The Tennessee Fury program has the size, and now the program is starting to show more and more strength. Now in its sixth year, the Fury has 18 girls teams to go with 16 boys team, making the club the largest AAU organization in the Volunteer State.
“We have been able to attract players from across the state, and even some from outside Tennessee,” noted Fury co-founder Greg McMurry. “Last year we made a decision to start competing at a higher level, and it was a successful step. I think we proved that we belonged in those events. This year, we’re hoping for an even bigger year.”
One major test for the Fury will come at the 19th Deep South Classic, which will be played from April 21-24 in Raleigh, N.C. The Classic will once again be held at the magnificent Raleigh Convention Center. The entire event will be played under one roof, with action flowing on 20 courts.
When the Fury arrives in Raleigh, a trio of players from the Class of 2017 will be leading the way. Klaire Varney (5-9, G), Symphony Buxton (6-0, P) and Briley Buckner (6-0, G) are all talented veterans.
“Klaire is a true point guard who sees the court as well as any kid we’ve had in our program,” McMurry said. “Klaire can also get to the rim and shoot the three. When we’ve needed her to score — even in some big games — she will get us 25 points.
“Symphony is unbelievably strong in the post, but she has soft hands. She also has the ability to finish inside with either hand. Briley can defend all over the court, inside or on the perimeter. She is a really smart player, she can shoot the three, and she can attack the rim.”
The Fury program also has its share of promising young players, including Janae Fuqua (2018, 6-2, P) and Jahkyia Davis (2020, 6-2, P).
“Janae really broke out at the Deep South last year. That was the first time she had been seen, and there was immediately a lot of interest,” McMurry said. “She has great feet and great hands, and she has a good shooting touch from 15 feet on in.
“Jahkyia is a young player who is going to be very special. She has the total package, and the sky is the limit for Jahkyia. She handles the ball like a guard, and she runs like a guard. Right now, I think she will be a stretch four, but I’m not sure how it will work out. She’s still learning. The main thing is that she is a really sweet kid, and she needs to get tougher.”