Spring Hill senior Tylin Oden, No. 8 on The Tennessean’s 2015 Dandy Dozen, signed a letter of intent to play football at Rutgers on Wednesday.

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

Oden, who held more than 10 Division I scholarship offers, originally committed to Louisville last spring before withdrawing his pledge with the Cardinals earlier this month. He verbally committed to Rutgers on Jan. 27.

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

TYLIN ODEN
High school: Spring Hill
Position: Quarterback
Ht: 6-15 Wt: 180
247Sports Composite: 3 stars
Signed with: Rutgers

Tylin Oden

Ravenwood senior Crews Holt signed a letter of intent to play football at MTSU on Wednesday.

Holt, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound kicker, connected on 17-of-22 field goal attempts a season ago, including a school-record 55-yarder in the Raptors’ semifinal win over Whitehaven, while also hitting 65 of 66 extra-point attempts.

Holt, the 2016 Mr. Football Kicker of the Year, chose MTSU over scholarship offers from Murray State, Army, Fairmount State and Wayne State.

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

CREWS HOLT
High school: Ravenwood
Ht: 5-9 Wt: 150
247Sports Composite: NR
Signed with: MTSU
2015 statistics: 17-of-22 FGs (Long 55), 65-of-66 XPs

Ravenwood’s Grayson Linde (43) holds the ball for Crews Holt (97) while he kicked a 3 point in the first quarter of the Class 6A Championship Game on Saturday, Dec 5, in Cookeville, Tenn.

Oakland senior Ty Nix signed a letter of intent to play football at Middle Tennessee State University on Wednesday.

Nix, a 6-foot, 270-pound two-star defensive tackle, registered 70 tackles (21.5 for negative yardage), five sacks and an interception a season ago, helping lead the Patriots to a 12-2 record and a second straight Class 6A semifinal appearance.

Nix, a Tennessean All-Midstate first-teamer and the Region 2-6A defensive MVP, committed to MTSU on Dec. 16, choosing the Blue Raiders over scholarship offers Appalachian State, Furman, Southern Illinois and UT Martin.

Teammate Hudson Smith, an offensive lineman, signed to play at Tennessee Tech while a pair of teammates – Benji Arnette and Mark Pruitt – will be going to Lindsey Wilson College.

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

TY NIX
High school: Oakland
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 270
247Sports Composite: 2 stars
Signed with: MTSU
2015 statistics: 70 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks and 1 interception.

Oakland’s JaCoby Stevens (7), runs the ball in for a touchdown as teammate Hudson Smith (77) runs beside him to clear his way while Blackman’s Blake Taylor (10) tries to catch up, during the game against Blackman at Oakland, on Friday.

Independence senior Kylan Stribling signed a letter of intent to play football at Middle Tennessee State on Wednesday.

Stribling, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound three-star defensive back, posted 67 tackles, 10 pass breakups and an interception a season ago, helping lead the Eagles to a perfect 15-0 record and their first state title in program history.

Stribling, a Tennessean All-Midstate second-teamer, committed to MTSU on last July, choosing the Blue Raiders over scholarship offers from more than a dozen Division I programs, including Austin Peay, Western Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Furman and UT Martin.

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

KYLAN STRIBLING
High school: Independence
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 180
247Sports Composite: 3 stars
Signed with: MTSU
2015 statistics: 67 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 1 interception

Kylan Stribling

Overton senior Mareio McGraw, who played for Nashville Christian during the fall, signed a letter of intent to play football at Murray State on Wednesday.

McGraw, a 6-foot, 175-pound three-star athlete, racked up 1,028 yards rushing, 334 yards receiving, 344 punt return yards and 23 total touchdowns to help lead the Eagles to a 14-1 record and their first state champion in program history. He also tallied 17 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception defensively.

McGraw held scholarship offers from a handful of Division I programs, according to 247Sports, including Tennessee, Arkansas State, Mercer and Louisville.

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

MAREIO MCGRAW
High school: Overton/Nashville Christian
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 175
247Sports Composite: 3 stars
Signed with: Murray State
2015 statistics: 1,706 all-purpose yards, 23 total TDs

Overton’s Mareio McGraw, who played for Nashville Christian School in the fall, signed with Murray State.

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

Cane Ridge players celebrate after the team’s doubble-overtime win over Hillsboro on Friday.

10. Maplewood (17-4) —Despite suffering their second district loss of the season Tuesday, the Panthers, led by junior swingman Bo Hodges (23.4 points per game), bounced back to beat Whites Creek on Saturday, maintaining a half-game lead in 10-AA. Last week: No. 10. Streak: Won 1. 

9. Oakland (18-4) —After dropping a pair of district defeats last week — a 52-39 loss at Blackman followed by a 57-52 setback at Stewarts Creek — the Patriots have managed to hold onto their second-place standing in 7-AAA. Last week: No. 6. Streak: Lost 2. 

8. Rossview (21-2) —Seniors Brad Allen (16.7 points per game), Cannon Campbell (12.0) and Javon Vaughn (11.6) are averaging in double figures for the 10-AAA-leading Hawks, who recently escaped with wins over Northeast and Kenwood by a combined nine points. Last week: NR. Streak: Won 17. 

7. Ensworth (19-4) — After avenging one of their earlier losses by beating East/Middle Region-leading Brentwood Academy 63-55 on Tuesday, the second-place Tigers suffered a disheartening 55-51 home defeat to CPA on Saturday. Last week: No. 7. Streak: Lost 1. 

6. White County (23-0) —The District 6-AAA-leading Warriors, one of just five unbeaten boys teams in the state, have connected on 278 3-pointers this season, bringing them to within 67 of tying the TSSAA state record for 3s in a season. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Won 23. 

5. Cane Ridge (21-1) — The one-loss Ravens, coming off a thrilling 65-55 double-overtime win over Hillsboro, have clinched their third consecutive District 12-AAA regular-season championship. Last week: No. 5. Streak: Won 12. 

4. Independence (21-1) — Grayson Murphy (18), Greg Miller (11), Patrick Murphy (10) and Malcolm Walker (10) each scored in double figures in Friday’s win for the District 11-AAA-leading Eagles, who are in the midst of their first 20-win season since 2006-07. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Won 14.

3. Brentwood Acad. (20-3) — Last week’s losses to Ensworth (63-55) and Hamilton Heights (58-55) — teams boasting a combined 41-6 record — mark the first back-to-back defeats for the defending Division II-AA champion Eagles since February 2014. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Lost 2. 

