By Mike Blackerby Bryson Rosser said the first step in building a successful football program has nothing to do with the Xs and Os. It’s all about cultivating relationships, said the Central coach. It’s a philosophy ingrained in Rosser since he … [Read more...]
Northview Academy girls beat rival G-P, secure District 3-AA title
By Mike Blackerby KODAK – Northview Academy had a counter for Gatlinburg-Pittman’s plan Friday night. In the process, the Lady Cougars nailed down their second District 3-AA regular season title in a row since moving up in class two years ago. … [Read more...]
BEHIND THE GOGGLES: Maryville center Elmo Gara key in 17-game win streak
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Eric Dickerson and Michael Phelps all made wearing goggles cool. Add one more. Maryville basketball player Elmo Gara. But like his much more famous counterparts and their trademark choice of protective eye … [Read more...]
Maples (27 points), Sevier County fend off South-Doyle, 58-54
BY MIKE BLACKERBY SEVIERVILLE – Sevier County had just the player it wanted at the free throw line with the game hanging in the balance Tuesday against South-Doyle. Wes Maples converted both ends of a pair of bonus free opportunities in the final … [Read more...]
5SP STAFF ANALYSIS: Best Player, Best Game, Best Story, Sleepers
The final stretch of the high school basketball regular season is upon us. The postseason is less than a month away, and a few upcoming games will decide playoff seedings and even Mr. and Miss Basketball nominations. The 5Star Preps staff … [Read more...]
Lacrosse growing in popularity and will be a TSSAA sanctioned sport
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Basketball had always been Hailey Carroll’s sport of choice, but she was looking for a change. “I had been playing AAU for years, but come eighth grade I didn’t really want to play basketball anymore,” said the Christian Academy … [Read more...]
REVENGE SECURED: Oak Ridge splits regular-season series with AC, 61-48
BY MIKE BLACKERBY CLINTON -- Oak Ridge won despite itself Friday night at Anderson County. The Wildcats shot a nightmarish 9-for-27 (33 percent) from the free throw line, but somehow managed to pull out a 61-48 win over the Mavericks. The win … [Read more...]
Kaylan Cole commits to Lady Vols Softball program
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Kaylan Cole’s voice still resonates with passion as she talked about her decision. The King’s Academy standout will play softball for her dream school, the University of Tennessee. The junior committed to the tradition-rich Lady … [Read more...]
BOYS HOOPS: Oak Ridge wins critical District 3-AAA game at Central, 84-77
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Oak Ridge is still the team to beat in District 3-AAA, but Central is gaining ground. The Wildcats built a big second-quarter lead and then fended off a late rally by the Bobcats as Oak Ridge posted an 84-77 win at Central on … [Read more...]
BATTLE OF MORRISTOWN: East snaps West’s 13-game win streak, 74-56
BY MIKE BLACKERBY MORRISTOWN – Morristown East senior guard Connor Jordan wanted to go out with a bang in perhaps his final game against city rival Morristown West. He did just that and more, firing in 41 points as the Hurricanes rolled to a 76-54 … [Read more...]