With basketball season in full swing and district play ramping up, UCR’s Rusty Ellis and Michael Lindsay have graded each team’s performance to this point. Grades were decided upon using multiple factors including win-loss records, quality of wins and preseason expectations for each school.
Lady Jets: A-
Overall Record: 13-3
Key Wins: Pickett County, McMinn Central, Meigs County, Clarkrange, Heritage
Reasoning: The Lady Jets have all the pieces for a deep run and have won a ton of games to start the season. Sweeping McMinn Central, dominating Meigs County and winning at Clarkrange are all worthy of “signature win” status. Cumberland County is one of the best teams on the UC, with losses only coming to Cookeville and York.
How to Improve: The Lady Jets already have a high grade, and their path to improving it feels straightforward. Cumberland County lost in overtime to Cookeville and trailed York by two possessions late in the fourth quarter. Finishing off wins against area teams will boost the Lady Jets’ grade.
Jets: C
Overall Record: 3-13
Key Wins: Macon County, McMinn Central
Reasoning: There’s no guide for replacing 7 seniors, and the Jets are doing just that this season. They’re a young team with only one returning starter, so figuring out their way through the season is vital.
How to Improve: The Jets have shown growth since the beginning of the season, and continuing that is key. They pushed a state-tournament caliber Stone Memorial team to the brink in December and recently lost a tight game to a good York program. Cumberland County has chances to add to the win column this season and they need to take advantage.