L-R Baylor’s Trevor Milling and Father Ryan’s Trey Chalifoux make a good human pretzel in a 120 class match at the DII state duals finals Saturday.

Top: Father Ryan’s Eli KIng pushes Baylor’s Austin’s face into the mat in a 138 class match in the DII state duals finals Saturday.

Top Father Ryan’s Ben Stacey pulls on the foot of Baylor’s Tyree Toliver in a 220 match at the DII state finals Saturday.

Top: Father Ryan’s Ray Easton applies presure on Baylor’s Andy Atchley in a 126 class match in the DII state finals Saturday.

Top :Father Ryan’s Christian Simpson works over Baylor’s Hayden Hardline in a 113 class match at the DII state duals finals Saturday.

L-R Father Ryan’s Jim Killian takes down Baylor’s John Pettway and pins him in 41 seconds in a 113 class match at the DII state duals finals Saturday.

FRANKLIN – The third time was the charm against rival Baylor for the Father Ryan wrestling team in the championship match of the Division II state duals competition.

After losing to Baylor in the state title match each of the last two years — including losing by two points last year — the Irish finally got over the hump with a 36-22 win over the Chattanooga wrestling state powerhouse Saturday at  the Williamson County Agriculture Center to claim their first state title since 2010.

Father Ryan has won eight state dual titles overall.

“We had 11 starters back so it felt like we could put 14 really good kids on the mat,” Father Ryan coach Pat Simpson said. “If you do that, then you’ve got a chance to win.”

Father Ryan earned its chance to wrestle for the DII team state title with wins over Briarcrest and McCallie in Friday’s action behind a combined match score of 122-30.

The Irish kept that momentum rolling into Saturday’s title match.

They jumped ahead 36-0, winning the first eight matches on a 17-9 major decision by Ben Stacey (195), a pair of pins by Jeremy Darvin (285) and Jim Killiam (106), a technical fall for Christian Simpson (113), a 12-3 major decision for Trey Chalifoux (120), an 8-3 decision for Ray Eason (126), a 5-0 decision for Kirby Simpson (132) and a technical fall for Eli King (138) before Baylor was finally able to get on the board with a win in the 145-pound class.

Pat Simpson said the win was extra special for his group of seniors.

“They all started wrestling together when they we’re probably 5,” he said. “None of them had ever won the duals. To finally win it… That’s why you start wrestling; to win championships.”

The 145-pound class win sparked a stretch of six straight wins for the Red Raiders, as they won the remainder of the matches, but it wasn’t nearly enough to offset the early Irish onslaught.

FRA and MBA both won their opening matches of the Division II consolation bracket, but the consolation semifinals was as far as either team would make it.

FRA ran into a tough Christian Brothers team that toppled the Panthers 64-9 and went on to finish third, and MBA didn’t fare much better with a 45-16 loss to McCallie, which took home fourth.

In Class AAA action, Wilson Central came up just short against Soddy-Daisy, losing 39-35 in the semifinals, but the Wildcats weren’t done there.

They went on to beat Gibbs with a 43-30 win that earned them the chance to wrestle for the third place.

In the third-place match the Wildcats jumped ahead 33-30, but Tennessee High secured a pin and an 8-2 decision in the last two weight classes to take home third with a 39-33 win.

“We didn’t show up to wrestle,” Wilson Central coach John Kramer said. “At this level, if you don’t have it, you’re going to lose, and that’s what happened to us.”

Independence and Centennial  won their opening matches of the Class AAA consolation bracket, while Siegel and Blackman lost in the first round.

Independence and Centennial lost their next matches, with Centennial losing to Tennessee High and Independence falling to Beech.

Beech almost earned the right to wrestle Wilson Central, but Gibbs escaped with a 35-33 win.

Page and Greenbrier were the only Midstate teams wrestling in Class A/AA Saturday, and both went down in their first matches of the consolation bracket.

Greenbrier lost 45-33 to Alcoa, which went on to take third place with a 41-33 win over Greeneville.

Greeneville earned the right to wrestle Alcoa for third after a tight 39-36 win that sent Page home.

Bradley Central (Class AAA) and Red Bank (Class A/AA) were the other two teams to win state titles on Saturday.

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

Father Ryan’s Jeremy Darvin, right, won the 285-pound match in the DII duals championship against Baylor’s Cooper Reiniche in 48 seconds.

Ravenwood wrestler Chris Rowland, top, trains with teammate Rohan Nandwani during practice at Ravenwood High School, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Brentwood, Tenn.

Ravenwood wrestler Chris Rowland, center, trains with teammate Jacob Castillo during practice at Ravenwood High School, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Brentwood, Tenn.

Ravenwood wrestler Chris Rowland, right, trains with teammate Rohan Nandwani, left, during practice at Ravenwood High School, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Brentwood, Tenn.

Ravenwood wrestler Chris Rowland pauses between drills during practice at Ravenwood High School, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Brentwood, Tenn.

Ravenwood wrestler Chris Rowland, left, trains with assistant coach Jacob Freeman during practice at Ravenwood High School, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Brentwood, Tenn.

Ravenwood wrestler Chris Rowland, right, trains with teammate Rohan Nandwani, left, during practice at Ravenwood High School, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Brentwood, Tenn.

After finishing runner-up last season in football and wrestling, Ravenwood’s Chris Rowland is trying to make a statement his senior year.

“Once you have that God-given ability, it’s what you make of it,” first-year Ravenwood wrestling coach Bob Kopecky said. “And from watching him it seems he wants to make that statement that he’s the best.”

The versatile offensive threat racked up a team-leading 26 total touchdowns and helped lead Ravenwood to the Class 6A title in December with a 26-17 win over Maryville after losing to the same team by one point in the state final a year ago.

Now, after finishing runner-up in the Class AAA 138-pound weight class by just one point last season, Rowland has wrestled his way to a 13-0 start in the 152-pound class and looks poised to return to the state title match.

Ravenwood speedster Rowland hopes for college chance

Despite the football season being wrapped up, Rowland was getting looks to play in college, even at his wrestling matches.

“(He had) football scouts at all his wrestling meets, and I can’t believe it,” said Chris’ father, Tony Rowland. “It’s blowing my mind.”

Despite his football success, his college offers were limited to Austin Peay, Tennessee State and UT Martin. He chose TSU during Wednesday’s national signing day.

“The only reason (he didn’t get) all the big offers is because he’s not 2 inches taller,” Tony Rowland said of Chris, who is listed at 5-foot-9. “It’s going to be somebody’s loss.”

Ravenwood’s Chris Rowland headlines TSU signing class

Ravenwood wrestler Chris Rowland listens to instructions during practice at Ravenwood.

Sold short

Blowing minds is something that Rowland is trying to make a habit.

There aren’t too many people outside of Ravenwood who can say they saw the Raptors’ state title win over Maryville even though the Raptors lost just one game all season. And while Rowland hasn’t gotten used to the idea of being overlooked, he said it does provide him with motivation.

“I kind of use it as a chip on my shoulder,” Rowland said. “I’ll say it drives me. I’ll say that. The more I can prove people wrong and getting people raising their eyebrows about me, the better it feels on my end.”