2. Station Camp (26-0) — The Bison, owners of the state’s longest active winning streak, secured their second straight District 9-AAA regular-season championship with Friday’s 71-58 triumph over Wilson Central. Last week: No. 3. Streak: Won 26. 

1. Blackman (24-0) — Senior forward Jerrell Reeves scored a combined 31 points in last week’s wins over 7-AAA squads Oakland and Siegel, helping bring the unbeaten Blaze to within two wins of pulling off a perfect regular season. Last week: No. 1. Streak: Won 24.

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

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

Dickson County senior Vanderbilt signee Lea Lea Carter.

10. Upperman (25-2) — The Lady Bees, who are averaging 64.6 points per contest, haven’t lost since Dec. 5 to Jackson County — a loss they avenged a little more than a month later, topping the Lady Blue Devils 50-41 on Jan. 8. Last week: NR. Streak: Won 19. 

9. East Nashville (21-2) — Prior to Friday’s nail-biter against rival Pearl-Cohn — an eventual 58-55 win — the District 10-AA leading Lady Eagles had outscored their previous five opponents by an average of 47.4 points per game. Last week: No. 10. Streak: Won 15. 

8. Rossview (23-1) — The one-loss Lady Hawks, unbeaten since their Dec. 17 setback to former district foe Dickson County, can secure the District 10-AAA regular-season title outright with a win against Henry County on Tuesday. Last week: No. 9. Streak: Won 13. 

7. Stewarts Creek (18-4) — After tallying wins over a pair of nationally ranked squads Blackman and Riverdale, the Lady Red Hawks were brought back down to Earth by Friday’s 44-39 setback to Oakland. Last week: No. 7. Streak: Lost 1. 

6. Dickson County (21-3) — The Lady Cougars, led by senior Vanderbilt signee Lea Lea Carter, have surpassed the 20-win mark for the fourth straight season under first-year coach Greg Tipps. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Won 5.

5. Oakland (17-5) — The Lady Patriots, clinging to third place in the 7-AAA standings, are a perfect 17-0 on the season when playing schools not named Blackman (0-2), Riverdale (0-2) or Brentwood Academy (0-1). Last week: No. 5. Streak: Won 1. 

4. Brentwood Acad. (18-5) — Despite suffering their fifth loss of the season last week — a 60-54 setback to Chattanooga-area foe Hamilton Heights — the Lady Eagles still cling to a 1½-game lead in Division II-AA East/Middle. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Lost 1. 

3. Wilson Central (24-0) — The Lady Wildcats, who already have captured the District 9-AAA regular-season title, can secure a perfect regular-season finish by beating this week’s opponents, Portland and Mt. Juliet. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Won 24.

2. Riverdale (22-3) — The Anastasia Hayes-led Lady Warriors, winners of three in a row, appear destined for a runner-up finish in District 7-AAA after dropping both of their regular-season contests with Blackman by a combined five points. Last week: No. 3. Streak: Won 3. 

1. Blackman (21-3) — The Lady Blaze, ranked 14th in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings, bounced back from last week’s surprising loss to Stewarts Creek by securing a pair of lopsided wins over 7-AAA foes Oakland and Siegel. Last week: No. 1. Streak: Won 2. 

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 Feb. 8, total points based on 10 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote:

Associated Press high school basketball rankings

Boys

CLASS AAA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Blackman (3) 24-0 138 2
2. Memphis East (9) 22-1 115 1
3. Station Camp 26-0 106 3
4. White County 23-0 89 4
5. David Crockett 22-4 65 7
6. Germantown 22-2 63 T5
6. Cordova 20-3 68 8
8. Oak Ridge 26-2 59 9
9. Independence 22-1 34 9
10. Cane Ridge 21-1 28 10
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

CLASS AA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Jackson SS (14) 21-0 140 1
2. Fulton 21-1 124 2
3. Westview 19-3 111 5
4. Upperman 21-4 88 6
5. Knoxville Catholic 18-3 78 9
6. Chattanooga Central 16-3 66 3
7. Maplewood 17-4 58 4
8. Obion County 20-5 37 10
9. Ripley 20-8 17 7
10. Brainerd 15-4 14 NR
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

CLASS A
School Record Pts Prv
1. Halls (11) 24-0 137 1
2. Mitchell (3) 23-5 120 2
3. Clay County 24-1 110 3
4. Huntland 21-2 94 4
5. Union City 21-5 80 5
6. Meigs County 24-3 67 6
7. MAHS 16-3 48 8
8. Van Buren County 20-4 34 7
8. Hampton 18-6 34 9
10. Columbia Academy 18-4 19 T10
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

DIVISION II
School Record Pts Prv
1. CBHS (14) 25-1 140 2
2. Brentwood Acad. 20-3 112 1
3. Ensworth 19-4 101 4
4. Briarcrest 22-5 95 3
5. McCallie 22-5 82 5
6. USJ 21-5 71 6
7. Knoxville Webb 22-6 64 7
8. Pope John Paul II 18-5 44 8
9. St. George’s 13-8 31 9
10. MUS 16-6 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 (12) 22-3 134 2
2. Wilson Central (2) 24-0 119 3
3. Riverdale 22-3 106 4
4. Memphis Central 26-1 105 1
5. Morristown West 23-2 89 5
6. Cumberland County 18-3 49 9
7. Oakland 18-5 41 T7
8. Bradley Central 21-3 40 10
9. Dyer County 21-3 31 6
10. Stewarts Creek 19-4 23 T7
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

CLASS AA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Elizabethton (14) 24-0 140 1
2. McMinn Central 21-2 125 2
3. Westview 23-2 110 3
4. Upperman 25-2 99 4
5. East Nashville 21-2 71 6
6. Westmoreland 21-3 63 T7
7. Grainger 20-6 46 T7
8. Gatlinburg-Pittman 20-4 38 9
9. Livingston Academy 19-7 29 5
10. Lexington 19-4 19 10
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

CLASS A
School Record Pts Prv
1. Middleton (12) 23-0 138 1
2. Gibson County (2) 27-0 127 2
3. South Greene 24-3 109 4
4. Dresden 21-3 88 5
5. Pickett County 21-2 85 3
6. Meigs County 21-3 74 6
7. Community 22-2 63 7
8. Jackson County 17-4 44 8
9. Middle TN Christian 18-6 16 9
10. Van Buren County 20-3 9 NR
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

DIVISION II
School Record Pts Prv
1. USJ (7) 25-1 113 1
2. Brentwood Acad. (5) 18-5 112 1
3. FRA 19-2 100 3
4. Northpoint (1) 24-1 97 5
5. St. Benedict 19-4 57 4
6. Baylor 17-6 69 7
7. Father Ryan 19-4 57 4
8. Harpeth Hall 16-5 39 8
9. Ezell-Harding 20-3 33 10
10. Harding Academy 19-5 21 9
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

All Associated Press members in Tennessee are eligible to participate in the high school basketball poll. Those who voted for this week’s poll are: The Daily Post-Athenian, Athens; Cleveland Daily Banner, Cleveland; State Gazette, Dyersburg; The Jackson Sun, Jackson; Johnson City Press, Johnson City; The Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville; Marshall County Tribune (Lewisburg); The Tomahawk (Mountain City); The Commercial Appeal, Memphis; Citizen Tribune, Morristown; The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro; The Tennessean (Nashville); Union City Daily Messenger, Union City; WCMT, Martin.

