Basketball Preview

2022-23 COMPOSITE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Chuckey-Doak, North Greene (boys), South Greene (boys), West Greene (girls) in Hardee’s Classic at David Crockett

North Greene (girls), South Greene (girls) in Food City Classic at Sullivan East

Friday, Nov. 25

Chuckey-Doak, North Greene (boys), South Greene (boys), West Greene (girls) in Hardee’s Classic at David Crockett

Greeneville (girls) in BC Classic at Bradley Central

North Greene (girls), South Greene (girls) in Food City Classic at Sullivan East

West Greene (boys) in Thanks giving tournament at Maryville Saturday, Nov. 26

Chuckey-Doak, North Greene (boys), South Greene (boys), West Greene (girls) in Hardee’s Classic at David Crockett

Greeneville (girls) in BC Classic at Bradley Central North Greene (girls), South Greene (girls) in Food City Classic at Sullivan East

West Greene (boys) in Thanks giving tournament at Maryville Monday, Nov. 28

West Greene at Unaka Tuesday, Nov. 29

University High at ChuckeyDoak

Hancock County at North Greene

Cherokee at West Greene

South Greene at David Crockett Thursday, Dec. 1

Jefferson County at Greeneville University High at South Greene

Chuckey-Doak at Unaka West Greene at Hampton Friday, Dec. 2

South Greene at North Greene West Greene at Unicoi County Saturday, Dec. 3

Happy Valley at Chuckey-Doak Tuesday, Dec. 6

Chuckey-Doak at West Greene Claiborne at Greeneville Grainger at South Greene North Greene at University High

Thursday, Dec. 8

North Greene at Cosby Friday, Dec. 9

West Greene at South Greene Greeneville at Alcoa Saturday, Dec. 10

Chuckey-Doak at North Greene Monday, Dec. 12

South Greene at Hampton West Greene at Gibbs

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Cherokee at Chuckey-Doak

Dobyns-Bennett at Greeneville

David Crockett at South Greene

Unaka at West Greene

Thursday, Dec. 15

Washburn at West Greene South Greene at Unaka Friday, Dec. 16

Sullivan East at North Greene

Chuckey-Doak at Hampton Greeneville at Bearden

South Greene (boys), West Greene (boys) in Big H BBQ Bash at Cherokee

Saturday, Dec. 17

Chuckey-Doak (boys) in FCA Tournament at West Ridge

South Greene (boys), West Greene (boys) in Big H BBQ Bash at Cherokee Monday, Dec. 19

Chuckey-Doak (boys) in FCA Tournament at West Ridge Greeneville (boys) in More Than Basketball Tournament at Lip scomb Academy

South Greene (boys), West Greene (boys) in Big H BBQ Bash at Cherokee

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Greeneville (boys) in More Than Basketball Tournament at Lip scomb Academy

South Greene (boys), West Greene (boys) in Big H BBQ Bash at Cherokee

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Greeneville (boys) in More Than Basketball Tournament at Lip scomb Academy

Thursday, Dec. 22

West Greene at Daniel Boone Monday, Dec. 26

Chuckey-Doak, Greeneville,

North Greene, South Greene, West Greene in Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic at Hal Henard Tuesday, Dec. 27

Chuckey-Doak, Greeneville, North Greene, South Greene, West Greene in Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic at Hal Henard Chuckey-Doak (boys) in Christ mas Tournament at Carter Greeneville (boys) in Arby’s Clas sic at Tennessee High North Greene (boys) in King of the Smokies Christmas Classic at Pigeon Forge

Wednesday, Dec. 28

Chuckey-Doak, Greeneville, North Greene, South Greene, West Greene in Andrew John son Bank Ladies Classic at Hal Henard

Chuckey-Doak (boys) in Christ mas Tournament at Carter Greeneville (boys) in Arby’s Clas sic at Tennessee High North Greene (boys) in King of the Smokies Christmas Classic at Pigeon Forge Thursday, Dec. 29

Chuckey-Doak, Greeneville, North Greene, South Greene, West Greene in Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic at Hal Henard Chuckey-Doak (boys) in Christ mas Tournament at Carter Greeneville (boys) in Arby’s Clas sic at Tennessee High North Greene (boys) in King of the Smokies Christmas Classic at Pigeon Forge

Friday, Dec. 30

Chuckey-Doak, Greeneville, North Greene, South Greene, West Greene in Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic at Hal Henard Greeneville (boys) in Arby’s Clas sic at Tennessee High Saturday, Dec. 31

Chuckey-Doak, Greeneville, North Greene, South Greene, West Greene in Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic at Hal Henard Greeneville (boys) in Arby’s Clas sic at Tennessee High Tuesday, Jan. 3

North Greene at Chuckey-Doak Morristown East at Greeneville Hampton at South Greene

Unicoi County at West Greene Friday, Jan. 6

Cloudland at North Greene Chuckey-Doak at Cherokee Saturday, Jan. 7

Science Hill at Greeneville Monday, Jan. 9

Greeneville at Jefferson County West Greene at Cherokee Tuesday, Jan. 10

West Greene at North Greene Chuckey-Doak at Johnson County

Greeneville at Cherokee South Greene at Happy Valley Friday, Jan. 13

Unaka at Chuckey-Doak Grainger at Greeneville Hampton at North Greene Johnson County at South Greene Happy Valley at West Greene Saturday, Jan. 14 Cosby at Chuckey-Doak Farragut at Greeneville Monday, Jan. 16

Cosby at North Greene Hampton at West Greene Tuesday, Jan. 17

South Greene at Chuckey-Doak Greeneville at Cocke County West Greene at Johnson County Friday, Jan. 20

West Greene at Chuckey-Doak North Greene at Unaka South Greene at Grainger Saturday, Jan. 21

South Greene at University High Tuesday, Jan. 24

South Greene at West Greene Chuckey-Doak at Happy Valley

Greeneville at Claiborne

North Greene at Hancock County Thursday, Jan. 26

University High at North Greene Friday, Jan. 27

Johnson County at Chuckey-Do ak

Happy Valley at South Greene Greeneville at Dobyns-Bennett West Greene at Washburn Saturday, Jan. 28

North Greene at West Greene Tuesday, Jan. 31

Cherokee at Greeneville

Chuckey-Doak at Cosby North Greene at Cloudland South Greene at Johnson County West Greene at Happy Valley Friday, Feb. 3

Chuckey-Doak at South Greene Johnson County at West Greene Greeneville at Grainger Saturday, Feb. 4

North Greene at South Greene Knoxville Catholic at Greeneville Tuesday, Feb. 7

Cocke County at Greeneville North Greene at Hampton

Unaka at South Greene Gibbs at West Greene Thursday, Feb. 9

Chuckey-Doak at University High

Daniel Boone at West Greene Friday, Feb. 10

Unaka at North Greene

Greeneville at Science Hill Saturday, Feb. 11

Hampton at Chuckey-Doak Monday, Feb. 13

Greeneville at Morristown East Tuesday, Feb. 14

North Greene at Sullivan East

ON THE COVER

Greeneville girls basketball coach Annette Watts cuts down a net following a 72-53 win over Grainger in the District 2-3A championship game last season at Hal Henard Gym in Green eville. (PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN BY

BRYAN CANNON)

2022-23 CHUCKEY-DOAK BLACK KNIGHTS

District Champion Knights Return A Lot

BY J.D. VAUGHN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Chuckey-Doak won’t surprise anyone this year. Not after winning the District 1-2A championship and returning a good portion of its players.