Playing with a grudge might be a reflection of the competitor in Rowland.

Ravenwood waits all year to beat Maryville for state title

“Mentally and physical so far, from what I’ve seen, he’s got it,” Kopecky said. “Whether it’s a chip on his shoulder or whatever it is. He knows what he wants and he wants to win. He’s an extreme competitor. You can just see that he wants to win and he’s going to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Among those things required to get the job done is a positive team mentality, and although it’s largely an individual sport, Kopecky said Rowland is the ultimate team player.

“We’ve wrestled him at 170 a couple times this year and he doesn’t care,” he said. “Whatever we want him to do, he will do. He’s just that kind of a guy. Whatever it takes for the team.”

His team-first mindset and his athletic ability may be in large part thanks to his original team — his family.

Keeping it in the family

“It’s a family thing,” Kopecky said. “Dad trains him, dad coaches him and Tony knows what he’s doing.”

Tony Rowland wrestled for MTSU before transferring to UNLV, where he and Kopecky first met. He just missed qualifying for the Olympic teams in 1980 and 1984.

But his wrestling involvement didn’t end there.

Tony Rowland built and opened his own gym on his property and trains wrestlers from all over the state. One of his former students includes current McCallie wrestling coach Mike Newman.

But his favorite wrestler to work with is still his son, and their home facility makes training and practice easy to fit in to a busy schedule.

“I built a 3,000-square-foot building so we’re never in a desperate situation,” Tony Rowland said. “We go over the film then we go over what we need to do to improve whatever it is he needs to improve on.”

One down, one to go

So far his senior season has been about as good as Chris Rowland could expect. With a football state title already under his belt, Rowland is primed to finish his dream season when the state individual meet is held in a couple of weeks. The state duals were this past weekend, but Ravenwood was not in the field of 16 Class AAA teams.

“All the goals I’ve set out to accomplish this year have been checked off the list,” he said. “I’m hoping to check this last one.”

If people still don’t believe Chris Rowland can take home a state title in wrestling this year or continue his success of the football field at the collegiate level, that’s just fine with him.

”Just keep doubting me,” Rowland said. “I’m eventually going to find a way to make you pay for it.”

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

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. 

The White County High School boys basketball team set a state record for 3-pointers in a game Monday night, burying an eye-popping 31 treys en route to a 107-75 triumph over Region 6-AAA foe Rhea County.

White County’s boys basketball team set a state record for 3-pointers in a game on Monday.

“I have a good group of kids,” 12th-year White County coach Eric Mitchell said. “I play almost all guards … It was just an exceptional night. We were firing at all levels. The kids just hit some good shots.”

Pierce Whited and Jacob Fresh combined to hit 15 3-pointers for the unbeaten Warriors (24-0), who are now just 27 triples shy of setting the TSSAA single-season record. Kendall Barker (three), Jared Carter (three), Mitchell Lamb (three), Cade Crosland (one), Malik Murray (one) and Saylor Wilson (one) also connected from behind the arc in the lopsided win.

Whited tallied a team-high 24 points for White County, which eclipsed the 100-point mark for the second time this season, while Fresh (23), Lamb (17) and Carter (11) also finished in double figures.

The Tennessean’s Michael Murphy contributed to this report. 

Several high school basketball games scheduled for Tuesday night have been postponed after snow and ice forced  school cancellations in Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson Counties.

Inclement weather and snow cancelled prep basketball games all over the Midstate.

Here’s a list of Midstate games that are scheduled to tip at their original times:

• White House at East Robertson (6/7:30 p.m.)
• Lebanon at Beech (6/7:30 p.m.)
• Station Camp at Mt. Juliet (6:30/8 p.m.)
• Hendersonville at Gallatin (6:30/8 p.m.)
• Wilson Central at Portland (6:30/8 p.m.)

Some games have been moved to earlier times to accommodate the weather.

• USN at St. Cecilia has pushed its start time to 4 p.m.
• Franklin at Ravenwood has pushed its girls start time to 4 p.m.
• Lawrence County at Shelbyville has pushed its girls start time to 4:30 p.m.
• Summit at Independence has pushed its girls start time to 5 p.m.

More snow expected as Middle Tennessee roads remain concern

Others have been cancelled altogether.

• Marshall County at Culleoka, Fayetteville at Columbia Academy, Stewart County at McEwen and Lincoln County at Tullahoma have been canceled and will not be rescheduled.

Below is a list of games that have been postponed. Updates will be posted as they come in:

Macon County at York (rescheduled for Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.)

Hunters Lane at Overton (rescheduled Wednesday, 5 p.m.)

Stewarts Creek at Siegel (rescheduled Wednesday, 5 p.m.)

Smyrna at Blackman (rescheduled Wednesday, 5 p.m.)

Ezell-Harding at Davidson Academy (rescheduled Wednesday, 5 p.m.)

Baylor vs. Ensworth (rescheduled Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.)

Hume-Fogg at Pearl-Cohn (rescheduled, Wednesday 6 p.m.

GPS/McCallie at Brentwood Academy (rescheduled Wednesday, 6 p.m.)

Brentwood at Centennial (rescheduled Wednesday, 6 p.m.)

LEAD Academy at Nashville Christian (rescheduled Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Pope John Paul II at Harpeth Hall/MBA (rescheduled Wednesday, 6 p.m.)

BGA at Zion Christian (rescheduled Wednesday, 6 p.m.)

Harpeth at Westmoreland (rescheduled Wednesday, 6 p.m.)

Henry County at Rossview (rescheduled Thursday, 6 p.m.)

Eagleville at McEwen (rescheduled Thursday, 6 p.m.)

Pickett County at Monterey (rescheduled Thursday, 6 p.m.)

Loretto at Wayne County (rescheduled Thursday 6 p.m.)

Camden at Hickman County (rescheduled Thursday 6 p.m.)

Columbia at Franklin County (rescheduled Thursday, 6 p.m.)

Loretto at Wayne County (rescheduled Thursday, 6 p.m.)

CPA at Giles County (rescheduled Thursday, 6 p.m.

Gordonsville at Watertown (rescheduled Friday, 6 p.m.)

Creek Wood at East Hickman (rescheduled Friday, 6 p.m.)

Santa Fe at Hampshire (rescheduled Friday, 6 p.m.)

Cascade at Huntland (rescheduled Friday, 6 p.m.)

Collinwood at Summertown (rescheduled Friday, 6 p.m.)

Coffee County at Warren County (rescheduled Saturday, 3 p.m.

Riverdale at LaVergne (rescheduled Feb. 16)

Clarksville NE at Springfield (postponed, no date set)

West Creek at Clarksville NW (postponed, no date set)

Clarksville at Kenwood (postponed, no date set)

Glencliff at Cane Ridge (postponed, no date set)

Antioch at Hillwood (postponed, no date set)

Lipscomb at Maplewood (postponed, no date set)

East Nashville at Stratford (postponed, no date set)

MLK at Whites Creek (postponed, no date set)

Please contact Sam Brown at sdbrown@tennessean.com or Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com to report postponements or cancellations. 

