BY JESSE SMITHEY MURFREESBORO — All went stress-free for the Bearden girls' basketball team in its Class 4A state quarterfinal Thursday, but the big test is coming. Junior guard Natalya Hodge scored a game-high 19 points and senior Kendall … [Read more...]
4A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL: Late rally by Bartlett sinks Oak Ridge’s hopes in 4A tournament
BY JESSE SMITHEY MURFREESBORO — Consider it rare in high school girls basketball when you have to defend against a lob pass on an inbounds play. Despite the infrequency of it, Oak Ridge still prepared to guard against it. Oak Ridge coach Paige … [Read more...]
3A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL: Northview Academy shocks South Side 55-48 in state quarterfinal
BY JESSE SMITHEY MURFREESBORO — She might be a sophomore by roster, but Northview Academy guard Mikinna Russell played Thursday like a seasoned vet. And what a time to do it, right? At the state tournament? Russell scored 13 points and … [Read more...]
3A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL: Heritage Lady Mountaineers win first state tournament game since 1997
BY JESSE SMITHEY MURFREESBORO — Carsyn Swaney, the senior standout on the Heritage girls basketball team, got the first shot of the second half in the Lady Mountaineers' Class 3A state quarterfinal Thursday. And as she fired in the 3-pointer … [Read more...]
3A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL: Cocke County falls to South Gibson, 43-39
BY JESSE SMITHEY MURFREESBORO — For a brief stretch of Thursday's Class 3A state quarterfinal, Cocke County's girls basketball team displayed the magic that helped it make a run to the 2024 state semifinals. The Lady Red had trailed South … [Read more...]
2A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL — Glasper’s 25 guides Gatlinburg-Pittman past Summertown
BY JESSE SMITHEY MURFREESBORO — It's no secret around Gatlinburg that Maliyah Glasper loves a good 3-point shot. After all, she made 11 in a game in mid-December, and she had made more than 90 of them this season entering this week's Class 2A … [Read more...]
2A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL: McMinn Central falls due to fouls; head coach Johnny Morgan announces retirement
BY JESSE SMITHEY MURFREESBORO — McMinn Central coach Johnny Morgan had a couple heartfelt thoughts to share Wednesday afternoon following his team's 59-48 loss to Loretto in the Class 2A state quarterfinals. Foremost, he didn't care for the … [Read more...]
1A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL: Coalfield wins first-ever state tournament game 54-41 over Moore County
BY JESSE SMITHEY MURFREESBORO — Lexi Hammock couldn't contain her excitement. The Coalfield sophomore guard still had one more free throw to shoot before the historic moment truly played out. But after making the first of her two attempts with 5 … [Read more...]
A CLOSER LOOK: The 2025 Girls TSSAA Division I State Tournament
The Division I Girls State Basketball Tournament begins Wednesday in Murfreesboro. Eight teams from the 5Star Preps coverage area will vie for state championship glory at the Murphy Center. So get filled in on their opponents, top players to … [Read more...]
Mark Pemberton resigns as Campbell County football coach after one season
BY JESSE SMITHEY In a shocking social media announcement on Tuesday afternoon, Campbell County High School announced that head football coach Mark Pemberton had resigned. Here’s what you need to know… … [Read more...]