“We kind of snuck up on some teams last year, but I’ve told the boys those days are over with,” veteran coach Sam Broyles said. “I told them these teams are going to give you their best shot each night they’re playing you all. You’ve got to be ready.”

Four players scored in double figures to help Chuckey-Doak win last year’s District 1-2A championship. All of them — Christian Derry, Cadin Tullock, Isaiah Treadway and Ethan Grind staff — are back this season.

The Black Knights went 18-9 last year to win their first district title since 2013, before bowing out to Alcoa in the Region 1-2A semifinal round.

Derry, last year’s District Tournament MVP, certainly won’t go overlooked — largely because the junior stands 6-foot-8. That, and he averaged a double-double his sophomore season with 17 points and 10.2 rebounds a game, not to mention 2.5 blocks. And Derry, who slimmed down over the offseason, is capable of shooting from the perimeter if necessary.

“That’ll help him tremen dously,” Broyles said. “Chris tian, when he gets better, it helps our team.”

Tullock, who will be fresh

Name Grade

off a record-setting football season as Chuckey-Doak’s quarterback, led all of Dis trict 1-2A by averaging 19.2 points a night last season. He also led the Black Knights in steals (2.6) and assists (3.4) while hitting 37% from 3-point range and 52% from inside the arc.

Having undergone surgery after baseball season, Tullock hasn’t seen much action on the court since his junior bas ketball campaign.

“That’s been a while,” Broyles said. “He’s such an important part, and he’s gotten bigger and better.”

POINT OF EMPHASIS

One of Chuckey-Doak’s question marks is who will run the point, following the graduation of Roberto Vazquez. Treadway returns the most experience there from his sophomore season, where he averaged three assists and two steals as well as 9.1 points per game. He made 46% of the 2-point field goals he shot out of Chuckey-Doak’s fast-paced

2022-23 CHUCKEY-DOAK BLACK KNIGHTS

2022-23 SCHEDULE (Home games in CAPS) Nov.15 at NorthviewAcademy Nov.19 Unicoi Co.,Hancock Co.at Hancock Co. Nov.21-26 Hardee’s Classic at David Crockett Nov.29 UNIVERSITY HIGH Dec.1 at Unaka Dec.3 HAPPYVALLEY Dec.6 atWest Greene Dec.10 at North Greene Dec.13 CHEROKEE Dec.16 at Hampton Dec.17-19 FCATournament atWest Ridge Dec.27-29 ChristmasTournament at Carter Jan.3 NORTH GREENE Jan.6 at Cherokee Jan.10 at Johnson County Jan.13 UNAKA Jan.14 COSBY Jan.17 SOUTH GREENE Jan.20WEST GREENE Jan.24 at HappyValley Jan.27 JOHNSON COUNTY Jan.31 at Cosby Feb.3 at South Greene

offense.

that a lot,” Broyles said. “He’s

SEE KNIGHTS ON PAGE 6

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

Chuckey-Doak’s Christian Derry (33) celebrates during a District 1-2A semifinal win over West Greene last season.

No.

2022-23 CHUCKEY-DOAK LADY BLACK KNIGHTS

Lady Knights Seek Further Improvement

BY J.D. VAUGHN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

From a school set ting, it wasn’t much of a transition. But athletic director and new coach Kyle Donahue spent most of the summer getting to know his players from a basketball perspec tive.

Chuckey-Doak did return to the region tournament last season after a three-year absence, improving their win total from the previous year to finish 6-23 overall. To further improve, Donahue quickly tried to establish a team dynamic starting with summer camp.

“It’s been an adjustment period getting to know each other and letting them know how I am, and setting a stan dard,” Donahue said. “Same thing with them, trying to get to know them on a personal level before any basketball stuff happens. They’re people first and basketball players second … it’s headed in the right direction.”

The good news, Chuck ey-Doak graduated only one senior — All-Conference forward Breanna Roberts. The Lady Black Knights have just one senior who played varsity minutes last season in point guard Taliah Johnson. After earning All-Conference honors her junior year, John son will once again direct the offense in 2022-23.

“She’s very agile, so we’re trying to mould her into a point guard that runs the program,” Donahue said. “She’s one of our captains. As

CHUCKEY-DOAK

LADY BLACK KNIGHTS

No. Name Grade 1

Kennedy Brown So.

FaithYokley Jr.

HayleighTaylor Jr.

Taliah Johnson Sr.

SaniahAtchison So.

Bri Lowe Jr.

Camryn Beals Sr.

Macy Cox So.

Adyson Ripley Jr.

Courtnee Jones Jr.

Tavyn Southerland So.

MontzeTrejo Jr.

Hayleigh Hensley Jr.

she goes, we go.”

Senior Camryn Beals will vie for varsity minutes in the post.

DOWN AND DIRTY

Hayleigh Hensley didn’t take long to make a positive impact at Chuckey-Doak. Her freshman year, she earned All-Conference honors. And as a sophomore, Hensley was named to the District 1-2A All-Tournament team.

Standing 6-foot-2, Hens ley will naturally give the Lady Black Knights some much-needed size in the paint, both offensively and defensively.

“We want her to be strong and be physical, and not fade away from the basket,” Donahue said. “We want her to go to the basket, and we believe she can. She proved that as a freshman. We have big expectations for Hayleigh.”

Hensley’s rebounding will

LADY BLACK KNIGHTS 2022-23

SCHEDULE

(Home games in CAPS)

Nov.15 at NorthviewAcademy Nov.19 Unicoi Co.,Hancock Co.at Hancock Co. Nov.21-26 Hardee’s Classic at David Crockett Nov.29 UNIVERSITY HIGH Dec.1 at Unaka Dec.3 HAPPYVALLEY Dec.6 atWest Greene Dec.10 at North Greene Dec.13 CHEROKEE Dec.16 at Hampton Dec.26-31Andrew Johnson Bank

Jan.3 NORTH GREENE Jan.6 at Cherokee

Jan.10 at Johnson County Jan.13 UNAKA

Jan.14 COSBY Jan.17 SOUTH GREENE Jan.20WEST GREENE

Jan.24 at HappyValley Jan.27 JOHNSON COUNTY Jan.31 at Cosby Feb.3 at South Greene Feb.9 at University High Feb.11 HAMPTON

Ladies Classic at Hal Henard

2022-23 CHUCKEY-DOAK LADY BLACK KNIGHTS

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN BY BRYAN CANNON

Chuckey-Doak’s Taliah Johnson (10) drives through traffic during a 44-25 District 1-2A tournament win over Johnson County last season at Chuckey-Doak.

played all summer in AAU and stuff and he’s gotten better. He had a good summer camp. Hopefully he can run the point.”

If not Treadway, then Tullock and junior Brock Rush are both capable. Tullock will primarily be a shooting guard. Treadway, last year’s District Co-Underclassman of the Year, and Tullock both made the All-Conference and All-Tournament teams.

LOCK AND LOAD

Grindstaff, who missed a portion of his junior year with an injury, is also projected to be one of Chuckey-Doak’s top shooters. Fellow senior Dillon Shel ton will replace Hayden Anderson, who averaged 10.1 points and eight rebounds last year, at forward.

“I’m expecting big things from Ethan,” Broyles said. “Dillon, I could bring him in and he could guard most team’s guards. Of course, he’ll have to guard most team’s posts to help fill in where Hayden graduated.”

Broyles described Treadway as probably his best on-the-ball defender, with junior Brasen Murvin and Rush both in the mix too. Juniors Luke Myers and Samuel Riddle will not only give the Black Knights some depth, but can also gain valuable minutes while the football players get acclimated to basketball.

Look for juniors Gage Crum, Tyler Morrison, Nick Palazzo and Noah Baughman along with sophomore Cash Paysinger to vie for varsity minutes too.

