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.
January 9, 2023
UC Top 5 Girls’ Teams
1. Cookeville (LW: 1)
A 2-0 week for the Cookeville Lady Cavaliers (14-3) saw them defeat Oakland in overtime before an impressive win at White County, 72-58. Cookeville’s complete resume keeps them at the top despite a strong push from both York Institute and Livingston Academy (who defeated Cookeville, 51-49). The Lady Cavs have no bad losses and multiple good wins.
2. York Institute (LW: 2)
The win streak is up to double digits for York Institute (15-2) as they won their 10th straight game Friday evening by defeating Sequatchie County 59-7 (not a typo). York travels to Clay County (14-3) Tuesday for a massive non-district game. The Dragonettes have certainly made a case for #1, but Cookeville’s head-to-head victory is the difference.
3. Livingston Academy (LW: 3)
Livingston (13-3) had one of the most impressive wins of last week as they went to Cumberland County and dominated a 13-4 Lady Jets squad, 50-24. The margin between #3 and #1 is razor-thin and all three programs have a case for #1. Livingston has two chances to bolster their case and take ahold of District 7AAA this week with games against White County (16-4) and Upperman (17-2).
4. Upperman (LW: 5)
The defending state champs continue their impressive 2022-’23 campaign as they improved to 17-2 overall with district wins over Macon County and Stone Memorial last week. Upperman jumps White County this week despite the head-to-head loss due to their complete body of work and White County’s double-digit loss to Cookeville.
5. White County (LW: 4)
The Warriorettes (16-4) drop a spot this week following a 72-58 loss to #1 Cookeville on Friday. White County responded nicely with an 80-54 win at Van Buren 24 hours later to stay at #5 this week. The Warriorettes have a massive showdown at #3 Livingston Academy Tuesday evening, and a win would go a long way in their quest for a District 7AAA championship.
Honorable Mentions:
Clarkrange (14-4)
Clay County (14-3)
Pickett County (12-5)
UC Top 5 Boys’ Teams
1. Stone Memorial (LW: 2)
Stone Memorial (14-2) returns to #1 this week with double-digit wins over #5 White County and at #3 Upperman. The Panthers spent almost a month at the top spot before falling, but have seemed to find their groove out of Christmas break. Stone hits the road to Macon County before hosting a state tournament-caliber Knox Webb team Friday.
2. Livingston Academy (LW: 1)
The 15-0 Livingston Academy Wildcats fall a spot this week despite victories over DeKalb and Cumberland County. LA move to #2 isn’t “punishment,” but rather Stone Memorial picking up two massive wins to return to the top spot. The Wildcats can make a statement this week with signature wins of their own as they face #5 White County and #3 Upperman.
3. Upperman (LW: 3)
The 11-3 Upperman Bees were defeated at home by a red-hot Stone Memorial team Friday evening as they fall to #3. Upperman heads to Crossville for a district showdown with Cumberland County on Tuesday before hosting undefeated #2 Livingston Academy Friday.
4. Clay County (LW: 5)
The wins keep rolling in for Celina as Clay County (12-3) defeated Red Boiling Springs and won at Pickett County last week. Clay hosts the source of one of their three losses, York Institute, on Tuesday in a revenge game for the Bulldogs.
5. White County (LW: NR)
Following a brief hiatus, the White County Warriors (11-7) are back in the #5 spot following wins over Cookeville and Van Buren County last week. The wins snapped a 5-game losing streak for the Warriors, 3 of which came out of state. White County can keep its hot streak going with a signature win at undefeated #2 Livingston Academy on Tuesday.
Honorable Mentions:
Gordonsville (10-4)
Cookeville (11-5)