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

New Father Ryan football coach Brian Rector

New Father Ryan head football coach Brian Rector.

Less than two months after resigning from Centennial High School, former state championship-winning coach Brian Rector has been named the head football coach at Father Ryan High School.

“As we went through the hiring process, it was clear that Brian was passionate, a good leader of young men and enthusiastic about doing things the right way,” said Pat Lawson, Father Ryan athletic director. “He has a proven track record and has had success at multiple programs. I think there’s a real sense of optimism.”

Rector, who led Ravenwood to a Class 5A state title in 2005, compiled a 41-20 record with Centennial, culminating with last season’s Class 5A semifinal finish — a first for the 19-year-old program. Centennial, led by Class 5A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year and Texas A&M signee Tyrel Dodson, piled up a program-best 12 wins in 2015, with both of the Cougars’ losses coming to eventual Class 5A state champion Independence.

“I think there is certainly some excitement, and the kids were definitely bright-eyed when they were looking at me,” Rector said of Monday’s introduction to the team. “It’s now time to get to know the Father Ryan community and start building towards doing something special.”

As was the case at his previous two head coaching stops at Williamson County schools Ravenwood (2004-08) and Centennial (2011-15), Rector, who also briefly served as an assistant at Western Kentucky University (2009-10), will face a similar uphill task at Father Ryan.

“If it was easy, anybody could do it,” said Rector, who has a 65-36 career record.

The Irish, coming off a 4-7 campaign, have struggled to a combined 70-102 record since 2000, and they’ve managed to post just three winning seasons in that 15-year stretch.

“I’ve never been the type of guy that’s attracted to a place where everything is perfect,” Rector said. “But in my opinion there’s an amazing foundation already set here to be able to have success. We obviously have to capitalize on the excitement and energy, and focus on getting better as a football team.”

And while Rector has experienced his fair share of rebuilding projects, his newest job presents a challenge he hasn’t faced at the high school level: Division II Class AA.

Unlike Ravenwood and Centennial, which compete in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s Division I, Father Ryan is a member of Division II, comprised of private schools that are permitted to provide need-based financial aid to student-athletes.

“I guess I’m going to find out; it’s on-the-job training, right?” Rector said. “At the end of the day, coaching football is coaching football, but of course (Division II-AA) is an incredibly competitive league. I’ve heard it called the SEC of Tennessee high school football.”

Since 2010, Father Ryan, which competes in Division II-AA East/Middle along with Baylor, Brentwood Academy, Ensworth, Montgomery Bell Academy, McCallie and Pope John Paul, has posted a 9-30 record against region opponents.

“Obviously we’ve got to do a great job of developing our young men, and do a great job of putting an attractive product out there to get great young men into an institution like this,” Rector said.

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

RECTOR’S YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
2004        Ravenwood          8-4
*2005      Ravenwood          14-1
2006        Ravenwood          10-5
2007        Ravenwood          4-6
2008        Ravenwood          6-5
2011        Centennial            7-5
2012        Centennial            7-5
2013        Centennial            5-5
2014        Centennial            10-3
2015        Centennial            12-2
* state championship

After seven seasons, Troy Williams has resigned as head football coach at Dickson County High School.

Former Dickson County football coach Troy Williams

Williams, who announced his resignation on Monday, compiled a 41-36 record in seven seasons at Dickson County, leading the Cougars to four consecutive Class 6A playoff appearances from 2009 to 2012.

“I find it a great honor to be called coach, and I pray that I have represented DCHS in the highest of honor,” said Williams, who will continue to serve as Dickson County’s assistant principal. “I have appreciated the opportunity for the past seven years to serve as head coach at Dickson County High School. … I will continue to serve this school as assistant principal. I will continue to work with the program until a new head coach is named.

“I thank the community for all the support they have given me in the past.”

In 2012 Williams, who played for Dickson County in the late 1980s, led the program to its first 10-win season in more than two decades, guiding the Cougars to a 10-2 record, as well as a Class 6A second-round playoff appearance.

“I had the pleasure of coaching Troy Williams for over 15 years,” Dickson County principal Joey Holley said. “The best thing I can tell you about Troy is you will never find a more devout Christian man. He instilled a Christian mindset to our football players and staff during his team as head coach. Troy has touched and changed the lives so many young men who have played for our football program.”

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

Here’s a look at schedules for the upcoming high school basketball district tournaments involving Midstate schools:

TSSAA logo

(NOTE: This page will be continuously updated as information/results become available)

Division II-A E/M District 1

Boys
Thursday 
5 Kings Academy at 4 Friendship Christian
6 St. Andrews-Sewanee at 3 Mt. Juliet Christian
7 Hendersonville Christian at 2 Donelson Christian
Friday (at Knoxville Webb)
Friendship/Kings Academy vs. 1 Knoxville Webb, 4:30 p.m.
MJCS/SAS vs. DCA/HCA, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday (at Knoxville Webb)
Consolation, 1:30 p.m.
Championship, 5 p.m.

Girls
Thursday
5 Kings Academy at 4 Mt. Juliet Christian
6 Hendersonville Christian at 3 Friendship Christian
7 St. Andrews-Sewanee at 2 Donelson Christian
Friday (at Knoxville Webb)
MJCA/Kings Academy vs. 1 Knoxville Webb, 3 p.m.
Friendship/HCA vs. DCA/SAS, 6 p.m.
Saturday (at Knoxville Webb)
Consolation, 1 p.m.
Championship, 5 p.m.

