Bowling pins and machine

Two-time defending Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Division I boys individual bowling champion Cole Flatt was denied the opportunity at a three-peat.

His little brother Luke Flatt, however, managed to keep it in the family Friday at Smyrna Bowling Center by claiming the 2016 title with a 58-pin victory over teammate and top-seeded Jon Colbaugh, making it three in a row for the Flatt family.

“I definitely wanted to keep it in the family,” Luke Flatt said. “(Cole) not being able to bowl this year I thought was kind of a crummy deal. I was real proud of being able to do that, and I think everybody is pretty proud of me.”

Luke Flatt, who entered Friday’s finals as the No. 2 seed, began the day by knocking off third-seeded Josh Meeke of Smyrna, 178-167, before moving on to capture a 246-188 championship win over the runner-up Colbaugh.

Columbia Central bowling coach Mike Ransom

“It helped with the nervousness a little bit,” Flatt said of bowling against his senior teammate. “I’ve been bowling with Jon every day for the last two years so bowling with him in the state finals just kind of relaxed me a little bit. I think I had more fun.”

Hardin County’s Sayvon Pipes finished fourth, Lipscomb Academy’s Chase Ford landed in fifth and McMinn County’s Logan Teague rounded out the finalists.

“I think it’s two-fold,” Columbia coach Mike Ransom said of his squad’s success in the individual portion of the tournament. “I think it helps our confidence and I think it sends a message to the rest of the field.”

The quarterfinals of the team portion, which were set to begin Friday afternoon, have been postponed until Saturday at noon — a result of the several inches of snowfall throughout Middle Tennessee. The semifinals follow at 5 p.m., while the championship rounds are now scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday.

Columbia Central bowler denied three-peat opportunity

D-I girls: Siegel’s Danielle Jedlicki came up a couple pins shy of upsetting two-time defending champion Ashley Channell of Hardin County.

Instead, Channell captured her third straight title by way of a roll-off, edging the Lady Stars’ freshman standout 190-189.

“I’ve seen it close, but not tied before,” said Jedlicki, who said she knew the tiebreaker was a two-frame roll-off.

Jedlicki, who entered Friday’s finals as the No. 3 seed, defeated fourth-place Summer Napper of Hardin County (185-169) and third-place Jada Horn of Germantown (200-168) to reach the championship match.

“I wanted to win,” Jedlicki added. “I’m cool with what I got because Ashley and I are good friends.”

Siegel senior Sydney Jahns, who suffered a 169-167 loss to Napper, finished in fifth, while Sevier County’s McKenna Shaffer rounded out the finalists.

Friendship Christian senior Donny Turner

D-II boys: Friendship Christian senior Donny Turner took care of business Friday, securing his second consecutive Division II individual title with a 185-150 win over Christian Brothers’ Bradley Pounds.

“I was so excited,” Turner said. “I felt like I kind of deserved it because I was No.1 and had been bowling so well this entire season. It was more of a relief thing, and I just started laughing at the end because I was happy.”

Fellow Midstate competitors Sam Alcott of Ensworth and Luke Shoulders of Friendship Christian finished in fifth and sixth, respectively, while No. 3 Jay Moorfield of McCallie and No. 4 Ben Murphy of St. Benedict also reached the finals.

DII-girls: St. Agnes’ Caroline Conrad captured the Division II girls championship with a 167-137 win over freshman teammate Grace Becker.

Friendship Christian’s Brice Dabbs, who finished in fourth, along with fifth-place finisher Sarah Gould of Pope John Paul II, were the only two Midstate finalists.

Team’s dismissal motivates JPII’s Gould to make finals

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Here’s a look at the top boys basketball teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

Blackman’s Cedriontis Wilson is averaging a team-leading 15.1 points per game this season.

10. Maplewood (14-3) — Junior swingman Bo Hodges is among the Midstate leaders in scoring (23.1 ppg), rebounding (15.3 rpg) and assists (8.8 apg) for the 10-AA leading Panthers. Last week: No. 10. Streak: Won 2.

9. Lebanon (16-3) — The Blue Devils, led by senior Kobe Neuble’s 16.3 points per game this month, have strung together three straight District 9-AAA wins since losing to Station Camp on Jan. 8. Last week: No. 9. Streak: Won 3.

8. White County (18-0) — The Warriors, one of just six remaining unbeaten boys teams in the state, have won 12 of their first 18 games by 16 points or more. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Won 18.

7. Ensworth (15-3) — The Tigers, sitting at 2-2 in East/Middle Region play, had their three-game winning streak snapped Thursday, suffering a 72-62 defeat to third-place Pope John Paul II. Last week: No. 6. Streak: Lost 1.

6. Oakland (16-2) — In coach Troy Bond’s first season, the Patriots, one game back of rival Blackman in 7-AAA, are just two victories away from tying last year’s win total of 18. Last week: No. 7. Streak: Won 2.

5. Cane Ridge (16-1) — The Ravens, who own a two-game lead over rival Antioch in District 12-AAA, have reeled off seven straight wins since suffering an 11-point setback to unbeaten Blackman on Dec. 29. Last week: No. 5. Streak: Won 7.

4. Independence (18-1) — The Eagles, winners of 10 in a row, managed to remain unbeaten in District 11-AAA Tuesday, grinding out a 48-40 win at rival Summit. Last week: No. 3. Streak: Won 10. 

3. Station Camp (22-0) — Junior guard Chase Freeman is averaging 18.6 points in his past four games, including a 29-point effort in the unbeaten Bison’s 75-68 win over Gallatin on Jan. 19. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Won 22.

2. Brentwood Acad. (17-1) — Junior Jeremiah Oatsvall finished with 24 points in Tuesday’s 64-50 triumph over McCallie, while sophomore teammates Darius Garlund (15 points) and Cam Johnson (10) also scored in double figures. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Won 5. 

1. Blackman (19-0) — Blaze seniors Cedriontis Wilson and Deonte’ Alley have shot a combined 43.5 percent (71-of-163) from beyond the 3-point line this season. Last week: No. 1. Streak: Won 18.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Here’s a look at the top girls basketball teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

Junior Bria Dial (right) has helped Brentwood Academy to the No. 3 ranking in this week’s Midstate Top 10.

