The January 10 edition of the UC Basketball Top 5 rankings for 2024 are here with Cookeville’s boys and York Institute’s girls holding the top spots. The UC top 5 is revealed each week first on the UCR Basketball Coaches Show Presented by Fire & Vine.
Complete rankings available below with UCR’s commentary on the rankings available HERE: https://www.facebook.com/uppercumberlandreporter/videos/673812981330926/
Girls
1. York Institute (12-3)
The York Institute Dragonettes remain in the top spot in the girls’ list after handling business against District 5-2A foe Watertown on Friday. York took the early portion of this week off before the Dragonettes travel to UC #2 Cookeville on Thursday, who the defeated 52-48 on Dec. 12.
2. Cookeville (13-3)
Cookeville is rolling through their schedule as the 13-3 Lady Cavaliers have won 7 of their last 8, including a 63-22 victory over District 7-4A foe Smyrna on Tuesday. The Lady Cavs have a chance for revenge Thursday as they welcome UC #1-ranked York Institute to town. York defeated the Lady Cavs 52-48 on Dec. 12.
3. Upperman (17-2)
Upperman is finding their stride in the new year as the 17-2 Lady Bees have won six consecutive games dating back to Dec. 27, including two District 7-3A wins over Stone Memorial and Livingston. The Lady Bees have a busy slate ahead as they host DeKalb County on Friday and travel to White County on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
4. Pickett County (13-2)
The Pickett County Lady Bobcats are back in the UC Top 5 as they’ve won nine consecutive games dating back to Dec. 8; over one month ago. The Lady Bobcats snapped a streak against Clay County last week and are 2-0 in District 7-A play with a home game against Red Boiling Springs on the horizon.
5. Livingston Academy (13-6)
Livingston Academy picked up a key victory over previously-ranked Cumberland County on Friday as the Lady Wildcats return to the UC Top 5. LA fell in a tight contest with #3-ranked Upperman on Tuesday and will look to get back on track against Stone Memorial on Friday, who knocked off White County on Tuesday.
Honorable mentions: Cumberland County, White County
Boys
1. Cookeville (14-3)
The Cookeville Cavaliers remain comfortably atop the boys UC Top 5 rankings as they’re currently 14-3 overall and have won 6 of their last 7. The Cavaliers host a red-hot York Institute team Friday who they handled earlier in the season.
2. York Institute (9-5)
The York Institute Dragons made a significant jump this week as they rise to the #2 on the heels of a 6-game winning streak. The Dragons were highly-ranked in the preseason and are finding their stride again following the return of their entire lineup from football and injuries. York has their biggest test to date Thursday as they travel to UC #1-ranked Cookeville, who defeated them 73-45 on Dec. 12.
3. Upperman (13-4)
The Upperman Bees are in the third spot this week as they fell to Stone Memorial on Friday before picking up wins over Creek Wood and Livingston Academy. Upperman has won 7 of their last 8 and host DeKalb County on Friday in District 7-3A play.
4. Pickett County (12-4)
Pickett County sits in the fourth spot this week following three straight wins, including snapping a losing streak to Clay County dating back to 2018. The Bobcats have won 6 of their last 7 and are set to host Red Boiling Springs on Friday.
5. Stone Memorial (11-7)
The Stone Memorial Panthers remain in the top 5 after a roller-coaster week featuring a win over 13-4 Upperman on Friday before falling to 7-7 White County on Tuesday. The Panthers have opportunities to climb as Livingston Academy travels to Crossville on Friday for District 7-3A action.