County rivals West Greene and South Greene, last year’s District 1-2A run ner-up, will challenge Chuckey-Doak’s district reign as will Happy Valley and Johnson County.

LADY KNIGHTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

be critical, as the Lady Black Knights will look to push the ball in transition — especially with the speed of Johnson and sophomore Saniah Atchison. Naturally, the bulk of Donahue’s practices have focused on team defense.

The coach praised junior Faith Yokley for her defense against Unaka standout Lyndie Ramsey during the summer, while also noting sophomore Tavyn Southerland has done a lot of the “dirty work” for Chuckey-Doak.

“Tavyn might not be very tall, but she may have been our best rebounder this summer, just boxing out and going to get the ball in tight situations,” Donahue said.

UP FOR GRABS

Officially speaking, there’s a battle for all five

starting spots. But Donahue did indicate Hens ley and Johnson are frontrunners at center and point guard.

For the 2, 3 and 4 positions especially, Donahue isn’t naming starters yet. Juniors Courtnee Jones, Bri Lowe, Adyson Ripley, Hayleigh Taylor and Yokley are in the mix, as well as sophomores Kennedy Brown, Atchison and Southerland.

“I want to be able to have multiple people handle the basketball,” Donahue said. “We’ve got some shooters in there, some people who can drive, they all have different skill sets. It’ll be our job to piece together what they do well with each other. It’s more than just who starts. It’s who comes in, and how can they impact the game.”

Junior Montze Trejo and sophomore Macy Cox will both compete for varsity minutes.

County rivals South Greene and West Greene, as well as Happy Valley and John son County, will battle Chuckey-Doak for the district crown.

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

Chuckey-Doak’s Cadin Tullock (4) shoots over Alcoa’s Joseph Carter last season.

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

Chuckey-Doak’s Hayleigh Hensley (24) puts up a shot against Sullivan East in last year’s Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic.

BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR

Following back-toback state cham pionship runs, the Greeneville Greene Devils graduated four of five starters – including their top two scorers in Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Reid Satter field – off last year’s team and are having to reload. But that’s something coach Brad Woolsey is embracing, even having fun with.

“This year will definitely be different,” said Woolsey, whose Devils went 31-6 a year ago. “The players we lost were very, very talent ed kids who won a lot of games. It’s going to take a little time for us to get our bearings. By December, we hope to be getting things sorted out.

“We never expect kids to be anything that they’re not. If everybody comes out and is just the best version of themselves, we can have a very successful year.”

When Gillespie and Satterfield graduated, they took more than half of the

Greene Devils’ scoring from a year ago with them.

The two combined for 44.1 points per game with Gilles pie – the Class 3A Mr. Bas ketball and state tourney MVP – averaging 27.4 and Satterfield averaging 16.7.

Senior guard Adjatay Dabbs, the lone returning starter off last year’s team, appears to the the heir apparent to Gillespie. He looked the part on several occasions last season while averaging 10.5 points, 3.2

assists, 2.9 rebounds and 2 steals per game.

“Adjatay understands what we do, how we do it, why we do it and he believes in it,” Woolsey said. “When you put all that together, that produces good leader ship.

“We’re also going to have to have other people step up. There are game leaders, practice leaders and some kids are both. We’re going to need guys who can lead by example and also be

That will be the maturation

BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR

The Greeneville Lady Greene Devils return three starters and all but three players off a team that went 27-9 and reached the state tournament a year ago for the first time since 2010.

And while it might seem Greeneville is a shoo-in for another trip to Murfrees boro this season, coach Annette Watts says the Lady Devils must first replace the leadership void left behind by the graduation of guards Delana DeBusk and Grace Hayes.

“With the five seniors we have, they don’t know who the real leader is,” Watts said. “To be a successful team, you’ve got to figure out who your leaders are.”

The leadership Watts is looking for has little to do with putting the ball in the basket or keeping opponents from doing so. They return enough talent.

But what these Lady Devils lack most coming into the new season is the vocal and emotional lead ership DeBusk and Hayes provided.

The five returning seniors Watts is looking to for that leadership are Lauren Bai ley, Lindy Carter, Tambryn Ellenburg, Chloe Marsh and Dalaina Martin.

“Yes, Lauren is going to be our scoring leader,” Watts said. “Chloe is definitely go ing to be our best rebounder and defensive player. Tam bryn is going to hit the 3s. Lindy is going to be steady

and consistent in everything she does. And Dalaina Mar tin is improving. But at this point, none of those is the leader of the pack.

“Can you make it with five leaders? I don’t know.”

The lack of leadership was noticeable on Saturday when the Lady Devils were struggling in a scrimmage.

“When we’re out there on the court in a funk, I found out Saturday none of the seniors stepped up and said, ‘Hey, let’s get it together.’

Delana DeBusk did that,” Watts said. “If junk was go ing on in the locker room, I knew Delana DeBusk would

police it. Right now, I don’t know that we have that in the locker room or on the court.”

Perhaps that leadership will fall to junior Anna Shaw, who is replacing DeBusk at point guard. As a sophomore, Shaw played in all 36 of Greeneville’s games. She averaged 5.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2 steals.

“Anna can be a great leader, I think,” Watts said. “I had a coach tell me last week, ‘I thought it would really hurt ya’ll losing Dela na DeBusk, but Shaw can do a lot of the same things.’

And she can. She is our floor general now.

“Anna has one speed –wide open. She’s certainly not intimidated by the game. It’s not like we’re having to teach a whole new person the point. She’s stepped right into the job and hasn’t missed a beat.”

Bailey, who recently signed with Gardner-Webb, led Greeneville in scoring at 18.2 points per game and rebounding with 7.8 boards per game last season.

“Lauren understands the game so well offensively,” Watts said. “Sometimes she forgets the other end, but

she’s really working harder on both ends of the floor.”

With DeBusk and Hayes gone, Ellenburg should see an increase in scoring this season. She’s a 3-point spe cialist who hit 32.9 percent (54-of-164) from beyond the arc and averaged 5.8 points a year ago.

“We’ve got to get Tambryn feeling it shooting the ball,” Watts said. “When she’s hit ting, we’re a whole lot better team. She’s worked really, really hard defensively and in the weight room.”

Marsh is Greeneville’s top player in the paint after averaging 9.7 points on

55.9 percent (132-of-236) shooting and 4.8 rebounds

2022-23 GREENEVILLE LADY GREENE DEVILS

Jayquan Price, another senior guard, will help shoulder the scoring load after averaging 4.5 points, 1.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds and a steal per game last season.

“Jayquan is a quiet guy who’s always a hard worker. He doesn’t take plays off,” Woolsey said. “I think he’ll take some steps forward of fensively this year. We have a lot of confidence in him. And when he starts getting that confidence, I think we’ll see a lot of growth with him.”

Trey Thompson, a 6-foot-6 freshman, is the most anticipated arrival

at Greeneville in years, even more than Gilles pie and Satterfield were at this point in their careers.

“Trey is definitely a tal ented kid. He’s a kid who wants to know how to do things,” Woolsey said. “If you have a guy who is as talented as he is who also wants to learn, that player has a chance to really get good. He has a chance to come in and do some real ly good things for us.”

Thanks to playing AAU ball, Thompson’s acclima tion to the high school game might not take long.

“When you play in those bigger tournaments, you see guys who are his size. He played in varsity games for us this summer and got

LADY DEVILS

last season.

“I’ve told Chloe, ‘This is your senior year. You’re not planning on playing at the collegiate level. Just go out there and have fun. Be the rebounder, the defensive expert that you are,’” Watts said.

