BY MIKE BLACKERBY Davey Gillum trusted Walker Martinez perhaps like no other quarterback in Anderson County history. That special coach-player relationship played a big part in carrying the Mavericks to 15 consecutive wins during the 2022 high … [Read more...]
Seymour Lady Eagles (22-9) advance to District 3-3A Championship to another rematch with Northview Academy
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Seymour’s go-to player was at the top of her game once again Thursday night in the District 3-3A tournament semifinals at Carter. Jaden Cummings scored 11 points with three rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots as the … [Read more...]
5STAR PREPS 2022 Defensive Underclassman of the Year: Carson Nivens, Oliver Springs High School
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Just like the way he discards offensive linemen, Carson Nivens finds a way to navigate any obstacle blocking his path to success. The sophomore defensive lineman for Oliver Springs has long had to shrug off questions about his … [Read more...]
5STAR PREPS 2022 Offensive Underclassman of the Year: Connor Wheeler, Powell High School
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Connor Wheeler ran in rarified air during his sophomore season for the Powell High School Panthers football team. Wheeler put up prolific numbers at running back as he helped the Panthers go 11-3 with a state Class 5A semifinal … [Read more...]
Taj Kimber, deeper Fulton down Oak Ridge, 55-42; emergence of Ze’Yana Stewart key for Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats’ success
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Oak Ridge vs. Fulton. It’s one of the great traditional end-of-the-regular-season rivalry games in the state of Tennessee. Over the last few years the series has featured memorable games and great individual players on both … [Read more...]
THE QB1 SERIES (2023): Powell Panthers look to replace Jordyn Potts at quarterback in 2023
BY MIKE BLACKERBY It seems like Powell coach Matt Lowe has always had a seamless transition of top-tier quarterbacks through the years. Most recently the baton was handed off from all-time great Panthers quarterbacks Walker Trusley to Jordyn … [Read more...]
Greeneville Lady Greene Devils get first W at Grainger in 5 years; Greeneville frosh Trey Thompson shines in win over Grizzlies
BY MIKE BLACKERBY RUTLEDGE – Lauren Bailey has scored more than 2,000 points in her Greeneville career, but it was her defense that helped blow the game open Friday against Grainger. Bailey, in an otherwise quiet performance offensively, had two … [Read more...]
High-energy Alvey (24 points) leads Jefferson County Lady Patriots past Cocke County, 58-51
BY MIKE BLACKERBY DANDRIDGE – Senior guard Makenzie Alvey threw in a one-handed shot from deep in the backcourt at the buzzer to give Jefferson County a 22-14 lead over Cocke County after one quarter. The desperation shot served as an inkling that … [Read more...]
Morristown East guard Kyle Cloninger has leveled up to become one of East Tennessee’s top scoring threats
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Morristown East junior point guard Kyle Cloninger has emerged as one of the top all-around basketball players in the 5Star Preps coverage area. Cloninger, who averaged 13.6 points and was East’s third offensive option last season … [Read more...]
Gatlinburg-Pittman 2024 star wide receiver Carlos Orr hauls in offers; could Power 5s be next?
BY MIKE BLACKERBY It has been a nice run on the recruiting front for rising Gatlinburg-Pittman senior football star Carlos Orr. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound wide receiver/defensive back with a big upside has garnered four offers in the last week. … [Read more...]