By DAVE LINK Madi Hawk is a freshman playing like a seasoned veteran. No wonder. The 5-foot-9 guard has been starting for Lakeway Christian Academy since her seventh-grade year. … [Read more...]
Shane Wells making progress in Year One as HVA coach, despite unusual set of challenges
By DAVE LINK Nobody in the sports world has been spared the unusual circumstances amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Coach Shane Wells and his Hardin Valley Academy boys’ basketball team can attest to that. “This year has been kind of hard,” Wells … [Read more...]
DOUBLE FEATURE: Alcoa boys building momentum with win over Maryville; Lady Rebels’ late rally downs Alcoa
5Star Preps writer Dave Link takes you inside the doubleheader Thursday night between Alcoa and Maryville. From the Alcoa boys' momentum-building win over the Maryville; plus, a key injury to the Rebels' lineup. And a furious second-half … [Read more...]
2020 Defensive Underclassman of the Year: Aaron Davis, Alcoa High School
By DAVE LINK Alcoa’s Aaron Davis had no idea what to expect when his 2020 football season began late last summer. Turns out, he and the Tornadoes would be more than pleasantly surprised. The sophomore inside linebacker was the team’s leading … [Read more...]
Denae Fritz’s can’t-miss first quarter and milestone night highlight win at Farragut
By DAVE LINK Maryville’s Denae Fritz was feeling fine again Tuesday night. The senior guard/forward had 27 points and nine rebounds, leading the Lady Rebels to a 65-49 victory at Farragut. Fritz, an Iowa State signee, had been bothered by a … [Read more...]
THE RECAPS: Bearden basketball sweeps Farragut in Saturday doubleheader (Jan. 9, 2021)
By DAVE LINK Emily Gonzalez knew she was running out of time Saturday afternoon at Farragut. Bearden’s junior wing/point guard launched a 3-point shot with 1 second left, then watched it bank off the glass and through the net, tying the score … [Read more...]
DOUBLE FEATURE: David Sanger’s switch to basketball a blessing for Webb; CAK girls eke out win at Webb
BY DAVE LINK David Sanger decided to hang up his football cleats before his eighth-grade year at Webb School of Knoxville and focus on basketball. It turned out to be a blessing for Webb basketball coach Ricky Norris. Sanger, a senior … [Read more...]
A.J. Pruitt leads in Bearden boys win at Alcoa; Lady Tornadoes upset previously unbeaten Bearden
By DAVE LINK ALCOA – Bearden senior A.J. Pruitt takes his job as captain of the basketball team seriously. “It means you can’t be nice to everybody all the time,” Pruitt said. “You’ve got to bring the best out of everybody.” The 6-foot-1 … [Read more...]
Alcoa basketball backcourt as good as advertised; but one piece was missing Wednesday
BY DAVE LINK ALCOA – Half of Alcoa’s highly-talented backcourt duo was not on the court Wednesday night. Sophomore guard Tai Cates was on the bench in street clothes for the Tornadoes’ 68-44 loss to Greeneville on the third night of the Holiday … [Read more...]
2020 5Star Preps Girls Golfer of the Year: Lexanne Halama, Farragut
By DAVE LINK Farragut senior Lexanne Halama didn’t play her best golf at the Division I Large Class state tournament on Oct. 6-7, but she wasn’t complaining. She was simply glad to be playing amid the COVID-19 pandemic and making the trip to … [Read more...]