Friday Night Insights: Jan. 26-27 Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For all the basketball we missed during Snowmaggedon, we are getting it ALLLLLLLLLL BACK as quickly as possibly by squishing as many games as possible into as few days as possible. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["818264"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"If you love basketball, you gotta be a bit envious of the families that live in the Upper Cumberlands and have the difficult decision of WHICH great game to go to everynight.  This weekend had plenty of great game, and the Cumberland County vs Livingston battle was a good one with two really well coached teams facing off which two high powered scorers leading the way for each ball club ([player_tooltip player_id='818264' first='Sydney' last='Wilhite'] '27 and [player_tooltip player_id='631094' first='Ellie' last='Butler'] '25).  Ultimately, the Lady Jets won: 56-52.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIn this battle, Wilhite came out ultra aggressive and set the tone early for her squad, and led her team with 26 points vs a really stingy LA defense.  Cumberland County had contributions from Aaliyah Hawkins (10 points), Lexi Carroll (12 points), [player_tooltip player_id='821680' first='Lauren' last='Clark'] (5/4/3), and Jalynn Baldwin.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis Cumberland club has the weapons to get hot and beat just about anyone in their area on any given night.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='496294' first='Abby' last='Bryan']","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Lincoln","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Admittedly, I've become a big [player_tooltip player_id='496294' first='Abby' last='Bryan'] and Lincoln Co fan.  I just like the way they play!u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBryan, a Miss TN candidate, came out this weekend trying to send a message to the Miss Basketball voters as she dropped 22 points and 15 rebounds (with four made threes) in a win over district rival Columbia Central on Friday.  Then on Saturday, Lincoln followed that up with district win over Shelbyville in which Bryan had an easy 16 points (4 made threes) and 8 rebounds.  Lincoln County is playing their best basketball at the right time!","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='636393' first='Ava' last='Jones']","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"White County","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Jones simply keeps getting better and better...and this White County team continues to stack big wins on top of big wins, and are looking like legit state title contenders for 3A.  Jones is the anchor in the middle defensively which is giving them another level this season.  In a 3-0 week for White County, Jones compiled 13 blocks (4.3 per game).  And that doesn't measure the number of shots she simply changes, deters, or keeps from ever simply occuring.  She's turning into an eraser at the rim...and when you have a crazy athletic shot blocker protecting the paint, it really allows your perimeter defenders to take more chances.  She averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds as well.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["409090"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Lol Pickett is really good.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIn a huge win over Clarkrange, Lowe had 20 points.  [player_tooltip player_id='514124' first='Zoey' last='Nicholas'] had 23 points and 6 assists.  [player_tooltip player_id='409093' first='Callie' last='Reeder'] had an u0022off-nightu0022 but still nearly had a double double with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks.  These three compliment each other really well offensively, and Pickett can attack you from multiple places on the floor.  Lowe has turned into a really shifty guard that can break a defense down, possesses high-level vision, and simply makes winning plays.  PC has multiple kids that can carry the scoring load enough to win you a game, and come tourney time when the points get tough to come by, it gives Pickett the chance to be special.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["409019"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"I got to watch [player_tooltip player_id='409019' first='Lauren' last='Hurst'] play on Friday for Cleveland....and my official assessment is that she's really good at basketball.  The 6'3 wing was letting it FLY on Friday....Cleveland seemed to be running the basic ball-screen motion, but put the ball in Hursts hands as the handleru002du002dwhich I love!  The defense wasn't quite ready to guard the 6'3 post coming off a ball screen, so they kept dropping under, and Hurst simply kept knocking down threes.  This was the type of game that really displayed her unique guard skills and beautiful shooting stroke.  Finished with an easy 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["339170"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"You really gotta like the way [player_tooltip player_id='245366' first='Josie' last='Horner'] has showed up this season for Northview.  She's been efficient as a scorer in the painting, shooting close to 50%.  She's been a fiery defender and rebounder.  As of late, she's been playing her best basketball.  She's been incredibly active contesting shots, and blocked 4 in a big district win this weekend.  She's also averaging around 3 assists a gameu002du002da terrific number for a post.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eReagan Brown has been terrific all season for NA.  The Brown-Horner combo is a tough one....especially with how Northview defends.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["821756"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"The freshman phenom poured in 43 points in a win over Jo Byrns.  