Van Buren County’s Drew Roberts dribbles through traffic during the first half of Friday’s Class A semifinal against Booker T. Washington.

Van Buren County’s Jacob Crain elevates for a first-half jump shot during Friday’s Class A semifinal against Booker T. Washington.

MURFREESBORO — After picking up its first state tournament win in program history Wednesday, Van Buren County’s quest for its first state title came to an end Friday, one game shy of a finals appearance.

Booker T. Washington used aggressive defense, holding Van Buren County to 30 percent shooting, and pair of big runs to hand the Eagles a 54-40 loss in the Class A semifinal matchup at MTSU’s Murphy Center.

Van Buren County (28-5) came out of the gate hot with senior Drew Roberts and sophomore Bo Walker knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers to snag an early 6-0 lead. But Booker T. Washington (31-5) used an 18-2 run to claim a 21-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

“They got a few steals during that time, but a lot of it was that we just didn’t hit shots that we’re used to hitting,” Van Buren County coach Dustin Sullivan said. “They just didn’t go in.”

Sophomore Caden Mills sank back-to-back buckets and hit a free throw for the Eagles in the second quarter, but his five points were all the offense Van Buren County could manage as the Warriors took a 32-17 halftime advantage.

“We knew that if we allowed them to sit out there and shoot their shots they’d hit them,” Booker T. Washington coach Gregory Williams said. “They shot them in the beginning and hit like two or three 3s on us. We had to settle down and just get out there and defend, contest every shot and make it difficult on them.”

The Eagles trimmed the deficit to 39-27, but Booker T. Washington started the fourth with a 13-1 run to push its lead 24 and never looked back.

One bright spot for Van Buren County was Mills, who finished with game highs of 22 points and 11 rebounds.

“He played well,” Sullivan said. “But we’d much rather be playing tomorrow than talking about a double-double.”

Despite the loss, Mills and Van Buren County will celebrate that they accomplished more than any team in program history this season with a win at the state tournament.

“We have nothing to hang our heads about this season,” Mills said.

Booker T. Washington plays Fulton in the championship game at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

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

MTCS’s Barr Ellenburg (34) starts to spin around Mitchell’s Tomonique Marion (11) during the state tournament quarterfinal game on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

MTCS’s Luke Howell (42) goes after a rebound during the State Tournament Quarterfinal game against Mitchell, on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

MTCS’s Trey Hickey (22) goes up for a shot as he is guarded by Mitchell’s Dwayne Nicholson (3) during the state tournament quarterfinal game on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

MTCS’s Luke Howell (42) gets fouled by Mitchelll’s Tyran Davis (0) as he goes up for a shot during the state tournament quarterfinal game on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

Mitchell’s Tevinn Olison (2) and MTCS’s (3) both go after a loose ball during the state tournament quarterfinal game on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

MTCS’s Barr Ellenburg (34) goes up for a shot against Mitchell during the state tournament quarterfinal game on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

MTCS’s Luke Howell (42) gets fouled by Mitchell ‘s Kewaski Williams (31) during the state tournament quarterfinal game on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

MTCS’s Luke Howell (42) goes up for a shot against Mitchell during the atate tournament quarterfinal game on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

MTCS’s Joseph Peck (14) goes up for a shot against Mitchell during the state tournament quarterfinal game on Thursday March 17, 2016, at MTSU.

MURFREESBORO — Middle Tennessee Christian School’s historic season came to an end Thursday morning at MTSU’s Murphy Center in a Class A state quarterfinal.

Two-time defending state champion Memphis Mitchell beat the Cougars 55-41 in the TSSAA Boys Basketball State Championships. Mitchell extended a seven-point lead into double digits over the final 3:33.

Barr Ellenburg led MTCS with 14 points. Teammate Luke Howell added 10.

MTCS (21-10) was making its first state tournament in school history.

Tevin Olison led Mitchell (31-7) with 24 points.

Mitchell plays the Hampton-Clay County winner at 1:15 p.m. on Friday in the state semifinals.

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

Blackman’s Christian DeWitt (4) goes up for a shot as Memphis East’s Eric Banks (12) guards him during the Class AAA semifinals on Friday March 18, 2016, at MTSU.

MURFREESBORO — Memphis East held off Blackman’s bid for a trip to the Class AAA boys basketball state championship game Friday with a late defensive stop and a slam dunk to seal it.

The Mustangs edged the 46-41 at MTSU’s Murphy Center. The loss snapped a perfect season for the Blaze (33-1) and sent Memphis East (31-2) to the championship game for the second time in five years.

“I knew it would take a heck of an out to get us,” Blackman coach Barry Wortman said. “Credit to East. They played really hard and with a lot of purpose. They’re a very good basketball team.”

Memphis East will play Cordova at 1 p.m. Saturday in the championship game.

Trailing 44-41 in the waning moments, Blaze point guard Donovan Sims, a MTSU commitment, drove to the basket and was about to pass the ball out to the perimeter for a 3-pointer, but lost the ball under the basket after appearing to draw contact.

East collected the ball and called a timeout.

“(Sims) drove it to five feet. He had a nice draw and kick for our best shooter,” Wortman said. “I don’t know, you guys were there. Lot of contact there, but what do you do?

“We’re sure not going to make excuses. Great play by them, I guess, digging it out late.”

Blackman had one last opportunity in the final seconds, but never fouled the Mustangs like the team discussed during the timeout. East broke the pressure and Chandler Lawson ended the game on a dunk as time expired when the Blaze didn’t foul.

“We wanted either a five (second) count or a steal,” Wortman said of the final 11 seconds. “Then we were going to foul. For some reason, we didn’t get that in the game. I don’t know. We just didn’t get that in the game.”

Terrance Moss led East with 13 points. Lawson added 12 and six rebounds.

Blackman trailed 28-16 with 2:22 left in the second quarter before trimming it to eight by halftime.

Back-to-back layups by Blaze senior Christian DeWitt trimmed it to four early in the third quarter and set the tone for the second half.

East never trailed, but the Mustangs’ lead never got above six. DeWitt’s 3-pointer from the corner tied the game at 34 with 6:56 left.

DeWitt led all scorers with 19 points. He hit 3 of 4 from the 3-point line.

His big game came with leading scorer Cedriontis Wilson limited to eight points. East’s defenders face-guarded Wilson throughout the game.

“They were taking him away offensively,” DeWitt said. “He takes a lot of our good shots, and he makes a lot of shots for us.

“I had to get open and hit some shots.”

Wilson didn’t touch the ball on the Blaze’s offensive end in the first half except to shoot two free throws after he was fouled on a defensive rebound.

“I’ve never felt that kind of defensive pressure in a minute,” Wilson said.

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

Memphis East’s Kobe Freeman (23) grabs the trophy as it is presented to the team after beating Cordova in the Class AAA championship on Saturday.

Alex Lomax scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds in leading Memphis East to its seventh state championship with a 64-60 win over Cordova in the Tennessee Class AAA boys’ basketball final on Saturday.

Memphis-area teams have won 15 of the past 17 Class AAA titles. Lomax was named most valuable player of the championship tournament.

Terrance Moss added 12 points for the Mustangs (32-2), whose only losses were by two points or less.