10. FRA (15-2) — The Lady Panthers gained sole possession of first place in Division I-A East/Middle Region District 2 with Tuesday’s 66-61 win over fellow two-loss squad Ezell-Harding. Last week: No. 10. Streak: Won 4.

9. East Nashville (16-2) — The Lady Eagles have reeled off 11 straight wins since suffering their only district defeat of the season — a 57-56 Dec.11 loss to Lipscomb, whom they are tied with atop the 10-AA standings. Last week: No. 9. Streak: Won 11.

8. Dickson County (18-3) — Lady Cougars guard Emily Beard has scored 49 points in her past two outings, including a 26-point effort in Thursday’s 64-44 win over Summit, and the 5-foot-6 junior has knocked down 12 3-pointers in that stretch. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Won 2. 

7. Rossview (18-1) — At 7-0 in district play, the Lady Hawks, in the midst of an eight-game winning streak, are one game up on Henry County in the race for a 10-AAA regular-season title. Last week: No. 7. Streak: Won 8.   

6. Oakland (16-3) — Ole Miss signee Shelby Gibson is averaging 14.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for the Lady Patriots, whose three losses have come against No. 3 Brentwood Academy (51-49), No. 2 Riverdale (63-52) and No. 1 Blackman (60-59). Last week: No. 6. Streak: Won 4

5. Wilson Central (19-0) — The Lady Wildcats kept up their winning ways last week, topping rival Mt. Juliet 46-31 behind senior Kendall Spray’s 26-point performance, marking Wilson Central’s first win over the rival Lady Golden Bears since 2011. Last week: No. 5. Streak: Won 19. 

4. Father Ryan (17-0) — The Lady Irish, ranked atop Division II in last week’s Associated Press rankings, will square off with fellow East/Middle Region unbeaten Brentwood Academy on Friday. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Won 17.

3. Brentwood Acad. (15-4) — While the Lady Eagles have the most losses of any team on this list, they’ve also played arguably as tough a non-league schedule as any team in the state. Last week: No. 3. Streak: Won 1. 

2. Riverdale (19-1) — The wintry weather made the one-loss Warriors wait a little longer for their highly anticipated rematch with 7-AAA rival Blackman, though the two are set to square off at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Won 12. 

1. Blackman (19-2) — After capturing a pair of impressive wins over out-of-state foes at last weekend’s Music City MLK Roundball Classic, the top-ranked Lady Blaze scored its most lopsided victory of the season — a 56-16 triumph over La Vergne on Tuesday. Last week: No. 1. Streak: Won 7. 

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

The Associated Press’ Top 10 teams in each of Tennessee’s three Division I non-financial aid classifications and in the combined Division II financial aid classification as selected by Tennessee AP-member sportswriters and broadcasters. With first-place votes in parentheses, records through January 25, total points based on 10 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote:

AP high school basketball rankings

Boys

CLASS AAA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Memphis East (10) 17-1 145 2
2. Blackman (5) 19-0 138 1
3. Station Camp 22-0 105 4
4. Germantown 20-1 92 3
5. White County 18-0 79 6
6. David Crockett 18-4 77 5
7. Oak Ridge 22-2 69 7
8. Cordova 18-3 54 8
9. Independence 18-1 37 9
10. Cane Ridge 16-1 23 10
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

CLASS AA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Jackson South Side (15) 16-0 150 2
2. Fulton 17-1 127 1
3. Ripley 18-5 109 3
4. Chattanooga Central 13-1 107 5
5. East Nashville 17-4 77 7
6. Maplewood 14-3 61 8
6. Upperman 16-4 61 4
8. Westview 14-3 50 9
9. Obion County 15-4 27 10
10. Knoxville Catholic 14-3 14 NR
Others receiving 12 or more points: Cascade 12.

CLASS A
School Record Pts Prv
1. Halls (11) 19-0 146 1
2. Mitchell (3) 18-5 131 2
3. Clay County (1) 20-1 119 3
4. Union City 18-4 102 4
5. Huntland 19-2 94 5
6. Meigs County 18-3 76 6
7. MAHS 11-2 46 7
8. Van Buren County 16-3 44 8
9. Middleton 13-4 29 9
10. Hampton 13-6 12 NR
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

DIVISION II
School Record Pts Prv
1. Christian Brothers (15) 20-0 150 1
2. Brentwood Acad. 17-1 135 2
3. McCallie 18-3 103 3
4. Briarcrest 19-4 99 5
5. Ensworth 15-3 73 4
6. USJ 17-5 68 6
7. Pope John Paul II 16-4 67 7
8. Knoxville Webb 15-6 63 8
9. St. George’s 9-6 31 9
10. Father Ryan 10-8 15 10
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

The Tennessean Midstate boys basketball top 10
The Tennessean Midstate girls basketball top 10

Girls

CLASS AAA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Blackman (15) 18-2 150 1
2. Riverdale 19-1 130 2
3. Memphis Central 22-0 114 3
4. Wilson Central 19-0 98 5
5. Morristown West 19-2 95 4
6. Oakland 15-3 75 7
7. Dyer County 18-2 50 9
8. Memphis Overton 12-1 35 10
9. Cumberland County 14-3 30 NR
10. Bearden 17-4 20 6
Others receiving 12 or more points: White County 15.