Martin is Greeneville’s tallest player at 5-foot-11 and will join Marsh in the frontcourt. She averaged 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds a year ago.

Carter, at 5-8, can play with her back to the basket and can also face the rim. She averaged 4.9 points and 2.4 rebounds last season.

“Dalaina has improved and really come a long way,” Watts said. “She might be the dark horse in our success.

“Lindy is going to hit the jumpers, she’ll knock down a 3 or two, she’s going to be on the boards. You might not notice her a whole lot, but at the end of the night her stat line is going to be solid.”

Sophomore Kyla Jobe should also

a good feel for it, and he played in the 423 Hoops League this fall and had a really good run in it,” Wool sey said. “I don’t think what he’ll see during the season is going to be any type of a shock for him. He expects it to be tough.”

Six-foot-5 senior Ty Williams (2 ppg, 2 rpg), 6-2 junior Kameron Lester (3.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and 6-4 junior Nick Thomas ( 3 ppg, 3.3 rpg) will be in the front court.

“Ty is an athletic big man who can shoot the ball. We expect him to do some big things for us this year, setting screens, stretching the floor, hitting the boards,” Woolsey said. “Kam is a guy who can also shoot the ball and

stretch the floor. And Nick has great length. From summer until now, he’s gotten a lot better defen sively. He can defend and rebound.”

Senior Mason Laws, juniors Hayden Goad, Draven Taylor, Austin Beets, Nik Pillar, J.D. Woolsey and sophomore Isaac McGill all figure to see playing time at the guard/forward spots.

“On some teams, you have huge gradations down the roster. That’s just not the case with us,” Woolsey said. “You throw any of those guys in at any time and you feel like they can go make plays. I feel comfort able putting any of them on the floor. I think that will be a luxury this year.”

GREENE DEVILS 2022-23 SCHEDULE (Home games in CAPS)

Nov. 17 Oak Hill Red/Happy Valley at Providence Academy Nov. 19 at Tennessee High/Sullivan East

Dec. 1 JEFFERSON COUNTY

Dec. 6 CLAIBORNE

Dec. 9 at Alcoa Dec. 13 DOBYNS-BENNETT

Dec. 16 at Bearden

Dec. 19-21 More Than Basketball Tournament at Lipscomb Academy Dec. 27-31 Arby’s Classic at Tennessee High

Jan. 3 MORRISTOWN EAST

Jan. 7 SCIENCE HILL

Jan. 9 at Jefferson County

Jan. 10 at Cherokee

Jan. 13 GRAINGER

Jan. 14 FARRAGUT

Jan. 17 at Cocke County

Jan. 24 at Claiborne

Jan. 27 at Dobyns-Bennett

Jan. 31 CHEROKEE

Feb. 3 at Grainger

Feb. 4 KNOX CATHOLIC

Feb. 7 COCKE COUNTY

Feb. 10 at Science Hill Feb. 13 at Morristown East

LADY GREENE DEVILS 2022-23 SCHEDULE (Home games in CAPS)

Nov. 15 GATLINBURG-PITTMAN

Nov. 19 at Knox Catholic

Nov. 25-26 McMinn County/Bradley Central at Bradley Central Classic

Dec. 1 JEFFERSON COUNTY

Dec. 6 CLAIBORNE

Dec. 9 at Alcoa

Dec. 13 DOBYNS-BENNETT

Dec. 16 at Bearden

Dec. 27-31 ANDREW JOHNSON BANK LADIES CLASSIC

Jan. 3 MORRISTOWN EAST

Jan. 7 SCIENCE HILL

Jan. 9 at Jefferson County

provide a spark for Greeneville. In the Lady Devils’ 87-53 season-opening win at Sullivan East last year, she came off the bench and scored 18 points on 7-of8 shooting. Overall, she averaged 2.9 points and 1.9 rebounds.

“Kyla just gets better and better and better,” Watts said. “She’s so athletic, such a good teammate and such a good team player. She’s a sponge. She soaks up everything you say.

“If she’s not in the starting lineup,

she’s going to be one of the first players off the bench in the game.”

Junior Kaylee Crumbley (1.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg) and sophomore Abby Adkins (1.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg) will provide depth.

“We’re definitely excited,” Watts said. “The kids are playing hard, practicing hard. I like how we’re coming along.

“We’re still going to press and run. We just love that style of game. We still have the speed to do it and we still have the bench to do it.”

Jan. 10 at Cherokee

Jan. 13 GRAINGER

Jan. 14 FARRAGUT

Jan. 17 at Cocke County

Jan. 24 at Claiborne

Jan. 27 at Dobyns-Bennett

Jan. 31 CHEROKEE

Feb. 3 at Grainger

Feb. 4 KNOX CATHOLIC

Feb. 7 COCKE COUNTY

Feb. 10 at Science Hill

Feb. 13 at Morristown East

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

Greeneville’s Chloe Marsh (12) puts up a shot against Elizabethton last season.

2022-23 NORTH GREENE HUSKIES

Huskies Restocking, But Return Britton

BY J.D. VAUGHN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

No, North Greene isn’t caught in a time loop. The Huskies must replace a significant portion of their offense after anoth er state tournament trip.

Just like last year.

Things worked in North Greene’s favor a season ago, as the Huskies made their third state trip in five years under coach Sam Tarlton. And don’t think expectations have changed in Baileyton.

“The bulk of our lead guys are gone again, but it’s not quite as drastic this year,” Tarlton said. “It poses some challenges for us, but it also gives kids the chance to show how much they’ve worked and how much they’ve improved, for guys to step up and make a name for themselves in our program.”

Unlike last year, North Greene returns its leading scorer from the previous season. Junior shooting guard Jason Britton aver aged 21.7 points per game in 2021-22. Britton (6-1), who earned All-State hon ors as a sophomore, made 53.4% of his shots while hitting from 3-point range an average of 3.3 times a night. His 2.1 steals and 4.7 rebounds both ranked second on the team.

Now, Tarlton isn’t just thinking Britton could be North Greene’s all-time best shooter by the time he graduates, but perhaps the Huskies’ all-time best

player.

“I think the same jump he had from freshman to sophomore, I think he’s going to have that same kind of jump his junior year,” Tarlton said. “A lot of times, players when they’re good early, they kind of level out. Jason, he loves basketball. He’s going to spend all his time in the gym … I think he’s devel oped off the dribble over the summer, so he’ll be looking to score in multiple ways.”

Britton has gained around

15-20 pounds in muscle mass and is en route to score his 1,000th career point early this year.

North Greene’s other returning starter, junior Sam English (6-0), might not score like Britton. But his defensive presence often proved valuable for the Huskies last year. And most importantly, he’s a student of the game according to Tarlton — who recalled seeing English observing high school games from the stands as a middle schooler.

“I think my second year,

we called a wild play for Kendal (Loftis) to dunk it,” Tarlton said. “Sam had his phone out ready to video it. He already knew … he’s just one of those kids you like having out there. He’s going to know where to be at all times.”

REPLACING BRAND

North Greene’s most visible departure was senior foreign exchange student Jasper Brand, who stood 6-foot-8 and averaged 11.7 points per game while

leading the Huskies with 1.1 blocks and 7.5 boards.

But the Huskies shouldn’t lack interior size, especially with seniors Luca May (6-4) and Tim Humburger (6-3). Both are foreign exchange students from Germany, just like All-State forward Chriss Schultz in 2021 and Brand in 2022. Tarlton ex pects Humburger to take on the role of center, with May sometimes on the perimeter and other times going to the hoop.

SamEnglish Jr.