East’s Rodarrious Washington scored 11 points and had eight rebounds.

East assistant coach Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway was the 1990 Class AA Mr. Basketball at Treadwell before playing for Memphis State and moving on to the NBA.

East built an 18-point lead with 6:14 left, but Cordova (30-4) went on a 19-4 run to cut the deficit to 60-57 on Curtis Reeder’s layup with 53 seconds left. The Mustangs closed it out with four free throws.

East’s bench outscored the Wolves 27-2 and the Mustangs enjoyed a 37-28 rebounding advantage.

Tyler Harris scored 16 points to lead five Wolves in double figures. Jalen Dupree added 11 points and 12 rebounds for Cordova, whose 18-game win streak ended. Rogerick Brown scored 11 points and Blake Williams Jr. and Reeder both had 10.

Cordova led 11-10 after the first quarter, but East outscored the Wolves 26-10 during the next eight minutes.

Class AA

Ron Davis III scored 14 points and was named tournament MVP in leading Fulton to its third state championship with a 59-50 win over Brainerd.

Fulton (32-2) outscored Brainerd 18-5 in bench points and had a 25-8 advantage in points off turnovers.

Donovan Filer came off the bench to score 12 points for the Falcons, and Larry Roe added 10. Kentel Williams grabbed 10 rebounds.

Jesse Walker led Brainerd (30-6) with 23 points and Kentrell Evans added 10.

Fulton led by 15 with 6:30 left in the third quarter, but Brainerd made a 23-10 run and cut the gap to 46-44 on Dajuonta Ross’ layup with 6:06 left.

Malik Beavers’ foul shot cut it to 49-48 with three minutes left, but Fulton closed with a 10-2 run.

Brainerd led by one point 50 seconds into the second quarter, but Fulton closed with a 19-4 run to take a 31-17 halftime lead.

Class A

Tevin Olison scored 27 points in leading Mitchell to its third consecutive state championship with a 50-40 win over Booker T. Washington.

Olison, who grabbed seven rebounds, hit 8 of 23 from the field and 8 of 11 from the foul line and earned tournament MVP.

The finalists in Class A and AAA were all from Memphis, including AAA champion East.

Mitchell (33-5) posted a 16-10 edge in offensive rebounds and a 14-6 advantage in second-chance points.

Tyree Beason led the Warriors (32-8) with 18 points. Tyrone Sumlin, a 6-foot-6 forward, hauled in 11 rebounds.

The score was tied at 14 with 4:27 left in the first half, but Mitchell made a 12-2 run to take control. B.T. Washington never got closer than five the rest of the way.

Both teams shot below 34 percent from the floor.

Whites Creek players sported new shoes donated by Brooklyn Nets standout Thaddeus Young during the state tournament.

For the first time since 2009, there was no Midstate representation at the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Division I boys basketball tournament finals.

Four Middle Tennessee teams — Blackman, Station Camp, Van Buren County and Whites Creek — advanced to Friday’s semifinal round at Middle Tennessee State University’s Murphy Center, but none managed to reach the finals.

Station Camp, making its first state tournament appearance, suffered a 77-59 loss to Cordova. Previously unbeaten Blackman, ranked No. 1 in Class 6A, was dealt its first loss — 46-41 to Memphis East.

Van Buren County, also making its first trip to the state tournament, was knocked out with a 54-40 loss to Booker T. Washington. Whites Creek, which advanced to the state semifinals for the first time since 2007, was edged by Brainerd 66-62.

West Tennessee/Memphis area had four teams playing in the finals, while Knoxville and Chattanooga each had one in the championship.

Memphis East edges Cordova in boys AAA final

Look good, play good: Whites Creek caught people’s attention with its play, including an impressive 100-point performance in a dominant quarterfinal win over Westview on Thursday.

The Cobras’ game wasn’t the only thing that caught fans’ eyes, though.

They were also sporting brand new Nike Zoom HyperRev shoes, courtesy of NBA power forward and Mitchell High School product Thaddeus Young.

“Hats off to Thaddeus Young of the Brooklyn Nets, he sent us those shoes and made sure they got here in time for the state tournament,” Whites Creek coach Carlton Battle sad. “We’re very happy he looked out for us.”

Familiar foes: Mitchell and Booker T. Washington squared off for the fourth time this season in Saturday’s Class A state title contest.

The two teams played once in the regular season and three times in the postseason.

Booker T. Washington defeated Mitchell during the regular-season meeting on Feb. 13, bringing an end to the Tigers’ 2 1/2-year unbeaten streak against Class A schools.

The Warriors also claimed a 46-44 District 16-A title win over Mitchell before suffering a 63-58 defeat to the two-time defending Class A champion Tigers in the Region 8-A championship.

Seeing spots: Mitchell played its semifinal contest as marked men. Literally.

The Tigers were forced to sew circular black patches on their jerseys to cover up the word “family,” which had been stitched on the back of their jersey above the numbers.

“The (National Federation of State High School Associations) basketball rulebook does not allow anything like that on the back,” TSSAA Executive Director Bernard Childress said. “You can only put your mascot name on the back.”

“When we realized it was on there they were told those were illegal jerseys. I’m sure they had someone around here sew those on to make sure it wasn’t there.”

Record holder: Station Camp’s Seth Massey made his first state tournament appearance this week as a coach. He already held a legacy as a player.

Massey helped lead Adamsville to quarterfinal berths in 1993 and 1994, and the Bison coach set state records for the most consecutive made 3-pointers (6) — which still stands — and the most made 3-pointers in a game (8).

“I loved playing (at MTSU’s Murphy Center),” said Massey. “I loved shooting in that gym.”

And while Massey suffered a pair of quarterfinal losses while playing for Adamsville, his Station Camp squad managed to secure the school’s first state tournament win with Wednesday’s 78-68 triumph over David Crockett.

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

Blackman ‘s Jarrell Reeves goes up in for a dunk during the Class AAA state tournament semifinal game against Memphis East on Friday March 18, 2016, at MTSU.

MURFREESBORO — Third-ranked Memphis East ended top-ranked Blackman’s season Thursday, beating the Blaze 46-41 in a Class AAA semifinal in the TSSAA Boys Basketball State Championships.

The loss was the first this season for the Blaze (33-1) and propels the Mustangs (31-2) to Saturday’s championship game against Cordova. Tip off is 1 p.m.

Trailing 44-41 in the waning moments, Blaze point guard Donovan Sims drove to the basket and was about to pass to Deonte Alley for a 3-pointer, but lost the ball under the basket. East collected it and called a timeout. Lawson ended the game on a dunk as time expired when the Blaze didn’t foul.

Christian DeWitt led Blackman with 19 points, including three 3-pointers. Cedriontis Wilson finished with eight points.

Terrance Moss led East with 13 points. Chandler Lawson added 12 and six rebounds.

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

One perfectly-executed goal and exceptional defense gave the White House High boys soccer team its first victory of the season on Saturday evening.

The Blue Devils claimed a 1-0 win at Gallatin.

White House lost two one-goal matches to Brentwood and Hendersonville, improving to 1-2.

Gallatin dropped to 2-1.

Austin Blansett scored White House’s only goal, after receiving a pass from Matthew Smith. His shot slipped by Gallatin goalkeeper Deonte Kensinger and into the back of the net.