CLASS AA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Elizabethton (15) 20-0 150 1
2. McMinn Central 17-2 129 2
3. Westview 18-2 118 3
4. Upperman 20-2 111 4
5. Westmoreland 17-2 88 5
6. Lexington 16-3 68 8
7. Livingston Academy 15-6 40 6
8. Grainger 15-6 37 10
8. Gatlinburg-Pittman 15-4 24 7
10. Greeneville 16-4 15 NR
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

CLASS A
School Record Pts Prv
1. Middleton (12) 18-0 146 1
2. Gibson County (2) 22-0 133 2
3. Pickett County (1) 17-1 112 3
4. South Greene 21-3 111 4
5. Meigs County 16-2 76 5
5. Jackson County 15-3 76 6
7. Dresden 16-3 57 7
8. Community 17-2 55 8
9. MTCS 16-4 27 9
10. Huntland 17-5 10 NR
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

DIVISION II
School Record Pts Prv
1. Father Ryan (13) 17-0 148 1
2. Brentwood Acad. (2) 15-4 134 2
3. USJ 20-1 118 3
4. FRA 15-2 102 4
5. Northpoint 17-1 92 5
6. St. Benedict 14-4 74 6
7. Baylor 15-5 62 7
8. Harpeth Hall 13-4 36 9
9. Ezell-Harding 16-2 34 8
10. Harding Academy 14-4 22 10
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Columbia Central’s Cole Flatt

As a result of last week’s snowfall, participants in the Tennessee State Secondary School Athletic Association state team bowling tournament were forced a wait few extra days to conclude their quests for a 2016 state title.

For Columbia Central junior Cole Flatt, those handful of days haven’t been all that agonizing.

“It feels great being able to bowl now,” said Flatt. “I’m just thankful that the team got this far so I can bowl. Regardless of whether I’m bowling or not, I’m sure they could do it on their own.”

Flatt was ruled ineligible to compete for the 12 months following his last TSSAA participation date (Jan. 24, 2015) after transferring from Culleoka Unit School to nearby Columbia Central this summer, and, as a result, was denied the opportunity at a third straight individual championship.

However, after last weekend’s postponement, the two-time defending Division I boys individual champion will be eligible for the team portion of the tournament, which resumes Friday at Smyrna Bowling Center.

TSSAA state bowling schedule reset
Flatt wins bowling title; team tourney delay helps brother
Columbia Central bowler denied three-peat opportunity

Quarterfinal matches for both Division I and Division II boys will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, while girls quarterfinals will follow at 1:30 p.m. Semifinal matches for all divisions are set for 4 p.m. Friday, while the championship rounds will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday.

In addition to the three-time defending champion Lions, Dobyns-Bennett, Cherokee, Smyrna, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Hardin County and Bartlett will also be among the eight-team tournament field in boys Division I.

Siegel, Franklin and White House will represent the Midstate in Division I girls action, joining Dobyns-Bennett, Hardin Valley, Rhea Count, Hardin County and Dyer County.

On the Division II boys side, two-time defending champion Friendship Christian will be joined by McCallie, Father Ryan, Donelson Christian Academy, Montgomery Bell Academy, St. Benedict, Christian Brothers and Memphis University School, while Girls Preparatory School, Harpeth Hall, Friendship Christian, Father Ryan, St. Agnes, St. Benedict and St. Mary’s will make up the Division II girls tournament field.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Matt Kriesky has been named the head football coach at Centennial High School

Former Forrest football coach Matt Kriesky has been hired as the football coach at Centennial.

Matt Kriesky was hired as Centennial’s next head football coach on Tuesday.

Kriesky, who compiled a 17-6 record in two seasons at Forrest, replaces Brian Rector, who resigned in mid-December, less than one month after leading the Cougars to a 12-2 record and a Class 5A semifinal finish — the  best in the program’s 19-year history.

“I was fortunate enough to come here for the quarterfinal game against Henry County,” said Kriesky, who is originally from Henry County. “I just saw the atmosphere here and it drew me in, especially when I found out (the job) was open.

“I was at Oakland for a long time, and I just missed the atmosphere of the bigger schools.”

The 33-year-old Kriesky, who guided the Rockets to a 10-2 record and a Class 2A semifinal berth a season ago, served as an assistant at Class 6A Oakland from 2007-2012 before being hired as Forrest’s defensive coordinator in 2013.

He was promoted to head coach of the Rockets following Brian Coleman’s departure to Summit in 2014.

“We are excited to have Coach Matt Kriesky at Centennial to build upon the great football tradition that has been established here,” Centennial principal Leigh Webb said. “He’s had great experience working in winning programs at Oakland and Forrest and is a great fit for our community. We can’t wait to see the success that awaits our young men under his leadership.”

“He’ll begin working with the kids as soon as possible,” added Centennial athletic director Wade Privett. “We hope to have him in the building full time within the next couple of weeks, but all that hasn’t been completely worked out yet.”

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Tylin Oden

Spring Hill senior quarterback Tylin Oden is once again no longer on the class of 2016 recruiting market.

Oden, who committed to Louisville last spring before withdrawing his pledge with the Cardinals earlier this month, has announced his plans to play football at Rutgers next fall.

“I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, coaches, Spring Hill High School, and the Spring Hill community for riding with me on this long and wild journey,” Oden posted to his Twitter account on Tuesday night. “I’m excited and honored to announce that I have officially committed to Rutgers University.”

Oden amassed 2,339 yards from scrimmage and 25 total touchdowns a season ago, and the 6-foot-5, 180-pound dual-threat quarterback concluded his career with more than 4,000 yards from scrimmage and 43 total touchdowns.

Oden’s recent change of heart marks the second Midstate player to change his commitment in the days leading up to signing day Feb. 3.

On Sunday, Brentwood Academy defensive lineman Brandon Adams flipped his commitment from Vanderbilt to Georgia Tech.

Adams, a 6-foot-1, 322-pound three-star prospect and an All-Midstate first-team selection, registered 82 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble in 2015, helping lead the Eagles to a 12-1 record and a Division II-AA state championship.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Brentwood Academy’s Anna Stephens (4) dribbles the ball upcourt during Friday’s 50-37 win over region foe Father Ryan.

The Brentwood Academy girls basketball team flexed its D-II East/Middle Region muscle on Friday, adding to its list of double-digit league wins with a 13-point triumph over host Father Ryan.

The Lady Eagles (16-4), led by Bre Jackson’s game-high 19-point effort, faced a one-point deficit at the break before scoring 30 second-half points on the state’s stingiest scoring defense, securing a 50-37 victory.

“We knew we had to come out and work the the entire game, and we knew it was going to be a battle,” said Jackson, whose team tallied its second straight win since suffering a 48-39 defeat to Norcross (Ga.) — its third against an out-of-state opponent this season. “We had to be mentally and physically ready to play.”

