State Titles Up For Grabs: Anything Can Happen

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION.   With two weeks left in the season, the race for our district seeding is on. Some districts already have their spots known, while others are still grinding away. Seeding is important, as matchups can enhance your chances of advancing to the next round. Who wouldn't want a favorable matchup that can place you a win or two from going further towards state contention?   Just because a team isn't at the top of their standing doesn't mean they can't make it deep in the tournament. Some teams may not peak until later on, while others have already shown all their cards. There is so much that goes into a team's success during this time. Luck, preparation, studying, execution, taking care of the little things, and so on. Doesn't matter if you are the 10th seed or the first seed; you have an opportunity to go far. You just have to believe.   Here are some teams that may not be ranked at the top of the table, but will most certainly make some noise in tournament time.   Class1A   Pickett Co.- You can't count this squad out by any means. Why? They have been there before and know what it takes to get back to the big dance. Sometimes coaches load up their schedules so they can play tough games early and take their lumps. When you have players who buy into the process and have specific skill sets that can help elevate you, that's all you need to make a title run. Currently, they are 12-9. They also have the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='514124' first='Zoey' last='Nicholas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='514121' first='Addie' last='Lowe'] anchoring the roster. A dynamic duo that can help elevate the play of those around them. Don't count PC out.   Class 2A   Pearl-Cohn- This may be the year a metro team advances to the state. The team is talented from top to bottom. They have size, speed, and can knock down shots from multiple spots on the floor, but that isn't all. They are tenacious defenders who play as a unit and rebound the ball collectively. They have grown throughout the season, and getting out of the district is one thing, but getting out of the region? They can do it. The roster is loaded with shifty guards and solid stretch forwards. Tough team that will make some noise in the tournament.   Class 3A   Jackson South Side- Can never count this squad out. With tremendous leadership on the sideline and a squad that is filled with athleticism, these kids can go, putting together a solid body of work on both ends of the floor. They may not be as talented as previous JSS squads, but they have the same DNA that fuels this program. Sure, they have 5 losses, but at the same time, when you lace ‘em up during this time of the year, this is when you get the best version of this program.   Class 4A   This division is up for grabs. Bradley is the heavy favorite to repeat. Bearden is nipping at their heels. Whitehaven has had a stellar season along with the likes of Green Hill, Cookeville, Blackman, Lebanon, and Nolensville. There are three schools that could make a darkhorse run at this thing: Coffee County- They may have lost a couple of pieces from the previous squad, but they are always solid on both ends of the floor. Sevier County- Fundamentally sounds on the offensive end, scrappy on the defensive end. They have kids who just get after it and play for each other. Team out of nowhere, Green Hill. They made it deep into the region last year to come up short. This year, they have put together some impressive numbers. Sitting at 20-1, their district foes have been tough and have played a solid nonconference schedule. They have some pieces that would be hard to match up with consistently for 4 quarters. Led by KT Tolbert and the serious threat of [player_tooltip player_id='822221' first='McKenna' last='Solomon'], there are other solid contributors around them that play their part well. Though Bradley and Bearden are the favorites, there could be an upset somewhere in this division. Just don't count [player_tooltip player_id='513228' first='Kimora' last='Fields'] of Bradley and [player_tooltip player_id='513233' first='Natalya' last='Hodge'] of Bearden out. Tough kids who know how to carry a squad.   Division II A   CAK and USJ are rolling. Ezell has put together an impressive body of work and is undefeated. MTCS and TKA are right there as well. This will also be a tough division that could go any way. We still haven't even mentioned PCA, who also were in state contention last year; they are still around as well. This is the one division with a lot of parity, and it can go in so many directions. Folks aren't talking about FRA nor GCA of Knoxville. The nod may go to USJ due to their history in the title game, but depending on how things shake up early in the tournament, you may see a new champion crowned in this division. It will definitely be about matchups and how teams execute in this talented division.   Division II AA   Knox Webb, Lipscomb, and CPA are probably the heavy favorites, with Ensworth battling in contention. A school to watch out for is Father Ryan. Girls who are technicians at their craft and play scrappy collectively. Look for them to be in the running as well, as they compete from tip to the final whistle. I will say this: luck, health, and execution will play a part in this talented division because you never know which way the ball will bounce.

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION.