Sevier County vs Cullman

Bearettes dominate Cullman (AL) 55-12 in Winterfest Shootout

BY BRIAN HAMILTON SEVIERVILLE – Before most folks in attendance could get in their seats for the second of a quadruple-header at the Winterfest Shootout between Sevier County and Cullman on Wednesday evening, Sevier County had raced out to a 22-1 lead early in the first quarter. Sevier County would use the commanding first quarter lead to cruise to a 55-12 win and advance to the tournament semifinals. “After the first quarter, my biggest criticism was the missed shots at the basket,” Sevier County coach Jonathan Shultz said after the game. “We missed some shots at the basket that I feel …

Sevier County vs Rogers

Sevier County uses strong second half to defeat Rogers (AL) in King of Smokies Classic

BY BRIAN HAMILTON PIGEON FORGE – Sevier County got off to a slow start on Thursday morning, but was able to pull away comfortably in the second half, thanks to a stifling full-court press. The Smoky Bears outscored Rogers 40-21 in the second half to win 67-37 in the first round of the King of the Smokies Classic in Pigeon Forge. “We just played with no energy to start,” Sevier County coach Ken Wright said after the game. “You give them off four days and that’s just typical over the Christmas holidays. They stay up late when they have four …

Tyson McFall

Pigeon Forge escapes late 7th inning rally to defeat Sevier County 5-3

BY BRIAN HAMILTON PIGEON FORGE – Sevier County scored three runs in the top of the 7th inning to turn a 5-0 shutout into a 5-3 thriller, as a fatigued Dylan Loy gave up his first runs of the game. Third baseman Trevan Myers moved to the mound for relief and made the last out, striking Mason Ellis out swinging for a 5-3 win on Thursday night. “You know going into it, with Loy, that you’re not going to have that many opportunities,” Sevier County coach Casey Taylor said. “Good arms give you fewer chances to produce and score, so …

Caleb Tarwater

Smoky Bears suffer heartbreaking loss to Science Hill in regional semis

BY BRIAN HAMILTON DANDRIDGE – Sevier County led by double digits against a 30-win Science Hill team, but the Hilltoppers were too much in the end. Science Hill scored the go-ahead basket with seven seconds to play, but the Smoky Bears had an opportunity to win on the last possession. Gavin Joslin’s three would not fall, however, as the Hilltoppers came away with a 50-49 win. Sevier coach Ken Wright was hurting for his players — including seven graduating seniors — after the game but spoke highly of the team’s effort all season. “These guys competed every night,” Wright said. …

Sevier County shuts out Pigeon Forge in first ever meeting

BY BRIAN  HAMILTON SEVIERVILLE – Neighboring Class 5A Sevier County and Class 3A Pigeon Forge squared off for the first time in the schools’ history on Friday night and the Smoky Bears came away with a resounding 14-0 win. Sevier County had starting linebackers Garrett Hawkins and Stephen Cain back for the first time since the opener against Jefferson County and it helped, as the Smoky Bears used a stifling defense to hold the Tigers to just 112 total yards. All of Pigeon Forge’s yards were on the ground, as Sevier County held Tigers quarterback Tyson McFall to 0-of-6 passing …