By MIKE BLACKERBY Powell softball appears to be back on track, and senior Alaina Watson is a big reason for the Lady Panthers’ early season turnaround. … [Read more...]
Gibbs Softball searching for usual form despite lack of games and youth-laden roster
By MIKE BLACKERBY KODAK – Gibbs isn’t playing the traditional brand of Lady Eagles softball just yet. Gibbs dropped Northview Academy 7-1 Monday, but the Lady Eagles (2-1, 2-0 District 3-AA) are still trying to knock the rust off. … [Read more...]
Connor Gorga and Maryville boys’ soccer rally past Greeneville at Bearden Invitational
By MIKE BLACKERBY Maryville soccer coach Nick Bradford had a gut feeling. If his Rebels could figure out a way to manufacture just one goal in the defensive struggle against Greeneville on Friday night, more would follow. Bradford’s hunch proved … [Read more...]
THE NEXT STEP, part III: South-Doyle running back Shawn Gary ‘can be a Power 5 guy’
By MIKE BLACKERBY What a difference a year makes for South-Doyle football player Shawn Gary. This time last year, the relatively unknown Gary was penciled in as a possible two-way contributor at defensive back and wide receiver. Heading into the … [Read more...]
Grace Christian softball setting torrid pace to start the season
By MIKE BLACKERBY One of the hottest area softball teams continued its torrid early season start Tuesday night. Highly touted Grace Christian broke open a tight game with eight runs in the sixth inning as the Lady Rams posted a 13-3 victory over … [Read more...]
5Star Preps 2021 Track & Field Preview
By MIKE BLACKERBY Hardin Valley has set the standard for track and field in East Tennessee over the last decade, and 2021 will be no different. Both the HVA boys and girls appear to be the teams to beat in the 5Star Preps coverage area once … [Read more...]
Ole Miss signee Catelyn Riley off to a blazing start for 2019 Class AAA champ Jefferson County
By MIKE BLACKERBY DANDRIDGE – To beat Jefferson County you’ve got to go through Ole Miss signee Catelyn Riley. Good luck solving her overpowering pitching or checking her big bat at the plate. … [Read more...]
NEW QB1s: Grace Christian football program will have new coach and new QB in 2021
By MIKE BLACKERBY Despite some heavy losses to graduation, you get the feeling that Grace Christian’s offense is in good hands with first-year coach Justin Long. The former Fulton standout and Carson-Newman graduate was named Rams coach in December … [Read more...]
Early mistakes to be expected; but Powell softball (2-0) is off to a strong start in 2021
By MIKE BLACKERBY Sifting through the mistakes and errors, Powell High School’s softball team still looks as good as advertised just two games into the 2021 season. … [Read more...]
5STAR PREPS 2021 Softball Preview
By MIKE BLACKERBY It seems like forever since we’ve had softball. COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 season, robbing area teams Jefferson County and The King’s Academy of the opportunities to defend their 2019 state championships. The lost season leaves … [Read more...]