Middle Tennessee Christian School Team Preview
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Solid. Steady. The Lady Cougars of Middle Tennessee Christian School have been a staple program in the District II Single A division. The past two years, they have made it to the final game, losing to Webb-Bell Buckle both times.…
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Continue ReadingSolid. Steady. The Lady Cougars of Middle Tennessee Christian School have been a staple program in the District II Single A division. The past two years, they have made it to the final game, losing to Webb-Bell Buckle both times. Now that Webb is gone, MTCS looks to take the reins of not only the district, but also the division. Like I said, solid and steady, this program has a young roster that has been through the fire. They’ve been pushed, they’ve been coached up, they’ve learned the necessary nuances to get over the hump. This year is definitely going to be different for the Lady Cougars. This summer was all about business. Consistently, the girls were in the gym getting better, working on their craft as well as their strength. They are determined to go back to Cookeville for a third time with a different outcome. Final 4 bound? Heavy favorites in my opinion.
Coached by Hannah Jones, the Lady Cougars have a balanced attack they unleash on their opponents. From running plays efficiently to knocking down shots consistently, this is a well oil machine. They have the girls who are scrappy and do the little things right. Box out for rebounds, set solid screens, make shots they are supposed to make, hit free throws. They play from the opening tip to the final whistle. The girls have taken on the identity of their coach. A tough nosed competitor who can score the ball. Each kid brings something special to the table. Just like previous teams they have had, good guard play with solid role players, this team is built very similarly to them. What do you have when you add all that together? Pretty good results in my mind.
Look for the Lady Cougars to finish in the upper echelon of their district. They are a tournament team that does phenomenal in crunch situations. I expect them to go deep into the playoffs and hey, you never know what may happen. In the meantime, check out some MTCS cougars that will be key contributors this upcoming season.
Anna Clay Shirley Anna Clay Shirley 6'0" | SG MTCS | 2026 State TN (6’0/SO./G)– The X factor of the squad, she just keeps getting better. Tough kid who just competes. Multi-level scoring threat that can score it in multiple ways. From taking it off the dribble to running off screens, her scoring ability is crazy good when she has the ball in her hands. AC is the next talented guard that will come from the Lady Cougars program. The offense will run through her, rightfully so. She has a high basketball IQ where she won’t force things. So if a coach game plans to stop her, she’s selfless enough to get her other teammates going. Look for her to contribute to the team’s success in multiple categories. This kid had a very high ceiling and it will only get higher throughout the course of the year. College prospect. You betcha! Great hooper whose stock is trending upwards.
Ashley Rucker Ashley Rucker 5'10" | PF MTCS | 2026 State TN (5’10/So./G)– I told you the squad as shooters and this girl is one of them. Blessed with size and length, this girl can knock it down from the arc. Had a great summer on the circuit and her confidence and game grew tremendously. She will get more minutes as well as more scoring opportunities this upcoming year. Known for her ability to knock it down from 3, don’t sleep on her on the inside as well. She will be used in multiple situations that will enable her to finish. Like I said earlier, great guard play. Her and AC are the 1-2 punch that will lead the Lady Cougars attack. This kid is going to be tough to deal with. Look for her to turn some heads this upcoming season.
Madison Graham
Madison
Graham
5'10" | SG
MTCS | 2026
TN
(5’9/So./F)– 3 and D type player who is gritty. Don’t let her size fool you as she plays the game with heart and passion. Defensively she is on the boards, blocks shots, and locks down opponents. Offensively, it’s splash city with this young lady as she unleashes it from the arc at a consistent clip. Sound familiar? Very similar to her coach. She’s a solid kid who is a part of the trio that will help lead the Lady Cougars this year.