LawsonDavenport So.

JaidenBailey Fr.

BrodyFranklin So.

TylerBritton Fr.

LucaMay Sr.

BennettMcLain So.

YeshuaVaught So.

DonStansfield Jr.

DennisMalone Sr.

TimHumburger Sr.

JasonBritton Jr.

LanceCarrico So.

ThomasDarnell Fr.

SammyHamilton So.

2022-23 NORTH GREENE HUSKIES

HUSKIES

“Luca is a big guy who can stretch the floor and shoot the 3, but also big enough to post up and score some. He gives us another ball handler and rebounder on defense,” Tarlton said. “Tim, really good rebound er. I love his energy and his motor in practice. Couldn’t really ask for more energy wise than what he’s given us so far.”

Two sophomores will also give the Huskies a size

advantage — Daniel Boone transfer Lance Carrico (6-6) and Sammy Hamilton (6-5). Carrico will likely miss the first part of the season after injuring his foot, but Tarlton anticipates he’ll return pos sibly in December.

ON POINT

In Tarlton’s own words, “everybody is a point guard.” One player who began to click toward the end of last season, sopho more guard Bennett McLain (6-1) is projected to take on

a bigger role this year and could earn a starting job.

Senior Dennis Malone (5-10) and junior Don Stansfield (5-10) are both returning to the court after a one-year hiatus.

Sophomores Yesh ua Vaught (5-9), Brody Franklin (6-0) and Lawson Davenport (6-0), as well as freshmen Jaiden Bailey and Tyler Britton, will compete for time at guard. Freshman post Thomas Darnell (6-1) will vie for varsity time as well.

“I’m really excited about

this sophomore class. My JV last year started out 2-9 and ended up 9-10, so they really showed progress,” Tarlton said. “We’re playing a lot of younger kids, but I’m really excited about this group. I think by the end of the year when it matters, they’ll be able to have a good team on the floor again.”

Hampton, which lost a lot from last year’s state semi final team but reloaded, along with University High are projected to be North Greene’s top challengers for the district title.

HUSKIES

2022-23 SCHEDULE (Home games in CAPS)

Nov. 15 CEDAR VIEW, GRAINGER

Nov. 19 J. FRANK WHITE ACADEMY, TRI-CITIES

CHRISTIAN

Nov. 21-26 Hardee’s Classic at David Crockett

Nov. 29 HANCOCK COUNTY

Dec. 2 SOUTH GREENE Dec. 6 at University High Dec. 8 at Cosby

Dec. 10 CHUCKEY-DOAK

Dec. 16 SULLIVAN EAST

Dec. 27-29 King of the Smokies Christmas Classic at Pigeon Forge

Jan. 3 at Chuckey-Doak

Jan. 6 CLOUDLAND

Jan. 10 WEST GREENE

Jan. 13 HAMPTON

Jan. 16 COSBY

Jan. 20 at Unaka

Jan. 24 at Hancock County

Jan. 26 UNIVERSITY HIGH

Jan. 28 at West Greene

Jan. 31 at Cloudland

Feb. 4 at South Greene

Feb. 7 at Hampton Feb. 10 UNAKA

Feb. 14 at Sullivan East

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

North Greene’s Jason Britton (24) drives to the basket against Clinch last season.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN BY BRYAN CANNON

North Greene’s Sam English (1) goes up for a layup during the Class A state tournament last season.

BY J.D. VAUGHN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

North Greene might lack depth, but its senior class doesn’t lack experience.

Not only have the Lady Huskies won five consec utive district tournament titles. But this year’s senior class has never missed the TSSAA state tournament in their previous three post season runs.

“Naturally, it helped with the older players already having familiarity with what we do,” North Greene coach James Buchanan said. “We’ve had to change a few things because of our per sonnel, but nothing drastic. This group has been very coachable, very low drama.”

Two starters return from last season’s state quarterfi nal squad which went 25-13 overall — seniors Zoe Sand ers and Sonya Wagner.

Fellow seniors Cambell Gaby, an All-State softball player who’s helped North Greene reach the TSSAA state tournament in three different sports, and Grace Buchanan saw valuable minutes in 2021-22 as well.

GUARD HEAVY

Sanders (5-7) will run the point for the Lady Huskies, having averaged 2.7 assists and 5.6 points along with 1.9 rebounds per game her junior year.

Despite not making the All-Conference team, Sanders did make the

District 1-A and Region 1-A All-Tournament teams.

“Her leadership, not just on the court, but in the locker room, weight room and classroom, that’s a nice thing to have,” Buchanan said. “She’s been a great defender for us. Last year, she’d draw the other team’s best guard, and that’ll probably continue this year. She’s just been great for us.”

While distributing the ball to others will still be her main job, look for Sand ers to score noticeably more this season.

Wagner (5-7) is North Greene’s top returning scorer, having averaged 7.6 points and tying for the team-high with one 3-point basket per game. Her 34.4% clip from 3-point range ranked second only to then-senior Shelby Daven port last season.

If Wagner performs well this season, Buchanan looks for her to be in the discus sion for District 1-A Player of the Year.

“Just a tremendous player. Sonya’s defense has improved so much in

the years she’s been here,” Buchanan said. “It’s hard for a girl that’s a natural scorer to look for others as well as your own shots, but she’s gotten so much better at that. She’s a very humble, very quiet young lady. There’s greatness there.”

Grace Buchanan (5-4) has transitioned into a starting role at guard. One of North Greene’s best passers on in bounds sets, Buchanan will also take more shots from the perimeter this season.

Junior Heidi Harmon (5-3), arguably the team’s

fastest player, and soph omore Mercy Buchanan give the Lady Huskies some depth at guard.

“Grace has always been our best communicator,” Coach Buchanan said. “She does it with good volume, and she’s shown in the preseason her ability to knock down shots from the outside.”

POST PLAY

GREENE LADY HUSKIES

So.

injury, before transitioning into one of North Greene’s top players off the bench.

SEE LADY HUSKIES ON PAGE 13

But the Johnson University softball signee quickly accepted her role. This year, she’s almost certain to start in the post given her rebounding ability.

“Cambell’s a blue collar, hard working, physical, tough player, very intel ligent,” Buchanan said. “She’s not shy when it comes to contact and phys icality … how she accepted (her bench role last year) just speaks to her character. She wanted what was best for the team and trusted the coaches. I appreciate kids like that. If someone wanted to tell me it’s a coin cidence that somebody like that has achieved so much success here, I’d call them crazy.”

Sophomore Hannah Miller (6-0), North Greene’s tallest player and top re bounder, will man the middle. And don’t be surprised to see her scoring a lot more this year.

Having already seen varsity time her freshman year, Miller is “improving

Nov. 15 CEDAR VIEW, GRAINGER

Nov. 19 TENNESSEE HIGH, NORTHVIEW ACAD EMY

Nov. 21-23 Thanksgiving Tournament at Sullivan East

Nov. 29 HANCOCK COUNTY

Dec. 2 SOUTH GREENE

Dec. 6 at University High Dec. 8 at Cosby Dec. 10 CHUCKEY-DOAK

Dec. 16 SULLIVAN EAST

Dec. 26-31 Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies Classic at Hal Henard

Jan. 3 at Chuckey-Doak

Jan. 6 CLOUDLAND

Jan. 10 WEST GREENE

Jan. 13 HAMPTON

Jan. 16 COSBY

Jan. 20 at Unaka Jan. 24 at Hancock County

Jan. 26 UNIVERSITY HIGH

Jan. 28 at West Greene

Jan. 31 at Cloudland

Feb. 4 at South Greene Feb. 7 at Hampton

Feb. 10 UNAKA

Feb. 14 at Sullivan East

by the day” at posting up, shooting and stretching the floor offensively.

