By MIKE BLACKERBY With no district ramifications at stake, it wasn’t Cosby’s biggest win of the season. Maybe just the most impressive. … [Read more...]
THE NEW QB1s: Halls will replace program’s all-time passer in 2021
By MIKE BLACKERBY Quarterback play has never been more important. That’s why a big key to success in 2021 for the Halls High School football team is the development of Caden Cummings. … [Read more...]
Sevier County girls win in OT, win 1-seed; Jefferson County boys upset Sevier County
There's a lot to unpack here in this doubleheader from Sevier County at Jefferson County. And 5Star preps writer Mike Blackerby does it masterfully. From the overtime win by the Sevier County girls to the big-time upset by the Jefferson County … [Read more...]
5Star Preps Football Coach of the Year (2020): Joe Gaddis, Oak Ridge High School
By MIKE BLACKERBY The outlook was bleak for Oak Ridge football at midseason. The turnaround was stunning. The Wildcats overcame a 2-3 start to win their next nine games and advance to the Class 5A state championship game against Summit. Despite a … [Read more...]
5Star Preps Offensive Player of the Year (2020): Parker Hughes, Elizabethton High School
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...]