Allison Procter and Audrey Burdge combined to score 14 first-half points for Father Ryan (17-2), which has now lost two straight after racing out to 17-0 start.

Like the rest of the squad, however, Procter and Burdge struggled in the second half as the duo managed just two points in the final two quarters.

“We kind of went on a dry spell in the third quarter and couldn’t score as well, and they had something to do with that,” Father Ryan coach Jason Larkin said. “We got down there and had to do some things we don’t typically do.”

“They were just being physical and we felt like we had to give it back a little bit,” added Jackson, who converted on 12 of 14 free throws.

Sydni Harvey finished with 17 points for the two-time defending state champion Lady Eagles, who shot 75.9 percent (22-of-29) on free throws, while Bria Dial added nine points.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

SMYRNA — The Columbia Central bowling team put the finishing touches on a storybook season Saturday at Smyrna Bowling Center, securing the program’s fifth state bowling title with an 18-9 win over previously unbeaten Smyrna.

The Columbia Central boys bowling team won its fourth straight Division I state champion on Saturday at Smyrna Bowling Center.

And while the four-time defending champion Lions have made a habit of hoisting the Division I boys state championship trophy in late January, this year was anything but routine.

“This season started off pretty dim,” Columbia Central senior Jon Colbaugh said.

In addition to losing Jacob Keyser, one of their top bowlers from a season ago, to graduation, the Lions were dealt another blow when two-time defending individual champion Cole Flatt was declared ineligible to compete after transferring from Culleoka to Columbia Central.

“This season has been the toughest we’ve ever had, and it’s probably been one of our better coaching years,” Columbia Central coach Mike Ransom said. “But with Cole out, it gave us a chance to develop some of the other guys and to spend more one-on-one time with them. It all worked out.”

Flatt, who returned to bowl in this weekend’s team competition after sitting out the TSSAA-required 365 days since his last participation date, rolled a 609 series Saturday for the Lions (22-4), while his brother, freshman Luke Flatt, posted a 558.

“There were boys that stepped up, and everybody came in and put in five practices a week trying to get better,” said Colbaugh, who rolled a team-best 634 series on Saturday, helping his team secure a 3,283-3,217-pin victory. “This season was just a lot of work, but there’s no place I’d rather be now.

“I sure wouldn’t want to end up as runner-up my senior year.”

Brandon Campbell rolled a team-high 555 series for Smyrna (23-1), while Colin Heath (532) and Lane Dawson (526) also eclipsed the 500-pin mark in the losing effort.

“Honestly I think we had an off day, and that takes nothing away from Columbia Central,” Smyrna coach Carl Syler said. “They are fantastic competitors and fantastic sportsmen. We were lacking in some spots, but so it goes.

“There’s a lot of other teams that would have liked to have a 23-1 record.”

Division I girls: For the second straight season, White House fell in the state finals to Hardin County, which captured its third straight state championship.

“I’m not disappointed with second place,” White House senior Madison O’Connor said. “I’m disappointed because I won’t get to bowl with these girls again.”

The Lady Blue Devils, who suffered a 47-pin defeat to Hardin County a season ago, fell by a more convincing, 3,280-2,944 margin on Saturday.

Division II boys: St. Benedict won its third Division II title, knocking off last season’s runner-up McCallie, 16-11.

Division II girls: St. Agnes defeated St. Benedict 15.5-11.5 to claim its fourth Division II championship and first since 2013.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Here’s a look at the top boys basketball teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

Ensworth and Tennessee signee Jordan Bone (3) are No. 7 in this week’s Midstate Top 10.

10. Maplewood (16-3) — Following last week’s wins over Hume-Fogg and Stratford, the Panthers own a 1.5-game lead over Whites Creek in Region 10-AA. Last week: No. 10. Streak: Won 4.

9. Lebanon (18-3) — The Blue Devils, second in 9-AAA, will be looking to avenge one of two in-state losses when they play host to district-leading Station Camp on Tuesday. Last week: No. 9. Streak: Won 5. 

8. White County (20-0) — The Warriors scored a combined 178 points in lopsided wins over District 6-AAA foes Warren County and Stone Memorial. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Won 20.

7. Ensworth (18-3) — After dropping their second East/Middle Region contest of the season, the third-place Tigers  bounced back to beat McCallie and Montgomery Bell Academy. Last week: No. 7. Streak: Won 2. 

6. Oakland (18-2) — The Patriots have strung together four straight since losing to Independence on Jan. 15, and coach Troy Bond’s team will have a chance to avenge its only other defeat when it travels to Blackman on Tuesday. Last week: No. 6. Streak: Won 4.

5. Cane Ridge (19-1) — Jimmy Greer and Shawn Pirtle scored a combined 34 points to lead 12-AAA leading Ravens to a decisive 69-47 win over second-place Antioch, extending their district lead to 3.5 games. Last week: No. 5. Streak: Won 10. 

4. Independence (20-1) —The 11-AAA leading Eagles captured a slow-paced 29-22 victory over district rival Ravenwood on Tuesday before scoring a 73-65 triumph over second-place Centennial on Friday. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Won 12.

3. Station Camp (24-0) — Alcorn State commitment Yalen Reed (17 points), Chase Freeman (18) and Keaton Dotson (13) led the Bison in Friday’s District 9-AAA triumph over Hendersonville. Last week: No. 3. Streak: Won 24. 

2. Brentwood Acad. (20-1) — The two-time defending Division II champion Eagles have won their first seven East/Middle Region games by an average of 21.2 points, including Friday’s 57-24 triumph over Father Ryan. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Won 8.

1. Blackman (22-0) — The Blaze survived their closest call of the season Saturday but eventually escaped Border Wars in Birmingham with a 62-60 win over Spain Park (Ala.). Last week: No. 1. Streak: Won 22.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Here’s a look at the top girls basketball teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

First-year Stewarts Creek coach Lindy Brown King

10. East Nashville (19-2) — The District 10-AA leading Lady Eagles, who haven’t lost since Dec. 11, have defeated their last three opponents (Hume-Fogg, MLK and Lipscomb) by a combined score of 216-93. Last week: No. 9. Streak: Won 13.