Junior Haley Bailey (5-8) will also vie for time in the post.

The Lady Huskies will face a tougher conference

slate this year. Cloudland, which is coming off back-toback state appearances, and Hampton lost a combined one player to graduation, while Unaka returns Miss Basketball finalist Lyndie Ramsey.

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

North Greene’s Sonya Wagner (42) goes up for a shot against McKenzie’s Dani Dyer (10) during the Class A state tournament last season.

Rebels

BY WAYNE PHILLIPS SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

If size among basket ball players is truly an asset, then South Greene’s Rebels are in for a pretty good year on the hardwood.

Fielding one of the tallest teams he’s had in 23 years of coaching on Rebel Hill, Coach Terry Hoese has a team that can floor 6-5, 6-5, 6-4 and 6-6 if the situation warrants it. That’s one rea son why the cupboard does not look bare after the Rebels lost four seniors, all starters, to graduation last year.

“We should be better,” Coach Hoese said after last year’s 11-18 season work sheet, which was not up to Rebel standards but the squad did advance to the semifinals of the Region 1 Tournament before falling to Gatliinburg-Pittman. “We’ve got more kids that are able to score this year. They can all shoot the 3.”

Some nights, Hoese said, this team will be fun to watch. Other nights, well…

“The last few years we’ve been able to score a bunch of points” he laughed. “This year, we might score 100 and be fun to watch. Other nights, we might score 40 and the fans want their money back. Consistency is a concern. If they aren’t on target, they can shoot us out of a game real quick.”

With last year’s four starters – Luke Myers, Clint Lamb, Chandler Fillers and Hayden Hartman – gone,

only two players return with a quantity of experience, although others saw some spot duty.

Sophomore Jase Roderick (6-5 soph.) was banged up in football and is still being slowed. He missed some time last year with knee problems early in the year.

“If Jase can stay healthy, he can be very good for us,” Hoese said. “He’s improved over last year and had a great summer. He handles the ball well for his size and can run the point if needed, or he can

post up. He’s versatile. He’s been around the game his whole life, and his game is pretty solid.”

T.J. Buckner (6-5 junior) also returns and was a starter part of last season, especially late in the campaign.

“From a basketball stand point, he’s as good as any I’ve had in a long time,” Hoese said. “He’s athletic, jumps well, shoots the three, is long and quick. He can play with his back to the basket, although we don’t have a true post player on this team. We

like to spread it out.”

Hunter Toth and Conner Marshall are two of the smallest players on the team at 5-11 and both are seniors. They got in some minutes last year and will see the floor this time around. Toth is a true point guard, and Mar shall might be in the starting lineup because he’s strong enough to play in the paint or he can take care of the ball on the wing.

Cooper Kelley (6-2 junior) drew praise as Hoese calls him “among the top five

shooters I’ve ever had.”

“We have role players but they are all shooters,” the coach said. “Last year we stood back some because Clint (Lamb) was a scorer and we depended on that. Now we have several that aren’t afraid to take that shot when it’s there. I think people will have to come out and guard us a little more because of that.”

Hoese said he feels it will be difficult for teams to press and trap because of the size of his Rebels.

“In

REBELS

REBELS 2022-23 SCHEDULE (Home games in CAPS)

17-3, and I know that means absolutely nothing, but teams tried to trap us and our length allowed us to throw over the top and get the ball up the floor,” he said. “I think we have a lot of kids that can take care of the ball.”

There are 10 players on the roster and Hoese expects every one of them to con tribute.

“I can go 10 deep and I will,” he said, “and that’s the first time in a long while that I’ve been able to do that.”

Zane Winter is only 5-7 and a senior and Hoese said he will see some time after having a good summer. “Quick as lightning and he’ll find a spot on the floor at times.”

Andrew Thornburg (6-5 senior) messed up a knee and missed most of last season, but seems ready to return.

Hayden Birdwell is also a senior and tallest player at 6-6 and there will be spots for him, too.

Cayden Fillers, a brother to Chandler who graduated last year, is only a freshman but has a tremendous upside, according to the coach. Hoese said he’s not afraid to ask questions and he wants to learn.

“He can shoot the 3 and he’s physical in the post, and I expect good things from him before he leaves this school,” Hoese said.

Woody Hixson is a 6-1 junior who will also be called on this year after spending time on the JV last season.

The veteran Rebel mentor thinks Chuckey-Doak and West Greene should be in line to make a run for the conference title.

“Chuckey-Doak might have

Nov. 19 – at Tennessee High

Nov. 19 – at Sullivan East

Nov. 21-26 – at Hardee’s Classic (David Crockett)

Nov. 29 – at David Crockett

Dec. 1 – UNIVERSITY HIGH

Dec. 2 – at North Greene

Dec. 6 – GRAINGER

Dec. 9 – WEST GREENE

Dec. 12 – at Hampton

Dec. 13 – DAVID CROCKETT

Dec. 15 – at Unaka

Dec. 17-20 – at Cherokee Tourney

Jan. 3 – HAMPTON

Jan. 10 – at Happy Valley

Jan. 13 – JOHNSON COUNTY

Jan. 17 – at Chuckey-Doak

Jan. 20 – at Grainger

Jan. 21 – at University High

Jan. 24 – at West Greene

Jan. 27 – HAPPY VALLEY

Jan. 31 – at Johnson County

Feb. 3 – CHUCKEY-DOAK

as good a player as there is in Cadin Tullock and they have the big Derry kid back,” Hoese noted. “West Greene has Ethan (Turner) and Frye (Leyton) and the Rader (Braylon) kid back after being hurt last year. Johnson

County got their post player back. Happy Valley got a new coach in Shane Williams but I’m really not sure what they will look like now.

“It’s a tough league. Throw Hampton in there next year and it will be even stronger.”

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

South Greene’s T.J. Buckner (14) goes up for a layup during a win over Happy Valley last season.

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

South Greene’s Jase Roderick (2) goes up for a shot against Gatlinburg-Pittman’s Grady Branton (22) last season.

BY WAYNE PHILLIPS SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

The tradition rich South Greene girls hope to pull some surprises along the way this season, but veteran Coach Stephen Gregg knows a lack of depth and some inexperience will be major obstacles to over come if they want to better last year’s 18-15 worksheet.

“We really had to work hard to get that record last year,” Gregg smiled. “We had a lot of issues to overcome last year. Inju ries really hurt us. It was a tough season, but we fought through it and made the regional semifinals.”

Despite the loss of five seniors off last year’s squad, including stalwarts Addison Williams and Amelia Mul lins who had been with the program throughout their high school careers, the Rebels played their normal tough summer camp sched ule and Gregg came away with some positive signs.

“We played some really good teams, and we had four losses, but only one of them was really bad,” Gregg said. “It was basically like starting over, but we’re getting better every day I think.”

This year’s team has only two seniors, two juniors and three sophomores who have high school experience. The remaining three team members are freshmen, so it should be considered a rebuilding season at South

Greene.

“We can fill it up when we get hot, but we’re streaky

shooters,” Gregg said. “We’re not real big, so we are going to have to switch a lot of stuff on defense, experiment with some new defenses. We’re trying some new things and the girls are learning. We’re going to have to get better at our man defense, because all our defense goes back to the man-to-man principles. We want to do things that make our opponents uncomfort able.”

The major problem facing the Rebels at present is lack

of depth, the coach said. “Right now we are five deep, and of utmost importance is finding some depth,” he noted. “But learning the high school game is hard. We can see potential in our freshmen but it’s all a process.”

