Hall of Champions Recap

Nothing beats being in the gym. However, I had to settle for watching the games online. The games did not disappoint! Talent was definitely all over the court on 11/18 in the Knoxville Catholic gym.   Where do I even start first?   Knox Catholic played two games. The first game, it was all Catholic! The best collective team defense that I've witnessed in awhile. The second game, Knox Catholic took a loss to a tough Grace Christian team, which includes a 6'2 PF! Catholic will definitely learn & grow from that game! Do not be surprised when you see Knox Catholic back in the championship title game. Is it too soon for me to see that happening? After all, every team is going to bring their best to try to dethrone the champs! Let's talk about their lethal shooters: [player_tooltip player_id='245355' first='Sydney' last='Mains'], [player_tooltip player_id='636390' first='Andrea' last='Flores'], & [player_tooltip player_id='686347' first='Logan' last='Connatser']. Mains is known for her 3 point shooting but I love watching her show off her ability to get to the rim with ease too. Colleges, do you need shooters? Here is two for you. Flores and Connatser are both Class of 2026 guards that are LETHAL!   Speaking of shooters, let's turn the page to McMinn Central. My goodness, this team scorched the nets. Central beat Daniel Boone & Sevier County. [player_tooltip player_id='409633' first='Karina' last='Bystry'], [player_tooltip player_id='245358' first='Molly' last='Masingale'], [player_tooltip player_id='821721' first='Malea' last='Masingale'], & just when you think there is no way they could possibly have 4, here comes Mayfield that can drill them too! Honestly, when you are looking at 2 well oiled machines in the state of TN, you can't go wrong with watching McMinn Central & Knox Catholic play.   Now, let's talk about speed. You can include all of the guards for Grace Christian in this category. [player_tooltip player_id='514131' first='Evaiya' last='Mitchell'] is one of the fastest players on the court! [player_tooltip player_id='372802' first='Kami' last='Wilson'] will have you getting your popcorn ready with her style of play! The Roberts twins for Karns are also fast! Put all of these athletes in the speed category!   Daniel Boone lost to a solid McMinn Central team! The first game, it was all [player_tooltip player_id='624610' first='Kyleigh' last='Bacon']. Bacon was strong on both sides of the court. Wingate is getting a good all around, tough player! The second game was a nail biter with everyone getting in on the action! Ultimately Daniel Boone did come up short against a good Lakeway Christian Academy squad. [player_tooltip player_id='290991' first='Jayden' last='Riddle'] was great at the point guard position. Riddle got her teammates involved. Numerous players knocked down big shots for Daniel Boone.   West Ridge lost to a tough Knoxville Catholic team. They turned it around quick though and defeated Karns. Fallon Taylor was phenomenal in the game against Karns. Alexis Hood was not going to be denied in the paint. Hood definitely provided her team with a tough inside presence.   Karns lost a tough one to West Ridge. Karns is led by [player_tooltip player_id='245386' first='Madison' last='Perrin'], Reese & [player_tooltip player_id='810602' first='Rylee' last='Roberts'], and Lauren Martin. You will definitely see this Karns team continue to improve as the season goes on. Reese and Rylee are good at attacking the rim. Once this team starts clicking on all cylinders, watch out.   Lakeway Christian Academy won a tough one against Daniel Boone. [player_tooltip player_id='372802' first='Kami' last='Wilson'] has a quick first step that she uses extremely well to blow by defenders. Once defenders play off, she knocks down the shot. Wilson finished with 26 points and [player_tooltip player_id='245375' first='Ellie' last='Linx'] finished with 14 points. I was left impressed with the freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='821824' first='Kayla' last='Underwood']. The 5'10 guard is long and athletic. The ceiling is extremely high for Underwood!   Sevier County lost to McMinn Central. I loved the fight in the entire Sevier County team. McMinn pulled away early and every time the Bearettes tried clawing their way back, McMinn had an answer. You can expect to see this entire Sevier County team mentioned a lot in the future. The entire team's grit and determination will be their separation factor going forward.   Grace Christian (NC) was incredible. Sarah Strong draws so much attention in the paint. Strong sees the court incredibly well and her teammates always have their feet set, ready to shoot. Sarah may receive most of the attention, but this entire Grace Christian team knows the game and plays it the right way.   My 10 Standouts:   Sarah Strong, [player_tooltip player_id='245355' first='Sydney' last='Mains'], Icyss Storm, [player_tooltip player_id='409633' first='Karina' last='Bystry'], [player_tooltip player_id='245358' first='Molly' last='Masingale'], [player_tooltip player_id='372802' first='Kami' last='Wilson'], [player_tooltip player_id='624610' first='Kyleigh' last='Bacon'], [player_tooltip player_id='245375' first='Ellie' last='Linx'], [player_tooltip player_id='636390' first='Andrea' last='Flores'], Fallon Taylor   The list could go on with standouts. Honestly, I was left impressed with numerous players and teams. Keep working hard ladies, the future is bright!

Nothing beats being in the gym. However, I had to settle for watching the games online. The games did not disappoint! Talent was definitely all over the court on 11/18 in the Knoxville Catholic gym.