Team Preview: Cleveland High School Lady Raiders

Coming off a 27 win season, and a trip to substate, the Lady Raiders of Cleveland, TN are looking to climb the ladder one more step in hopes of making it the Glass House.   Last season was, by all accounts, a successful one on the court. The Lady Raiders won 27 games and a sub-state loss ended their season one game shy of earning a birth to state. The success of local high school sports teams, however, is often measured by more than simply wins and losses, as the Cleveland HS admin decided to make a coaching change--despite the on court success.   Where did the team fail? It failed in the most important win/loss column in the Battle of Cleveland, TN. The Lady Raiders, again, went winless vs inter-county rival Bradley Central. This Cleveland team's record vs Bradley Central is 0-A LOT vs Bradley Central over the past decade...and in Bradley County--beating Bradley Central is the benchmark. (Side note--it's undoubtedly unfair benchmark as Bradley Central is perhaps the top program in the state, the defending state champs, and beats EVERYONE. But, in Cleveland, TN facts aren't as important as emotions when it comes to the Cleveland vs Bradley rivalry).   Insert new Head Coach Bianca Hensley from middle Tennessee's Stewart Creek. Coach Hensley brings a proven track record of success as both a coach and player. Hensley played four years at Ole Miss, and was one of the best guards in the SEC during her playing days. Fast forward to 2023, after successfully guiding Stewarts Creek to multiple 20 win seasons, Hensley is taking over a program with high expectations. She has certainly won the local public relations battle as of late--revitalizing a fanbase with newfound enthusiasm and excitement...and hopes of finally beating the Bearrettes.   I briefly spoke to coach Hensley about her squad and here are my notes:   [player_tooltip player_id='409019' first='Lauren' last='Hurst']- C/F/G - The "do it all" 6'3 Hurst was recently named the #63 player in her 2025 class by ESPN. She has recieved major offers from the biggest college programs in the country. Hensley knows she has a star in Hurst, and it will be very interesting to see how Hurst is used in the team's new offense. As a player that can play like a guard stuck in a 6'3 body, the possibilities are endless. Hensley stated that one of her goals is to help Hurst reach Miss Basketball TN status, and hopefully, even become a McDonald's All-American. Coming off a huge summer on the exposure circuit, this team will ride the back of Hurst in hope of taking the next leap.   Callie Brewer - F - Brewer is coming off a very nice summer as well, and looks to step into a big time role at CHS. She is a bit undersized for her position, but makes up for it with strength and grit. She brings a versatile skill set allowing her to play inside or outside in Hensley's offensive scheme.   [player_tooltip player_id='409092' first='Tamiah' last='Tanner'] - G - Heading into her senior season, Hensley is expecting a big time jump from G [player_tooltip player_id='409092' first='Tamiah' last='Tanner']. Possessing high-level quickness and agility, she's a menace in transition, attacking the rim, and defensively. When she get heading down hill, she's really tough to stop at the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='810500' first='Emma' last='Smith'] - G - Smith is heading into the season hoping to play a major role. On a team with numerous offensive weapons, Smith brings a tool that help unleash every else--she can flat out shoot it. After a tremendous summer with TTP, Hensley is hope that Smith's shooting ability will help keep defenses honest. If she can become the knock-down shooter that I believe her to be, she will make everyone else better on the floor.   She's also simply a blue collared, gritty defender that creates extra possessions by winning 50/50 balls and finding her way into offensive rebound. Smith is a great glue-kid. If Smith can have the "breakout" season many are expecting, she'll help unlock the team's overall potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='899415' first='Ilianis' last='Rodriguez'] - PG - Rodriguez is a tough competitor and defensive nightmare. As a defensively focused coach, Hensley is hoping Rodriguez will spear head her high-pressure defensive attack.   Makyah Westfield - F - Hensley called Westfield a "do it all" stat stuffer that can do a bit of everything. Extremely versatile and can fill a multitude of role on the perimeter or inside.   [player_tooltip player_id='405714' first='Laney' last='Copeland'] - G - Copeland made my list of best 2027 guards in the state. The incoming freshman is a tremendously versatile scorer. She is a great shooter off the dribble, and if left wide open as a stand-still shooter, she's a bucket. To me, she's a bit of a wild card for this team (as so many freshman are). If Copeland can come in and earn minutes in the rotation, she's potentially another shooter to space the floor around Hurst. Adding another player to the roster that can make defenses pay when load up on Hurst would be a huge addition for this teams eventual success in the postseason.   [player_tooltip player_id='821760' first='Izzy' last='Smith'] - F - Izzy is the ultimate "connector." When you watch her play, she always seems to find herself in the right place at the right time...so much so that it can't be considered coincidental. She's a high IQ kid that simply makes winning plays. Gritty defender and rebounder with an expanding offensive game. Don't be shocked if this freshman finds her way into the rotation.   Kate Droke - G/F - Droke is a senior leader that spaces the floor with her shooting ability, and helps connect the team with her leadership.   Overall   I expect this team to win 20+ games, and a great chance at winning district. The ultimate benchmark--beating Bradley Central--still seems far off as Bradley brings back 3 D1 players and a high level D2 from their 2023 state championship team. It's hard to see this team making it past sub-state, though, as they are in an extremely tough region.

Coming off a 27 win season, and a trip to substate, the Lady Raiders of Cleveland, TN are looking to climb the ladder one more step in hopes of making it the Glass House.