By MIKE BLACKERBY Beyond the eye-popping statistics, the awards and the accolades, Elizabethton football coach Shawn Witten said Parker Hughes set the standard for all others who follow in Carter County. “There are guys that come through your … [Read more...]
Catholic guard Blue Cain coming into his own as sophomore; leads Irish to road win at Greeneville
GREENEVILLE – Coaches Mike Hutchens of Catholic and Brad Woolsey of Greeneville were in agreement. The best player on the Hal Henard Gym floor Friday night was Catholic sophomore Blue Cain. Given the smorgasbord of talent on hand for both teams, … [Read more...]
An Atypical Year One: What first-year coaches in 2020 learned and look forward to in Year Two
By MIKE BLACKERBY So how’d it go? A couple of first-year head coaches at high-profile high school football programs took some time recently to reflect on their experiences in 2020. … [Read more...]
Northview Academy basketball wins 16th in a row; more battles with Alcoa likely
By MIKE BLACKERBY KODAK – After a recent string of blowout wins, Northview Academy guard Campbell Penland said Thursday’s nail-biter finish against Alcoa was just what the Lady Cougars needed. … [Read more...]
Northview Academy twins Sierra and Lexi Bates key cogs in 17-1 start this season
KODAK – Lexi Bates came into the world about two minutes earlier than her twin sister Sierra. They’ve been inseparable ever since, especially on the basketball court. … [Read more...]
Senior guard Trey Johnson representative of family legacy and Cosby tradition
By MIKE BLACKERBY They take their basketball seriously in Cosby. Especially when you’re a legacy player whose father played on the first Eagles team to qualify for the state tournament. … [Read more...]
2020 Offensive Underclassman of the Year: DeSean Bishop, Karns High School
By MIKE BLACKERBY DeSean Bishop has been glad to shoulder more than his share of the load during his two years on the Karns High School football team. Whatever it takes to help the team said Bishop, the 5Star preps Underclassman Offensive Player of … [Read more...]
Powell’s Reagan Trumm shows versatility, throws late-game scare into Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats
By MIKE BLACKERBY OAK RIDGE – The notion that Powell’s Reagan Trumm is a one-dimensional player can be tossed aside. Trumm, who has a well-earned reputation as a 3-point shooter, made her presence felt in multiple ways Tuesday night in a 58-56 loss … [Read more...]
Better Ask Somebody: Central guard Greg Moore should be on basketball radars
By MIKE BLACKERBY For basketball fans not familiar with Central guard Greg Moore, Bobcats coach Andy Hill said, “you should be, you will be.” … [Read more...]
Complementary tandem of Micah Simpson and Braden Ilic steering Morristown East (10-3)
By MIKE BLACKERBY MORRISTOWN – They’re one of the top tandems in East Tennessee. Juniors Micah Simpson and Braden Ilic are the yin and yang of Morristown East high school basketball. “Braden and Micah are both great individual talents who have … [Read more...]