Jockey For The Top Spot: Single A Prediction

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When most people think of Single A basketball, they think of small town schools with low numbers in enrollment. That may be the case. What they don’t consider is that in the state of Tennessee, our Single A division has some big-time basketball players in it on the women’s side. Yes it may be small, but our kids attract the town’s people to shut down their stores. Families come out to cheer and watch some of the best perform in the state. Yeah they may be your neighbor, but these kids you’ve watched from when they were little are some big time news. Now that they have reached the high school ranks and will probably go beyond, these kids become a part of the fabric of what makes the town and this game great.

Single A basketball to me is all about rivalries. This town has something that this town doesn’t. It doesn’t matter what part of the state you live in (East, Middle, West) the stories that rise from these hallowed gyms speak volumes for years. My grandmother suited up for a county school back in the 70s and she can still recall and talk about a county rivalry til this day. It’s something to talk about during the holidays or around a campfire. Single A basketball’s DNA has helped build what Tennessee basketball is all about today.

When you think about Single A ball, you think about the two schools who have dominated the past couple of years. The two-time defending champion McKenzie, who returns the dynamic guard duo of Savannah Davis Savannah Davis 5'9" | SG McKenzie | 2024 State TN and Mikaela Reynolds Mikaela Reynolds 5'6" | SG McKenzie | 2024 TN , tops the charts as these girls can go. Savannah is arguably one of the best scoring guards around our state. Mikaela, hoops with a motor and can get to the cup with ease. Both are multi-level scoring threats who bring the juice every time they step on the court. With Mikaela, she will be looking to build upon a sensational junior campaign where she finished runner up in the Miss Tennessee award. McKenzie will be tough to overthrow, but this squad is ready to continue their dominance in this league.

Another heavy favorite to return to state contention is Wayne County. Led by Miss Tennessee winner Blair Baugus Blair Baugus 6'0" | PF Wayne Co. | 2025 State TN , this squad is tough to compete against, as they display a collective effort and style where they wear you down. Blair is a beast around the blocks. With a bevy of counter moves and the ability to step away from the hoop, she has definitely added to her arsenal of her ability to score the rock. Along with a cast of tough kids who thrive in their roles, these Lady Wildcats will be tough to handle as they slay their competition.

Pickett County is a squad to watch as they look to dethrone the top two. With the Lowe girls, both Emerson and Addie are getting better this offseason. Plus add Callie Reeder Callie Reeder 5'9" | PF Pickett Co. | 2025 State TN and her ability to score the ball to the mix, put that all together and you have a tough bunch of Lady Bobcats who are hungry to win it all.

Other squads you need to keep an eye on who will try and make a run for the title this year.

Hampton, led by Taylor Berry Taylor Berry 5'10" | PF Hampton | 2024 State TN , will look to help propel the Lady Dogs over the hump this year. They had a phenomenal year last year and will look to pick up where they left off.

Don’t count Clay County out just yet. Forward Bella Ashlock Bella Ashlock 5'9" | SG Clay Co. | 2024 State TN looks to bring her defensive prowess into her senior year. They say defense wins ball games, well these lady dogs look to lockdown the opposition.

Van Buren always seems to be in the mix. Multi-level scoring guard Layla Bouldin Layla Bouldin 5'7" | SG Van Buren Co. | 2024 State TN is tough. She knows how to score that rock and creates chaos amongst those who try to stop her. Look for the Lady Eagles to make some noise especially come tournament time.

Richland, led by Shelby Higgins Shelby Higgins 5'11" | SG Richland | 2025 TN is another team to watch. Shelby brings great size and basketball awareness to the floor. She knows how to exploit her opponents on her way to the rim. With her ability to knock down from outside, she’s a tough kid to face night in and night out. With a cast of players such as Bailey Blair Bailey Blair 5'4" | PG Richland | 2026 State TN around her, this Richland team is building something special.

Moore County is the dark horse in this group. Led by junior forward Ellie Graham Ellie Graham 6'0" | SF Moore Co. | 2025 State TN , this group of Riderettes is poised to get back to state contention. Ellie is an athletic two-way forward that contributes in multiple statistical categories. Playing with unbelievable energy, she will be the leading catalyst of a bunch of feisty players who get after it.