Seymour-Greeneville

Lady Eagles unable to overcome early deficit, falling to Greeneville 64-44 in substate sectional

BY BRIAN HAMILTON SEYMOUR – Greeneville used a stifling press to fluster Seymour early in the first quarter, as the Lady Devils took a 20-point first quarter lead. Seymour played better from that point forward, but the damage was done, and the Lady Eagles never were able to get the deficit back to single digits, falling 64-44 in the substate sectional game. “I’m not going to make any excuses,” Seymour coach Greg Hernandez said. “It’s been a special year. These kids have given so much, and I can’t fault them for their effort through everything they’ve given us this season. …

MCS NACA Championship

Maryville Christian fourth quarter comeback bid falls short in NACA Championship against Teays Valley (WV)

BY BRIAN HAMILTON DAYTON – Maryville Christian found itself down 19 early in the fourth quarter against Teays Valley Christian (WV) and West Virginia commit Josiah Davis, but the Eagles gave a valiant comeback effort, pulling to within four late in the game, but came up just short, falling 73-65 in the NACA Division 5 Championship. Davis would have his way in the paint, throwing down a thunderous dunk late in the game, on his way to 34 points and tournament MVP. “We wanted to eliminate his presence in the paint,” Maryville Christian coach Brian Turbyfill said. “He has great …

Maryville Christian

Maryville Christian falls to Mountain Mission (VA) in overtime 62-52 in the NACA Championship

BY BRIAN HAMILTON DAYTON – Maryville Christian got off to a good start and led Mountain Mission (VA) 24-20 in the NACA Division 4 championship game on Friday afternoon, but a 12-0 run to open the second quarter by the Lady Commanders forced the Lady Eagles to fight from behind most of the second half. Maryville Christian managed to force overtime and nearly win in regulation, but Mountain Mission was on a mission and ended the game on a 10-0 run to win 62-52 in overtime. “They’re a very athletic team and they jump in lanes well,” Maryville Christian coach …

Alcoa

Freshmen come up big to help Tornadoes win region championship at Gatlinburg-Pittman

BY BRIAN HAMILTON GATLINBURG – Eli Graf hadn’t attempted a shot for nearly 29 minutes on Thursday night, but with under three minutes remaining in the Class 2A Region Championship, the freshman hit a three to tie the game at 54-54 and then put Alcoa up 57-54 and ahead for good with under two minutes left with another triple. Freshman Eli Owens also pulled down crucial rebounds and made timely baskets throughout the game. “Eli Graf hadn’t taken a shot all game and comes out and sticks two in that big moment, right there, unbelievable,” Alcoa coach Ryan Collins said. …

Seymour Regional

Seymour defeats Northview Academy to earn first region and district title since 2004

BY BRIAN HAMILTON KNOXVILLE – After the district championship game a week ago, Seymour head coach Greg Hernandez was asked if he would like to face Northview Academy a fourth time, a team that played the Lady Eagles tough in all three contests. His answer: “Hell no.” After the two teams went on their separate ways into regional play, it became evident that the two teams were on a collision course yet again. The two teams met at Halls Gymnasium on Wednesday night and the first quarter looked as if it was going to be similar to the other three. …