Division II-A E/M District 1

Boys
Thursday
6 Webb Bell Buckle at 3 USN, 6 p.m.
5 Davidson County at 4 Ezell-Harding, 6:30 p.m.
7 Zion Christian at 2 Battle Ground Academy, 7:30 p.m,
Friday (at Franklin Road Academy)
Ezell-Harding/Davidson vs. 1 FRA, 5:30 p.m.
USN/Webb vs. BGA/Zion Christian, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday (at Franklin Road Academy)
Consolation, 4:30 p.m.
Championship, 7:30 p.m.

Girls
Thursday
7 Zion Christian at 2 Ezell-Harding, 5 p.m.
6 USN at 3 BGA, 6 p.m.
5 St. Cecilia at 4 Davidson Academy, 6:30 p.m.
Friday (at Franklin Road Academy)
Davidson/St. Cecilia vs. 1 FRA, 4 p.m.
Ezell-Harding/Zion vs. BGA/USN, 7 p.m.
Saturday (at Franklin Road Academy)
Consolation, 3 p.m.
Championship, 6 p.m.

DISTRICT 7-A

*Feb. 16-23 at Livingston Academy

District 9-A (at Forrest HS)

Boys
Saturday
7 Moore County vs. 6 Forrest, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday
5 Fayetteville vs. 4 Eagleville, 6 p.m.
Forrest/Moore Co. vs. 3 Community, 7:30 p.m.
Friday
Eagleville/Fayetteville vs. 1 Huntland, 6 p.m.
Community/Forrest/Moore Co. vs. 2 MTCS, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 22
Consolation, 6 p.m.
Championship, 7:30 p.m.

Girls
Saturday
7 Fayetteville vs. 6 Forrest, 1 p.m.
Monday 
5 Moore County vs. 4 Eagleville, 6 p.m.
Forrest/Fayetteville vs. 3 Huntland, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday
Eagleville/Moore Co. vs. 1 Community, 6 p.m.
Huntland/Forrest/Fayetteville vs. 2 MTCS, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20
Consolation, 6 p.m.
Championship, 7:30 p.m.

DISTRICT 11-A

* Feb. 15-23 at Culleoka Unit School

DISTRICT 9-AA

* Feb. 17-23 at White House Heritage HS

DISTRICT 10-AA

* Feb. 16-23 at higher seed/Lipscomb Academy

DISTRICT 11-AA

* At Waverly Central HS

DISTRICT 12-AA

* Feb. 16-20 at Spring Hill HS 

DISTRICT 6-AAA

* TBD at Cookeville HS

DISTRICT 7-AAA

* Feb. 17-24 at La Vergne HS

DISTRICT 9-AAA

* Feb. 17-24 at Portland HS

DISTRICT 10-AAA

* Feb. 18-24 at Clarksville HS

DISTRICT 11-AAA

* Feb. 16-20 at higher seed/Brentwood HS

DISTRICT 12-AAA

* At Hunters Lane HS

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

TSSAA logo

Fourteen Midstate basketball players were named as finalists for the 32nd annual Tennessee State Secondary School Athletic Association Mr. and Miss Basketball awards on Friday.

The Mr. and Miss Basketball awards, which will be presented on March 8 at Middle Tennessee State University’s Murphy Center, are given to the top girls and boys basketball players in each of the TSSAA’s five classifications — Class A, Class AA, Class AAA, Division II-A and Division II-AA.

Van Buren County’s Lakelyn Bouldin (A), Middle Tennessee Christian’s Ashlynd Wilkerson (A), Upperman’s Akira Levy (AA), Blackman’s Crystal Dangerfield (AAA), Riverdale’s Anastasia Hayes (AAA), and Wilson Central’s Kendall Spray (AAA) and Brentwood Academy’s Sydni Harvey (DII-AA) were each named finalists for Miss Basketball

Additionally, Huntland’s Kobe Foster (A), Fayetteville’s Nick Hopkins (A), Cheatham County’s Austin Douglas (AA), Maplewood’s Bo Hodges (AA), Franklin Road Academy’s Kenny Cooper (DII-A), Ensworth’s Jordan Bone (DII-AA) and Brentwood Academy’s Darius Garland (DII-AA) were chosen as finalists for Mr. Basketball.

High school head coaches and members of the media nominated finalists, while a statewide committee of sportswriters select winners based on performance during the 2015-16 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration.

ALL-USA Watch: UConn-bound Crystal Dangerfield might be best ever from Tennessee
There’s almost no defending Wilson Central’s Spray

2016 Mr. and Miss Basketball finalists:

DII-A
Ashtyn Baker, Northpoint Christian
Anna Jones, USJ
Micah Scheetz, Webb School of Knoxville

DII-AA
Taylor Barnes, St. Benedict
Kaleigh Clemons, Baylor
Sydni Harvey, Brentwood Academy

Class A
Lakelyn Bouldin, Van Buren County
Taylor Lamb, South Greene
Ashlynd Wilkerson, MTCS

Class AA
Akira Levy, Upperman
Jacobi Lynn, McMinn Central
Kayla Marosites, Elizabethton

Class AAA
Crystal Dangerfield, Blackman
Anastasia Hayes, Riverdale
Kendall Spray, Wilson Central

BOYS

DII-A
Kenny Cooper, FRA
Chase Hayden, St. George’s
Clayton Hughes, USJ

DII-AA
Jordan Bone, Ensworth
William Douglas, Christian Brothers
Darius Garland, Brentwood Academy

Class A
Kobe Foster, Huntland
Tyreke Key, Clay County
Nick Hopkins, Fayetteville

Class AA
Austin Douglas, Cheatham County
Bo Hodges, Maplewood
Garrett Sams, Westview

Class AAA
Tee Higgins, Oak Ridge
Nathan Hoover, Arlington
Alex Lomax, Memphis East

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

Basketball

Creek Wood’s Ross Cummings (20)

LEAD Academy’s Demarco Jackson.

For most Midstate Division I high school basketball teams, the postseason gets under way this week. Here’s a look at some of the top Midstate squads that could be vying for a 2016 state championship:

CLASS A

Boys

Clay County (25-2): The Bulldogs, led by Mr. Basketball finalist Tyreke Key, suffered a surprising league loss to Jackson County last week but still managed to secure the top seed in this week’s district tournament at Livingston Academy.

Huntland (22-3): Despite having their 11-game winning streak snapped during last week’s regular-season finale, the Kobe Foster-led Hornets remain unbeaten against Class A competition.

