Each week during the 2022-23 high school basketball season, UCR’s Rusty Ellis, Michael Lindsay and Noah McKay will release the UC Top 5. The lists will feature the top 5 girls’ and boys’ basketball teams in the Upper Cumberland, according to them.
Please note this list is 100% opinion-based and will change throughout the season.
December 12, 2022
UC Top 5 Girls’ Teams
- Cookeville (LW: 2)
The No. 1 girls ranking stays in Putnam County as the 6-1 Lady Cavaliers jump up a spot following Upperman’s loss to White County. The Lady Cavs took care of business at Oakland and Stone Memorial over the weekend and host our No. 2 team on Tuesday.
2. York Institute (LW: 3)
The York Institute Dragonettes (5-1) are used to being near the top of power rankings, and this week is no exception as they slide up a spot. York gets a shot at the top of the mountain Tuesday as they travel to No. 1 Cookeville.
3. White County (LW: 4)
White County reminded the Upper Cumberland they’re a force to be reckoned with last Friday as they defeated defending Class 3A state champion and previous UCR No. 1 Upperman, 61-38. White County (7-1) hits the road to DeKalb County on Tuesday.
4. Upperman (LW: 1)
Upperman’s nearly 30-game winning streak was snapped at White County Friday as the Warriorettes jumped them in the UCR top 5. The Lady Bees have shown an ability to overcome adversity more than any team on the UC in recent years. Upperman (8-1) is currently enjoying some sunshine down in Florida, but will certainly have a chance to climb the rankings.
5. Livingston Academy (LW: 5)
Livingston Academy kept their strong start going last week as the Lady Wildcats (7-1) stay at No. 5 overall. LA’s lone loss this year hurts them on the rankings more than others as they fell to 4-6 Seymour earlier this year.
Honorable Mentions
- Cumberland County
- Pickett County
UC Top 5 Boys’ Teams
1. Upperman (LW: 2)
An overtime victory in Sparta Friday propelled the Upperman Bees (5-0) atop the UCR boys basketball world as they take over the No. 1 spot. Coach Bobby McWilliams’ team is still figuring things out with a balance of youth and experience and winning games in the process.
2. Stone Memorial (LW: 1)
Stone Memorial’s undefeated start to the season ended Saturday evening at the hands of Cookeville, who earned an 81-75 victory over the Panthers in Crossville. Stone Memorial (8-1) dispatched DeKalb County on Friday, 81-47, to earn a district win. The line between Stone and Cookeville is thin, but the Panthers have the more complete body of work. Stone and Cookeville split their regular-season games and the Cavaliers have an additional loss to Webb earlier this week.
3. Cookeville (LW: 3)
Cookeville stays at No. 3 overall following a 2-1 week with wins over Oakland and Stone Memorial. The Cavs fell to Webb earlier in the week but quickly erased the loss with their two impressive weekend victories. The Cavaliers (4-2) have the talent and coaching to make their way atop the rankings and are trending in the right direction.
4. Livingston Academy (LW: NR)
Welcome to the top 5, LA. The undefeated Wildcats (6-0) are making their case as one of the Upper Cumberland’s strongest teams with their perfect start. LA won a shootout at Pickett and has held all other opponents under 56 points.
5. White County (LW: 4)
The Warriors fell in overtime to now No. 1 Upperman Friday evening, dropping to 5-2 overall this season. White County’s losses are to the No. 1 and 3 teams in the UCR top 5. A tough matchup with DeKalb County awaits the Warriors who are looking to right the ship in Sparta.
Honorable Mentions
- Monterey
- Clay County