This week’s Big Preview points to key games at Sevier County, Bearden, Halls, Powell and Lenoir City as we move into Week 2 of the high school football season. Here’s a look at some of the pivotal matchups in the 5Star Preps coverage area: … [Read more...]
Jefferson County fends off Oak Ridge rally for 34-31 win in season opener in Dandridge
BY MIKE BLACKERBY DANDRIDGE – Skylar Thomas stepped into the starring role for Jefferson County Friday night. In fact, he made it look easy. … [Read more...]
SMALL SCHOOL REPORT: A Deep Dive into some area contenders in Class 1A and 2A
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Expectations are running high at several of the schools in the 5Star Preps coverage area in Classes 1A and 2A. Region 2-1A, with Oliver Springs, Coalfield and Rockwood, is loaded with teams capable of making deep playoff runs. As … [Read more...]
JAMBOREE REPORT — 2024 Sevier County Jamboree at Sevier County High School
BY MIKE BLACKERBY SEVIERVILLE — Cooper Newman was in complete command – and the final play of Friday’s Sevier County Jamboree was emblematic of just how far the outstanding sophomore quarterback has progressed since last season. … [Read more...]
JAMBOREE REPORT — 5Star Preps Jamboree presented by Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance
BY MIKE BLACKERBY JEFFERSON CITY – There was no shortage of talent on hand Thursday for the 4th Annual 5Star Preps Jamboree, presented by Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance. For example. Catholic’s Tyreek King and Greeneville’s Zaydyn Anderson … [Read more...]
2024 All-5Star Preps TRACK & FIELD teams, presented by Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic
ALL-5STAR PREPS 2024 TRACK & FIELD TEAM MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Colin Eckerman, Webb FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Gracie Waite, Hardin Valley BOYS FIRST TEAM (Individual state champions automatically earn berths in their respective … [Read more...]
5Star Preps 2024 Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year: Colin Eckerman, Webb School of Knoxville
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Redemption was the motivation, and Webb’s Colin Eckerman used that theme for a record-setting season on his way to earning accolades as the 5Star Preps 2024 Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year. In the process, the … [Read more...]
ALL-5STAR PREPS 2024 SOFTBALL TEAMS presented by KOC
2024 ALL-5STAR PREPS SOFTBALL TEAM Powered by Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic FIRST TEAM Lacey Keck, Jr., Gibbs: The 5Star Preps Player of the Year, Keck did it all in leading the Lady Eagles to their 11th state championship in program history. Keck … [Read more...]
5STAR PREPS SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR (2024): Lacey Keck, Gibbs High School
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Do-it-all Lacey Keck had quite the season for Gibbs High School in 2024. The standout pitcher had a junior year to remember, leading the Lady Eagles to their first state championship in seven years and earning recognition as the … [Read more...]
5Star Preps 2024 Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year: Gracie Waite, Hardin Valley Academy
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Hardin Valley thrower Gracie Waite doesn’t pull any punches when she looks back on her disappointing 2023 season. “My junior year was really bad,” said Waite. “It was rough. People who had never beaten me were beating me. I … [Read more...]