LEAD Academy (20-5): The Panthers, gunning for their second state tournament appearance in just four seasons of competition, haven’t lost since suffering a 58-57 defeat to MBA on Dec. 9.

Girls

Community (23-2): The Sarah Pierce-led Lady Vikings, looking for their second state tournament berth in as many seasons, have already eclipsed last season’s win total.

Pickett County (23-2): The 7-A champion Lady Bobcats, who are unbeaten against Class A competition, have the state’s second-highest scoring offense (77.2 points per game)

Houston County (21-6): After dropping three of their first five games, the Lady Irish, led by senior UT-Martin signee Breanna Boggs, rebounded to claim their sixth straight 10-A regular-season title.

TSSAA district basketball tournament schedules, pairings

CPA girls basketball coach Becky LeGate

CLASS AA

Boys

Maplewood (19-4): Junior Mr. Basketball finalist Bo Hodges has carried the load for the Panthers, but others will need to step up in order for them to make their first state tournament appearance since 2010.

Creek Wood (21-4): The 11-AA champion Red Hawks, led by Mercer signee Ross Cummings, are averaging a state-leading 80.1 points.

CPA (18-8): The Lions don’t have the star power of seasons past, but they’ve been getting it done from the outside, knocking down 271 3-pointers en route to a sixth straight regular-season district title.

Girls

East Nashville (23-2): Erica Haynes-Overton (20.4 points), Le’jzae Davidson (17.8) and Kaiai Upton (13.5) have helped guide the Lady Eagles to a second straight 20-win season.

Upperman (27-2): The Lady Bees, who are averaging 64.3 points, have won 21 straight since suffering a 45-40 loss to Jackson County on Dec. 5.

CPA (20-4): The 12-AA champion Lady Lions, led by Kenedi Hambrick’s 20.8 points per game, have strung together 12 wins in a row, and they’ve only suffered one loss against Class AA competition.

Blackman’s Cedriontis Wilson

CLASS AAA

Boys

Blackman (26-0): The Blaze, one of just four unbeaten boys teams in the state, have the second-stingiest scoring defense in the state, allowing 43.2 points per contest.

Cane Ridge (22-2): The two-time defending District 12-AAA regular-season champion Ravens have to be feeling confident after capturing a 62-60 win over previously unbeaten Station Camp in their regular-season finale.

Station Camp (28-1): Cane Ridge may have spoiled their undefeated regular season, but the three-time defending 9-AAA regular-season champion Bison’s 28 wins are the second-most in the state.

Girls

Blackman (23-3): The Lady Blaze, led by Miss Basketball finalist and Connecticut signee Crystal Dangerfield, suffered their first in-state loss since 2013 this season, but they still have to be considered the favorite in Class AAA.

Riverdale (22-3): The Lady Warriors, led by junior Miss Basketball finalist Anastasia Hayes, suffered a pair of regular-season losses to Blackman by a combined five points.

Wilson Central (26-0): The Wildcats have one of the state’s top scorers in senior Kendall Spray (27.1 points per game), who recently broke her own state record for most 3-pointers in a season (144).

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

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

Independence’s Grayson Murphy (2)

10. Rossview (22-3) — Despite suffering a 62-58 overtime defeat to league foe Springfield in Friday’s regular-season finale, the Hawks have secured the top seed in this week’s District 10-AAA tournament at Clarksville. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Lost 1.

9. Maplewood (19-4) — Not only did they secure a first-place finish in 10-AA on Friday, but the Panthers, led by Mr. Basketball finalist Bo Hodges, also captured a momentous 67-46 triumph over rival East Nashville on Saturday. Last week: No. 10. Streak: Won 3. 

8. Oakland (20-4) — After suffering back-to-back losses to league foes Blackman and Stewarts Creek, the Patriots won their final two to secure a second-place finish in District 7-AAA. Last week: No. 9. Streak: Won 2.

7. Ensworth (20-4) — In addition to winning out, the second-place Tigers also need Brentwood Academy to drop one of its final two games to finish atop Division II-AA East/Middle. Last week: No. 7. Streak: Won 1. 

6. White County (25-0) — The 6-AAA champion Warriors, one of just four unbeaten boys teams in the state, will square off with Lebanon in their regular-season finale on Monday — a team they beat just 71-69 back on Jan. 5. Last week: No. 6. Streak: Won 25. 

Midstate Division I prep basketball postseason primer
TSSAA district basketball tournament schedules, pairings

5.Independence (23-2) — The 11-AAA regular-season champion Eagles, led by junior guard Grayson Murphy, will face the winner of No. 4 seed Centennial and No. 5 Ravenwood in the semifinals of the district tournament on Friday. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Won 1. 

4. Station Camp (28-1) — The 9-AAA regular-season champion Bison are coming off their first loss on Saturday — a 62-60 non-district defeat to Cane Ridge in their regular-season finale. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Lost 1. 

3. Cane Ridge (22-2) — After suffering a surprising loss to district foe Overton, the two-time defending District 12-AAA regular-season champion Ravens captured a 62-60 win over previously unbeaten Station Camp on Saturday. Last week: No. 5. Streak: Won 1.

2. Brentwood Academy (24-3) — The defending Division II-AA champion Eagles can secure the East/Middle regular-season title with wins over region foes Pope John Paul II and Father Ryan this week. Last week: No. 3. Streak: Won 3. 

1. Blackman (26-0) — The District 7-AAA champion Blaze have allowed just 43.2 points per game en route to their second undefeated regular season in school history. Last week: No. 1. Streak: Won 26. 

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

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

Wilson Central senior Kendall Spray

10. Upperman (27-2) — The District 8-AA regular-season champion Lady Bees, looking for their first state tournament appearance since 2008, have strung together 21 straight wins, and they haven’t lost in more than two months. Last week: No. 10. Streak: Won 21. 

9. Stewarts Creek (20-5) — Despite dropping two of their final three regular-season games, the Lady Hawks, a No. 4 seed in this week’s 7-AAA tournament, certainly won’t be an easy out.  Last week: No. 7. Streak: Lost 1. 

8. East Nashville (23-2) — The District 10-AA regular-season champion Lady Eagles, who’ve strung together 17 straight wins, haven’t lost to a Class AA opponent all season. Last week: No. 9. Streak: Won 17. 

7. Rossview (25-1) — The Lady Hawks, who haven’t lost since Dec. 17, captured yet another District 10-AAA regular-season title with Friday’s 54-42 win over a 22-win Henry County team. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Won 15. 