9. Rossview (21-1) — After squeaking past Clarksville 59-54 in their 10-AAA opener, the  Lady Hawks have won their other nine district games by an average of 39.7 points, including Friday’s 71-16 victory over West Creek. Last week: No. 7. Streak: Won 11.

8. Dickson County (20-3) — Since suffering a surprising 52-45 setback to Brentwood on Jan. 15, the 11-AAA leading Lady Cougars have won four straight by an average of 25 points. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Won 4. 

7. Stewarts Creek (18-3) — After dropping three of their first four district games, the Lady Red Hawks, led by first-year coach Lindy Brown King, have strung together four straight 7-AAA victories, including last week’s wins over two USA Today nationally ranked teams — No. 12 Blackman and No. 13 Riverdale. Last week: NR. Streak: Won 4. 

6. Father Ryan (18-2) — The previously unbeaten Lady Irish dropped a pair of East/Middle Region games to Harpeth Hall and Brentwood Academy before bouncing back to beat rival Pope John Paul II on Saturday. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Won 1. 

5. Oakland (16-4) — After coasting to a 53-point win over 7-AAA foe La Vergne on Tuesday, the third-place Lady Patriots were dealt a disappointing 17-point setback at rival Riverdale on Friday. Last week: No. 6. Streak: Lost 1. 

4. Wilson Central (21-0) — The Kendall Spray-led Lady Wildcats, one of five remaining unbeaten girls teams in the state, defeated District 9-AAA foes Beech and Lebanon by a combined 162-84. Last week: No. 5. Streak: Won 22.

3. Riverdale (20-3) — After suffering a pair of District 7-AAA losses to Blackman (71-69) and Stewarts Creek (65-61), the Lady Warriors, ranked No. 13 nationally by USA Today, bounced back to beat rival Oakland by double digits. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Won 1. 

2. Brentwood Acad. (16-4) — The Division II-AA East/Middle Region-leading Lady Eagles captured a 50-37 win over third-place Father Ryan on Friday before beating second-place Baylor 53-49 on Saturday. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Won 3.

1. Blackman (19-3) — After pulling off a dramatic 71-69 win over Riverdale earlier in the week, the Lady Blaze, ranked No. 12 nationally by USA Today, suffered their first in-state loss in 62 outings Friday, falling to 7-AAA foe Stewarts Creek 58-53. Last week: No. 1. Streak: Lost 1. 

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Before each high school football season, The Tennessean releases its annual Dandy Dozen – a list of the top 12 college football prospects in Middle Tennessee – and last fall was no different.

Ensworth graduate Corn Elder (right) and Brentwood Academy graduate Jalen Ramsey (left), were both named to the 2012 Dandy Dozen

As national signing day approaches, seven of the 2015 Dandy Dozen members appear bound for the Southeastern Conference, with three more Midstate prospects headed for Power Five conferences (ACC, Big 10 and Pac 12).

And while height, weight, 40-yard-dash times and high school statistics assist in the process, predicting how a player will pan out at the next level is anything but a science, so let’s see how The Tennessean has done in recent years.

Here’s a look at how the previous four Dandy Dozen selections have performed on the collegiate level:

Illinois running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn (5) ran for a team-leading 723 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman in 2015.

2014

1: DL Kyle Phillips, Fr., Tennessee (Hillsboro)
The Hillsboro High product and U.S. Army All-American appeared in seven games during his injury-shortened true freshman campaign, registering eight tackles and one sack.

2: WR Jauan Jennings, Fr., Tennessee (Blackman)
The former Mr. Football hauled in 14 receptions for 149 yards as a freshman at Tennessee, and the converted QB also threw a 58-yard TD pass in the Volunteers’ 28-27 loss at Florida on Sept. 26.

3: WR Van Jefferson, Fr., Ole Miss (Ravenwood)
The U.S. Army All-American and Mr. Football finalist redshirted at Ole Miss in 2015.

4: DB Donovan Sheffield, Fr., Vanderbilt (Ensworth)
The 2014 All-Midstate first-teamer played in six games for the Commodores in 2015, tallying five total tackles, four solo stops and a pair of pass breakups.

5: LB Josh Smith, Fr., Vanderbilt (Oakland)
The 2014 All-Midstate first-teamer appeared in all 12 games for the Commodores a season ago, finishing the year with seven stops and one tackle for loss.

6: DB Cameron Ordway, Fr., Ole Miss (Giles County)
The 2014 All-Midstate first-teamer played in seven games for the Rebels in 2015, registering six tackles and a pair of pass breakups.

7: OL Jack Jones, Fr., Tennessee (Oakland)
The former Mr. Football appeared in nine games for Tennessee a season ago, making his lone start at right guard in the Volunteers’ Oct. 24 loss at eventual national champion Alabama.

8: DB Rico McGraw, Fr., Georgia (Ensworth)
The former U.S. Army All-American appeared in nine games for the Bulldogs a season ago, cracking the starting lineup five times, and the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder finished the year with 15 tackles, four pass breakups and three QB hurries.

9: TE Jackson Harris, Fr., Georgia (Columbia)
The 2014 All-Midstate first-teamer played in 12 games and made one start for the Bulldogs in 2015, hauling in four receptions for 50 yards.

10: OL Alex Givens, Fr., Ole Miss (Nashville Christian)
The Nashville Christian product and 2014 All-Midstate first-teamer redshirted at Ole Miss last season.

11: DB Ugo Amadi, Fr., Oregon (Overton)
The 2014 All-Midstate first-teamer appeared in 12 games for the Ducks a season ago, registering 25 total tackles, eight pass breakups and a pair of interceptions.

12: RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Fr., Illinois (Pearl-Cohn)
The 2014 Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year racked up a team-leading 723 yards rushing with six touchdowns for the Fighting Illini a season ago.

In just two seasons at Tennessee, former Beech star Jalen Hurd is less than 1,000 yards shy of becoming the school’s all-time leading rusher.

