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.