6. Dickson County (23-3) — The 11-AAA regular-season champion Lady Cougars, led by senior Vanderbilt signee Lea Lea Carter, will face the winner of No. 6 Centennial and No. 3 Ravenwood in Friday’s district semifinals. Last week: No. 6. Streak: Won 7.

Midstate Division I prep basketball postseason primer
TSSAA district basketball tournament schedules, pairings

5. Oakland (19-5) — Blackman and Riverdale seem to have separated themselves in District 7-AAA, but, like Stewarts Creek, the third-place and defending Class AAA runner-up Lady Patriots should not be taken lightly this postseason. Last week: No. 5. Streak: Won 3. 

4. Wilson Central (26-0) — The 9-AAA regular-season champion Lady Wildcats, led by Miss Basketball finalist and UT-Martin signee Kendall Spray (27.1 points per game), polished off the program’s undefeated regular season with Friday’s 51-43 win over rival Mt. Juliet. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Won 26. 

3. Brentwood Academy (20-5) — The two-time defending Division II-AA champion Lady Eagles, led by Miss Basketball finalist Sydni Harvey, have won their last three games by a combined 97 points. Last week: No. 3. Streak: Won 3. 

2. Riverdale (22-3) — The Lady Warriors, destined for a second-place finish in District 7-AAA, will square off with DII-AA squad Baylor on Monday before wrapping up its regular season against La Vergne on Tuesday. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Won 3.

1. Blackman (23-3) — The two-time defending Class AAA champion Lady Blaze, ranked No. 16 in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings, have coasted to four consecutive double-digit wins since losing to Stewarts Creek on Jan. 29. Last week: No. 1. Streak: Won 4.

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 Feb. 8, total points based on 10 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote:

Associated Press high school basketball rankings

Boys

CLASS AAA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Blackman (14) 26-0 158 1
2. White County (1) 25-0 120 4
3. Memphis East 23-2 119 2
4. Germantown (1) 24-2 114 T5
5. David Crockett 25-4 90 T5
6. Station Camp 28-1 85 3
7. Cordova 22-3 65 7
8. Oak Ridge 29-2 57 8
9. Independence 23-2 33 9
10. Cane Ridge 22-2 32 10
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

CLASS AA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Jackson SS (16) 22-0 160 1
2. Westview 21-3 138 3
3. Fulton 22-2 119 2
4. Upperman 23-4 113 4
5. Knoxville Catholic 19-3 100 5
6. Maplewood 19-4 78 7
7. Chattanooga Central 16-4 41 6
8. Ripley 22-8 35 9
9. Brainerd 18-4 33 10
10. Obion County 21-6 21 8
Others receiving 12 or more points: Creek Wood 19.

CLASS A
School Record Pts Prv
1. Halls (15) 25-0 159 1
2. Clay County (1) 25-2 140 3
3. Mitchell 23-6 110 2
4. Huntland 22-3 83 4
5. MAHS 16-3 68 7
6. Union City 21-6 64 5
7. Meigs County 25-4 60 6
8. Booker T. Washington 21-4 53 NR
9. Hampton 21-6 46 T8
10. Columbia Academy 20-4 41 10
Others receiving 12 or more points: Van Buren County 16.

DIVISION II
School Record Pts Prv
1. CBHS (16) 26-1 160 1
2. Brentwood Acad. 24-3 143 2
3. Ensworth 20-4 128 3
4. Briarcrest 23-6 89 4
5. McCallie 22-6 85 5
6. USJ 22-6 65 6
7. Knoxville Webb 24-7 58 7
8. MUS 18-6 52 10
9. Pope John Paul II 19-6 41 8
10. St. George’s 15-9 31 9
Others receiving 12 or more points: FRA 12.

The Tennessean Midstate boys basketball top 10
The Tennessean Midstate girls basketball top 10
TSSAA district basketball tournament schedules, pairings
Midstate Division I prep basketball postseason primer

Girls

CLASS AAA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Blackman (13) 23-3 153 1
2. Wilson Central (3) 26-0 137 2
3. Memphis Central 28-1 120 4
4. Riverdale 22-3 118 3
5. Morristown West 25-3 102 5
6. Bradley Central 24-3 63 8
7. Oakland 19-5 61 7
8. Cumberland County 19-4 40 6
9. Stewarts Creek 20-5 20 10
10. Rossview 25-1 12 NR
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

CLASS AA
School Record Pts Prv
1. Elizabethton (16) 27-0 160 1
2. McMinn Central 23-2 141 2
3. Westview 25-2 125 3
4. Upperman 27-2 117 4
5. East Nashville 23-2 88 5
6. Westmoreland 23-2 17 6
7. Gatlinburg-Pittman 21-4 58 8
8. Grainger 21-7 31 7
9. Livingston Academy 20-8 21 9
10. CPA 20-4 14 NR
Others receiving 12 or more points: Lexington 12.

CLASS A
School Record Pts Prv
1. Middleton (11) 25-0 155 1
2. Gibson County (4) 29-0 146 2
3. Pickett County (2) 23-2 111 5
4. Dresden 22-3 106 4
5. South Greene 25-4 99 3
6. Meigs County 23-3 79 6
7. Community 23-2 71 7
8. Jackson County 20-4 61 8
9. MTCS 18-6 26 9
10. Van Buren County 21-4 15 10
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

DIVISION II
School Record Pts Prv
1. USJ (12) 26-1 149 1
2. Brentwood Acad. (4) 20-5 145 2
3. Baylor 19-6 106 6
4. FRA 23-3 103 3
5. Northpoint 25-2 91 4
6. St. Benedict 20-5 80 5
7. Harding Academy 21-5 59 10
8. Father Ryan 19-5 55 7
9. Ezell-Harding 23-4 45 9
10. Harpeth Hall 17-6 39 8
Others receiving 12 or more points: None.

All Associated Press members in Tennessee are eligible to participate in the high school basketball poll. Those who voted for this week’s poll are: The Daily Post-Athenian, Athens; Cleveland Daily Banner, Cleveland; Cookeville Herald-Citizen, Cookeville; State Gazette, Dyersburg; Monroe County Advocate and Democrat, Sweetwater; The Jackson Sun, Jackson; Johnson City Press, Johnson City; The Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville; Marshall County Tribune (Lewisburg); The Tomahawk (Mountain City); The Commercial Appeal, Memphis; Citizen Tribune, Morristown; The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro; The Tennessean (Nashville); Union City Daily Messenger, Union City; WCMT, Martin.

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

White County’s Cade Crossland (00) dribbles towards the basket during Monday’s game against visiting Lebanon.

