The talent, the balance, it was all there. So was the hunger to prove everybody wrong. Memphis East was a force all season, a squad so undeniably fun to watch, and one that provided some incredible memories along the way.

Although the season is officially over for the No. 4 Mustangs, let's take a look back at the eight things to remember about their magical 33-3 campaign.

1. GOING BACK TO BACK

Perhaps some lists save the best for last. Not here. Earning its second-straight Tennessee AAA state title, and eighth overall, was the goal from the jump, and Memphis East made it happen in dominating fashion with a 65-45 win over Southwind this past weekend.

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Chandler Lawson put on an MVP performance with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Alex Lomax posted 14 points, and TJ Moss and Malcolm Dandridge each added 11.

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2. PENNY HARDAWAY, OF COURSE

This is a no-brainer. When a former NBA All-Star is the head coach, it's hard not to follow the team around at all times. The Mustangs' locker room was a great place, especially after a big win over The Patrick School (NJ) at the City of Palms Classic in December.

3. FLUSHING MONTVERDE ACADEMY…TWICE

Of all of the wins this season, none were as sweet as Memphis East's 75-73 victory over Montverde Academy (FL) on Jan. 7. A rematch from a classic City of Palms championship game. In Memphis. And a dunk at the buzzer to win it? It was unreal. Actually, it was as real as it gets and was one of the best games of the entire season, if not THE best.



This meant everything.



Then, to settle the score, Alex Lomax buried the Eagles at the buzzer again one week later at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions.

4. MR. BASKETBALL

Ask around and there's a chance the best player on this team could be debated. There was that much talent. They all played well with each other, too. Yet, if you ask anyone close to the program, the title of leader belonged to junior guard Alex Lomax.

On any other team, Lomax could get buckets or at least whatever shot he wanted. For the Mustangs, however, he just made sure to spread the love.

Don't get it twisted, though. He could still catch fire at any point.



For his efforts, Lomax was named to the TSSAA Mr. Basketball for the second consecutive season.

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5. LIL' PENNY

Not only did Penny Hardaway make a big splash as a coach, but he also had his son, Jayden, on this Memphis East team team this season. The younger Hardaway knocked down some big-time jumpers, too.

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6. WINNING DID ALL OF THE TALKING

No matter what people said around the community or during games, like Pebblebrook (GA) point guard Collin Sexton did during a heated game at the City of Palms Classic, the Mustangs backed it all up by winning. There's nothing louder than getting a W.

7. DICK'S NATIONALS DEBACLE

This might not be something anyone wants to remember, but it is important to have here on the list. The Mustangs were most certainly deserving of a spot at the DICK'S Sporting Goods High School Nationals tournament later this month but were ultimately denied the opportunity to go by the TSSAA. It's an unfortunate situation, for sure, but this wouldn't have been possible had this team not been so good all season long.

8. DOING IT FOR DEZ

The emotions of this will likely never go away. The bond was too strong. A middle school coaching great and former Memphis East coach Desmond Merriweather passed away in February 2015 at the age of 41 following a long battle with colon cancer, and it was tough on the community.

To many, Merriweather was the community. He embodied everything about it. It's a big reason why close friend Penny Hardaway is coaching and a big inspiration for a great group of young men who continue to achieve their goals while playing at the highest of levels.