Preseason Preview Class AAA

The Class AAA Basketball is the most competitive public high school basketball in the state of Tennessee. Each night is an opportunity to get better and teams must come out ready to compete and take advantage of matchups that are beneficial. This level of basketball is exciting to watch as night in and night out, new players surprise and give their team an edge. <strong>Lebanon High School, Lebanon, TN</strong> The Lady Blue Devils are coming off an incredible 30-5 season. Although, they fell short in winning the state title, they are returning with the pieces, the experience, and most importantly the depth to help them chase that goal again this year. The Lady Blue Devils only graduated one senior [player_tooltip player_id="245166" first="Addie" last="Porter"] who averaged 15 ppg. [player_tooltip player_id="245252" first="Terri" last="Reynolds"] and Asia Bar will be heavily relied on to provide leadership and offense early In the season. Asia Burr came on strong in the state championship game scoring 12points and stepping up in critical moments. This is a team who consistently plays with control and poise. <strong>Brentwood High School, Brentwood, TN</strong> Brentwood Lady Bears are quick shooters who are looking to take advantage of defenses early in transition.  They are anchored defensively with active hands and show the ability to stand tall and block shots without fouling. This past season, the Lady Bears graduated their Division 1 prospect [player_tooltip player_id="245143" first="Amelia" last="Osgood"], and are looking for [player_tooltip player_id="245219" first="Sydney" last="Ryan"] to immediately step in and fill that role. [player_tooltip player_id="245219" first="Sydney" last="Ryan"] averaged 16 points while grabbing 6 rebounds per game. The Brentwood Lady Bears are young, but are returning enough experienced players that they will help guide any insecurities early. <strong>Blackman High School, Murfreesboro, TN</strong> The Lady Blaze captured the third state title after a six year drought. (Previous title 2014-15 seasons) This is a team with composure and fundamental discipline, that carries over year after year. After the 2021 season, the Lady Blaze graduated 5 seniors. This leaves plenty of opportunities for [player_tooltip player_id="245267" first="Gracie" last="Hamby"] and Kaelyn Flowers to take control of the offense. Kaelyn Flowers, is only a sophomore but is poised for a breakout season. She plays beyond her years and has the potential to be a real player this year for the Blackman Lady Blaze. <strong>Bearden High School, Knoxville, TN </strong> The Bearden Lady Bulldogs, are in for an exciting season with the return of [player_tooltip player_id="285349" first="Jennifer" last="Sullivan"]. Jennifer is a two time all state selection, who has one last chance to capture the state championship for her Bearden Lady Bulldogs. She will be accompanied by [player_tooltip player_id="245293" first="Avery" last="Treadwell"] who grabbed 15 boards in the state championship game. If these two can continue to develop the connection over the season, the pick and roll play at Bearden will be a nightmare for opposing defenses. This team will go as far as this tandem will take them, and their teammates have to be willing to spot up and knock down open shots. These four teams are not the only teams competing for the state championship in the Class AAA division this year, but they do have unique circumstances that offer them an advantage over the other teams. This year, post covid almost acts a clean slate for teams. The fans returning to the stands, along with the crowd noise, the pressure, and overall intensity of games it will be interesting to see which teams prevail through adverse circumstances. &nbsp;