FRA senior manager Robert Lewis is carried on his teammates’ shoulders after sinking a 3-point shot with five seconds left Friday against USN.

Senior Robert Lewis has only played one basketball game in a Franklin Road Academy jersey, yet he will finish this season as the Panthers’ most accurate 3-point shooter.

Lewis is a member of the Heart to Heart program at FRA where students with Down syndrome have been integrated into the classroom. He has been the boys basketball team manager for the past three years and was given the chance to play Friday as FRA hosted University School of Nashville on senior night.

He made the most of the opportunity.

Panthers’ coach John Pierce put Lewis in late in the fourth quarter, and Lewis immediately airballed a 3-point attempt, but on the next possession, he hit a 3-pointer from the same spot with just five seconds remaining.

“It was one of the biggest moments that I’ve ever seen or been a part of,” Pierce said. “Robert is such a big part of our school, and everyone loves Robert and Robert loves everyone, so to see him get to get on the court and do something like that was pretty exciting for everyone.”

FRA won 64-47 with Lewis’ shot accounting for the final points.

“When the ball was in the air I thought I was going to miss or make, I didn’t know which, but when it went down I was so happy that I made it,” Lewis said. “I just loved that moment right there.”

While it was Robert who hit the shot, the night was special for the entire Lewis family, including the player guarding Robert, his younger brother and a junior at USN, Matthew.

“I was really happy that he was in the game when I made that shot,” Robert said.

“It was kind of a classy thing for USN to do,” Pierce said. “When they saw Robert going into the game, they put his brother in so Matthew was actually guarding Robert the last few possessions and when he hit the shot.”

For Robert’s mother, Judy Lewis, the moment was one she will never forget.

“When Robert got put in the game and (USN) coach Mike Jones put Matthew in the game at the same moment, I was really moved,” she said. “For these very close brothers to be able to share that moment was priceless.” It was just sheer joy.”

It was also one she wasn’t expecting.

“We were so excited about Robert’s senior night game and just that he was going to get to dress out,” she said. “For him, just getting to dress out with his team was so exciting.”

While FRA fans stormed the court and USN fans stood and cheered from the bleachers, Lewis’ teammates and friends began to celebrate before lifting Lewis onto their shoulders.

“I was so happy when they picked me up,” Robert said. “From my scene when I got picked up, every person I could see had tears of joy in their eyes and I love that moment. I love FRA. I just love that school so much.”

The celebration continued through the weekend.

“They were completely losing their minds,” Pierce said. “I think, for the most part, our team is still kind of on cloud nine about it. It’s been a lot of fun for us to see the craziness that has happened.”

Since Lewis’ shot Friday, several local and national media outlets have picked up and shown the video.

“I think the video has been on ESPN, ‘Good Morning America’ and Fox News,” Pierce said. “It’s been all over.”

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

Hendersonville High senior point guard Carleigh Short releases an interior shot as Gallatin senior Rene Hudson defends during second-quarter action. Short scored 22 points in the Lady Commandos’ 53-47 victory on Tuesday evening.

GALLATIN It might have been understandable if the Hendersonville High girls basketball team was a little shell-shocked in the first half of Tuesday evening’s game at Gallatin.

Green Wave senior point guard Rene Hudson lit up the nets for 22 first-half points, but the visiting Lady Commandos were able to erase a 15-point deficit in the third quarter to collect a 53-47 victory at Jerry Vradenburg Gymnasium.

It was each team’s next-to-last District 9-AAA contest.

Hudson hit six 3-pointers, with five coming in the opening half. She finished with a game-high 27 points.

“She hit some major threes that killed us in the beginning,” Hendersonville junior guard Peyton Sheehan – who scored 16 points – said.

Hendersonville (16-8 overall, 9-4 in District 9-AAA) trailed 39-24 with four minutes left in the third quarter before embarking on a 9-2 run to finish the period, cutting the Lady Wave lead to eight (41-33).

The Lady Commandos – who have won seven out of their last eight games – then outscored Gallatin by a 20-6 margin in the final period. Hendersonville’s defense limited Hudson to five points in the second half after she single-handedly outscored the Lady Commandos (22-20) in the first half.

Hendersonville tried guarding Hudson with sophomore Brooke Long to begin the game before Sheehan switched over to defend her late in the first quarter. Hudson scored 16 of Gallatin’s 18 points in the opening period as the Lady Wave ran out to an 11-point advantage (18-7).

Gallatin High senior point guard Rene Hudson dribbles to the basket during first-quarter action. Hudson scored 27 points in the Lady Wave’s 53-47 loss to Hendersonville on Tuesday evening.

Lady Commando senior point guard Carleigh Short took a shot at defending Hudson early in the second quarter.

“We finally figured it out in the second quarter,” Sheehan said. “Carleigh did a really good job on her. I usually leave a step (of space) against someone, but against a shooter, you can’t do that. We figured that out.”

Hendersonville head coach Drew Johnson said that Long and Sheehan’s efforts to guard Hudson helped Short find a way to contain her.

“Carleigh looked at me and said, ‘hey, let me try to guard her,’” Johnson said. “We weren’t going to hold her scoreless, but I think Carleigh did a really good job of changing her game and frustrating her. Carleigh, physically, really doesn’t have the tools that Brooke and Peyton have, but mentally, she’s on top of things. It may have even helped her to watch them guard her and see them fail a little bit in order to help her figure out how to guard (Hudson).”

Hudson hit a 3-pointer with 24 seconds left in the half as Gallatin took a 31-20 lead into halftime.

“Rene was on fire in the first half,” Gallatin first-year head coach Malcolm Montgomery said. “She really gave us a lift and gave us some confidence early, and our team really fed on that.”

Gallatin (5-17, 0-13) had its biggest lead of the game when sophomore forward LaMonica Mintlow scored with 4:05 to play in the third quarter as the Lady Wave held a 39-24 advantage.

Sophomore Morgan Wettengel and junior Makensie Cotter helped Hendersonville produce back-to-back baskets over the final 30 seconds of the period.

“Makensie Cotter, (sophomore) Emma Throneberry and Morgan Wettengel … the minutes they gave us were unbelievable,” Johnson said. “They gave us energy that we didn’t have, and it allowed the other girls that weren’t in the game to see that and think, ‘wait a second, we shouldn’t be making a run without me on the floor.’ It was a gut-check, and those minutes were probably the biggest ones of the game when the subs came off the bench.”

Hendersonville junior guard Peyton Sheehan releases a 3-pointer during second-quarter action as Gallatin High junior Grace Pincock challenges. Sheehan scored 16 points.

Lady Commando starters scored all 20 of Hendersonville’s points in the fourth quarter. Short – who led the Lady Commandos with 22 points – produced 10 points in the final frame, hitting 7 of 8 free throws.

“I told them that I’m more proud of them for this effort,” Montgomery said. “We were in the game, and I think we really learned and tried to grow.”

Tuesday was Gallatin’s senior night, despite the Lady Wave having one more home game on Friday. Hudson, Anastasia Blakemore, Keile Hale, Grayson Pryor and Sierra Slaughter were all recognized.