Pennington has been doing this all season long for a East Robertson team that many didn't see coming.  There are a lot of good '27s in Tennessee, but I'm not sure that any has been less covered while accomplishing so much.  She's been her teams best player from day 1, and they are surprising a lot of folks!","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"Ida Bernard","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"East Robertson","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_7_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"I love the symbiotic relationship for basketball.  When the game is played the right way, every team is it's own health ecosystem.  When one player does well, it benefits the entire team.  It makes everyone better.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBernard has been a real testament to that.  Playing off [player_tooltip player_id='821756' first='Allye' last='Pennington'] has loosened things up for the '25 shooter, and now she's starting to get some real confidence!  She's had multiple games of late with three made 3s, four made 3s, etc.  She recently topped the 20 point mark in game.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis is huge for ER as they gear up for the postseason.  Defenses will gear up on Pennington....and Bernard will have to show up to play just as she's done of late.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"Isabella Garcia","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"Cookeville","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_8_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Cookeville was TESTED by a really tough Stewarts Creek team on Friday.  Stewarts Creek has two D1 kids:  [player_tooltip player_id='810482' first='Camden' last='Ward'] '25, [player_tooltip player_id='409016' first='Jayda' last='Bernard'] '25.  In a low-scoring, ugly road district win, Cookeville figured it out.  And these ugly wins can really be good for a team...especially when you win 36-28 and just can't buy a bucket.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eGarcia gave great all-around contributions with 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block and 2 assists.  [player_tooltip player_id='425063' first='Cara' last='Lee Gilbert'] led the Lady Cavs in scoring with 15.  Cookeville pulled out a district road win with only one player hitting double figures for the Lady Cavs.  That's a testament to their ability to grind out ugly road wins.  Well done.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["817921"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Uh-ohhhhhhhhh.   Grace (Knox) is getting better and better at exactly the right time.  This week they pulled out a 3-0 week with wins over TKA, Lakeway, and Providence.  All of a sudden, [player_tooltip player_id='817921' first='Mattie' last='Beard'] is starting to consistently score in the 12-14 points a game area.  She's a [player_tooltip player_id='821650' first='Alexis' last='Hammock'] is a 17-20 points per game kid, who's also able to hit near 30 if she needs to.  Katie Gonzalez had a 10 point, 7 rebound game against Lakeway.  The pieces of the puzzle are starting to fit together really well for Coach Neek+Ang.  Those that know....know.  Watch out for this group.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["631091"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Knox Catholic isn't scared to play anyone.....and thus, they invited the Bradley Central Bearrettes up I-75 for a battle of defending state champs on Saturday.  While Bradley won 64-53, but Knox battled well (and Bradley beats everyone....so just u0022beatingu0022 Bradley isn't a great benchmark of success).  What I love is this team's grit.  They are just full of winners.  [player_tooltip player_id='245355' first='Sydney' last='Mains'] u002du002d winner.  [player_tooltip player_id='290992' first='Caroline' last='Krueger'] u002du002d winner.  [player_tooltip player_id='409118' first='Maggie' last='Frana'] u002du002d winner. Tinsley Walkeru002du002dwinner (16 points and 4 threes on the night).rnrnAnd [player_tooltip player_id='631091' first='Amaya' last='Redd'] is really starting to level-up and big-time ball.  Redd had 12 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.  She's that strong bodied kid that knows how to use her strength, bounciness, agility, and angles to create scoring opportunities.  She so powerful once she get down hill, but also is developing a passing game of finesse.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b7d5b0953b0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1234186' first='Allie' last='Tipton']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ooltewah HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The sophomore combo guard continues to help lead a revitalized Lady Owls team as they went 2-1 on the week (only losing to Bradley Central).  At the heart of Ooltewah's recently competitiveness is '26 [player_tooltip player_id='1234186' first='Allie' last='Tipton'].  Averaging 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists are terrific numbers for a freshman starting guard.  She recently turned in a near triple-double vs Red Bank as she went for 15 points, 9 assists, 8 steals, and 5 boards.  Really like this kid's upside!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["408998"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Congrats to Branam, a walking paint bucket that is a top-notch rebounder and defender as she surpassed 1,000 points for her career on Monday night.  It was a special night for Branam as scored 33 points, pulled 13 boards on the nightu002du002dwhile also becoming the first TKA woman's player to reach both 1,000 points and 500 boards.  Congrats kiddo!","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b7e21904ef3"} /-->