“It was a good ball,” Blansett said. “Credit Matthew. My team was distributing the ball really well.”

The game’s only goal came in the 13th minute.

From that point on, it was a defensive battle. The Green Wave attacked White House’s goal several times and created scoring opportunities, but White House’s defense responded.

“Hats off to Gallatin,” White House head coach Mark Lamberth said. “They had some fantastic counter-attacks tonight. I thought, full-field play, we played very well. I thought they really did well on counter-attacks, and we did pretty fair on being in the right place at the right time.”

White House High senior Mark Lees dribbles upfield.

The Green Wave had several shot attempts off of counter-attacks in the second half, but they couldn’t find the goal.

“We had some opportunities, but the overall way the game went, we’ve got to get a little more possessions,” Gallatin head coach Greg Harper said. “We’ve got to get more in control of things, and we didn’t do that tonight. I thought they controlled the game with their midfield. We didn’t do a very good job of responding, even though we did create some chances on some counter-attacks. I thought we probably should have had maybe one or two, but they could look back and say they probably should have had more than one.”

The Blue Devils also created opportunities, but the Wave stopped all but the one goal.

“We build defense first, and we want to distribute and attack out of the back,” Lamberth said. “Once everybody finds where they’re supposed to be, we could be all right.”

Even after losing the first two matches, Lamberth said his team never got down.

“Even after the tough loss last night (Friday evening’s 1-0 loss to Hendersonville), I could not wait to see their eyes when got ready to leave at 4:30,” Lamberth said. “There was no pouting in their eyes. The confidence was there. Our warmup was good, and we played well against a good team. The biggest thing is, we’ve had three good workouts against three quality teams on three quality fields in one week. One and two doesn’t matter.”

Harper said that Saturday’s match was a matchup against a program that has reached the Class A-AA State Tournament in three consecutive seasons (2011-13).

Gallatin High junior Noah Lawler dribbles near midfield.

“It’s developed into a rivalry the last 5-10 years,” Harper said. “They’re a tough test. They outplayed us tonight. We didn’t do the things that we needed to do. We’ve got to keep getting better.”

Both teams will begin district play this week, with White House hosting Westmoreland on Tuesday. Gallatin plays a non-district match at Merrol Hyde Magnet on Tuesday before opening District 9-AAA play at Portland on Thursday evening.

>> Hendersonville captured a 3-0 victory over White House Heritage in Saturday’s earlier match at Gallatin High.

The Commandos improved to 2-1, producing a shutout for the second consecutive night.

Seniors Darius Campbell, Reed Coffman and Thomas Roberts scored.

Hendersonville hosts Rossview on Thursday evening.

Blackman junior Donovan Sims elevates for a shot during Friday’s semifinal loss to Memphis East.

Here are the top 10 high school basketball teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

10. Maplewood (23-6) — The Panthers, led by Class AA Mr. Basketball Bo Hodges, reached the 23-win mark for the first time since advancing to the state semifinals in 2009-10. Last week: No. 10. Streak: Lost 1. 

9. Whites Creek (22-12) — The Cobras reached the 100-point mark in a comfortable quarterfinal win over Westview before being edged by eventual state runner-up Brainerd in Friday’s semifinals. Last week: No. 9. Streak: Lost 1. 

8. White County (29-1) — The Warriors, who set a TSSAA record for the most 3-pointers in a season, suffered their first and only loss of 2015-16 in the Class AAA sectionals — a surprising 78-66 defeat to Bradley Central. Last week: No. 7. Streak: Lost 1. 

7. Cane Ridge (24-4) — The District 12-AAA runner-up Ravens, led by seniors Kyree Elder and Jimmy Greer, advanced to the Region 6-AAA semifinals for just the second time in program history. Last week: No. 8. Streak: Lost 1. 

6. Ensworth (24-6) — The Tigers reached the DII-AA title game for the fourth time in five seasons but proved no match for two-time defending state champion Brentwood Academy, ultimately suffering an 82-49 defeat. Last week: No. 6. Streak: Lost 1. 

5. Independence (24-7) — The District 11-AAA champion and Region 6-AAA runner-up Eagles reached sectionals for the first time in program history before suffering a two-point defeat to eventual state semifinalist Station Camp. Last week: No. 5. Streak: Lost 2. 

4. Hillsboro (21-8) — The District 12-AAA and Region 6-AAA champion Burros, who were knocked off by the eventual Class AAA champion for the second year in a row, hit 14 3-pointers in last week’s 70-61 quarterfinal loss to Memphis East. Last week: No. 4. Streak: Lost 1. 

3. Station Camp (36-2) — The District 9-AAA and Region 5-AAA champion Bison suffered a semifinal defeat to Cordova, but not before capturing their first state-tournament win in program history — a 78-68 quarterfinal triumph over David Crockett. Last week: No. 3. Streak: Lost 1. 

2. Brentwood Academy (29-3) — Sophomore sensation Darius Garland helped lead the Eagles to a second consecutive state title before also bringing home DII-AA Mr. Basketball honors. Last week: No. 2. Streak: Won 9. 

1. Blackman (33-1) — The Blaze, playing in their fifth state tournament in as many seasons, limited Memphis East to a season-low 46 points in Friday’s semifinals but still suffered a season-ending defeat to the eventual Class AAA champion Mustangs. Last week: No. 1. Streak: Lost 1. 

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-269-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports . 

Ryan Roller was named the new Lipscomb Academy girls basketball coach Monday.

Ryan Roller took the next step in his Lipscomb basketball career when he was named the Lipscomb Academy girls basketball coach Monday.

Roller played basketball at both Lipscomb Academy and David Lipscomb University.

“Ryan’s knowledge of the game, talent and experience is what is needed to continue to build on the strong foundation that our girls’ basketball program has established,” Lipscomb Academy Head of School Greg Glenn said. “He understands the game both from a player’s and a coach’s perspective, and this experience along with his enthusiasm and love for our students will be beneficial as he leads this program.”

Roller, who has been working with Lipscomb’s admissions department since 2011, will replace longtime girls basketball coach Ernie Smith, who announced his plans to step down and focus strictly on baseball prior to the 2015-16 hoops season. Smith spent nearly 30 years as the Lady Mustangs head coach and accumulated more than 900 wins in that span.

For Roller, who spent time as a assistant basketball coach at Montgomery Bell Academy and Mt. Juliet before taking over as the director of basketball operations at Belmont, it’s a chance to demonstrate his passion for the sport on his old stomping grounds.

“Basketball has been a lifelong passion for me, and I cannot wait to pour into this team the way many of my coaches poured into me as a player,” Roller said in a statement. “Our team will be known for its discipline, attitude and hustle as well as its commitment to Christ and one another on and off the court.”

Roller was a four-year starter at point guard for the Mustangs, helping lead Lipscomb Academy to two state final four appearances and two sub-state appearances before moving on to play for Don Meyer and Scott Sanderson at Lipscomb University, where he was a two-time team captain and a second team independent All-American, as well as part of two teams that made it to the NAIA National Tournament.

He is also the son of Lipscomb Academy athletic director and former Mustangs boys basketball coach Mike Roller, who coached his son for two years in high school.