SPARTA  — The White County High School boys basketball team put the finishing touches on a perfect regular season Friday, wearing down visiting Lebanon to capture an 82-71 win.

White County, ranked No. 2 in Class AAA, used a 14-2 first-quarter run to erase an early double-digit deficit, and, from there, the Cade Crosland-led Warriors maintained control almost the entire way.

“I think I was more nervous about playing Lebanon than I was about the perfect season,” said Crosland, whose squad escaped with a 71-69 win over the Blue Devils on Jan. 5. “We needed to beat Lebanon to show that we can beat some of these good teams in (Class) AAA, so that was a big deal.”

Crosland, who tallied eight 3-pointers, finished with a game-high 28 points to lead the Warriors (26-0), while teammates Cole Crosland (18) and Pierce Whited (14) also reached double-figures in the victory.

Lebanon, led by Eddie Jackson’s 18-point effort, trailed by as many as 12 in the second quarter, but thanks to a 10-0 third-quarter run, the Blue Devils battled back to take a 52-51 lead on Noah Mulaski’s 3-pointer from the corner.

“We got up by double-digits in the first half and I think we kind of let up,” White County coach Eric Mitchell said. “I guess we thought we were going to run them, but you don’t run good, well-coached teams like that.”

Jakeese Turner finished with 15 for Lebanon (21-6), which was unable to sustain its lead for more than a few possessions, while teammates Kobe Neuble (13) and Mulaski (12) also finished in double-figures.

“It was a great atmosphere in here with two high-level teams playing,” Lebanon coach Jim McDowell said. “They did what they do as far as shooting the ball from the perimeter, and I thought Cade Crosland was the difference maker tonight.

“He shot the ball well, but more than that I thought he really outworked us on the offensive glass.”

White County, the No. 1 seed in this week’s District 6-AAA, finished with 12 3-pointers in the win, giving the team 344 treys on the year — just two shy of setting the Tennessee Secondary State Athletic Association single-season record.

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

Lebanon coach Jim McDowell encourages his team during the first half of Monday’s game at White County.

FRANKLIN — Wednesday’s District 11-AAA quarterfinal boys matchup between No. 4 Centennial and No. 5 Ravenwood truly was a game of runs.

Centennial guard K.J. Lesure dribbles around Ravenwood’s Zack Stallcup (21) during the first half of Wednesday’s District 11-AAA quarterfinal at Centennial High School.

The Raptors began both halves with a bang, stringing together a 10-3 run to start the game before returning from the break with a quick 8-2 spurt.

However, it was the host Cougars who eventually counterpunched their way to a semifinal berth with a 67-59 win.

“That has kind of been our M.O. all year,” Centennial coach Pete Froedden said. “We’ve been giving up points early in the first half and second half all year, so it’s not like we haven’t been there before.

“Our guys didn’t fold.”

The Cougars (17-10), who’ve suffered quarterfinal defeats in each of the previous five seasons, seized control with an 18-0 third-quarter run.

“We couldn’t stop them, we couldn’t score, we had poor shot selection; there were a variety of things that didn’t go our way,” Ravenwood coach Patrick Whitlock said of his team’s 5:42 dry spell to conclude the third quarter. “I would say it was a lack of mental focus for three or four or five minutes or for however long it was.

“I would have to back to look at film, but it felt like an eternity.”

And while the visiting Raptors clawed back to within 49-47 midway through the fourth quarter, Centennial slammed the door shut with an 18-12 run over the final 4:07.

“I think it was just coach giving us the energy at halftime,” said Centennial senior K.J. Lesure, who finished with a team-high 27 points. “Box out, rebound and execute, and I think we did a good job of all three of those in the second half.”

Kennedy Watkins finished with nine points on three 3-pointers for the Cougars, who’ll square off with top-seeded Independence in Friday’s 5:30 p.m. semifinal. Teammates David Mosley and Connor Jenkins each contributed eight points.

Case Bouldin had 19 points to lead the Raptors (14-13), Zach Tudeen finished with 13 and Elon Smallwood contributed 12.

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

Ravenwood coach Patrick Whitlock and the Ravenwood bench cheer on the Raptors during the first half of Wednesday’s District 11-AAA quarterfinals at Centennial High School.

The White County student section cheers on the Spartans during Monday’s regular-season finale.

The White County boys basketball team might not pass an initial eye test, but that’s just about the only exam it hasn’t aced en route to a 26-0 regular season.

And when it comes to perimeter shooting, the undersized squad is at the top of the class.

The Warriors have already set one Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association record, knocking down 31 3-pointers in a 107-75 win over Rhea County of Feb. 8, and another is sure to fall during this week’s District 6-AAA tournament at Cookeville High School.

White County, which received a first-round tourney bye, will play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday against No.4 Warren County.

“They’ve been telling us all year that if you live by the 3 you’ll die by the 3, but we haven’t yet,” 12th-year coach Eric Mitchell said. “I’m glad I don’t have to play us.”

Lebanon coach Jim McDowell can attest to that.

Cade Crossland, White County’s all-time leading 3-point shooter, squares up for a 3 during Monday’s regular-season finale.

“They play a different style than anybody else you play,” said McDowell, whose 21-6 Blue Devils have suffered a pair of losses to White County by a combined 13 points. “A lot of things you normally do defensively as far as helping on penetration and giving up a perimeter shot, you kind of have to do the opposite with them. It’s very hard for your kids.”

White County, ranked second in Class AAA behind fellow unbeaten Blackman, is averaging making 13 3-pointers per contest, giving them a state-leading 344 on the season — just two shy of breaking the TSSAA single-season record.

That number was on just about everyone’s mind in the waning moments of Monday’s regular-season finale against visiting Lebanon. The players were no exception, and they didn’t really have much of a choice.

A raucous White County student section was responsible for that.

“Our student section is great, but having all those 3s lined up got in our heads,” Mitchell said.

Just as the Warriors entered the game needing 14 3-pointers to eclipse the state record of 345, the students began the game with 14 sheets of paper with the number 3 printed on them hanging along the railing.

With each White County trey, another “3” came down.

“I think at the end, that’s when we were saying, ‘Let’s break it here with a minute left,’ and that was kind of stupid,” said White County senior and District 6-AAA Player of the Year Cade Crosland, who had a team-high 28 points in the 82-71 victory. “I know I pulled up and air-balled one when I probably just should have dribbled it out and won the game.

“I don’t know something in me wanted to break (the record) I guess.”

