Morristown East

Morristown East historic season ends at hands of Dobyns-Bennett 59-55

BY BRIAN HAMILTON DANDRIDGE – Morristown East saw its best season in school history come to an end on Tuesday night, as a barrage of 3-pointers by Dobyns-Bennett’s Jonavan Gillespie spearheaded a late 10-0 Indian run that was too much for the Hurricanes to overcome. Morristown East and Micah Simpson rallied furiously late, but ultimately, Dobyns-Bennett would win 59-55 and advance to the region championship. “Winning is not easy and Dobyns-Bennett has a great team,” Morristown East coach Alden Collins said. “I think so much of the game of basketball is determined by making shots and Gillespie gets off in …

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. …

Kayle Yates

Gatlinburg-Pittman takes down Happy Valley 70-47 in regional semis

BY BRIAN HAMILTON GATLINBURG – Leah Stinnett has been having a district tournament for the ages with the first triple-double in school history against Chuckey-Doak on Friday night. The sophomore guard followed that up by leading Gatlinburg-Pittman in scoring — with 20 points — and helping propel the Lady Highlanders to the district finals with a 70-47 win over Happy Valley. Gatlinburg-Pittman got off to a great start in the fourth quarter and lead after the Lady Warriors pulled to within six early in the second quarter, GP went on a 10-0 run and never looked back. “I thought that …

Ainsley Pfieffer

Alcoa advances to second consecutive regional final with 73-56 win over South Greene

BY BRIAN HAMILTON GATLINBURG – Alcoa came out hot on Monday night and never took their foot off the gas, as the Lady Tornadoes led by double digits after the first quarter and never let the lead shrink to single-digits again, winning 73-56. The win advances Alcoa to the region championship with an opportunity to face Gatlinburg-Pittman — who defeated Happy Valley later Monday night — for the fourth time this season. Both matchups in Gatlinburg, the Lady Tornadoes have lost, and Wednesday night’s game will be at the same location. “We wanted to give ourselves another shot to get …

Jordan White

Lady Cougars defeat Clinton 71-57 to advance to region semifinal

BY BRIAN HAMILTON KODAK – On Friday night, Northview Academy had the task of slowing down Tennessee Miss Basketball finalist Sarah Burton and according to Lady Cougars coach Brooke Shelley, it may have been one of the best games they played all year, as Northview never trailed and came away with a 71-57 win. “I think it was the best team effort and team win that we’ve ever had, maybe in this program,” Shelley said. “The girls came out and executed the game plan tonight and they stuck to the game plan. Clinton hit some huge shots and we never …