“I would say he’s very familiar with the program,” Mike Roller said. “There’s two sides to that. I’m excited because I think he’s a good fit for our program, but I already want us to do well because I’m the athletic director. It raises it a level when you’re watching your son coach.”

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

The Station Camp High softball team scored runs in bunches on Monday evening, and not even an unusual delay could slow the Lady Bison bats down.

Visiting Station Camp scored five runs in both the fourth and seventh innings to pull away for a 12-4 victory over District 9-AAA rival Gallatin at Triple Creek Park.

Station Camp High freshman Kyndal Chaffin hits a fourth-inning triple during Station Camp’s 12-4 victory at Gallatin on Monday evening.

The Lady Bison (2-9 overall, 1-0 in District 9-AAA) pounded out 14 hits and took advantage of eight Lady Wave errors in winning their District 9-AAA opener.

“We can hit throughout the lineup,” Lady Bison senior Taylor Gaines said. “Last year, it was scattered on and off, but I think we’re going to have a good-hitting team.”

Gallatin High junior second baseman Ashlee Banks throws to first base as Station Camp senior Taylor Gaines slides safely into second base during first-inning action. Banks had one hit in the Lady Wave’s 12-4 loss.

Gallatin head coach Randall Silcox added, “It’s self-inflicted wounds. We have to eliminate those. We started out really well, and then, all of a sudden, balls were getting by us.”

Sophomore Jordan Hodge collected three hits to lead the Lady Bison and scored three runs, including one on freshman Gabriella Sarabia’s single into centerfield to give Station Camp a 6-2 lead in the fourth inning.

The Lady Wave (2-5, 0-3) closed the gap in the next half-inning as freshman Makayla Wright singled in sophomore Ada Anderson and sophomore Cassidy Graves, cutting Station Camp’s lead to 6-4.

A scorekeeping error resulted in a 20-minute delay as umpires left the field following the conclusion of the sixth inning, which was shown on the scoreboard as the seventh inning.

Station Camp High freshman Gabriella Sarabia hits a ground ball during first-inning action. Sarabia drove in two runs and was also the winning pitcher in Station Camp’s 12-4 victory at Gallatin.

Once the umpires returned, the Lady Bison bats continued to produce during the final inning. Freshman Kyndal Chaffin, sophomore Anna Lyons and freshman Addie Lange all doubled down the leftfield line in succession, with each hit driving in a run. Hodge’s single into centerfield scored Lange, and senior Chasity Wheeley singled in Hodge with the game’s final run.

“We had to work out our kinks in (last week’s) Commando Classic,” Gaines said. “I think we’ve got it down.”

Sarabia allowed two runs over three innings, collecting the victory for the Lady Bison. Gaines pitched the final four innings and struck out six Gallatin hitters to earn a save.

The Lady Bison also committed eight errors, but Gallatin was unable to cash in as much as Station Camp did off of the miscues.

Gallatin High junior Savannah Link delivers a pitch during third-inning action. At the plate, Link had one hit and scored a run in the Lady Wave’s 12-4 loss to Station Camp.

“Both teams did not play mistake-free softball,” Silcox said. “We have to take advantage of those things a little more than they did on us. We’re getting opportunities, but we have to get (baserunners) moving.”

The Lady Bison are slated to host Portland on Thursday. Gallatin travels to Hendersonville on Tuesday before hosting Westmoreland on Wednesday, Beech on Thursday and Portland on Friday.

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

STATION CAMP 100 501 5 – 12 14 8

GALLATIN           011 200 0 – 4 6 8

Gabriella Sarabia, Taylor Gaines (4) and Chastity Wheeley; Savannah Link, Sidney Link (4), Savannah Link (7) and Haley Barnes. WP – Sarabia (2-4). LP – Savannah Link. Save – Gaines (1). Records: Station Camp 2-9 overall, 1-0 in District 9-AAA, Gallatin 2-5, 0-3.

PORTLAND Camden Tammen had a different view than anticipated on Monday evening.

The Station Camp High senior outfielder was pressed into duty behind the plate, but it didn’t deter the Bison in a 12-2 victory over Portland in the two teams’ district opener.

“It’s really good,” Tammen said. “We need it for team morale.”

Station Camp High senior catcher Camden Tammen throws to first base to complete a sixth-inning strikeout. Tammen hit a three-run home run and drove in four runs in the Bison’s 12-2 win at Portland on Monday evening.

Tammen – who has been used sparingly at catcher last season and this season – played the entire contest there on Monday, due to an ankle injury suffered by junior starting catcher Dylan Pottorff earlier in the day.

“It went pretty well,” Tammen said. “It definitely could improve a little. It will come in time.

“It’s not my primary position. I have more practice in the outfield, but I don’t mind catching. It’s a nice change of pace.”

Panther senior Nick Lingo had a first-inning sacrifice fly to drive in classmate Kemper Dixon, and senior Austin Graves scored when classmate Hunter Read reached on an infield single.

Portland High senior first baseman Nick Lingo tags Station Camp senior Camden Tammen during a third-inning pickoff attempt.

However, Portland (4-3) produced just two more hits, fifth-inning singles by Graves and Lingo.

“We’ve played well to this point, even in the two (prior) losses,” Panther head coach Jimmy Parker said. “You’re going to have (mistakes). It’s inevitable. You just don’t want to make them in district games.

“They’re a good team. Give them credit. They put us away like they should have.”

Bison senior starting pitcher Lucas Gross (1-1) tossed four innings of two-hit baseball, walking three hitters while striking out seven.

Classmate Blake Gay picked up his second save, striking out seven hitters over three innings of scoreless relief.

Station Camp junior Tyler Thompson and senior A.J. Weed singled in runs during the three-run third inning.

Two of Portland’s five errors contributed to the Bison’s four-run fourth. Thompson had another run-scoring single in that frame, and junior Thomas Zazzaro – who played with the school’s state semifinal boys basketball team until last Friday – singled to drive in two runs.

“We have a lot of young kids playing, and we have kids out of position,” Parker said. “Our starting second baseman (senior Brice Snook) is out (with an injury). That’s a problem every time that Graves is on the mound.

“We’re young, and we’re indecisive. We started two sophomores and a freshman and five guys in new positions.”

Portland High senior pitcher Austin Graves throws to first base during a second-inning pickoff attempt.

Senior Zach Shonting drove in a fifth-inning run with a sacrifice fly, and Tammen’s infield single resulted in another run, extending the lead to 9-2.

Then, in the seventh inning, Tammen capped the scoring with a three-run home run over the fence in leftfield, his first home run since his sophomore year.

“I was just looking for solid contact,” Tammen said. “I got the right pitch. I did what I practiced to do.”

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.

Station Camp     003 420 3 – 12 9 1

Portland              200 000 0 – 2 4 5

Lucas Gross, Blake Gay (5) and Camden Tammen; Austin Graves, Nick Lingo (4), Houston Ellis (6) and Kemper Dixon. WP – Gross (1-1). LP – Graves (0-1). Save – Gay (2). Home runs: Station Camp – Camden Tammen (1). Records: Station Camp 4-2 overall, 1-0 in District 9-AAA; Portland 4-3, 0-1.

Lipscomb Academy’s Addison McNeely delivers a second-inning pitch during Tuesday’s District 10-AA matchup with visiting Hume-Fogg.

