Throughout the 2021-2022 high school basketball season, UCR’s Noah McKay, Rusty Ellis and Kailee Means will put out their top five boys’ and girls’ basketball teams in the Upper Cumberland as part of the UC Top 5 Presented by TLTSports Performance.
Week one of the season answered some questions and raised new ones! Some new teams arrive in the rankings this week and some fall away. One thing is certain, there is no shortage of great basketball in the Upper Cumberland.
UC Top 5 Girls’ Teams
- White County (LW: 1)
The Warriorettes are 2-0 with one of the tallest starting fives in the state. By nature of their size and skill, the Warriorettes will dominate some teams. They’ll need to find some answers from their guards to reach their full potential, we think this team has the potential to be one of the great WCHS teams.
- Cookeville (LW: 2)
The gap between CHS and WCHS is razor-thin for us, the only difference is we think WCHS faced a tougher week one schedule, but both have an argument to be #1. We were very impressed with the Lady Cavs’ wins over Oakland and Knox-Webb. Cassie Gallagher had a great week, and she has a strong supporting cast around her. If they find a way to knock off Knoxville Catholic we could have a new number 1.
- York (LW: 3)
The Dragonettes are the lone team on the list with a loss, but losing to a great Bearden team on the same day they beat Mayville does not warrant any move down. Gabby Beaty had a strong start to the season, and we expect Reese Beaty to continue to emerge. This is a really good team in Jamestown that can beat anyone on any given night.
- Livingston Academy (LW: 5)
The Lady Wildcats are 3-0 and had a very impressive season-opening win over Lipscomb Academy. With four returning and talented starters, it is no surprise Leslie Riddle’s squad is playing well early. If they can continue their level of play they will move up the list and challenge for the top of District 7/3A.
- Upperman (LW: NR)
Alright, Upperman fans, let’s talk about it.
Last week, UHS narrowly missed the list and you all made sure we heard about it. Ultimately, they are replacing four key players from last year’s dominant squad, including the reigning Miss Basketball. They do return one of the top point guards in the state in Brooklyn Crouch, a dominant post in Abigail Johnson, and the underrated Jayla Cobb. They missed the list last week because we needed to see what the squad looked like with all the roster turnover, and we got a sneak peek on Saturday when the Lady Bees opened up the season rolling past Mt. Pisgah Christian. Dana McWilliams is one of the top coaches in the state, and we think once this team finds a rhythm with the new pieces, they will be tough to beat. It is very possible last week is the only week all season the Lady Bees are not in the top five.
Honorable Mention:
Clay County
DeKalb County
UC Top 5 Boys’ Teams
- Clay County (LW: 2)
Our opinion? Grant Strong is the best high school basketball player in the state of Tennessee. Combine him with a great team and you get a 2-0 start for the defending state champions. His play last week was too great to ignore, and the Bulldogs claim the top spot.
- Cookeville (LW: 1)
The Cavs are 1-1 but played two state championship contenders in their respective classifications in Knox-Webb and Pickett County. They’re adding new players to the lineup and battling some injuries but have the makings of a great team. They have a huge test Tuesday night when they host Knoxville Catholic. We think this is a squad that will continue to improve as the season moves along.
- Pickett County (LW: 3)
The Bobcats got a forfeit win over Oneida, then pushed the Cavs to the brink on Saturday. Zach Amonett’s return to the lineup appears to be imminent and that will be a big boost for a team that has its sights set on a return to Murfreesboro. Keep your eye on Hunter Wattenbarger to have a huge year for the Bobcats.
- White County (LW: 5)
The Warriors passed their first test in the post-Grant Slatten era. Jake Davis was sensational against York, and the Warriors feel like a team that will continue to get better as the season moves along. Will Davis be the star this team needs, or will another emerge? Either way, the Warriors will be a huge factor in District 7/3A.
- York (LW: NR)
The Dragons had a 1-1 week as they rolled past Kingston and narrowly dropped a road matchup with White County. Nic Smith is a star and he’s got lots of help as Rodney Pile’s squad looks to be the top team in the district. Last week we said the fifth spot on the boys side is a tough one to fill, but we are very comfortable with the Dragons occupying the spot.
Honorable Mention:
DeKalb County