BY MIKE BLACKERBY It’s early in the season and there’s still plenty to work on, but Gibbs softball coach Carol Mitchell couldn’t help but appreciate her team’s offensive prowess Monday in a 20-5 win over Gatlinburg-Pittman. “We didn’t play … [Read more...]
2019 5Star Preps Softball Preview
The 2019 season is underway. Powell returns as Class AAA state champion. Gibbs is always ready to make a run, and Grace and The King's Academy have shots at Division II-A glory. Check out all the top teams and players in the 5Star Preps Softball … [Read more...]
JaVonte Thomas nears perfection for Oak Ridge; Wildcats advance to face Catholic
By Mike Blackerby OAK RIDGE – Oak Ridge’s JaVonte Thomas was near-perfect Sunday in the Wildcats’ 78-63 Region 2-AAA quarterfinal elimination win over West. … [Read more...]
Oak Ridge/Bearden? Yes, please! Oak Ridge beats William Blount to set up showdown
BY MIKE BLACKERBY OAK RIDGE – William Blount’s upset hopes against Oak Ridge Friday in the Region 2-AAA quarterfinals were predicated on making shots. The Lady Wildcats clamped down on defense and made sure that plan never got off the ground. … [Read more...]
Marcus Smith erupts in fourth quarter; his 41 points lead Oak Ridge past Karns
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Marcus Smith turned up the intensity about 10-fold in the fourth quarter Wednesday as Oak Ridge rallied from nine down to defeat host Karns 75-65 in the action-packed District 3-AAA boys championship. … [Read more...]
THREE TIMES A CHARM: Jada Guinn’s MVP efforts lead Oak Ridge to District 3-AAA title
By Mike Blackerby District 3-AAA teams are likely glad they’ve seen the last of Jada Guinn. The smooth senior point guard guided Oak Ridge to its fourth district tournament title in a row and claimed MVP honors for the third time Tuesday as the … [Read more...]
Karns ekes by and Oak Ridge cruises; each advance to Wednesday’s 3-AAA Championship
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Thanks to a dominating performance by Tee Hodge-Harper, Karns is in a position to claim its first District 3-AAA tournament since the 2011-12 season. … [Read more...]
District 3-AA: Ty Hurst spurs on Carter to win; G-P Girls win postseason rivalry vs. Pigeon Forge
BY MIKE BLACKERBY GATLINBURG – Carter coach Spencer Beaty never knows on any given night exactly who is going to lead the way. Saturday in the District 3-AA semifinals against Gibbs, it was junior swing player Ty Hurst. … [Read more...]
District 2-AAA: Morristown East buzzer-beater tops South-Doyle, Morristown West girls drop Morristown East
MIKE BLACKERBY SEVIERVILLE – Connor Jordan suffered through an uncharacteristic cold night from the field Thursday in the District 2-AAA semifinals, but he made the one that mattered most. Morristown East’s standout senior point guard hit a … [Read more...]
Anderson County eliminates rival Clinton, 66-51, from girls’ Class AAA playoffs
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Brooklin McCoy’s season and high school career were on the line Thursday night in the District 3-AAA quarterfinals. Anderson County’s standout senior wasn’t about to let it end with a loss to arch-rival Clinton. … [Read more...]