Hendersonville completed the season sweep of Gallatin, having handed the visiting Lady Wave a 68-34 loss on Jan. 15.

The Lady Commandos host Beech on Friday with a chance to possibly tie for second place in the district if Mt. Juliet loses at Wilson Central.

Gallatin hosts Station Camp on Friday to close the regular season and will face top-seeded Wilson Central when the District 9-AAA Tournament begins at Portland next Wednesday.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

HENDERSONVILLE (53) – Carleigh Short 22, Peyton Sheehan 16, Makensie Cotter 7, Brooke Long 4, Joslyn Jarrett 2, Morgan Wettengel 2.

GALLATIN (47) – Rene Hudson 27, Grayson Pryor 10, LaMonica Mintlow 4, Anastasia Blakemore 3, Grace Pincock 3.

Half: 31-20, Gallatin. Three-point goals: Hendersonville 3 (Short 2, Sheehan 1), Gallatin 8 (Hudson 6, Pryor 2). Records: Hendersonville 16-8 overall, 9-4 in District 9-AAA; Gallatin 5-17, 0-13.

Hendersonville High senior forward Preston Brown is fouled by Gallatin junior Mark Brummett on a shot attempt during fourth-quarter action. Brown scored 11 points.

GALLATIN The Hendersonville High boys basketball team is getting accustomed to winning.

The Commandos won on Tuesday for the third time in their last four outings, pulling away in the fourth quarter for a 62-49 victory at Gallatin.

Since the calendar turned to February, the Commandos (9-15 overall, 4-9 in District 9-AAA) have gained momentum in District 9-AAA play after suffering four consecutive losses in overtime during January’s action.

“We’ve talked about it, and we’re ready to make a change,” Commando senior guard Austin Kirby said. “We’ve come a long way. We’ve been close, and we’re ready to turn it over and start winning those games.”

Hendersonville outscored the Green Wave by a 22-11 margin in the final stanza, taking the lead for good on a layin from junior Jordan Amis with 6:21 remaining.

Kirby scored 26 points to lead all scorers, including 16 in the second half.

“He’s had a solid year for us,” Hendersonville head coach Kerry West said. “We’ve been ready for a breakout game, and I thought he did that tonight. He shot the ball well.”

Gallatin High junior Marlon Mitchell elevates for a layin during second-quarter action. Mitchell scored eight points.

Gallatin head coach Bobby Luna added, “Kirby was good. He shot the ball well. Amis was good finishing around the basket. (Preston) Brown and (Jason) Hernando and all those guys contributed and got some good things. They outplayed us.”

Although Gallatin (9-15, 5-8) never actually had a lead in the contest, the game was tied on seven different occasions, including during a six-minute sequence in the third quarter that saw Green Wave baskets even the score five times.

“It was one of those typical games,” West said. “We’d make a shot. Then, they’d make a shot.

“We got up by seven, and we got a couple of stops. One thing we hadn’t been doing is securing loose balls well. We’ve been giving teams second chances. Down the stretch, we didn’t give Gallatin that tonight.”

Gallatin sophomore guard Zyun Mason scored 24 points to lead the Green Wave, with 16 of those coming in the first half. Mason had 10 in the second quarter as the Green Wave kept the contest close in the first half, trailing 24-22 at halftime.

“We had some decent shots around the basket that we didn’t convert tonight,” Luna said. “(Hendersonville) played better than we did tonight. Offensively, we wanted to create the tempo, because we knew we’d struggle with their size a little bit. It was pretty successful in the first half, but in the third quarter, they either scored or got a rebound and scored.”

Amis produced 12 points, and Brown and Hernando contributed 11 points each.

At the other end of the floor, they were trying something different.

“I think we played really well together.” Kirby said. “We’ve been trying out that new 2-3 (zone) defense, and I think that’s helping us a lot.”

Hendersonville High junior guard Ryne Loper and Gallatin sophomore guard Nigel Black pursue a loose ball during third-quarter action.

Mason hit a 3-pointer with three seconds left in the third quarter as Hendersonville’s lead shrunk to two points (40-38) at the end of the period.

However, a 9-0 run helped the Commandos pull away and earn a split of the season series. Gallatin won the first meeting in double overtime at Hendersonville on Jan. 15, by a 72-69 margin.

Gallatin has lost four of its last five games.

“I think our biggest weakness is our lack of consistency,” Luna said. “(That is) not to be unexpected with a young team, but you certainly hope that by this point in the season that it’s not an issue anymore. It’s not lack of fight or desire or those types of things.”

Both teams conclude regular-season play on Friday. Hendersonville hosts Beech, while Gallatin hosts Station Camp.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

HENDERSONVILLE (62) – Austin Kirby 26, Jordan Amis 12, Preston Brown 11, Jason Hernando 11, Ryne Loper 2.

GALLATIN (49) – Zyun Mason 24, Marlon Mitchell 8, Mark Brummett 7, Nigel Black 3, Collin Minor 3, Jordan Mason 2, Anthony Woods 2.

Half: 24-22, Hendersonville. Three-point goals: Hendersonville 8 (Kirby 4, Hernando 3, Brown 1), Gallatin 6 (Z. Mason 2, Mitchell 2, Black 1, Minor 1). Records: Hendersonville 9-15 overall, 4-9 in District 9-AAA; Gallatin 9-15, 5-8.

Christ Presbyterian Academy coach Drew Maddux (center) talks to his team during Wednesday afternoon’s practice. The Lions are 17-8 after losing six key players from last season, including transfers Braxton Key and Tyger Campbell.

There’s a stark contrast between the 2015-16 Christ Presbyterian Academy boys basketball team and those that recently preceded it.

Gone are Jalen Lindsey, Braxton (Blackwell) Key, Craig Bradshaw, Braxton Bonds and Tyger Campbell.

With them went a nightly highlight reel and the buzz of some of the top Division I programs in the country checking out potential recruits.

What hasn’t left the CPA program, however, is success.

“We established a culture of what we expect and what it takes to be a CPA player,” said Lions coach Drew Maddux. “No matter if the faces have changed, the mindset never changed. That’s been our focus each and every day.”

CPA won Class AA titles in 2012 and 2013 behind star players such as Bradshaw (now at Belmont), Lindsey (Providence), Bonds (former Tennessee walk-on now at Columbia State), Key (Alabama signee and two-time Mr. Basketball) and Campbell.

Despite losing the 6-foot-7 Lindsey (to Huntington Prep Academy in West Virginia) his senior year (2013-14), Key and Co. managed to help get the Lions into the state semifinals each of the last two seasons.

Optimism for the 2015-16 season was going to be high for the Lions, especially with the highly recruited Key and  Campbell, who was just entering his freshman season, returning.

Exit Campbell, who moved out of state, and Key, who transferred Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Couple that with four seniors who graduated from last year’s squad, and public expectation turned around quickly.

Not for Maddux, however.

“That’s not who I am,” Maddux said when asked if his spirits were broken after losing Key and Campbell during the offseason. “I believe in this school, the community and the young men in this program. No matter who is in the uniform, these guys are always going to work hard, and that leads to good things.”

