UCR Basketball Top 5 (Jan. 15): Jackson County Boys Jump To #2 In Latest Rankings

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2025

The latest edition of the UCR Basketball Top 5 was revealed Wednesday night on the UCR Basketball Show Presented by Fire & Vine as the Upperman Bees and Lady Bees hold the top spots in both the boys and girls rankings.

Girls

1.Upperman (18-3)

The Upperman Lady Bees picked up a pair of District 7-3A wins, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing as they overcame a 19-point second-half deficit against Livingston Academy on Tuesday. Upperman hits the road to DeKalb County for another district showdown on Friday.

2. Cookeville (12-3)

Cookeville’s kept things rolling this week as they picked up a road district win at Smyrna on Tuesday. The Lady Cavs return home on Friday as they host Wilson Central.

3. White County (18-2)

The red-hot Warriorettes won a pair of District 7-3A games this week as they defeated DeKalb County and Stone Memorial. White County hasn’t lost a game in Tennessee since Nov. 23 and looks to keep that streak alive at Cumberland County on Friday.

4. Pickett County (14-3)

Pickett County opened District 7-1A play with a pair of double-digit wins over Clay County and Gordonsville to improve to 14-3 overall. Up next for the Lady Bobcats is a showdown with Class A #6-ranked Clarkrange in Byrdstown with massive district tournament implications.

5. York Institute (11-5)

A mainstay in the top 5 returns after a brief hiatus as York Institute slides into the 5 spot. York Institute is currently 11-5 overall and 1-0 in District 5-2A play. York is still awaiting the return of Iowa State signee point guard Reese Beaty as they move further into district play with a home game against Jackson County on Friday.

Honorable Mentions: Smith County, Clarkrange

Boys

1.Upperman (15-2)

The Upperman Bees maintain their top spot after a pair of wins over previously #2-ranked Stone Memorial and Livingston Academy. Upperman is scheduled to hit the road to DeKalb County this Friday.

2. Jackson County (12-2)

Jumping a spot this week are the Jackson County Blue Devils after a pair of high-powered offensive outputs in a 70-55 win over Macon County followed by a 97-51 win over Monterey. Jackson County is 12-2 overall and hasn’t lost a game in Tennessee all season. The Blue Devils travel to Jamestown on Friday to face York Institute.

3. Stone Memorial (13-5)

Stone Memorial split a pair of District 7-3A games this week as they fell at Upperman 62-45 before defeating White County, 60-44. The Panthers’ road gets no easier ahead as they travel to Livingston Academy on Friday.

4. Pickett County (12-5)

Pickett County earned a pair of District 7-1A wins over Clay County and Gordonsville this week to maintain their #4 ranking in the UCR Top 5. The Bobcats host Clarkrange to round out this week.

5. Cookeville (8-6)

Cookeville jumps back in the #5 overall spot this week following a 60-57 victory at Smyrna. The Cavaliers welcome Wilson Central on Friday as they continue District 7-4A play.

Honorable Mention: Clay County