Storylines

So a couple of buddies and myself were talking shop, catching up on some things and happened to come up with a legitimate question. What are some storylines in women's basketball in Tennessee coming into the year? We went back and forth and just came up with some interesting topics that clearly are the headliners this upcoming season. I mean, yes, it is the offseason, however, basketball is always being talked about around this state.   Here are some interesting storylines that we mentioned and see if you agree with what was being said.   <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>Where will the girls from last year's Top 5 commit to? </li> </ol>   [player_tooltip player_id='409019' first='Lauren' last='Hurst'] is one of the biggest names in the 2025 class. She has offers from Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, just to name a few. She is a dominant volleyball player, however, she is a rockstar on the hardwood as well. Seeing where she lands will be very interesting.   [player_tooltip player_id='408995' first='Reese' last='Beaty'] will be a Iowa State Cyclone. The former Clemson commit has found her a home in the midwest. With a state that is buzzing from Caitlyn Clark, Reese will bring some success to the ISU program. Now, I am not comparing Reese to Clark by any means, however, I am comparing a fan base who could get a spark from someone who is as talented as she is.   [player_tooltip player_id='409014' first='Blair' last='Baugus'] from Wayne Co. has found a home in Murfreesboro. The MTSU commit will be an important piece of the program moving forward. Pleased with great size, she can play inside and out. This gives the Lady Blue Raiders some big versatility that can bang in the paint or stretch from the perimeter. A solid addition for an up and coming program.   Daria Biriuk from Webb Bell Buckl;e will be another hot kid entering her final year. The Ukrainian hooper is super talented. She is ranked # 78 in the ESPN rankings. She has a boatload of offers, but has Vanderbilt, Maryland, Ohio State, and Mississippi State as a few of her top schools. Look for her to whittle down her decision and be a big program boost for some program.   [player_tooltip player_id='290719' first='Harmonie' last='Ware'] from Bradley Central will be a steal for whoever lands her services. She has some mid-major programs looking at her. However, with an impressive state run again, look for her to receive even more Power 5 interest.   <ol start="2" class="wp-block-list"> <li>Will Bradley Central three-peat? The Lady Bearettes return a talented squad and have reloaded on the back end. They will have a solid freshman class to go along with their heavy hitters. [player_tooltip player_id='409074' first='Avary' last='Brewer'], [player_tooltip player_id='290719' first='Harmonie' last='Ware'], [player_tooltip player_id='408996' first='TaTianna' last='Stovall'], and [player_tooltip player_id='513228' first='Kimora' last='Fields'] all return, add in [player_tooltip player_id='889914' first='Malia' last='Wilcox'] and some other kids, you have a strong core plus more. All their kids saw significant court time this summer and will look to bring that momentum into the season. Bartlett Lady Panthers will be waiting in the wings on the west side. Who will come from the middle? Blackman? As of right now, Bradley are the favorites but you never know. </li>   <li>Will USJ repeat now that Webb Bell Buckle is back? </li> </ol>   Webb is super talented. They have won it in single A before and have been in contention over the past years for state. USJ returns Haylen Ayers and Co. and that solid group looks to add another piece of hardware to their trophy case. Who knows, but I can see a few other schools making a run at USJ.   <ol start="4" class="wp-block-list"> <li>DII is up in the air. Who will win it?</li> </ol>    With Knox. Catholic losing some key pieces, do they still have what it takes to return back to the final game. Waiting in the wings is [player_tooltip player_id='513227' first='Meeyah' last='Green'] and Knox Webb. Amaya Reed returns for her final year at Catholic and will look to carry the load. It will be a battle of Knoxville, who will win, I don't know.   <ol start="5" class="wp-block-list"> <li>York has been dominant, but who will knock them off? Gibson Co., Loretto, Westview, McMinn. The 2A class has some nice hoopers in it and I believe there will be some upsets come this upcoming season.</li>   <li>GCA-Knoxville is legit.Grace Christian-Knoxville has ome new things happening there and they have some tremendous guard play. [player_tooltip player_id='513232' first='Nya' last='Burns'] and [player_tooltip player_id='821650' first='Alexis' last='Hammock'] make a tough 1-2 punch that will be hard to handle. Could they make a run deep into the playoffs? We shall see.</li> </ol>   These are just a few storylines this offseason leading up to tip-off. I am sure there will be a lot more come November so stay tuned.

So a couple of buddies and myself were talking shop, catching up on some things and happened to come up with a legitimate question. What are some storylines in women's basketball in Tennessee coming into the year? We went back and forth and just came up with some interesting topics that clearly are the headliners this upcoming season. I mean, yes, it is the offseason, however, basketball is always being talked about around this state.