Lipscomb Academy’s Andrew Ferrell (3) heads for the plate following his two-run homer during Tuesday’s District 10-AA matchup with visiting Hume-Fogg.

Hume-Fogg’s Calvin Smith hits a first-inning single during Tuesday’s District 10-AA matchup with host Lipscomb Academy.

Lipscomb Academy held a three-run lead heading into the fifth inning of Tuesday’s District 10-AA baseball matchup against Hume-Fogg in the Mustangs’ home opener.

By the time the inning was over, the Mustangs trailed by eight runs.

The Blue Knights brought 14 batters to the plate and piled on 11 runs in the fifth, eventually walking away with a 15-8 win in a six-inning game that was cut short due to darkness.

“The way we started was frustrating to say the least,” Hume-Fogg coach Jesse Blair said. “I talked them in between innings and kind of called them to the carpet and they literally, and figuratively, stepped up to the plate today.”

Hume-Fogg (2-6, 2-0 10-AA) jumped ahead 1-0 on the second batter of the game when Jacob Few knocked in Austen Whelan with an RBI triple, but Lipscomb (1-4, 0-2) got revenge with its second batter of the game when Andrew Farrell jacked a two-run home run on the first pitch he saw on his home field this season.

“That was big,” Lipscomb coach Ernie Smith said. “I was happy for him.”

The Mustangs added one more run in the first to go ahead 3-1 before pushing their lead to 5-1 at the end of the third inning with a two-run single from Grant Rathburn.

Hume-Fogg trimmed that lead to one run with a three-run fourth inning, but Lipscomb tallied two more runs in the fourth to go back ahead 7-4.

Just as it seemed the Mustangs might pull away, Hume-Fogg caught fire.

“We had worked their pitcher pretty good all game,” Blair said. “He had thrown a lot of pitches and I think it finally got to him.”

Addison McNeely was pulled after getting a groundout to start the fifth inning finishing with 4⅓ innings pitched and two earned runs on nine hits, but the Blue Knights would go through three Lipscomb pitchers and tack on nine runs before the Mustangs were able to pick up the second out of the inning.

“It just started snowballing and we couldn’t get out of it,” Smith said. “They had some very timely hits and the wheels kind of fell off.”

Lipscomb would add a run in the bottom of the sixth on a fielder’s choice, but Hume-Fogg’s 11-run fifth had taken up most of the daylight that remained on a field with no lights and the game was called after six innings.

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

HENDERSONVILLE Hendersonville High sophomore Brett Coker didn’t play for the Commando baseball team last season.

In fact, he didn’t attend a game.

Station Camp may wish that would have been the case on Tuesday evening.

Coker walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning gave Hendersonville a 3-2 victory over the visiting Bison at Drakes Creek Park.

Coker transferred from Mosley High School, which is located in Panama City, Fla. His first day at Hendersonville High was May 18, 2015.

“I like the competitiveness here,” Coker said.

Hendersonville High senior second baseman Jon Swindle fields a first-inning ground ball.

He served as the starting quarterback for the school’s football program last fall and played for the Hendersonville High boys basketball team as well.

On Tuesday, he was at the plate with the game on the line twice.

Trailing the Bison (4-3 overall, 1-1 in District 9-AAA) by a run, senior Andrew Larson singled to lead off the bottom of the seventh inning, moved into scoring position on sophomore Austin Mays’ sacrifice bunt and advanced to third base when senior Aris Welden grounded out. Coker hit the first pitch he saw, resulting in a slow roller down the third-base line that Bison senior third baseman Brad Deason wasn’t able to cleanly field. That allowed pinch runner A.J. Hart to score the tying run.

Station Camp junior starting pitcher Thomas Zazzaro – who joined the team last weekend after the Bison boys basketball team was eliminated from the Class AAA State Tournament with last Friday’s semifinal loss to Cordova – limited the Commandos to one run on seven hits over his six innings of work, striking out six hitters while not issuing a base on balls.

“The ability to pitch backward tonight got him to where he was,” Bison head coach Korey Heppeard said. “It got him in the position we were in. He’s going to be low (pitch) count guy, because he attacks the (strike) zone so well.”

Zazzaro left after throwing 82 pitches.

“It’s the toughest decision in baseball,” Heppeard said of bringing senior A.J. Weed on in relief of Zazzaro. “I thought it was still too early (in the season) to keep rolling.”

Station Camp High senior shortstop A.J. Weed steps into a third-inning throw to first base as Hendersonville senior Cooper Brenning runs along the first-base line.

Hendersonville senior Will Wacaser matched Zazzaro, limiting Station Camp to four hits over his seven innings. The Austin Peay State University signee issued two base on balls and struck out nine hitters.

The Bison didn’t have a hit over the final four innings.

Commando freshman Cameron Hansen retired six of the seven hitters he faced, not allowing a hit while striking out three hitters to improve to 2-0.

“Wacaser throws it well,” Heppeard said. “We didn’t stick with our approach (offensively). It happens.

“It was two great pitchers on the mound. It should be a low-scoring game, and it was.”

Larson led off the ninth by drawing a walk, and Mays successfully laid down another sacrifice bunt.

With two outs, Coker hit a line drive as Station Camp junior centerfielder Tyler Thompson initially ran toward the infield. However, Thompson redirected back, but the ball sailed over his head and fell in the outfield grass for the game-winning hit.

“Going into my last at-bat, I didn’t feel any pressure,” Coker said. “I hit a fastball right down the middle. I was looking for that. He (Weed) didn’t look like he was throwing many curveballs. I was looking fastball, sat back on it and drove it.”

Bison junior catcher Dylan Pottorff doubled with two outs in the first inning to drive in Thompson, and Weed’s two-out single to leftfield drove in Thompson in the third inning.

Hendersonville (6-1, 1-1) didn’t score until senior catcher Cooper Brenning singled through the left side of the infield with two outs in the bottom of the fifth, driving in Mays.

“We just need to start swinging at fastballs,” Coker said. “Letting fastballs go right down the middle doesn’t help, putting you deep in the count.

“We tried to stay positive, everyone keeping their head up. Don’t freak out. Keep your head up and keep moving.”

Hendersonville High senior Aris Welden slides safely back into first base during the first inning.

Senior Brandon Fuller had three of the 10 Commando hits.

“Our old guys (upperclassmen) have never played,” Hendersonville head coach Mike Hendrix said. “We bring back a catcher as the only returning position player.

“This is great, especially after going over to Wilson Central and laying an egg (suffering a 10-4 loss last Wednesday). We needed to swing the bat better.”

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.

Station Camp     101 000 000 – 2 4 1

Hendersonville                000 010 101 – 3 10 1

Thomas Zazzaro, A.J. Weed (7) and Dylan Pottorff; Will Wacaser, Cameron Hansen (8) and Cooper Brenning. WP – Hansen (2-0). LP – Weed (1-1). Records: Station Camp 4-3 overall, 1-1 in District 9-AAA; Hendersonville 6-1, 1-1.

HENDERSONVILLE The Beech High boys tennis team defeated cross-town rival Hendersonville by a 5-4 margin on Tuesday afternoon at Memorial Park.

