Thursday, Jan. 2, 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 (13-3)
The Upperman Lady Bees remain atop the UCR rankings this week with a 13-3 overall record. Upperman had won 11 consecutive games before falling to two out-of-state opponents in the Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic in Greeneville earlier this week. Upperman returns to action on Saturday at home against Creek Wood.
2. Pickett County (11-2)
The defending Class 1A state champion Pickett County Lady Bobcats enter 2025 with a UC top-5 matchup on Saturday at #4-ranked Cookeville (9-3). Pickett County earned victories over Farragut, Webb, Midway and Kingston over Christmas break.
3. White County (14-2)
The White County Warriorettes wrapped up their pre-New Years slate in Destin, FL, on Monday and enter the new year at 14-2 overall. White County has notable wins this season over Bearden, Cannon County, Chattanooga Christian, Smith County and a sweep of Cannon County. The Warriorettes host Warren County next on Monday.
4. Cookeville (9-3)
The Cookeville Lady Cavaliers are fresh off a THW Christmas Classic championship where they defeated host-school Watertown 39-27 for their third consecutive victory. The Lady Cavaliers host #2-ranked Pickett County on Saturday.
5. York Institute (10-5)
The York Institute Dragonettes return to the top 5 this week at 10-5 overall. York has won 6 of their last 8 games while they wait on the return of Iowa State signee Reese Beaty to their lineup, who has missed the first half of the season due to injury. York is scheduled to host Stone Memorial on Tuesday.
Honorable Mentions: Clarkrange, Smith County
Boys
1.Upperman (10-2)
The Upperman Bees enter 2025 atop the UCR boys rankings at 10-2 overall. The Bees opened the season with 9 consecutive victories before falling in 2 of their last 3 games. Upperman hosts Creek Wood on Saturday in their first game of 2025.
2. Stone Memorial (12-4)
Stone Memorial sits at #2 in the UCR top 5 entering 2025 following their runner-up finish in the Marlin Classic at Panama City Beach. The Panthers have a week off before traveling to York Institute next Tuesday.
3. Jackson County (9-1)
The Jackson County Blue Devils come in at #3 overall entering 2025 following an 8-game winning streak to start the season. The Blue Devils are scheduled to face Cumberland County (KY) on Friday.
4. Cookeville (7-5)
The Cookeville Cavaliers were 7-2 overall before 3 close losses in the Marlin Classic in Panama City Beach last week. Cookeville hosts Pickett County on Saturday in their first action of 2025.
5. Pickett County (9-4)
The Pickett County Bobcats enter 2025 at 9-4 overall and have won 2 of their last 3 games entering 2025. Pickett County hits the road to Class 4A Cookeville on Saturday for their first game of the new year.
Honorable Mention: Clay County