What it has led to is another district championship and expectations of a postseason run. Despite a much smaller lineup, CPA is 17-8 overall and 9-0 in 12-AA. The Lions’ non-district schedule has been among the toughest in the Midstate.

“That schedule was made before we lost (Key and Campbell),” said Maddux, whose squad hasn’t lost a regular-season district game since 2010-11 (65 consecutive wins). “We lost six really good players, including four seniors who won (more than) 100 games. I think our young men have played extremely well.”

Five of the eight losses have come from tough out-of-state competition. The lone Midstate losses have been an 87-73 setback to Cane Ridge in the opener and a 74-68 defeat to Pope John Paul II a week later. Both of those games were played while three starters were still participating with the CPA football team. The Lions also lost to Ridgeway in the Penny Hardaway National Hoopfest in early January.

Bombs away

How have the Lions been able to maintain success with a revamped lineup? A steady and accurate dose of 3-point shooting tops the list.

“We have a technical offense, the way we like to share the ball,” Maddux said. “We utilize this group’s strength. They have elite shooting capability. We have two exceptional shooters in Clay Washburn and Evan Ragsdale. Our goal is to shoot 30 3-pointers a game.”

CPA is averaging 10.8 made 3-pointers (on an average of 29 attempts) per game, shooting 38 percent. The Lions have knocked down 271 on the year.

“They’re a different team than anyone on our schedule,” said Page coach Ralph Ringstaff, whose squad has played CPA the closest of any district teams (losing by six and nine points). “They really put the focus on the 3-point shot. Other teams we play like to penetrate and get the ball inside.

“They pose problems. You can’t play help-side defense, which we all preach. They move the ball around so well, and their players are already in shot-ready stance when the (pass) is in the air.”

Washburn leads the group of sharpshooters by hitting 49 percent of his long-range attempts. He has hit 93 3-pointers in 21 games (missing four games with a concussion) and is averaging 21.7 points and eight rebounds. Ragsdale, the lone returning starter, is averaging 15.6 points and has made 101 3-pointers (44 percent).

“We’re all one — there’s not one superstar,” said Washburn, a 6-5 junior wing who is the team’s top prospect with some mid-major interest. “We lost Braxton and Tyger, but I actually think that has made us closer.”

Familiar territory

Christ Presbyterian Academy junior Drew Scott shoots a 3-pointer during practice on Wednesday. The Lions have hit 259 3-pointers this season.

While having to reinvent the team’s offensive strategy, the outside attack falls right in the coach’s wheelhouse. Maddux was a premier shooter as a standout at Goodpasture and Vanderbilt.

“That certainly helps,” Maddux said. “I was a guy who never met a shot he didn’t like. They have the utmost confidence to take open shots. They don’t have to look over their shoulder. I have confidence in them, and they have freedom to shoot whenever they’re open.”

“We shoot about 300 (3-pointers) a day in practice,” Washburn said. “You wouldn’t think we would get a lot of open shots, but (Maddux) has about 40 plays we work on every day in practice that help us get a lot of shots. There are a lot of cuts and handoffs that create space.”

The Lions have attempted as many as 53 3-pointers during a game this season.

“We all feel we can go to back and win state,” Washburn said. “Since the first practice, (Maddux) told us we will be playing in Murphy Center.”

“With Braxton and those guys, they were athletic and posed problems for you defensively,” Ringstaff added. “With Washburn and Ragsdale, they can light it up in a second. If I wasn’t an opposing coach, they would be fun to watch.”

CPA BOYS BASKETBALL

Record: 17-8 (8-0 12-AA)

3-pointers made: 271

Top scorers: Clay Washburn (21.7 ppg., 93 3-pointers), Evan Ragsdale (15.6 ppg., 101 3-pointers)

The Midstate had a pair of state champs after the first day at the Tennessee High School Swimming and Diving Championships, held at Centennial Sportsplex on Friday.

CPA’s Tatum Wade captured first in the girls 200 individual medley while Station Camp’s Riley Gaines won the girls 100 butterfly.

Brentwood’s Allison Raab had a good day as well. She was second in the 200 freestyle and was part of the Lady Bruins 200 medley relay team that finished third.

Harpeth Hall’s Ella Nelson took second in the 200 IM, and Hillsboro’s Mary Cayt Brakefield was second in the 50 freestyle.

Brentwood’s Timothy Raab placed third in the boys 50 freestyle. Siegel’s Meg Tomayko placed third in the 1-meter diving finals.

The state meet will conclude Saturday with boys and girls competition in the 100 freestyle, 500 free, 200 free relay, 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke, 400 free relay and boys 1-meter diving finals.

Below are the top three finishers in Friday’s events:

Girls 200 medley relay

1. Saint Mary’s, 1:45.17

2. GPS, 1:47.12

3. Brentwood (Millie Oldham, Allison Raab, Emily Hughes, McKenna Morello), 1:47.12

Boys 200 medley relay

1. Memphis University School, 1:31.27

2. Science Hill, 1:31.65

3. Baylor, 1:31.99

Girls 200 freestyle

1. Erica Laning, Hardin Valley, 1:46.36

2. Allison Raab, Brentwood, 1:48.85

3. Mary Margaret Banick, Knox West, 1:52.23

Boys 200 freestyle

1. Trey Freeman, Baylor, 1:36.70

2. Joshua Walsh, Collierville, 1:38.11

3. Alex Robinson, MUS, 1:40.13

Girls 200 individual medley

1. Tatum Wade, CPA, 1:57.87

2. Ella Nelson, Harpeth Hall, 1:59.45

3. Susanna LaRochelle, GPS, 2:02.08

Boys 200 individual medley

1. Daniel Chang, Science Hill, 1:46.52

2. Alex Hines, Stem Acad., 1:51.31

3. Jon Pat Ransom, McCallie, 1:51.96

Girls 50 freestyle

1. Sarah Thompson, St. George’s, 23.24

2. Mary Cayt Brakefield, Hillsboro, 23.39

3. Heather Kudialis, Science Hill, 23.63

Boys 50 freestyle

1. Christian Berry, MUS, 20.48

2. Henry Keel, MUS, 20.58

3. Timothy Raab, Brentwood, 20.94

Girls 100 butterfly

1. Riley Gaines, Station Camp, 54.59

2. Alison MacQueen, St. Mary’s, 55.37

3. Zoe Whelan, St. Agnes, 56.90

Boys 100 butterfly

1. Caleb Harrington, Bearden, 48.74

2. Jack McCaghren, MUS, 49.20

3. Peter Lochmaier, Baylor, 50.07

Underwater View of a Swimming Pool

MLK’s D.J. Hunter (22) dribbles around Maplewood’s Bo Bo Hodges (4) during the second quarter of Friday’s District 10-AA matchup at Maplewood High School.

Maplewood’s Bo Hodges goes up for a first-quarter layup over MLK’s Tavares Hanley during Friday’s District 10-AA matchup at Maplewood High School.

Maplewood’s Bo Hodges had to sit out the entire second quarter and part of the third Friday night due to foul trouble during the Panthers’ home game against M.L. King.