Merrol Hyde Magnet senior Lauren Heinrich hits a volley near the net during Tuesday afternoon’s match against Station Camp. Heinrich won her singles match, but the Lady Hawks suffered a 7-2 loss to Station Camp.

The Buccaneers won three singles matches and two doubles contests to edge the Commandos. Senior Garrett Boling and sophomore Chase Dorris won in both singles and doubles.

Sophomore Garrett Franklin was the only Commando to win in both singles and doubles.

The Lady Commandos won all but one singles match in an 8-1 victory over Beech.

Senior Rae Gullett, junior Grace Phillips and sophomores Audrey Spurlock and Caroline Miller all won their singles and doubles match.

Beech senior Allie Guinn won at No. 2 singles.

Beech boys 5, Hendersonville 4: Singles: Kato Richardson (H) d. Robert Balgemann 6-1, 6-0; Eli Duncan (B) d. Luke Jacob 6-3, 7-6 (7-5); Chase Dorris (B) d. Jackson Kinsler 6-2, 6-4; Garrett Franklin (H) d. Cooper Presley 6-2, 6-2; Thomas Kohann (H) d. Drew McLaurine 6-4, 6-2; Garrett Boling (B) d. Tristen Denton 6-3, 6-2. Doubles: Dorris/Presley (B) d. Richardson/Jacob 8-4; Franklin/Kinsler (H) d. Balgemann/Duncan 8-4; Boling/McLaurine (B) d. Denton/Kohann 8-4. Records: Hendersonville 2-2 overall, 2-2 in District 9-AAA.

Hendersonville girls 8, Beech 1: Singles: Rae Gullett (H) d. Courtney Brooks 6-1, 6-0; Allie Guinn (B) d. Allison Newell 7-6 (7-4), 6-1; Caroline Miller (H) d. Erin Davidson 6-2, 6-2; Audrey Spurlock (H) d. Amelia Smith 6-4, 7-6 (8-6); Kayla Conger (H) d. Kayleigh Woods 6-2, 6-0; Grace Phillips (H) d. Sara Edmonson 6-2, 6-2. Doubles: Gullett/Newell (H) d. Brooks/Guinn 8-6; Phillips/Miller (H) d. Davidson/Smith 8-2; Spurlock/Katie Lee (H) d. Woods/Edmonson 8-3. Records: Hendersonville 4-0 overall, 4-0 in District 9-AAA.

Hawks, Devils split matches

WHITE HOUSE Merrol Hyde Magnet’s girls and White House High’s boys tennis teams were victorious as the squads split their respective matches on Monday afternoon at White House City Park.

The Blue Devils won three out of five singles matches and both doubles contests in a 5-2 victory, while the Lady Hawks collected a 7-0 sweep of White House.

White House’s boys improved to 4-0, while the Lady Devils fell to 0-3 with the loss.

White House boys 5, Merrol Hyde Magnet 2: Singles: Jackson Colburn (W) d. Chase Dieckhoner 8-2; Dennis Combs (W) d. Hanwen Feng 8-5; Seth Battad (M) d. Jaxon Rappuhn 8-5; Cameron Elwick (W) d. Drew Getter 9-7; Sean Gonzalez (M) d. Austin Poll 8-3. Doubles: Colburn/Combs (W) d. Dieckhoner/Gonzalez 8-2; Rappuhn/Wright (W) d. Feng/Battad 8-4.

Merrol Hyde Magnet girls 7, White House 0: Singles: Lauren Heinrich (M) d. Avery Hutcherson 8-0; Saakshi Thukral (M) d. Lauren Myers 8-1; Abbey Miller (M) d. Jordan White 8-1; Elise Colter (M) d. Taylor Brake 8-2; Ellen Getter (M) d. Kaitlynn Bass 8-2. Doubles: Heinrich/Thukral (M) d. Hutcherson/White 8-1; Miller/Getter (M) d. Myers/Brake 8-1.

Lady Bison defeat Beech, Merrol Hyde Magnet

Station Camp High sophomore Jessica Hopson hits a forehand return during her match against Merrol Hyde Magnet. Hopson won in singles and doubles as the Lady Bison collected a 7-2 victory.

The Station Camp High girls tennis team captured a 5-4 victory over Beech in a non-district match on Monday afternoon.

The Lady Bison won four of six singles matches and prevailed at the No. 2 doubles position to secure the victory.

Beech’s boys defeated the Bison, 8-1.

Eli Duncan, Chase Dorris, Cooper Presley, Drew McLaurine and Garrett Boling all won their singles and doubles matches.

Station Camp senior Nathan Watson won at No. 1 singles.

>> The Lady Bison claimed a 7-2 win over visiting Merrol Hyde Magnet on Tuesday afternoon at Volunteer State Community College, winning five singles and two doubles matches.

Jessica Hopson, Nidhi Menon, Rachel Crosslin and Natalie Major all picked up two wins for Station Camp.

The Hawks boys also emerged with a 7-2 victory over Station Camp thanks to five singles and two doubles victories.

Hanwen Feng, Seth Battad, Drew Getter and Turner Gaw all picked up two wins for Merrol Hyde Magnet, while Watson remained undefeated in singles with his victory at the No. 1 position.

Station Camp girls 5, Beech 4: Singles: Courtney Brooks (B) d. Kiana Mills 8-4; Allie Guinn (B) d. Camille Baker 8-0; Jessica Hopson (S) d. Erin Davidson 8-3; Nidhi Menon (S) d. Amelia Smith 9-7; Rachel Crosslin (S) d. Kayleigh Woods 8-0; Natalie Major (S) d. Sara Edmonson 8-4. Doubles: Brooks/Guinn (B) d. Mills/Baker 8-1; Hopson/Menon (S) d. Davidson Smith 8-6; Woods/Edmonson (B) d. Major/Emiline Payne 8-2.

Beech boys 8, Station Camp 1: Singles: Nathan Watson (S) d. Robert Balgemann 8-2; Eli Duncan (B) d. Jackson Cook 8-4; Chase Dorris (B) d. Caleb Stevin 8-0; Cooper Presley (B) d. Robert Smith 8-1; Drew McLaurine (B) d. Evan Savaloja 8-3; Garrett Boling (B) d. Austin Bible 8-3. Doubles: Dorris/Presley (B) d. Stevin/Cook 8-2; Balgemann/Duncan (B) d. Smith/Savaloja 8-3; McLaurine/Boling (B) d. Bible/Jay Patel 8-0.

Station Camp girls 7, Merrol Hyde Magnet 2: Singles: Lauren Heinrich (M) d. Kiana Mills 8-2; Camille Baker (S) d. Saakshi Thukrol 8-0; Jessica Hopson (S) d. Abbey Miller 8-4; Nidhi Menon (S) d. Elise Colter 8-0; Rachel Crosslin (S) d. Ellen Getter 8-4; Natalie Major (S) d. Hailey Ray 8-5. Doubles: Heinrich/Thukral (M) d. Mills/Baker 8-2; Hopson/Menon (S) d. Miller/Getter 8-0; Major/Crosslin (S) d. Colter/Ray 8-1.

