this journey a minute ago, aiming to play people around Memphis.They put me in this (tournament), and I wanted to play the best person, every time, he said.

The prices just went up.Miller is a Detroit native, who spent most of his middle school and high school years between Memphis and Detroit.

Now that hes won the $5,000, he said he plans to stash it away in a shoebox.Miller most recently played at NAIA Stillman college.

Before that, he spent time at LeMoyne-Owen in Memphis, where he crossed paths with TIG founder and former LOC assistant coach Willie Kemp.The overall event was a success to Kemp.

After he watched Jones and Miller in the finals, he said the two underdogs may have just become household names in Memphis, especially Miller.Hes hungry right now, Kemp said.

He was just ready to come out here, compete and show guys he can compete with some big names in Memphis.Kemp considers the first TIG event a success.

A lively crowd watched more than three hours of action, where pros played 1-on-1 with no more than three dribbles.This is only the beginning, according to Kemp.

TIG is expected to host more 1-on-1 tournaments next summer that could expand through the Mid-South and nationally.I think the turnout was great, Kemp said.

A lot of guys were coming up to me, telling me they enjoyed it.

The atmosphere was crazy .

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We want to make this a national thing, but today was a great day.Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal.

Contact Damichael at [email protected].

Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Jeremiah Miller wins TIG Memphis basketball 1-on-1 tournament.

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