By DAVE LINK Grey Carroll had waited on the sideline long enough. Alcoa’s senior defensive lineman was ready to get back on the football field Sept. 4 for the Tornadoes’ home game against Scott. Carroll had hip surgery in June and missed … [Read more...]
RECRUITING GAME: High-profile area recruits search for right college spot in face of Covid obstacles
By DAVE LINK National Signing Day is fast approaching on Feb. 3, and there are still plenty of uncommitted high school football recruits weighing their options. It’s been a recruiting season like none other due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its … [Read more...]
CAK girls slip past Webb by one point (again); Webb boys basketball back at full strength
By DAVE LINK Caroline Meyers wasn’t about to give up Friday night. Neither were her teammates on the Christian Academy of Knoxville girls’ basketball team. The Lady Warriors rallied from a 14-point third-quarter deficit and posted a 45-44 … [Read more...]
Avery Treadwell (28 points, 14 boards) leads Bearden past Maryville; Bearden boys win shorthanded
By DAVE LINK Bearden’s Avery Treadwell was almost perfect Tuesday night. The sophomore post scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Lady Bulldogs beat visiting Maryville, 67-54. Treadwell made 14 of 15 shots – all in the paint – and … [Read more...]
Lakeway Christian Academy freshman Madi Hawk plays with game beyond her years
By DAVE LINK Madi Hawk is a freshman playing like a seasoned veteran. No wonder. The 5-foot-9 guard has been starting for Lakeway Christian Academy since her seventh-grade year. … [Read more...]
Shane Wells making progress in Year One as HVA coach, despite unusual set of challenges
By DAVE LINK Nobody in the sports world has been spared the unusual circumstances amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Coach Shane Wells and his Hardin Valley Academy boys’ basketball team can attest to that. “This year has been kind of hard,” Wells … [Read more...]
DOUBLE FEATURE: Alcoa boys building momentum with win over Maryville; Lady Rebels’ late rally downs Alcoa
5Star Preps writer Dave Link takes you inside the doubleheader Thursday night between Alcoa and Maryville. From the Alcoa boys' momentum-building win over the Maryville; plus, a key injury to the Rebels' lineup. And a furious second-half … [Read more...]
2020 Defensive Underclassman of the Year: Aaron Davis, Alcoa High School
By DAVE LINK Alcoa’s Aaron Davis had no idea what to expect when his 2020 football season began late last summer. Turns out, he and the Tornadoes would be more than pleasantly surprised. The sophomore inside linebacker was the team’s leading … [Read more...]
Denae Fritz’s can’t-miss first quarter and milestone night highlight win at Farragut
By DAVE LINK Maryville’s Denae Fritz was feeling fine again Tuesday night. The senior guard/forward had 27 points and nine rebounds, leading the Lady Rebels to a 65-49 victory at Farragut. Fritz, an Iowa State signee, had been bothered by a … [Read more...]
THE RECAPS: Bearden basketball sweeps Farragut in Saturday doubleheader (Jan. 9, 2021)
By DAVE LINK Emily Gonzalez knew she was running out of time Saturday afternoon at Farragut. Bearden’s junior wing/point guard launched a 3-point shot with 1 second left, then watched it bank off the glass and through the net, tying the score … [Read more...]