Overall, however, it was a very good day for the junior.

Hodges scored a game-high 15 points to help the Panthers clinch the District 10-AA regular-season title with a 55-43 win.

It came on the same day he was selected as a finalist for Class AA Mr. Basketball. To cap it off he joined Maplewood’s 1,000-point club.

“It’s been a great day,” Hodges said.

Hodges picked up three quick fouls in the first quarter and had to sit, but the Panthers jumped out to a 14-10 lead behind eight first-quarter points from Craig Blackshear, then held the Royals to just six points in the second quarter to take a 22-16 lead into halftime.

“That’s the rust from all that snow,” Maplewood coach Tyron Wilson said of Hodges’ early foul trouble. “We hadn’t had a chance to really practice and it sort of hurt us a little bit.”

The Royals (15-11, 9-4 10-AA) turned it on in the third, stringing together a 16-point quarter, but the Panthers (18-4, 10-2) were able to match it and keep a six-point lead heading into the fourth.

MLK scored the first bucket of the fourth and trimmed the deficit to four, but the Panthers scored 17 points in the final quarter to seal the deal.

Hodges scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half to help Maplewood pull away.

“Basically our guys just got outmuscled,” MLK coach Brent Burns said. “Rebounds, loose balls, they got them all.”

The District 10-AA tournament begins Tuesday.

The quarterfinals will be held at the higher seed’s home court. The semifinals and finals will be held at Lipscomb, and the finals are scheduled for Feb. 23.

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

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 D1

Boys
Thursday 
Friendship 50, King’s Academy 44
Mt. Juliet Christian 43, St. Andrews-Sewanee 34 
DCA 64, Hendersonville Christian 35
Friday (at Knoxville Webb)
Knox Webb 65, Friendship Christian 35
DCA 63, Mt. Juliet Christian 43
Saturday (at Knoxville Webb)
Friendship Christian vs. Mt. Juliet Christian, 1:30 p.m.
DCA vs. Knox Webb, 5 p.m.

Girls
Thursday
Mt. Juliet Christian over King’s Academy
Friendship Christian 48, Hendersonville Christian 27
Donelson Christian 72, St. Andrews-Sewanee 6
Friday (at Knoxville Webb)
Knox Webb 46, Mt. Juliet Christian 26
Friendship Christian 49, DCA 36
Saturday (at Knoxville Webb)
Consolation: MJCA vs. DCA, 1 p.m.
Championship: Knox Webb vs. Friendship Christian, 5 p.m.

Division II-A E/M D2

Boys
Thursday
USN 51, Webb Bell Buckle 35
Davidson Academy 63, Ezell-Harding 50
BGA 106, Zion Christian 91
Friday (at Franklin Road Academy)
FRA 77, Davidson Acad. 40
USN def. BGA

Saturday (at Franklin Road Academy)
Consolation: Davidson Acad. vs. BGA, 4:30 p.m.
Championship: FRA vs. USN, 7:30 p.m.

Girls
Thursday
Ezell-Harding 70, Zion Christian 36
BGA 58, USN 45
Davidson Academy 58, St. Cecilia 40
Friday (at Franklin Road Academy)
FRA 51, Davidson Acad. 35
Ezell-Harding 59, BGA 25
Saturday (at Franklin Road Academy)
Consolation: Davidson Acad. vs. BGA, 3 p.m.
Championship: FRA vs. Ezell-Harding, 6 p.m.

DISTRICT 7-A

*Feb. 16-23 at Livingston Academy

DISTRICT 8-A

Boys
Tuesday
5 Merrol Hyde at 4 Red Boiling Springs, 7 p.m.
6 Trousdale County at 3 Gordonsville, 7 p.m.
Thursday (at Gordonvsille HS)
Red Boiling Springs/Merrol Hyde vs. 1 Wartertown, 6 p.m.
Gordonsville/Trousdale County vs. 2 Goodpasture, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday (at Gordonvsille HS)
Consolation, 6 p.m.
Championship, 7:30 p.m.

Girls
Monday
5 Gordonsville at 4 Trousdale County, 7 p.m.
6 Merrol Hyde at 3 Goodpasture, 7 p.m. 
Wednesday (at Gordonvsille HS)
Trousdale County/Gordonsville vs. 1 Watertown, 6 p.m.
Goodpasture/Merrol Hyde vs. 2 Red Boiling Springs, 7:30 p.m.
Friday (at Gordonvsille HS)
Consolation, 6 p.m.
Championship, 7:30 p.m.

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 12-A

* At Wayne County HS

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

* Feb. 16-23 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 8-AAA

* At Coffee County 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. 

HENDERSONVILLE – Senior night proved to be just that for Hendersonville High’s girls basketball team.

Hendersonville High junior guard Peyton Sheehan elevates to shoot a jump shot in the lane against Beech sophomore Kennedy Powell (11) and Destiny Tinker during first-quarter action. Sheehan scored eight points.

Three Lady Commando seniors combined for 27 points to lead Hendersonville to a 58-40 victory over visiting Beech on Friday evening in the final regular-season contest for both teams.

Point guard Carleigh Short was one of the trio participating in their final regular-season home game, scoring nine of her 14 points in the third quarter as Hendersonville (17-8 overall, 10-4 in District 9-AAA) outscored Beech by a 17-6 margin in the period. The run turned the Lady Commandos’ 29-26 lead at halftime into a 46-32 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

It also happened to be Short’s birthday.

“That third quarter was really good for us,” Short said. “It’s definitely a good, cross-town rivalry. We’re always going to be pumped up for the game, and with it being senior night, we just wanted it a little bit more.”

Each team had an injured senior start the contest with a layin. Beech’s Lexi Cook scored an uncontested basket, and then, Hendersonville’s Elizabeth Burns scored an open bucket of her own before both players exited the game. It was a move both coaches had agreed upon prior to the game.

Beech High junior McCall Decker dribbles into the frontcourt against Hendersonville junior Makensie Cotter during second-quarter action. Decker scored three points.

“We were glad to oblige,” Lady Buccaneer interim head coach Troy Carnes said. “It was really a great opportunity to do a good thing for both girls.”

Hendersonville head coach Drew Johnson added, “One of the really good things about it was Coach Carnes was very nice about allowing us to do that. It even worked better for them, because they weren’t able to do that for (Cook) when they had senior night at their place. It’s one of those things that’s really unfortunate that those kids had to go through (those injuries) and watch their teammates play all year long, but it’s great to honor them on senior night.”

Burns tore the anterior-cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee during soccer season, while Cook tore her ACL one day before practice officially began in the fall.

“I was kind of nervous, because it’s a lot of pressure I guess,” Burns said. “It would be really embarrassing if I missed (the shot). It was definitely a relief when I saw it go in. It was really neat, because we’ve had a lot of ACL tears in the district. So, it was really cool that both teams had someone that could do it.”

After that, the Lady Commandos began a barrage of 3-pointers, connecting on 12 of them. Sophomore guard Brooke Long hit four, leading to her game-high 16 points, and senior forward Joslyn Jarrett connected on two in the first quarter, although Beech kept things close throughout the first half.