While several familiar faces make up this year’s team, one key contributor from last season’s 30-4, Class AAA quarterfinalist — 2015 All-Midstate first-team selection Kordell Henderson — graduated.

In addition to the absence of the 6-foot-7 Henderson, who averaged a team-leading 23 points, 6-foot-3 posts Allen Newport and Zack Stephenson also moved on, forcing the Warriors to utilize a smaller, quicker lineup in 2015-16.

White County’s Pierce Whited, who is averaging a team-leading 20 points per game, has knocked down over 100 3-pointers on the season.

“Last year we were very big,” Mitchell said. “We went 6-3, 6-3, and 6-7 up front, then you had Cade and Jacob (Fresh). We’re not as strong this year, but we’re faster and shoot more 3s.”

Crosland, the school’s all-time leading 3-point shooter, and Fresh have benefited from the change, and so have fellow starters Pierce Whited, Mitchell Lamb and Cole Crosland.

“Having the five guards really helps us on offense,” Cade Crosland said. “Defensively it’s a struggle when we get that big 6-8 guy in the post, but that’s basketball.”

Added Mitchell, “Basically we’re going to score and we get just enough deflections from Cade and Fresh and Lamb on our defense. Their hands are everywhere.”

White County’s regular-season run was nothing short of remarkable, but if that old cliche Mitchell referred to is true, the bottom is sure to eventually drop out on White County, right?

Not according to Cade Crosland.

“I guess it’s a more accurate saying if you have two or three shooters,” he said. “We have six. Everyone that comes in the game can shoot. It’s a lot easier to live by the 3 when you have six shooters and the other team really has to respect everyone at the 3-point line. They have to come out. If they don’t come out we’re driving by you for a layup.

“That’s the way we’re playing it and it has worked.”

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

Player            PPG    FG%    3P%    3PM
Cade Crosland, Sr.    15.0    50.4    40.1    71
Jacob Fresh, Sr.    16.0     48.0    38.8    73
Pierce Whited, Jr.    20.0    41.9    38.4    120
Mitchell Lamb, Sr.    11.8    52.2    37.3    40
Jared Carter, Jr.        5.7                           27
Cole Crosland, Jr,    5.4    51.1    27.6      10

White County coach Eric Mitchell (right) looks on during Monday’s regular-season finale.

Kirby Simpson (Ryan) celebrates his win over Jack Reynolds (Baylor) in the 132 pounds class at the TSSAA state wrestling championships Saturday Feb. 20, 2016, in Franklin, Tenn.

Raymond Eason (Ryan) and Brock Herring (McCallie) get tangled up as the compete at the TSSAA state wrestling championships Saturday Feb. 20, 2016, in Franklin, Tenn.

Riverdale coaches including Shawn Jones, right, celebrate before the pin is finished as they knew Nick Boykin (Riverdale) was going to defeat Logan Townsend (Jefferson Co.) at the TSSAA state wrestling championships Saturday Feb. 20, 2016, in Franklin, Tenn.

FRANKLIN — The Beech High School wrestling program has been steadily building for years.

On Saturday, brothers Trevor and Kaleb Rippy helped the Buccaneers finally break through, capturing the program’s first two state wrestling titles at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center.

“We just went out there and took it,” said 182-pound champion Kaleb Rippy. “I’d been waiting so long just for this moment to come.”

Trevor Rippy, who finished third in 132 a season ago, captured the 145-pound Class AAA individual title with Saturday’s 3-0 win over Heritage’s Michael Diemer, polishing off a perfect 53-0 season in the process.

“We knew what was ahead of us and how big it was,” said Trevor Rippy, a sophomore. “It’s amazing; a one-of-a-kind feeling. This was our last year to do it. (Kaleb is) a senior, and I really wanted us to be able to do this.”

Trevor’s older brother, Kaleb, captured his championship hardware about an hour later, pinning Jefferson County’s Josh Booker 3:37 into the 182-pound title match.

“I was super anxious just to get out there and get it over with,” Trevor Rippy said. “I worked for four years to become a state champion, and (Trevor) won, so I knew that I couldn’t get outdone.”

In addition to the Trevor and Kaleb Rippy, Blackman’s Matthew Sells (160), Wilson Central’s Zach Linton (170) and Riverdale’s Nick Boykin (285) also secured Class AAA titles on Saturday.

Boykin, who took down three of his state tournament opponents in 25 seconds or less, needed just 41 seconds to pin Jefferson County’s Logan Townsend on Saturday, securing his second straight title as well as a second consecutive undefeated season (45-0).

“I felt good out there,” Boykin said. “I didn’t know it was going to be that quick. But, he stepped right into it.”

Beech finished tied for third in the Class AAA team standings with 117 points — 127.5 behind first-place Bradley Central. Tennessee High finished third with 121, while Cleveland (117) and Soddy-Daisy (98.5) rounded out the top five.

Father Ryan finished with seven Division II champions for the second season in a row, edging second-place Baylor 247-238 thanks to senior Jeremy Darvin’s 5-2 win over Baylor’s Cooper Reiniche in the 285-pound title match.

“That’s two years in a row where if we don’t have seven champions we don’t win the tournament,” Father Ryan coach Pat Simpson said. “You feel good if you get five champions, but to get seven two years in a row, it’s unheard of.”

In addition to Darvin, Christian Simpson (113), Trey Chalifoux (120), Raymond Eason (126), Kirby Simpson (132), Eli King (138) and Ben Stacey (220) also won titles on Saturday.

Christian Brothers (170) finished third in the Division II team standings, while McCallie (167.5) and MBA (140) rounded out the top five.

In girls action, reigning Tennessean Midstate Girls Wrestler of the Year Jessica Elery of Clarksville Northwest captured her second straight 138-pound title, while Summit’s Jailah Grimes (148), Clarksville Northeast’s Jaydn Sayer-adona (155) and St. Andrews-Sewanee’s Zaferiah (185) also claimed championships on Saturday.

Northeast finished atop the girls team standings with 62 points, while Montgomery Central (58), St. Andrews-Sewanee (40) and Sycamore (36) also finished in the top five.

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

Elise Dille (Cumberland Co.) celebrates her win over Shantoia Blackburn (Antioch) at the TSSAA state wrestling championships Saturday Feb. 20, 2016, in Franklin, Tenn.

Ben Stacey (Ryan) takes down DÕOn Coofer (MBA) at the TSSAA state wrestling championships Saturday Feb. 20, 2016, in Franklin, Tenn.