Tip Off The New Year!

Let's Tip Off The New Year in style. District play (minus a few non-district opponents) are set to begin play today. This second half of the season should be an exciting one that will come down to the finish. With that being said, let's do a wrap around the league and check out some Hot Takes from the Volunteer State.   Class 1A   The 7-3 Lady Wildcats are coming into the second half of the season 7-3. They dropped 2 games against East Hickman. However, the Lady Wildcats look to rebound and have a favorable schedule down the stretch. Led by junior [player_tooltip player_id='409014' first='Blair' last='Baugus'], the talented forward is stepping up in a big way for her club. She's a dominant player who is hard to stop in the post. An exceptional talent who will make a run for Miss Tennessee in this classification.   Though the second half is just getting started, don't count out McKinzie, Moore County, or Pickett County that will be favorable to go deep into the tournament.   Class 2A   One of the toughest classifications that will definitely go down to the wire. Who will win the state? This will be the one class that is a wait and see moment. It's a toss up with schools such as McMinn Central, Gatlinburg-Pittman, Loretto, York, Westview, Gibson Co., Alcoa, just to name a few. The favorites? Mmm. I will say this, GP looks mighty good with their star-studded squad.With trio [player_tooltip player_id='245364' first='Maddy' last='Newman'], [player_tooltip player_id='513232' first='Nya' last='Burns'], [player_tooltip player_id='513230' first='Maliyah' last='Glaspar'] doing the heavy lifting, the squad is one of the most balanced in the state as far as inside and out presence. But you gotta play the game, you can't base things just off paper. I will say, depending on how the ball bounces, this will be an exciting classification to keep up with.   Class 3A   Heritage, Upperman, Northview, and more are all hovering around the top of the seeding right now. However, Dyersburg makes for an interesting case to compete this year. They are 12-2 at the time of this writing, however, they possess exceptional guard play that can generate points in a heartbeat. Led by Joya Crawford, [player_tooltip player_id='593347' first='Chelby' last='Jordan'], and then freshman Kay Kay Strayhorn, the Lady Trojans are always looking to attack in the transition game. The competition will be stiff, but again this classification will be one up for grabs.   Class 4A   Right now, the heavy favorites are Bradley Central. At the time of this writing, the Lady Bearettes are undefeated and will look to stay that way. With exceptional talent from the guard spots in [player_tooltip player_id='409074' first='Avary' last='Brewer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='290719' first='Harmonie' last='Ware'], then add sensational forward play from Tatianna Stovall and [player_tooltip player_id='513228' first='Kimora' last='Fields'], it is hard to match up with this line up on a nightly basis. However, you just never know. I expect Bartlett to hit their stride, Sevier Co. to continue on an upwards trend, and then both Cookeville and Coffee County to give everyone a run for their money. A dark horse in the race is Columbia Central. Led by [player_tooltip player_id='405843' first='Saviya' last='Morgan'], the senior is dominating with her exceptional two-way play. Getting turnovers in bunches and finishes at the rim.  Did I not mention Clarksville? Last year for [player_tooltip player_id='245352' first='Imari' last='Berry'] and she is on a redemption mission. This will be a fun class down the stretch to watch and see.   DII-1A   Webb Bell Buckle has dominated the last four years, but that has come to an end with them moving to a different classification. So this year, there will be a new champ who will be hoisting the gold ball. Silverdale Academy is looking tough out the east. Providence Christian is looking great with twin towers Gabby Debord and [player_tooltip player_id='513278' first='Kayte' last='Madison Bjornstad'] anchoring the paint. MTCS is gearing up for another run at the title. [player_tooltip player_id='899396' first='Madison' last='Graham'] is heating up and AC Shirley is primed and ready to finish strong. A dark horse in this class is Ezell-Harding. Ever since senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='245359' first='Madison' last='McNeal'] stepped onto the scene, the Lady Eagles are playing fast, striking fear in opponents.  Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='513242' first='Brilee' last='Price'] is clicking on all cylinders and has been in beast mode for this squad. It will be a toss up who will win this division but just know that there will be a new champ in DII-1A.   DII-2A   As we speak Father Ryan is a hot ball club who is coming into district play. They are fundamentally sound, hitting the shots they are supposed to and doing the little things that give them an edge. Both Ensworth, Hutchison, Harpeth Hall, and Webb (Knoxville) are in the mix and are hitting their strides as well. As of right now, the heavy favorites are Knoxville Catholic. They are talented top to bottom. Led by senior sensation [player_tooltip player_id='245355' first='Sydney' last='Mains'], with the addition of senior [player_tooltip player_id='631091' first='Amaya' last='Redd'] and sensational sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='636390' first='Andrea' last='Flores'], the Lady Fighting Irish will be tough to deal with. Repeat? They have a great chance at doing that.   Like I said earlier, look for this to be an exciting second of the season. Welcome to 2024! Let's get ready to rumble in the Volunteer state.

Let's Tip Off The New Year in style. District play (minus a few non-district opponents) are set to begin play today. This second half of the season should be an exciting one that will come down to the finish. With that being said, let's do a wrap around the league and check out some Hot Takes from the Volunteer State.