Leading the group of re turnees are five Rebels who played last year: seniors Haley Susong and Jordyn Roderick, junior Emma Cutshall and Hailey Brooks, and sophomore Madison Hensley.

Roderick played only half of last year, but she returned this summer to post good numbers at camp. The coach knows she has the ability to be a force on the floor.

“Jordyn knows she has to be our equalizer inside,” he said. “She can run the floor with anybody, and she can deter shots with her long arms. And she can grab a rebound and run the floor with it.”

Susong earned the team’s MVP award at the end of

last season.

“Haley stepped up and settled right in to the lineup last year,” he said. “She knew her role. She knows all our offense. She can be a leader and show those freshmen how difficult it is to learn the high school system.”

The most pleasant sur prise might be the play of junior Emma Cutshall.

She decided to bypass the volleyball season, where the

LADY REBELS

Rebels under Coach Gregg’s guidance continue to battle for state titles each year it seems, to focus strictly on basketball.

“If there’s a team captain, she’s it,” Gregg said. “You don’t have to be a senior to be a leader, and she has that ability. She has taken her game to another level. After we lost to Alcoa in the regional last year, she was in the gym the next day, and she’s now in the gym every day working. She’s aggressive on defense, one of our best defenders, and she can shoot from inside or outside. She’s solid.”

Hailey Brooks is the team’s other junior, and after transferring in last year from Lakeway Christian, she has a year of Rebel basketball under her belt.

“Hailey hurt herself last year with

early foul trouble and that tied our hands at times,” Gregg noted. “She’s got to play smart and stay away from those fouls. She’s a scorer. We need her out there. Last year was her first with us, so I expect her to be much better in our system this season.”

Madison Hensley earned her way into a starting spot last year as a freshman, and now she’s much more familiar with the Rebel system.

“Madison is smart and can run any of our sets,” Gregg said. “She’s become a floor general out there.”

Ryleigh Gregg, the coach’s daughter, is only a sophomore but played a lot this summer as the No. 6 girl in camp. That time in summer camps has helped her game.

Kaydence Marshall, a sophomore, played some as a freshman.

The three freshmen on the roster – Kortni Bailey, Arianna Hoese and Samantha Birdwell – have some abil ity, the coach said, and must continue

to learn.

“We are always the hunted, it seems, and get everybody’s best effort,” Gregg grinned, “and I don’t expect that to change. We play in a very tough region with Alcoa and Gatlinburg-Pittman in there. Our goal is the same as it always is, try to win our district, get to the region and then sub-state.”

District 1 will be competitive, he said. Happy Valley came on strong last year, West Greene could be much better, and the other league schools will battle.

“There is no easy road anywhere,” he said.

Coach Gregg continues to recover from a foot injury he sustained in a fall at his home a few months back. Still needing crutches o maneu ver, Gregg said he has depended a lot on Assistant Coach Marc Wright in preparing the team in the preseason.

LADY REBELS

2022-23 SCHEDULE (Home games in CAPS)

Nov. 19 – at Sullivan East

Nov. 22-26 – at Food City Classic (Sullivan East)

Nov.. 29 – at David Crockett

Dec. 1 – UNIVERSITY HIGH

Dec. 2 – at North Greene

Dec. 6 – GRAINGER

Dec. 9 – WEST GREENE

Dec. 12 – at Hampton

Dec. 13 – DAVID CROCKETT

Dec. 15 – at Unaka

Dec. 27-31 – at Ladies Classic

Jan. 3 – HAMPTON

Jan. 10 – at Happy Valley

Jan. 13 – JOHNSON COUNTY

Jan. 17 – at Chuckey-Doak

Jan. 20 – at Grainger

Jan. 21 – at University High Jan. 24 – at West Greene

Jan. 27 – HAPPY VALLEY

Jan. 31 – at Johnson County

Feb. 3 – CHUCKEY-DOAK

Feb. 4 – NORTH GREENE

Feb. 7 – UNAKA

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

South Greene’s Haley Susong (11) guards Johnson County’s Aubree Glenn (5) last season.

SUN PHOTO BY J.D. VAUGHN

South Greene’s Emma Cutshall (22) shoots a 3-pointer last season.

WEST GREENE BUFFALOES

Buffs Trying To Build On Strong Summer

BY WAYNE PHILLIPS SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

West Greene’s Allen Tolliver made a suc cessful debut as head boys’ basketball coach of his alma mater last year, leading the team to a 13-13 worksheet and a berth in the regional tournament.

But Tolliver and the Buffs weren’t satisfied. With some returning firepower, the Buffs hope to show marked improvement in the upcom ing campaign and are excited to get things started.

“Overall the season we had last year wasn’t satisfy ing, even though we won 13 games and took a huge step,” Tolliver said. “We lost eight games by four points or less, and four of those losses were on buzzer beaters. But we got on a run at one point and won nine straight, and that came at a good time for us as it was near tournament time. I think we got better, and I look for it to continue over into this year.”

If summer camps are any indication, the Buffs could do that. The team played some good competition in those camps and went 11-2 overall. There are five seniors on this year’s squad, and all but one, Jaden Gregg, played last year.

The top two returnees are Ethan Turner and Leyton Frye, both of whom were double digit scorers a year ago. In fact Turner, con sidered one of the county’s best athletes, finished with a double-double average with 12 points and 15 rebounds.

“Ethan, well, he’s just a

pure athlete,” Tolliver said of his senior, who also excelled on the football team this year. “He’s just so strong, he gives us a solid presence on the inside. He works out all the time, and he plays in football mode.”

Frye is a dandy guard who often in practice will hit an unsuspecting teammate in the head with a pass as he makes a move toward the hoop.

“He did some things last year for us that were just unconscious,” his coach said. “He had a tremendous year and took a big step from his sophomore season. But peo ple don’t see the amount of work he puts into his game. He wants a basketball in his hands all the time. He plays AAU ball all summer, and he works on his own a lot. That type of dedication goes unseen at times.”

Big things are also expect ed of senior Braylon Rader, who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury suf

fered in football.

“When he came back to us this summer, he never missed a beat,” Tolliver noted. “He scored our team’s first 11 points in his first game back at camp. But he works on his game, too. He’s the type of kid that always wants to get better, and I think the fact that he missed a year pushes him a little bit more to be better.”

Senior Austin Wampler started every game for the Buffs last year and is back.

“Austin is a player you never have any problems with,” Tolliver said. “He does what you ask him to do, the type of kid you love to coach and want to be a part of your team.”

Jaden Gregg, the football team’s quarterback, suffered a concussion late in the year and has had to look on in early practice. He decided to play basketball this season during the summer and that turned out to be a pleasing choice for Tolliver and the

Buffs.

“His first game this sum mer, he said ‘coach I really don’t know what to do,’” Toll iver laughed. “I told him that when the ball goes up toward the rim, go after it. He did on the first shot and made a put back. He’s not that big and gives up some height but he’s physical. At camp he guarded some post players.”

Four of the seniors are expected to be in the starting lineup when the season starts. With the success of the football team, several basketball players were late arrivals for opening practice.

Mason McCamey is a junior guard who has the vision and ability to take care of the ball, Tolliver said.

Dawson Daniels is a junior who played last year, and so did Baxley Britton, another junior. Both have gotten stronger thanks to the weight room. Evan Dearinger is another junior hopeful.

