The Point Forward: TN’s Mid-Week Analysis (Part 1)
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And thus…..it begins. The post season in Tennessee is here. For many kids across the state, they will play their final games in high school jerseys. For others, they fight to play another day. Saylor Hutcheson Saylor Hutcheson 5'9" |…
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Continue ReadingAnd thus…..it begins.
The post season in Tennessee is here. For many kids across the state, they will play their final games in high school jerseys. For others, they fight to play another day.
Saylor Hutcheson Saylor Hutcheson 5'9" | PG Campbell Co. | 2025 State TN
Saylor Hutcheson Saylor Hutcheson 5'9" | PG Campbell Co. | 2025 State TN
Hutcheson has helped lead Campbell County to a 21-5 record as they head into the post season. Hutcheson, and fellow ’25 Carley Kitts, are both shooting lights out this season. They are both averaging around 2 made threes a game and shooting above 35%. I like this Campbell Co team heading into the tourney because they are shooting it well at the right time. In a make or miss game, it often comes down to who has the most shot makers.
Lebanon is really good right now (22-7, 8-2)……but just as a warning….they are going to be REALLY good next year.
Co-District MVP – ’25 TK Hastings
1st Team All District and Freshman of the Year – ’27 Naleiya Walker
1st Team All District – ’26 Tiara Spencer
2nd Team All District – ’27 EB McDonald
2nd Team All District – ’27 Maggie Kelley
Honorable Mention & All Defense – ’25 Ro Dowell
That’s five underclassman that are both 1st or 2nd team all district, AND returning next year. You really gotta like what Coach Barrett is building…
It’s starting to become apparent just how important Murphy is to Bearden’s success. Natayla Hodge is going to get hers….and if teams take her away (like Farragut last week) then they have to expend a lot of “heavy help” energy. Against Alcoa, Bearden was potentially in trouble and Murphy scored 16 points, and Bearden was able to put Alcoa away. Versus Farragut in the loss, Murphy ended with only 6. It’s obvious KM has college ready components of her game. Her shot making and rebound are fantastic. For Bearden to make a deep run, Murphy has to be her every night out.
Highlights
William Blount beat Hardin Valley in the 1st round of their district tournament 61-47, ending HV’s season. Darnell had 17. ’24 Chloe Russell Chloe Russell 5’6″ | SG William Blount | 2024 State TN had 19. And ’25 Charlise Scarlett had 19. This WB team is trouble when they can get 60 combined points from their top 3 they are trouble! Coach Kallenburg called it “their most complete performance of the year” and right at the perfect time.
Blackman has had a really interesting season, but they’ve won 7 of 8, and are the 1 seed heading into the district tourney. Blackman has battled injury bugs, young players adjusting to new roles, etc. But, they seem to be hitting their collective stride at just the right time.
And individually, you can say the same for PG Lyriq Mastin. The junior guard has been on terriffic of late, including a 20-point performance in a win over Rockvale. She’s averaging 14.5 points and 4.6 rebounds, and is one of the best guards in the state. Mastin is trying to lead Blackman to their fourth straight state tournament appearance.
Highlights
The Class 3A Miss Basketball finalist is averaging 22 points and six rebounds. The Lady Tigers (20-9) have won five in a row, and seven of eight, as they try to advance to at least the sectional for the second straight season.
Magnet’s girls will have to contend with arguably the best district (7-3A) in the state, including top-ranked White County, Upperman and Cumberland County, when region play rolls around.
Highlights
Knox Cathlic moved to 23-5 (8-0) on senior night Tuesday vs CCS (67-54). Sydney Mains Sydney Mains 5’11” | SF Knoxville Catholic | 2024 State TN finished with 18 points, and is now the all-time leading scorer (boys or girls) in Knox Catholic history. Caroline Krueger Caroline Krueger 5’10” | PF Knox Catholic | 2024 State TN had 15. Amaya Redd Amaya Redd 5’10” | SF Knox. Catholic | 2025 State TN finished with 14. And Tinsley Walker Tinsley Walker State TN had 9. Gotta like how KC is playing at the end of the season.
Shirley scored 27 in a 58-49 win over BGA in their DII-A district tourney, and then scored 30 in the consolation game. Shirley has been one of the best scoring and shooting guards in the state all season. Well done young lady.
District 9-2A regular-season champ Cannon County is having one of the best seasons in recent memory, winning 20 games for the first time since 2015. The Lionettes are hoping to return to the Murpheesboro for the first time since that season, when they went 25-10 before losing in the state semis.
Cannon County is trying to end their drought! The 10th-ranked Lionettes (22-5) have won nine in a row and 16 of 17 heading into district tournament play. Six of the team’s last nine wins have been by at 20 points or more.
Abbilyn Teter has been terrific as their leading scorer, and teammate Abi Alexander give them a high-powered backcourt.