The postseason is within sight, and teams throughout the Upper Cumberland are all working towards the same goal: to be playing their best basketball in February. Last week saw games with huge implications, both for the postseason and the top-5.
Let’s get to this week’s UC Top-5 Presented by TLTSports Performance
Top 5 Girls’
- Cookeville (LW: 1)
The Lady Cavs are 23-0 after steamrolling past Wilson Central and Green Hill last week. If they can sweep the season series against Lebanon with a win on the road on Tuesday they’ll clinch the regular season District 9/AAAA title.
What makes CHS so good? We think a big part is their ability to defend anyone. If the opponent has top-guards, CHS can defend with Bailey Gillies and Chay Cunningham. If the opponent has a big post presence, they can defend with Cassie Gallagher, KK Graves and Jordan Gillies. The Lady Cavs are a matchup nightmare, and they have a clear path to the glass house. Next.
- Livingston Academy (LW: 2)
The Lady Wildcats bounced back from their first district loss with wins over Macon County and DeKalb County. Now, they have an opportunity to regain their lead atop the district with matchups against Cumberland County and White County. If they go 2-0, they’ll likely get the regular season title, if they don’t… buckle up.
- White County (LW: 3)
The Warriorettes are playing good basketball. They’ve won five in a row, including two road district wins last week. Now they’ll look to avenge their loss against Warren County before heading to Livingston on Friday night. This feels like the pivotal week in District 7/AAA, and the Warriorettes control their own destiny. Win out and you are the one seed in the tournament.
- Upperman (LW: 4)
The Lady Bees steamrolled their way past Macon County to get back into the win column in District 7/AAA. Their hopes of winning the district are probably gone, but they still have an opportunity to build momentum and put themselves in a strong position moving into the postseason. Brooklyn Crouch and Abigail Johnson are two of the top players in the state, and the UHS defense gives them a chance to win every night.
- York (LW: HM)
Message received… Michael Green returned to the bench on Thursday night and the Dragonettes responded by blowing out Pickett County in a game that was never close. If their play in that game is sustainable, nobody in the state will want to see the purple and white jerseys on the other side of the gym. Reese Beaty dropped 24 points and made it look easy. That was the team we’ve been waiting to see, and now they are in a position to potentially continue to move up the list.
Honorable Mentions:
Clay County
Pickett County
Top 5 Boys’
- Clay County (LW: 2)
Speaking of messages being received, the Bulldogs delivered a message on Tuesday night in Byrdstown. To be the champs, you’ve got to beat the champs, and the champs looked dominant as they rolled past previously top-ranked Pickett County. Grant Strong will be back-to-back Class A Mr. Basketball, book it. The Bulldogs are clicking at the right time, and have now returned to the place where they resided earlier this season atop the top-5.
- York (LW: 3)
The Dragons also earned a big win over Pickett County last week, and are playing strong basketball. The return of Bryson Bilbrey to the lineup is an underrated boost to the Dragons’ depth, and Nic Smith and Jon Heddings are leading them through another great season. They have an opportunity to regain the top spot with their road matchup at Clay County on Tuesday night and home district game against Jackson County on Friday.
- Pickett County (LW: 1)
You can’t sugarcoat it, it was a tough week for the Bobcats. Ultimately, they’ll need to put it behind them because their goals are all still within sight. They have an opportunity to get even on Friday night with a trip to Celina, and if they can win that game nobody will remember last week. The biggest way they can do that will sound simple, but they just need to make their open shots. This is still a great basketball team.
- Jackson County (LW: 4)
The Blue Devils earned a road win over Monterey last week. They’ll look to keep their district title hopes alive on Friday when they travel to Jamestown. Ramon Cuevas is one of the most underrated players in the state, and he’s a big reason why Jackson County has a chance to go on a run.
- Smith County (LW: HM)
Welcome to the list, Smith County. This is probably overdue as the Owls have built a 17-4 record including seven straight wins. Dennis West is a certified baller and will rightfully earn Mr. Basketball votes, but this Owls team is well built. Their win over Cannon County ensured they’ll win the District 6/AA title, and the Owls may be one of the most likely boys’ teams in the UC to make a run to the state tournament.
Honorable Mentions:
Upperman
Cumberland County