Class AAA State Tournament Previews… Part I

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Class AAA

Science Hill

Hometown: Johnson City

Nickname: Hilltoppers

Record: 31-4

District: 1AAA

Region: 1AAA

Coach: Ken Cutlip

Top Players: Josh Odem, Chris Smith, Larry Smith

Region Final: 70-53 winner over Morristown East

Sub-State: 56-38 winner over Oak Ridge

Preview:

The Hilltoppers climb back into the state tourney after a 30 win season and would like to stay a while if they can. Josh Odem has been a stud since the playoffs have started and his presence on the floor must be a nightmare for opposing coaches. Steady guard play has carried the Toppers and Odem's sidekick, Chris Smith will need to come up big as he will probably draw the assignment of guarding the Mustangs top outside threat Carson Newman signee David Ware. 

 

 

 

Walker Valley

Hometown: Cleveland

Nickname: Mustangs

Record: 33-1

District: 5AAA

Region: 3AAA

Coach: Bob Williams

Top Players: David Ware, Jake Trotter, Brice Sharpe

Region Final: 75-74 winner over Red Bank

Sub-State: 71-70 winner over Shelbyville

Preview:

This team is experienced and senior laden, thus they know how to win. Two one point victories in the region finale and sub-state prove they keep their cool when the going gets tough. Scoring should not be an issue with David Ware and his quick trigger ready to drain jumpers at first light. The Mustangs will need balanced effort from all their seniors but thats the way the boys from the WV roll. 

 

 

 

Beech

Hometown: Hendersonville

Nickname: Buccaneers

Record: 29-4

District: 9AAA

Region: 5AAA

Coach: Darren Joines

Top Players: Reece Chamberlain, John Taylor, Tyler Brown

Region Final: 54-50 winner over Clarksville Northeast

Sub-State: 67-48 winner over Franklin

Preview:

Tough, smart, methodical and well coached pretty much sum up the Bucaneers from Beech and this recipe usually spells disaster for opponeents not familair with their unique style of defense. Reece Chamberlain is the catalyst that makes this ship sail, his ability to control tempo and make the correct decisions with the ball will be the difference in winning and losing on Thursday afternoon. 

 

 

 

Raleigh Egypt

Hometown: Memphis

Nickname: Pharoahs

Record: 33-2

District: 14AAA

Region: 7AAA

Coach: Jimmy Adams

Top Players: Anthony Jones, Gentry Hines, Ronald Brown

Region Final: 54-35 winner over Liberty Tech

Sub-State: 68-45 winner over Melrose

Preview:

This edition of the Pharoahs is deep, talented, hungry and did I mention deep. Solid at every spot on the floor, if they concentrate on the guards then look for Joe Brady, Ronald Brown and Anthony Jones to have a field day. If they say no one inside is scoring on us, fine big days ahead for Gentry Hines, Rashad Harris and Jeremy Holmes. No matter what the poison its your for the picking. Cant' wait for this one.