It’s back, Opening Week is here!

It’s finally here! Opening week around the state has come and boy, am I super excited it’s hoops szn. This week has tipped off with both Hall of Fame games and Hall of Champions games throughout the state. The pageantry of high school basketball is back and the excitement is in the air. I can see it now, beats are playing in the locker room, players jumping up and down getting hype, the handshakes, high fives, and chants that incorporate the claps. Basketball is back, baby and it’s grind time in the volunteer state.

Just like I mentioned earlier, the roundball is back! Throughout this week, teams will be playing different foes from around different areas. Here are a few standouts from earlier this week (Monday and Tuesday) from the hardwood floors in Tennessee.

Bella Shepherd Bella Shepherd 5'6" | SG Lipscomb-Academy | 2026 State TN (5’6/So./G/ Lipscomb Academy)– This young lady was money in the bank as she dropped 32 points against Ezell-Harding. Her shooting prowess was on display as she sank shots from beyond the arc and from the field. The Lady Eagles had trouble stopping her and her ability to lead the Lady Mustangs served proof of that. Bella’s hard work and determination over the past months came to fruition. She’s going to be hard to deal with this season and with her confidence riding high, look for her to lead the Lady Mustangs in more ways than one.

Imari Berry Imari Berry 5'10" | SG Clarksville | 2024 State TN (5’10/Sr./G/ Clarksville)– The Clemson commit is out to show why she is the best kid in the state. She dropped 20 in their club’s win and she created chaos along the way. Getting steals, grabbing boards, just being the X factor on every possession all over the floor, her ability to impact the game is such a big deal. Great way to kick off her senior season campaign with a W.

Daisy Gale Daisy Gale 5'8" | PG PCA | 2024 State TN (5’8/Sr./G/ Providence Christian Academy)– Tough guard who makes the hard things look easy. Daisy was impressive as she shot from the field. What gained my attention even more were two things: 1) she was a problem on the defensive end, getting steals and jumping passes that led to easy buckets. 2) her ability to knife through defenses and finish at the rim. She had some nice euro finishes and had a nice touch around the rim. This senior season will be a good one and Mars Hill got a steal in this young lady.

Kayte Madison Bjornstad Kayte Madison Bjornstad 6'1" | C Franklin Road Christian School | 2026 State TN (6’1/So./P/ Providence Christian Academy)– Transfer student stepped onto the scene in a big way. You talking about an impact, she was the X factor for her team against CPA. She scored 26 points and had 18 rebounds and when I say she brought it, she did that plus more. Her ability to bury her opponent deep into the paint, then add in her post moves was amazing. She dished the ball a little, finding open teammates in the high post and on the perimeter. She blocked shots, ran the floor well, and anchored the middle forcing CPA to take tough shots. PCA got a true impact player who will help them reach new heights this upcoming year.

Torri James Torri James 5'11" | PF Rossview | 2024 State TN (5’11/Sr./F/ Rossview)- The Hilltoppers of WKU have something special coming. The senior dropped 20 points opening night and she was her clubs leading catalyst.She did it all, from finishing within the paint and even draining two 3s. Her wiry frame allowed her to maneuver around and through whatever defense was thrown at her club. Torri was hot and put everyone on notice that her club will be tough to stop this upcoming season.
Merli Routh Merli Routh 5'4" | PG CPA | 2026 State TN (5’4/So./G/CPA)– I will say this, Merlie affects the game in so many ways. For starters, she has amazing speed that enables her to get downhill and finish against contact or kickout to open perimeter players. Her ability to track down a ball in the air is crazy good. Winning the loose ball and 50/50 battles takes amazing heart and effort. What I am saying is this, though her team loss opening night, this PG showed true grit and battled each and every possession. The way she played would make any coach proud. She brings a championship mindset to the table, which to me signals a bright future for the CPA Lady Lions. Heads up state, when Merli Routh Merli Routh 5'4" | PG CPA | 2026 State TN is on the floor, watch out!