Merrol Hyde Magnet boys 7, Station Camp 2: Singles: Nathan Watson (S) d. Chase Dieckhoner 8-0; Hanwen Feng (M) d. Jackson Cook 8-5; Seth Battad (M) d. Henry Preston 8-1; Drew Getter (M) d. Robert Smith 9-8; Sean Gonzalez (M) d. Evan Savaloja 8-4; Turner Gaw (M) d. Austin Bible 8-3. Doubles: Stevin/Cook (S) d. Dieckhoner/Gonzalez 8-3; Feng/Battad (M) d. Smith/Savaloja 8-4; Gaw/Getter (M) d. Watson/Bible 8-4.

Lady Knights swept by St. Cecilia

NASHVILLE The Pope John Paul II High girls tennis team suffered a 7-0 loss at St. Cecilia on Tuesday afternoon.

The Lady Knights fell to 0-3.

St. Cecilia 7, Pope John Paul II 0: Singles: Natalie Zimberg (SC) d. Ellie Rivera 8-1; Holly McClure (SC) d. Kathleen McLeod 8-1; Olivia McClure (SC) d. Cate Kroeger 8-1; Caroline Watkins (SC) d. Annalee Tanner 8-4; Patience Thompson (SC) d. Hannah Jones 8-3; Logan Kemp (SC) d. MaryAnn Steiner 8-1. Doubles: Zimberg/H. McClure (SC) d. Rivera/Kroeger 8-2; O. McClure/Watkins (SC) d. McLeod/Jones 8-4; Kemp/Thompson (SC) d. Tanner/Steiner 8-1.

HENDERSONVILLE Visiting Father Ryan did what it could to give Pope John Paul II High’s baseball team a second victory in the teams’ three-game series.

However, the Knights were unable to take advantage of eight Irish errors and five passed balls, suffering a 6-5 loss at ServPro Field on Tuesday evening.

Pope John Paul II High junior shortstop Ben Brooks throws to first base to complete a double play as Father Ryan junior Matt Faulkner slides into second base and as PJP II sophomore second baseman Jake Rucker looks on.

PJP II was limited to three base hits in the contest, with junior Ben Brooks – a University of Memphis commitment – collecting two of those.

“I don’t think I’ve ever coached a game where the opponent made eight errors and we didn’t win,” Knight head coach Michael Brown said. “We didn’t produce when they gave them to us.”

Six of the eight errors were committed by Father Ryan senior shortstop Brendan Grainger, with four of those coming in the second inning. PJP II (2-5 overall, 1-1 in the Division II-Class AA East/Middle Region) was only able to capitalize for two runs in that frame as the Knights had a baserunner retired while attempting to steal second base.

Pope John Paul II High senior first baseman Ryan Hatten receives a pickoff throw as Father Ryan senior Brendan Grainger slides back safely during second-inning action.

PJP II had a runner picked off at first base in consecutive innings, losing baserunners in each of the fourth and fifth frames. The host squad failed to score in either inning.

“We tried to steal a base with no sign,” Brown said. “We got picked off twice, ran ourselves out of an inning, and we get a couple of balls dropped over our head out here (in leftfield) and made a couple of errors. Neither team played very well, but when we made the mistakes, (Father Ryan) got hits.”

Junior Mason Hickman – a Vanderbilt University commit – drove in a run with a groundout to give the Knights a 3-2 lead in the third inning, but Father Ryan (1-4, 1-1) scored twice in the top of the fourth, thanks to two doubles and a single. The Irish never trailed again.

The PJP II offense made things tight again in the seventh as Brooks singled and later scored on one of three passed balls in the inning. Sophomore Jake Rucker also scored on a passed ball to cut Father Ryan’s lead to a run, and the Knights drew two walks to load the bases with two outs before Garrett Taylor’s infield pop-up ended the game.

Pope John Paul II High senior Dalton Heath delivers a first-inning pitch during Tuesday evening’s game against Father Ryan. Heath struck out three batters over four innings.

“It’s just inexcusable,” Brown said. “When people make mistakes, you’ve got to pounce. We either made baserunning mistakes or didn’t get hits. We’ve got a lot of puppies – a lot of young guys – and only three pitchers on this team that have pitched in a varsity game when the season started. We knew there were probably going to be a few bumps early, but there’s really no excuse to lose this game.”

>> The Knights won Monday’s series opener at Father Ryan by a 4-2 margin.

Hickman pitched a complete game, striking out 12 in collecting the victory.

PJP II scored three runs in the third inning to take the lead for good as neither team scored over the final four innings.

Senior Ryan Hatten – a Virginia Military Institute signee – singled in Brooks, and junior Jack Shuttleworth singled in classmate Pace Dempsey. Then, Taylor’s sacrifice bunt allowed Rucker to score.

Wednesday’s game at Father Ryan concludes the series.

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

FATHER RYAN    020 202 0 – 6 8 8

POPE JOHN PAUL II         021 000 2 – 5 3 2

Jack White, Jake Francescon (4) and Seamus O’Connell; Dalton Heath, Nate Pianto (5), Jake Rucker (6) and Jack Shuttleworth. WP – Francescon. LP – Heath. Records: Father Ryan 1-4 overall, 1-1 in Division II-Class AA East/Middle Region; Pope John Paul II 2-5, 1-1.

BCAT logo

The Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee East-West All-Star games have been set for Saturday afternoon at Blackman High School.

The girls all-star game is scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m., while the boys game to follow at 4.

Here’s a look at rosters and coaching staffs for the eight-annual event:

East girls

Makenzie Illes, Cumberland Co. (Tennessee Tech)
Kassidy Allen, Jackson County (Tennessee Tech)
Lakelyn Bouldin, Van Buren Co. (Chattanooga)
Ashli Chew, DeKalb County (Bryan)
Jayna Ferrell, Pickett County
Keeli Lamb, Livingston Academy
Haylee Croom, Rossview (Freed Hardeman)
Tori Griffin, Jefferson County (Carson Newman)
Kaya Jarell, Greenbrier (Martin Methodist)
Sarah Pierce, Community
Tristan McClellan, Pickett County (Bryan)
Carleigh Short, Hendersonville (Lipscomb)
Mickey Head, Rossview (Martin Methodist)

Coaches
Brent Smith, Pickett Co.
Scott Moore, Smith Co.
Justin Woods, Rossview

West girls

Manaya Jones, Raleigh Egypt (Old Dominion)
Brandi Beasley, Ridgeway (Illinois)
Raegyn Branch, Arlington (Wake Forrest)
Jaida Roper, Houston (Louisiana Tech)
Tori Sewell, Arlington (Arkansas State)
Ashley Lee, Arlington
Charity Savage, Bartlett (MTSU)
Gazmyne Herndon, Frederick Douglass
Dakedra Mason, Middleton
Miyah Barnes, Memphis Central (UAB)
Olivia Crane, Dyer Co. (Three Rivers C.C.)
Amber Thompson, Dyer Co.
Lasha Scott, Decatur Co. Riverside

Coaches
Hunter Gremore, Arlington
James Burkley, Middleton

East boys

Nick Hopkins, Fayetteville (Belmont)
Cade Crosland, White Co.
Yalen Reed, Station Camp (Alcorn State)
Ross Cummings, Creek Wood (Mercer)
Kyree Elder, Cane Ridge (Arkansas-Ft. Smith)
Cedriontis Wilson, Blackman
Kenny Bunton, Walker Valley (Lipscomb)
Miles Thomas, South Doyle (Tennessee Tech)
Geevantay Gee, Oak Ridge
Javien Johnson, Oak Ridge
Brad Allen, Rossivew (Freed Hardeman)

Coaches
Troy Bond, Oakland
Rob Edwards, Clay Co.

