Upperman Lady Bees Team Preview

Black and Gold. When I think of these two colors, the word tenacious and fierce come to mind. The Upperman Lady Bees have been a squad to be reckoned with for years. Shoot, they are almost like the San Antonio Spurs (consistent and tough competitors.) Now that might night have been the best analogy, but you get where I am coming from. Upperman has been the club to beat for years. Coach Dana McWilliams has put her teams in place to compete year in and year out. They always seem to have a sharpshooting X factor that can play like no other. So I guess my Spurs analogy sticks. They are consistent in their effort, they are sound fundamentally, and they make hustle plays.

Last year, the Lady Bees finished in the Elite 8, losing to state winner Jackson Southside. It was a tough match the first half and then Southside pulled it out in the second half. The Lady Bees were 32-4 on the year and 9-2 in the district. After the season, the girls didn’t sulk, instead they got back into the gym and put in that extra work. It was a lessoned learned and they know a great opportunity escaped them. However, this year they are coming back hungrier than ever before. This Lady Bees team has great senior leadership and young talent that can contribute right away. They are built to contend for years and this is just the beginning of something special on the plateau. 

My guess, this squad will be back in the Boro come tournament time. Doesn’t seem right if they wouldn’t. They have the depth of the roster, the skill sets, the coaching, and the community support. Basketball and hard work are just a part of their DNA.

Without further ado, check out these Lady Bees prospects from Upperman High School.

Taylor Dolente Taylor Dolente 5'10" | SG Upperman | 2026 State TN (5’10/So./G)– Very special and talented kid who hasn’t hit her prime. She is the X factor for this ball club. Great two-way player that prides herself on the defensive end. Steals, block shots, going after rebounds, the buck stops with her. Offensively, she knows how to find the bottom of the net. She’s a threat from all 3 levels, finishing with a pretty follow thru. From the arc, she’s magnificent, knocking down 3 balls at a high clip. She can utilize her size inside as well, creating mismatches and easy shots from the field. Great young kid with tremendous upside.

Gracie Butler Gracie Butler 5'8" | SG Upperman | 2026 State TN (5’8/So./G)– Another lethal Lady Bee who is money from the catch n’shoot position. She is a formidable scoring threat, someone who can knock shots down at a consistent rate.  Always seems to be at the right spot at the right time to receive kick-out passes and open looks. She has ice in her veins and she knows how to shift the momentum and take the sails away from an opponent with her scoring prowess. Contributes on the defensive end, competing on every possession. Great kid who will have a big upcoming year.

Bella Mullins Bella Mullins 5'7" | SG Upperman | 2024 State TN (5’6/Sr./G)– Selfless leader. Heady ball player. Just a few characteristics that can’t be taught. She’s an aggressive guard with a quick first step. Kids can’t be sleeping and playing on their heels when guarding this young lady. She gets paint touches by the bunches, finishing at the rim or distributing to open teammates. Will knock it down from 3, but getting into the heart of the D is where she is golden. Fearless in the mix, she knows where to kick or finish for the lay. Smart kid who looks to go out in her senior year with a bang.