Hendersonville High senior forward Elizabeth Burns shoots an interior shot during first-quarter action. Burns – who scored two points – started the game on senior night after missing the entire season prior to Friday with a knee injury.

“I made one, and it just got the whole team going,” Jarrett said. “We just started hitting.”

Carnes added, “They shot it well the whole game. I don’t know what (Hendersonville’s) percentage was, but it had to be good.”

Beech sophomore Savannah Jarratt ended the half with a turnaround jump shot that fell in the basket as time expired, with the Lady Bucs cutting the Hendersonville lead to three points at the intermission.

“That was maybe the high point of the game really,” Carnes said. “I thought we battled really well in the first half.”

Senior guard Deja Smith led the Lady Bucs (9-19, 5-9) with 13 points.

Hendersonville won the first meeting at Beech by a 45-39 margin on Jan. 19.

Beech High freshman forward Kendra Mueller drives to the basket during second-quarter action. Mueller scored two points.

Hendersonville and Mt. Juliet finished the season with identical 10-4 records in district play, and they split the head-to-head meetings. A coin flip at the district meeting on Monday will determine the No. 2 seed in the District 9-AAA Tournament. That team faces seventh-seeded Station Camp on Wednesday at 8 p.m., while the third-seeded team faces Beech at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Reach Chris Brooks atcbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118.

BEECH (40) – Deja Smith 13, Reese Taylor 6, Joslyn Brinkley 5, Savannah Jarratt 4, McCall Decker 3, Kennedy Powell 3, Lexi Cook 2, Kendra Mueller 2, Destiny Tinker 2.

HENDERSONVILLE (58) – Brooke Long 16, Carleigh Short 14, Joslyn Jarrett 11, Peyton Sheehan 8, Makensie Cotter 3, Makenzie Branch 2, Elizabeth Burns 2, Morgan Wettengel 2.

Half: 29-26, Hendersonville. Three-point goals: Beech 7 (Smith 2, Taylor 2, Brinkley 1, Decker 1, Powell 1), Hendersonville 12 (Long 4, Jarrett 3, Sheehan 2, Short 2, Cotter 1). Records: Beech 9-19 overall, 5-9 in District 9-AAA; Hendersonville 17-8, 10-4.

HENDERSONVILLE – Trailing by three points entering the final quarter, the Hendersonville High boys basketball team was in a familiar position – in the middle of a close game.

Beech High senior Caleb Walton is surrounded by Hendersonville junior Justin Ernst (21) and senior Preston Brown during second-quarter action. Walton scored 11 points.

The Commandos seized the opportunity on Friday evening, outscoring visiting Beech by a 20-11 margin in the final period to capture a 42-36 victory to close the regular season.

The victory on senior night – Hendersonville’s fourth win over its last five games – boosted the Commandos (9-15 overall, 5-9 in District 9-AAA) into fifth place in District 9-AAA and set up a quarterfinal rematch with the Buccaneers when the District 9-AAA Tournament begins on Friday at Portland High School.

“It was a good win for us,” Hendersonville senior guard Jason Hernando – who scored 12 points – said. “It’s always good to have a win with everybody in the gym.”

A 9-2 run to begin the fourth quarter gave the Commandos a 31-27 lead with 5:30 to play. Senior Austin Kirby hit made of Hendersonville’s seven 3-pointers during that span.

“We have the green light, so Coach (Kerry West) tells us to shoot with confidence and knock them down,” Hernando said.

Beech had chances to close the gap late but could not connect from three-point range after Hernando hit four free throws in the game’s final minute.

Hendersonville High junior Ryne Loper prepares to drive into the lane during second-quarter action. Loper scored three points.

Beech led 5-4 after the first quarter and 18-13 at halftime.

The Buccaneers scored the first seven points of the second quarter to build a 12-4 lead and held Hendersonville to single-digit scoring totals in each of the first three quarters.

“We shot it so poorly in the first half, and we were stagnant,” Hendersonville head coach Kerry West said. “That’s what (Beech’s 1-3-1) zone does. It keeps you stagnant and standing a lot.”

Beech head coach Darrin Joines added, “We played good defense for a long time. (Hendersonville) played well. I think they caused a lot of our offensive misery really. It would be unfair for me to say that it’s all us.”

Senior forward Preston Brown led the Commandos with 15 points, including two 3-pointers of his own.

“I’m just proud of our guys,” West said. “It’s a testament to what these guys have done. I’m so proud of them to face the adversity they’ve faced and get wins (down the stretch of the district schedule).”

Beech High sophomore Ty Dean dribbles toward the basket as Hendersonville senior Jason Hernando defends during second-quarter action. Dean scored four points.

Senior forward Caleb Walton led Beech (15-13, 7-7) with 11 points.

Beech won the two teams’ first meeting in overtime, a 41-38 contest at Beech on Jan. 19.

Other results from around the district allowed Hendersonville to jump from a tie for sixth place with Wilson Central to fifth, bypassing Gallatin as well.

It sets up Friday’s rematch on a neutral court.

“As a competitor, I think our guys would be interested and excited for another chance next Friday, and I think it’ll be the same kind of game,” Joines said.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

BEECH (36) – Caleb Walton 11, Ben Buhrow 7, Noah Chatman 6, A.J. Robertson 6, Ty Dean 4, Nelson Smith 2.

HENDERSONVILLE (42) – Preston Brown 15, Jason Hernando 12, Austin Kirby 9, Ryne Loper 3, Jordan Amis 2, Cooper Smith 1.

Half: 18-13, Beech. Three-point goals: Beech 2 (Robertson 2), Hendersonville 7 (Brown 2, Hernando 2, Kirby 2, Loper 1). Records: Beech 15-13 overall, 7-7 in District 9-AAA; Hendersonville 9-15, 5-9.

White House High senior point guard Luke Hopkins penetrates into the lane as White House Heritage junior Tyler Welborn defends. Hopkins scored 11 points in the Blue Devils’ 79-78 loss on Thursday evening.

PORTLAND The Portland High girls basketball team concluded District 9-AAA regular season play with a 52-45 victory over visiting Lebanon on Friday evening.

The Lady Panthers (14-13 overall, 7-7 in District 9-AAA) finished the regular season in fourth place, and they will host Lebanon again in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 8 p.m.

The Lady Panthers collected a 44-31 victory in the two teams’ previous meeting at Lebanon on Jan. 19.

>> The Panther boys suffered a 70-38 loss to Lebanon.

The Blue Devils led 15-8 after one quarter, 33-15 at halftime and 55-28 entering the final period.

Senior forward Caelum Utley led Portland offensively with 15 points, followed by Jay Crutchfield (6 points), Eric Kirk (5), Luke Jones (4), Austin Hicks (3), Dawson Simmons (3) and Bryce Keith (2).

Tay Jackson paced Lebanon with 17 points.

Lebanon defeated visiting Portland by a 44-31 margin in the two teams’ previous meeting on Jan. 19.

The Panthers will face top-seeded Station Camp at 7 p.m. on Friday evening in the District 9-AAA Tournament quarterfinals. Portland is the tournament host.