2013

1: RB Jalen Hurd, Soph., Tennessee (Beech)
Through just two seasons in Knoxville, Hurd has amassed 2,187 yards rushing, bringing the former Mr. Football to within 1,000 yards of becoming the school’s all-time leading rusher.

2: WR Josh Malone, Soph., Tennessee (Station Camp)
The former U.S. Army All-American has made 44 catches for 636 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons at Tennessee, which includes a team-leading 405 yards receiving a season ago.

3: DE Derek Barnett, Soph., Tennessee (Brentwood Academy)
In two seasons at Tennessee, the former two-time Mr. Football has registered 20 career sacks, tying Steve White (1992-95) for the eighth-most in school history.

4: DL Michael Sawyers (Ensworth)
After appearing in four games for Tennessee as a freshman in 2014, Sawyers was dismissed from the program last offseason after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor theft charge.

5: OL Alex Bars, Soph., Notre Dame (MBA)
After not seeing the field as a freshman in 2014, the former All-Midstate first-teamer appeared in six games a season ago, and the 6-foot-6, 320-pounder even cracked the starting lineup in games against Navy and USC.

6: DB Emmanuel Smith, Soph., Vanderbilt (Oakland)
The former All-Midstate first-teamer played in 11 games for Vanderbilt in 2015, starting games against MTSU and Houston, and finished the year with 10 tackles and a pair of pass deflections.

7: DB RaShaan Gaulden, Soph., Tennessee (Independence)
Gaulden appeared in 11 games for the Vounteers as a freshman in 2014, but the former All-Midstate first-teamer suffered a foot injury last August and was sidelined for the entire 2015 campaign.

8: OL Jashon Roberton, Soph., Tennessee (MBA)
Aside from missing three games with an ankle injury last season, the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Robertson has been a mainstay along the Volunteers’ offensive front, starting 23 of 26 total games since arrival in Knoxville.

9: WR Thomas Richard, RS Fr., Chattanooga (CPA)
After making just one catch for four yards in his first two seasons at Missouri, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound CPA product opted to transfer to FCS program Chattanooga in the offseason.

10: OL Paul Adams, RS Fr., Missouri (CPA)
After redshirting as a freshman in 2014, the 6-foot-6, 290-pound former Mr. Football saw action in three games last season.

11: A.J. Long (Friendship Christian)
Long threw for 935 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman at Syracuse, but the former Mr. Football finalist was medically disqualified due to suffering multiple concussions.

12: Vic Wharton III, Soph., California (Independence)
The Independence product played in nine games for Tennessee in 2014, making five catches for 64 yards and a TD, but sat out in 2015 after transferring to California.

In just one season, MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill has become one of Conference USA’s top quarterbacks. In just one season, MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill has become one of Conference USA’s top quarterbacks.

2012

1: DB Corn Elder, Jr., Miami (Ensworth)
Elder enjoyed a very successful junior season at Miami, recording two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and a pair of TDs, and the former Ensworth star also capped the thrilling, eight-lateral kickoff return to beat Duke on Halloween.

2: Jamonte Graham, Jr., Cumberland (Father Ryan)
The former two-sport star at Father Ryan has attended three schools in three years, eventually landing at Cumberland, where he is currently playing basketball for the Phoenix and averaging 6.9 points per game.

3: Princeton Harlan (Mt. Pleasant)
During his senior year at Mt. Pleasant, Harlan was arrested and charged with the rape of a child. Harlan, who admitted to two sex acts with a 12-year-old girl and pleaded guilty to facilitation of child rape, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence.

4: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Jr., Tennessee (Clarksville Northeast)
The 2012 all-state selection has started 26 straight games for the Volunteers, tallying 220 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, eight sacks and an interception in his three-year career at Tennessee

5: QB Brent Stockstill, Jr., MTSU (Siegel)
The former Mr. Football finalist took over the starting quarterback duties at MTSU last fall, throwing for 4,005 yards and 30 touchdown passes with just nine interceptions in 2015.

6: DB Jalen Ramsey, Jr., Florida State (Brentwood Academy)
Following a stellar three-year career at Florida State Ramsey declared for the NFL Draft earlier this month, and the two-time All-American selection is expected to be an early-first-round pick.

7: QB Albert Mitchell, RS Soph., Samford (CPA
The former Christ Presbyterian Academy standout redshirted as a freshman in 2013 and has played sparingly the past two seasons

8: Jedediah Vivio (Goodpasture)
Vivio, who made 23 straight starts at left tackle before graduating from Goodpasture, played one season at Murray State.

9: Marquis Morton, Soph., College of DuPage (Shelbyville)
After originally signing with Murray State, Morton enrolled at College of DuPage, a two-year community college in Glen Ellyn, Ill., where he played for the Chaparrals last season.

10: Tae Martin, Jr., UT Martin (Siegel)
After redshirting as a freshman in 2013, the former Siegel standout has appeared in 19 games with two starts the past two seasons, registering 29 tackles, three pass breakups and a sack.

11: Max Staver, RS Soph., Houston Baptist (Brentwood Academy)
Like Graham, Staver has also attended three schools in three years, making stops at Florida and Tyler Junior College before ending up at FBS program Houston Baptist, where he threw for 1,109 yards and five TDs last fall.

12: D’Montre Wade, RS Soph., Murray State (Brentwood Academy)
After redshirting as a freshman in 2013, the former Brentwood Academy standout has made 19 starts for Murray State the past two seasons, posting 93 tackles, 13 pass breakups and an interception.

Former BGA standout C.J. Beathard helped lead Iowa to its first 12-win season in program history in 2015.

2011

1: RB I’Tavius Mathers, RS Jr., MTSU (Blackman)
Mathers, a former Mr. Football, amassed 1,061 yards and seven touchdowns in three seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to MTSU, where, after sitting out the 2015 season, he has one season of eligibility remaining.

2: OL Graham Shuler, Stanford (Brentwood Academy)
The former U.S. Army All-American started the final 26 games for Stanford, helping lead the Cardinal to a 12-2 record and a 45-16 Rose Bowl victory over Iowa a season ago, but has decided to forgo his senior season to pursue “other opportunities.”