Conner Campbell and Braden McCamey are both

BUFFALOES

2022-23 SCHEDULE (Home games in CAPS)

Nov. 15 – at Kings Academy (Hall of Fame)

Nov. 19 – at Sullivan East, Tenn High (Hall of Fame) Nov. 25-26 – at Maryville Tournament

Nov. 28 – at Unaka Nov. 29 – CHEROKEE Dec. 1 – at Hampton Dec. 2 – at Unicoi Couty Dec. 6 – CHUCKEY-DOAK Dec. 9 – at South Greene Dec. 12 – at Knox Gibbs Dec. 13 – UNAKA Dec. 15 – WASHBURN Dec. 16-19 – at Cherokee Tournament Dec 22 – at Daniel Boone

Jan. 3 – UNICOI COUNTY Jan. 9 – at Cherokee Jan. 10 – at North Greene

Jan. 13 – HAPPY VALLEY

Jan. 16 – HAMPTON

Jan 17 – at Johnson County Jan. 20 – at Chuckey-Doak

Jan. 24 – SOUTH GREENE Jan. 27 – at Washburn

Jan. 28 – NORTH GREENE Jan. 31 – at Happy Valley Feb. 3 – JOHNSON COUNTY Feb. 7 – KNOX GIBBS Feb. 9 – DANIEL BOONE

sophomores who will log playing time, the coach said. Campbell started at guard in about every game played during the summer and has a promising future.

Tolliver figures that the league will be tough as usual this year. He said Chuckey-Doak should be the favorite because of the number of returnees, and he said he thinks South Greene will be able to compete with anybody.

The Buffs upgraded their schedule this year with the addition of Daniel Boone, Knox Gibbs and Hampton,

WEST GREENE BUFFALOES

No. Name Grade

BraylonRader Sr.

BradenMcCamey So.

LeytonFrye Sr.

AustinWampler Sr.

BaxleyBritton Jr.

ConnerCampbell So.

DawsonDaniels Jr.

EvanDearinger Jr.

MasonMcCamey Jr.

EthanTurner Sr.

JadenGregg Sr.

so there will be no time to relax this season.

“We’re excited to get it started,” the coach said.

2022-23 WEST GREENE BUFFALOES

Lady Buffaloes Have Depth, Experience

BY WAYNE PHILLIPS SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

Lack of experience will not be an issue for Coach Betsy Shaw and her West Greene Lady Buffs this year. A couple of seasons ago in the preseason, Coach Shaw’s concern was the youth of her team and how difficult it is for those players to go up against opponents who had been through a lot of battles on the hardwood.

With a whopping seven se niors on the roster, the coach is eager for the season to begin and excited to see how those experienced players perform.

“Last year we finished at 15-15,” she smiled. “I would hope that we can be better than that. But I upgraded the schedule quite a bit and it’s harder, but I want us to be ready to play when district tournament rolls around and I think playing those good teams will make us better.”

Things could not have been much bleaker for the Lady Buffs last year when junior Madi Brown, who had averaged 18 points per game through the six games the team had played, went down with a season-ending knee injury. That came on the heels of a sophomore season where Brown missed all but one game after blowing out a knee.

Add to that disappoint ment the fact that Kinsley Ellenburg, another junior who had missed most of the previous campaign, never made it into a single game her junior season. Those

were two players that had been counted on heavily by Coach Shaw.

“They were both import ant pieces,” she said. “Madi played until December, and Kinsley never got to play at all. But even though they missed the better part of two years, they are still important parts to our current team.”

With the absence of two key components, players who might not have gotten as much playing time had to step up, thus the experience that the team has on the bench now.

“We have nine people who will play,” Shaw said. “I don’t have a rotation set. We scrimmaged last night and I didn’t really know who to start. We have so many girls that can contribute in different ways, so the starters won’t really matter. We hope to push the ball more this year, so we’ll need to play a lot of people.”

Morgan Brown, a soph omore and Madi’s sister, started a lot as a freshman

and will play point, as will Hailey Ripley, a senior. Breanna Ellis played at guard last year. Taylor Lawson is another senior who will play, as will Mara Reagan. Senior Maddie Bryant will be in the lineup as well at times.

Abbey Cox, a junior, got in plenty of time last year and is back, and so is Laci Jordan, another junior, and Hayley Arnold, a sophomore. Alexis Cutshall, Cassidy Hill and Breanna Brown are freshmen who made the varsity squad, and so did Silvia Lunardon, an exchange student who is a junior.

West Greene probably has more returnees than any other team in the league, but Coach Shaw knows it will be a tough conference race. South Greene won it last year and Happy Valley was sec ond with the Buffs finishing third.

“Our summer was good,” the coach said. “We played games nine days during the summer and practiced every chance we got. Madi didn’t

WEST GREENE LADY BUFFALOES

No. Name Grade 1 SilviaLunardon Jr.

BreannaEllis Sr.

AlexisCutshall Fr.

MorganBrown So. 10 LaciJordan Jr. 12 MadiBrown Sr.

AbbeyCox Jr. 20 HayleyArnold So. 22 TaylorLawson Sr. 23 MaddieBryant Sr. 24 KinsleyEllenburg Sr. 30 CassidyHill Fr. 32 HaileyRipley Sr. 40 BreannaBrown Fr. 54 MaraReagan Sr.

play this summer, but it looks a lot different with her out there now. We want to run the floor, and we want to get more good shots in a game. We’ve focused on getting in shape and getting up the floor quickly.”

The coach loves defense, and she said the Buffs will not try to outscore people.

“We didn’t score much last year so we had to play defense to be competitive,”

LADY BUFFALOES

2022-23 SCHEDULE

(Home games in CAPS)

Nov. 15 – at Kings Academy (Hall of Fame) Nov. 19 – at Sullivan East, Tenn High (Hall of Fame) Nov. 21-26 – at Hardee’s Classic (David Crockett) Nov. 28 – at Unaka

Nov. 29 – CHEROKEE Dec. 1 – at Hampton Dec. 2 – at Unicoi Couty Dec. 6 – CHUCKEY-DOAK Dec. 9 – at South Greene Dec. 12 – at Knox Gibbs Dec. 13 – UNAKA Dec. 15 – WASHBURN Dec 22 – at Daniel Boone Dec. 26-31 – at Ladies Classic (Hal Henard) Jan. 3 – UNICOI COUNTY Jan. 9 – at Cherokee Jan. 10 – at North Greene Jan. 13 – HAPPY VALLEY Jan. 16 – HAMPTON Jan 17 – at Johnson County Jan. 20 – at Chuckey-Doak Jan. 24 – SOUTH GREENE Jan. 27 – at Washburn

Jan. 28 – NORTH GREENE Jan. 31 – at Happy Valley Feb. 3 – JOHNSON COUNTY Feb. 7 – KNOX GIBBS Feb. 9 – DANIEL BOONE Nov. 15 – at Kings Academy (Hall of Fame)

she said. “In 10 games last year we were within 8 points, and we won 9 of those games They worked hard at that end of the floor.”

The transition game is something else the team has worked on, and Coach Shaw wants more players to look for the opportunity to score.

“Last year after Madi went down, it seemed we were always looking for Tayli (Rader) to score,” she said. “We’ve got to get more peo ple involved. And ball control is something else that is critical. It’s hard to win if you

make 15 turnovers a game.

The Lady Buffs’ coach tries to keep coming up with ways to make her team uncomfort able in practice.

“I don’t want them to be content,” she smiled. “I want them to say focused and ready, not get in a comfort able position where they are content.”

The Buffs open the season on the road at The Kings Academy for a Hall of Fame outing on Nov. 15, then play a doubleheader on the road Nov. 19 against Sullivan East and Tennessee High.

2022-23 WEST GREENE LADY BUFFALOES

2022-23 WEST GREENE LADY BUFFALOES