The Panther squads travel to White House on Monday evening to conclude the regular season.

PJP II squads split region contests

NASHVILLE The Pope John Paul II High boys basketball team set a program record for single-season wins by rolling to a 70-56 victory at Montgomery Bell Academy on Wednesday evening.

The Knights avenged a 62-59 loss to the visiting Big Red on Jan. 19.

On Wednesday,

Knight junior forward Matthew Galvin scored a team-high 15 points, and sophomore forward Devan Cambridge and senior forward Ryan Hatten provided 14 and 12 points, respectively.

The rest of the PJP II scoring is as follows: Jalon Cambridge (9 points), Jayson Brown (8), Justin McMurry (4), Grayson Lang (3), Avishai Lowery (3) and Trent Griffin (2).

Then, the Knights suffered an 85-72 loss to visiting Ensworth on Friday evening.

Sophomore Devan Cambridge led the Knights offensively with 15 points, followed by Hatten (12 points), Brown (10), Jalon Cambridge (8), Lang (8), Galvin (6), McMurry (5), C.J. Laws (2) and Lowery (2).

The Knights collected a 72-62 victory in the two teams’ previous meeting at Ensworth on Jan. 21.

>> The Lady Knights led at halftime on Wednesday evening but couldn’t maintain the advantage in a 52-39 loss at Harpeth Hall.

PJP II suffered a 55-17 loss to the visiting Honeybears on Jan. 19.

On Wednesday,

PJP II senior forward Windee Johnson – a Spring Hill (Ala.) College signee – scored a game-high 17 points, followed by Mercedes Smith (8), Sophie Kolbe (7), Callie Ryan (4) and Miranda Smith (3).

The Lady Knights rolled to a 53-31 win over visiting Ensworth on Friday.

PJP II improved its record to 6-19 overall and 3-7 in region play.

The Lady Knights suffered a 48-41 loss at Ensworth in the two teams’ meeting at Ensworth on Jan. 21.

Eagle squads defeat Harpeth

WESTMORELAND The Westmoreland High School boys basketball team rallied in the second half for a 52-48 victory over visiting Harpeth on Thursday evening.

The Eagles avenged a 50-48 loss at Harpeth on Jan. 15.

Dalton

Leath scored a team-high 17 points, and Graves provided 13, followed by Webb (8 points), Lucas Garrison (4), Colton Pippin (4), Dillon Duffer (3) and Griffin Garrison (3).

>> The Lady Eagles took control early on in a 52-31 victory over Harpeth.

Westmoreland claimed a 46-45 victory in the two teams’ earlier meeting.

Norman and Smith scored 14 and 13 points, respectively, backed by Gross (9), Haley Braswell (6), Jesica Eppstein (6), Lexie McCormick (2) and Kailan Woodard (2).

Blue Devil squads fall to cross-town rival

WHITE HOUSE White House Heritage High senior center Caleb Stephens made a shot in the lane with 5.3 seconds remaining, handing host White House High a 79-78 loss on Thursday evening.

Blue Devil juniors Bradley Cole and Malik Morgan scored 19 points each, and they were joined in double figures by freshman guard Jared Ward (16 points), senior point guard Luke Hopkins (11) and senior forward Logan Trimmer (10).

Freshman teammate Cole Pond scored three points.

Patriot senior guard Branson Kramm poured in a game-high 26 points, and junior forward Nick DesMarais and Stephens provided 20 and 18 points, respectively.

>> The White House girls fell behind early on in a 73-38 loss to White House Heritage.

Lady Devil freshman Allyson Trimmer and junior Stephanie Palmer scored eight and seven points, respectively, followed by Bailey Hutchison (5 points), Hailee Ellis (4), Grace Maupin (4), McKenzie Vaughn (4), Bryanna Allen (2), Lauren Felts (2) and Cassidy Underwood (2).

HCA squads end season

LEBANON The Hendersonville Christian Academy girls prep basketball team suffered a 48-27 loss at Friendship Christian in its Division II-Class A District 1 Tournament opener on Thursday evening.

Lady Crusader junior forward Lindsie Mierop scored a team-high 10 points, followed by Desi Munson (8), Ali Turc (4), Marian Silva (3), Lauren Batey (1) and April Wooley (1).

Batey was named to the all-district team.

>> The Cruader boys were outscored in all four quarters of their Division II-Class A District 1 Tournament opener on Thursday evening, a 64-35 loss at Donelson Christian Academy.

Crusader senior guard Joey Fragnoli scored a team-high nine points, backed by Blake Smith (6), Joseph Mussnug (5), Devin Carlisle (4), Jalen Cole (4), Justin Antemann (3), Peyton Shoulders (3) and Andre Hambrick (1).

Eric Shelton, Siegel girls soccer coach

Siegel girls soccer coach Eric Shelton has resigned and accepted the same position at Nolensville High.

MURFREESBORO — Eric Shelton began Siegel’s boys and girls soccer programs 13 years ago.

Shelton will get the opportunity to start a new soccer program next season.

Shelton announced his resignation on Friday from Siegel after accepting the Nolensville High School boys and girls soccer coaching positions. Nolensville is a new Williamson County school scheduled to open in the fall.

“For most coaches, starting a program is a once in a lifetime thing,” Shelton said. “When I first started looking into it, that’s the only situation I’d leave Siegel for — to get to start a program and put my fingerprint on it.

“That was definitely a pulling factor.”

Shelton, 42, began Siegel’s boys and girls soccer programs in 2003. He coached both teams for the first eight years before resigning as boys coach to concentrate on the girls team and have more time with his family. He and his wife have two children.

Shelton, an Oakland graduate, coached both Siegel teams again in 2015 after Clif Matlock’s departure to become a Cookeville assistant principal.

“It’s going to be tough,” Shelton said of coaching both teams. “I’m a little nervous about it. My wife has been very supportive of this.”

Shelton quickly developed one of the state’s top girls soccer programs at Siegel. The Lady Stars reached the TSSAA’s Class AAA state tournament eight times since it opened. He led Siegel to Rutherford County’s lone girls soccer state championship in 2008. The Lady Stars were Class AAA runner-up in 2012.

“We had some really high-skilled players,” Shelton said of the program’s early success. “I was a novice coach in those first years. Having some talent to balance out my mistakes I’m sure helped.”

No other Rutherford County soccer program has ever reached the TSSAA state finals.

Shelton had a record of 181-74-29 at Siegel, including a 19-4-1 season during the Lady Stars’ championship season. Siegel went 11-3-1 this year, reaching the District 7-AAA tournament semifinals.

Siegel was the District 7-AAA regular-season champion six times during Shelton’s tenure. The Lady Stars won seven 7-AAA tournament titles and eight Region 4-AAA championships.

The Siegel girls program was ranked nationally in the ESPN Fab 50 in 2008 and ranked sixth in the Southeast region by the NSCAA in 2008.

Shelton had 19 players receive all-state status in his tenure at Siegel.

“It’s not something easy to talk about on the phone,” said Shelton, fighting back tears. “It will take time to sink in. This has been a big part of my life for 13 years now.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.