3: OL Blake Bars, RS Jr., Michigan (MBA)
After redshirting as a freshman in 2012, the 2015 Academic All-Big Ten honoree has appeared in just 16 games as a reserve offensive linemen for Michigan.

4: OL Andrew Jelks, RS Jr., Vanderbilt (Henry County)
The former Mr. Football Lineman’s 2015 campaign ended before it started as Jelks suffered a season-ending knee injury in preseason camp. However, the two-year starter is expected to be the leader along the Commodores’ offensive front this fall.

5: DL Woody Baron, Jr. Virginia (Brentwood Academy)
Baron, a former Mr. Football finalist, has registered 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3 ½ sacks and seven quarterback hurries during his three-year career at Virginia Tech.

6: DL Caleb Azubike, Sr., Vanderbilt (McGavock)
Azubike wrapped up his playing career last fall, totaling 120 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 15 sacks two forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in his four years at Vanderbilt.

7: QB C.J. Beathard, RS Jr., Iowa (BGA)
In his second season as the starter at Iowa, Beathard threw for 2,809 yards and 17 touchdowns while helping lead the Hawkeyes to their first 12-win season in program history.

8: DB Josh Shelton, RS Soph., Wingate (Mt. Juliet)
Shelton appeared in just one game in two seasons at Troy before transferring to Division II Wingate, where he registered 18 tackles and a pair of interceptions in 11 games last season.

9: Eric Belew (Columbia)
After making 19 catches for 200 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons at Tennessee Tech, Belew transferred to Division II North Alabama, where he played 1 ½ seasons his career was cut short due to concussions.

10: Cory Batey (Ensworth)
After redshirting at Vanderbilt in 2012, Batey, along with a handful of other Commodore players, were dismissed from school after being charged with multiple counts of aggravated rape and aggravated sexual battery. He is currently awaiting a second trial in the case.

11: Al Thompson, Jr., Cumberland (Brentwood Academy)
The former Brentwood Academy standout has attended three schools in four years, starting out at Chattanooga and transferring to San Jacinto Junior College (Ca.) before ending up at Cumberland, where he made nine catches for 84 yards in 2015.

12: Matt Kuivinen (Franklin)
The former Rebels standout received a scholarship offer from Syracuse during his senior year at Franklin, but the three-star quarterback prospect elected not to pursue football in college.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Brentwood Academy senior Bryce Mathews, No. 3 on The Tennessean’s 2015 Dandy Dozen, signed a letter of intent to play football at Ole Miss on Wednesday.

“I committed back in July and have been looking forward to this every since then,” Mathews said. “It was great to be able to take my visit this weekend and just kind of confirm my decision.”

Mathews, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound four-star offensive tackle, helped lead the way up front for an offense that average a Division II-AA-leading 437.1 yards and 44.3 points per game en route to the school’s first state title since 2006.

“It’s a Christian environment and Coach (Hugh) Freeze does an amazing job preaching that Christian atmosphere. That’s something that really stood out to me being from BA.”

Mathews, a 2015 Division II-AA Mr. Football Lineman of the Year finalist, verbally committed to Ole Miss in July, choosing the Rebels over scholarship offers from more than 10 Division I programs, including Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

“I thought (my dad Jason Mathews) did a good job of guiding me through the process without pushing me towards a school,” he said. “I’m sure he probably wanted me to go to Texas A&M, but we went down and both felt that it wasn’t right for me.

“He did a good job of asking the questions that needed to be asked, and through that process I was able to find out I really wanted to go to Ole Miss.”

Reach  Michael Murphy  at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter  @Murph_TNsports . 

BRYCE MATHEWS
High school: Brentwood Academy
Position: Offensive tackle
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 285
247Sports Composite: 4 stars
Signed with: Ole Miss

Brentwood Academy senior Bryce Mathews is joined by family, including his father and former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Jason Matthews, after signing a letter of intent to play football at Ole Miss.

Brentwood Academy’s Brandon Adams (66) signed with Georgia Tech Wednesday.

Brentwood Academy defensive lineman Brandon Adams, who recently de-committed from Vanderbilt to Georgia Tech, signed with the Yellow Jackets Wednesday afternoon at BA.

“I just felt at home at Georgia Tech, and the coaching staff and everybody in the program was just really nice and homely,” Adams said. “I believe in what they are doing.”

Adams had 82 tackles (14.5 for loss) and four sacks during his senior season, leading Brentwood Academy to the DII-AA state title.

BRANDON ADAMS

High school: Brentwood Academy

Position: Defensive line

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 322

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Signed with: Georgia Tech

2015 statistics: 82 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Hillsboro senior Malique Fleming signed a letter of intent to play football at Mercer on Wednesday.

“I’m ecstatic,” he said. “I love everything they’re doing down there, from the president to the coaching staff to the cafeteria. I love it at Mercer and it just feels like home to me. I’m ready to go down there and ball.”

Fleming, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound three-star defensive back, posted a team-leading 78 tackles, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, nine pass breakups and an interception for the Class 5A quarterfinalist Burros.

Fleming, a Tennessean All-Midstate first-teamer and the Region 6-5A defensive MVP, verbally committed to Mercer last July, choosing the Bears over offers from Coastal Carolina, Austin Peay and Ball State.

Fleming’s teammate Sampson Bradley signed to play at the University of the Cumberlands on Wednesday while teammate Malcom Swann signed to play at Austin Peay

Reach  Michael Murphy  at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter  @Murph_TNsports . 

Malique Fleming grabs a bite to eat during Hillsboro High’s signing day reception after the senior safety signed a letter of intent to play football at Mercer.

MALIQUE FLEMING
High school: Hillsboro
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 190
247Sports Composite: 3 stars
Signed with: Mercer
2015 statistics: 78 tackles, 6 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, nine pass breakups, 1 interception

Hillsboro senior Sampson Bradley (left) is congratulated by teammate Matthew Jackson after signing a letter of intent to play football at The University of the Cumberlands.

Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke (2) signed with Texas A&M Wednesday.

Smyrna senior Ikenna Okeke, No. 9 on The Tennessean’s 2015 Dandy Dozen, signed a letter of intent to play football at Texas A&M on Wednesday.

Okeke, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound three-star defensive back, earned Region 2-6A co-MVP honors a season ago after registering 74 tackles and a pair of interceptions for the Class 6A quarterfinalist Bulldogs. He also added 849 yards receiving and a pair of scores offensively.

Okeke, a Tennessean All-Midstate first-teamer, verbally committed to Texas A&M on Nov. 25, choosing the Aggies over scholarship offers from more than 15 Division I programs, including Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech and Missouri.

Reach  Michael Murphy  at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter  @Murph_TNsports .

IKENNA OKEKE
High school: Smyrna
Position: Safety
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 200
247Sports Composite: 3 stars
Signed with: Texas A&M

Father Ryan’s Jeremy Darvin (second from left) and Bryce Vickers (visor) signed at Western Kentucky and Georgia Tech, respectively.

Father Ryan senior Jeremy Darvin, No. 10 on The Tennessean’s 2015 Dandy Dozen, signed a letter of intent to play football at Western Kentucky on Wednesday.

Darvin, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound three-star defensive tackle, posted 54 tackles (seven for negative yardage), four sacks, four forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries for the Irish.

Darvin, a Tennessean All-Midstate first-teamer, verbally committed to Western Kentucky on Sept. 30, choosing the Hilltoppers over scholarship offers from seven Division I schools, including Tennessee, Cincinnati, Louisville, MTSU and Navy.

Father Ryan teammate Bryce Vickers also signed on Wednesday, as he will continue his career at Georgia Tech as a preferred walk-on.

Vickers was an All-Region selection and represented Tennessee in the annual Tennessee-Kentucky Border War all-star game.

Reach  Michael Murphy  at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter  @Murph_TNsports .

JEREMY DARVIN
High school: Father Ryan
Position: Defensive tackle
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 285
247Sports Composite: 3 stars
Signed with: Western Kentucky
2015 statistics: 54 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 pass breakups 2 fumble recoveries, 4 forced fumbles

Brentwood Academy senior Ryan Johnson signs a letter of intent to play football at Tennessee.

Brentwood Academy senior Ryan Johnson, No. 4 on The Tennessean’s 2015 Dandy Dozen, signed a letter of intent to play football at Tennessee on Wednesday.

Johnson, a 6-foot-6, 288-pound four-star offensive tackle, helped lead the way up front for an offense that average a Division II-AA-leading 437.1 yards and 44.3 points per game en route to the school’s first state title since 2006.

Johnson, a Tennessean All-Midstate first-team selection, verbally committed to Tennessee in July 2014, choosing the Volunteers over scholarship offers from several Division I programs, including Alabama, Clemson, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt.

Reach  Michael Murphy  at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter  @Murph_TNsports . 

RYAN JOHNSON
High school: Brentwood Academy
Position: Offensive tackle
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 285
247Sports Composite: 4 stars
Signed with: Tennessee

Brentwood Academy offensive lineman Ryan Johnson (70) signed to play for the University of Tennessee Wednesday.

Pearl-Cohn’s Rontavius Groves was ranked sixth in this year’s Tennessean’s Dandy Dozen.

Pearl-Cohn senior Rontavius Groves, No. 6 on The Tennessean’s 2015 Dandy Dozen, signed a letter of intent to play football at North Carolina on Wednesday.

“It’s stressful if you let it be stressful, but it’s a blessing,” said Groves, who had more than 20 Division I scholarship offers. “It took me a while. At first I wasn’t feeling North Carolina as much, after talking to Coach (Larry) Fedora and understanding the plan he has for me, it just felt like a good home.”

Groves, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound wide receiver and defensive back made 57 catches for 1,067 yards and 14 touchdowns in just 12 games a season ago, helping lead the Firebirds to a 10-5 record and a runner-up finish in Class 4A. He also registered 38 tackles and two interceptions defensively.

“(Fedora) says he’s going to use me in every way possible — kickoff returns, punt returns, slot receiver, anything to get the ball in my hands,” Groves said.

Groves, a 2015 Class 4A Mr. Football semifinalist and Tennessean All-Midstate first-teamer, verbally committed to North Carolina on Dec. 5, choosing the Tar Heels over scholarship offers from more 15 Division I programs, including Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss.

Groves’ signal caller at Pearl-Cohn, Jimmy Ferrell, also signed on Wednesday, deciding to continue his football career at Alabama State.

Ferrell threw for more than 2,900 yards and 28 touchdowns in 15 games, leading the Firebirds to the Class 4A state title game.

Fellow teammate A.J. Morris signed a letter of intent to play football at Highland Community College.

Reach  Michael Murphy  at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter  @Murph_TNsports . 

RONTAVIUS GROVES
High school: Pearl-Cohn
Position: Wide receiver
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 175
247Sports Composite: 3 stars
Signed with: North Carolina
2015 statistics: 59 receptions, 1,067 yards receiving, 15 total TDs

Pearl-Cohn senior Jimmy Ferrell (left) and Rontavius Groves (right) look on before signing letters of intent to play football at Alabama State and North Carolina, respectively.

Pearl-Cohn senior A.J. Morris (left) poses for a photograph with one of his mentors, officer Paul Flournoy, after signing a letter of intent to play football at Highland Community College.

DeVarius Cortner

East Nashville coach Brian Waite (right) congratulates senior DeVarius Cortner prior to him signing to play football at Western Carolina.

East Nashville Magnet School’s DeVarius Cortner signed a letter of intent to play college football at Western Carolina University Wednesday.

Cortner, who was recruited as a defensive back, recorded 40 tackles, four interceptions and five pass break-ups during his senior season at East Nashville. He was also the team’s starting quarterback.

“I’m very excited and relieved, and now I finally just get to enjoy it and get ready for college,” Cortner said.

“It felt very welcoming at (Western Carolina) and I love the people there.”

RELATED: Family bonds help Cortner in life, football