Pat Benson
The high school basketball season is a grind, both mentally and physically. Competing at a high level from October to March doesn’t build character, it reveals character. Bad weather, flu season, and games every other night can make the season feel like a fever dream. I’ve been there, and my teams never even got past the first round of the region tournament. So I want to give some love to our four local teams that are making the trip to Murfreesboro for the TSSAA State Tournament.
Bradley Central Bearettes (31-3)
Last year’s star player Rhyne Horward just won SEC Freshman of the Year for the Kentucky Wildcats. However, this year’s team didn’t try to replace the star player they lost, rather they focused on creating new leaders on the court and establishing a defensive identity.
There’s not a singular star player, their outside shooting could use some improvement, but they play tough defense and team basketball. Sure, Junior Anna Walker and Sophomore Jamaryn Blair have shouldered a lot of the responsibility; but their cadre of role players like Hannah Barnes, Cambree Mayo, and Hannah Lombard all buy into the system and play selfless basketball.
That’s what we have come to expect from the legendary Coach Jason Reuter who just led this program to their ninth straight district championship. We’ve all used this comparison many times, but they are the UCONN women and Coach Reuter is the Geno Auriemma of our area. The Bearettes defeated Lebanon on Thursday, and Oak Ridge in overtime on Friday to advance to the State Finals Championship Game against Houston on Saturday, March 9th at 2:30PM EST.
Cleveland Blue Raiders (28-4)
Let’s start with our only 3A boys team to make it to Murfreesboro. This Cleveland team reminds me of the Showtime Lakers of the 1980’s with a fast-paced tempo, dynamic young coach, and penchant for short-shorts. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing the coaches and players twice, and it was clear to me that these guys are like family. That bond is apparent on the court as they know each other’s every move on both offense and defense.
Senior Isaiah Johnson has been called the best defender in the state. Meanwhile, Junior JaCobi Wood is a prodigy point guard. Sophomore Grant Hurst is an elite sharp-shooter. And of course, Sophomore Klay McGowan is tough as nails, and has taken 22 charges this season alone.
Coach McCowan and his impressive staff have ignored all the noise and distractions to help these young men reach their full potential. I don’t know how many of us would have had picked this team to make it to Murfreesboro, but here they are with a date with destiny. The Blue Raiders face Memphis-East and the #1 prospect in the nation, James Wiseman on Thursday, March 14th at 11:30 a.m.
Brainerd Panthers (20-10)
In 2A we have two teams, the first being the Brainerd Panthers. Don’t let the overall record fool you, this team can play with just about anybody in the state. Brainerd dropped their first three games, before eventually ending the season winning fourteen of sixteen games. The Panthers defeated rival Howard in the region championship, and York Institute in sub-state to punch their ticket to Murfreesboro.
In the age of offense and flash, this is an old-school Brainerd team which relies on defense, rebounding, and making free throws. If Cleveland is the Showtime Lakers, these guys are the Bad Boy Pistons, just without the dirty play. Junior point guard Kevin Halfacre won Region MVP, but not without the help of Cameron Evans, Trey Owten, LeDerron Freeman and a supporting cast of role players who have bought into their coaches system.
Speaking of the coach, Levar Brown and his staff have done an excellent job of keeping their team focused on just what’s ahead of them. Coach Brown had big shoes to fill after succeeding Robert High, but he has elevated Brainerd back to the top and deserves to be recognized as one of the best coaches in our area. The Panthers take on Pearl-Cohn on Wednesday, March 13th at 2:45 p.m.
Howard Hustlin’ Tigers (25-8)
I’m not sure many strong teams have received less coverage than Howard. Somehow they have flown under the radar despite some epic games against Brainerd, Tyner, and East Hamilton. The Hustlin’ Tigers have a group of ballers that can explode on any given night; Marquez Williams, DeWayne Lowery, Calvin James, and Telijah Sow just to name a few.
Since I’ve been using NBA analogies, this Hustlin’ Tigers squad embodies the modern style of play built around pace and spacing. Their length, athleticism, and perimeter attack will visibly ware teams down. The Hustlin’ Tigers will be tested against East Nashville on Wednesday, March 13th at 10 a.m
First year Coach James Talley has exceeded expectations. It’s hard to keep pushing forward after tough losses, it’s even more difficult trying to do so when those losses came against bitter rivals. Nevertheless, Coach Talley got Howard to the region championship game and then won on the road at Watertown to secure a spot in Murfreesboro. If this is the beginning of his tenure at Howard, I can’t wait to see the final product.
I’m so excited for these young men and women who get to compete for a state championship in the Glass House. For some of them it will be the last time suiting up in their high school uniform, and maybe last game of their career. Anybody who has ever had hoop dreams knows how quickly your time on the court goes by; so my advice would be to listen to your coaches, lean on your teammates, and have fun. Regardless of the outcome, all four of our local teams deserve a hero’s welcome when they return from playing in Murfreesboro.
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Pat Benson is a fixture at local high school sporting events. He has been a sideline reporter, P.A. announcer, and radio personality. Tweet him @Pat_Benson_Jr.