West boys

Jalen Dupree, Cordova (Murray State)
Zay Young, Bartlett
Darrell Brown Jr., Germantown (Bradley)
Kevin Cheatham, Germantown
Justin Benton, Houston (SIUE)
Derrion Cliff, Dyer Co.
SkaKobe Ingram, Ridgeway
Joshua Greer, Jackson South Side
Terrandus Smith, Jackson South Side
Isaiah Crawley, Ripley
Garrett Sams, Westview (North Florida)
Justin Johnson, Westview (UT Martin)
Nathan Hoover, Arlington (Wofford)
Demonte Person, Arlington
Mikkel Normant, Fayette-Ware

Coaches
Damonn Fuller, Jackson South Side
Wes Henning, Ridgeway

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

HENDERSONVILLE The annual meeting between the Pope John Paul II High and Hendersonville Spartans boys lacrosse teams is a cordial affair … once the final whistle is blown.

However, in the 48 minutes between handshakes, the host Knights refused to play nice with their neighbors, beginning with a goal just 19 seconds into Wednesday evening’s 17-4 victory over the Spartans at the Jim Carell Athletic Complex.

Pope John Paul II High sophomore midfielder Nolan Underhill absorbs a stick check from Hendersonville Spartans senior Fredrick Thacker during first-quarter action. Underhill scored twice in the Knights’ 17-4 victory.

Junior attacker Caleb Elerick provided the quick strike to jump-start the Knight offense. PJP II (3-5) raced out to a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter.

“Our coaches were saying all week that we just needed to come out and put them away,” PJP II senior attacker Chris Byrne said. “After we got crushed by (Memphis University School in a 19-3 loss) last week, we just needed to bounce back.”

Hendersonville Spartan senior Austin LeBlanc is checked by Pope John Paul II High sophomore defender Kameron Slaughter during fourth-quarter action.

Both Byrne and Elerick scored twice in the opening period, and they combined for seven goals, with Elerick scoring four and Byrne collecting three.

“It was just a product of the middies (midfielders) getting the ball down the field and getting good runs on the goalie,” Byrne said. “They were just creating for me, Caleb and Jackson (Sterrett).”

Sterrett – a sophomore – along with junior David Thomas and senior Riley Southard, all found the net in the first quarter.

“We tried to get it in our players’ heads before the game that this will be a tough game,” Spartan head coach Marc Eisenhauer said. “You can’t hang your head, and our players seemed to do that a little bit.”

Pope John Paul II High senior Jon Knox maneuvers past Hendersonville Spartan senior Tristan Rettke during third-quarter action. Knox scored one goal in the Knights’ 17-4 victory.

The Knights added seven more goals in the second quarter, with seniors Nic Cruz and Jon Knox – along with sophomore Nolan Underhill – joining the list of goal-scorers. Byrne, Sterrett, Elerick and Thomas also added goals in the second period.

Hendersonville (4-2) broke through as senior Miles Mitchell scored the first of his three goals with 7:19 left in the third quarter.

“It’s great to see him produce,” Eisenhauer said. “He seemed to excel (at forward).”

Senior Garrett Dye scored the other Spartan goal while Hendersonville was a man up due to a penalty midway through the fourth quarter.

Junior Jack Schumacher scored the final PJP II goal with 1:56 remaining.

Hendersonville Spartan senior Miles Mitchell scored three goals in Wednesday’s 17-4 loss at Pope John Paul II High.

The Spartans draw players from six Sumner County schools – Beech, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Hendersonville Christian Academy, Station Camp and White House – in addition to Wilson Central, Springfield and Madison Academy. Many of the PJP II players played with various Spartans in middle school.

“It’s really unique to see it,” Eisenhauer said. “They’re playing hard, whistle to whistle, and you almost forget that they’re friends. But at the end of the game, they’re all friends again. That’s the kind of game lacrosse is. It’s very competitive, but it’s all about tradition and friendship.”

Byrne added, “We know all those guys … they know us. We’re all friends.”

In a scheduling oddity, the Knights have two more home matches remaining before playing their final seven contests on the road.

“The first half of the season’s been all home matches,” Byrne said. “It’s weird, having senior night in early April.”

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

Dyron Birdwell has been named the Siegel boys basketball coach.

MURFREESBORO – Dyron Birdwell started his two-week spring break with a job interview.

He’s ending it with a head coaching position in the ‘Boro.

Birdwell, who spent the past five seasons as an assistant at Oak Ridge, was named the next Siegel High boys basketball coach on Wednesday, replacing Ben Dotson.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Birdwell, 26, who played high school basketball at Macon County.

Dotson resigned after eight seasons to spend more time with his family. Siegel went 8-18 this past season.

Siegel principal Larry Creasy said he had a large interest in the opening, receiving at least 50 resumes for the position from at least 10 states, including much of the South.

“Coach Birdwell has such a passion for the game,” Creasy said.

Birdwell said he plans on meeting the team Thursday morning.

Birdwell, a Tennessee graduate, was a student manager for former coach Bruce Pearl, who is now coaching at Auburn.

“Dyron was mature as a basketball coach way beyond his years,” said Pearl in a text message through Auburn’s sports information department, “His work ethic and loyalty were second to none. I guarantee you his teams will play hard.”

Birdwell was the freshman coach at Oak Ridge while assisting Aaron Green, the varsity coach. The freshmen went 68-6 under Birdwell.

Birdwell said Siegel’s success on the hardwood peaked his interest.

“My main interest for this job came from the tradition of succeeding and excellence at Siegel High in basketball,” said Birdwell, who will teach English at Siegel. “I think they’ve been to six state tournaments since it opened in 2003.

“I had a great job at Oak Ridge and loved what I was doing. There are certain jobs I would leave for to become their head coach. Siegel was at or near the top of that list.”

Birdwell said he is familiar with the Murfreesboro area. He’s close friends with Matt Wilson, who married former MTSU women’s basketball player Laken Leonard.

He said his style of play will be dictated by the athletes in the program. However, the program will have three measuring points — defense, rebounding and transition offense.

“We are going to play an uptempo style and press,” he said.

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

WESTMORELAND The Westmoreland High School softball program had seven wins last season.

On the 10th day of this season, the Lady Eagles won their fourth consecutive game, a 13-6 victory over visiting Gallatin in the team’s home opener on Wednesday evening.

“We’ve been working hard every day in the cage, hitting off the tee and in different drills,” Westmoreland senior catcher Addie Morris said. “This year, we’ve come together as a family. We are best friends in the classroom and on the field. It makes it easier to win games.”

Westmoreland High junior Kimi Richardson slides safely into home plate during the second inning.

The Lady Eagles scored double-figure runs for the second consecutive day, after producing a 15-0, three-inning victory at Trousdale County on Wednesday.

“This group is the closest I’ve had, on the field and off,” Westmoreland head coach Kyla White said. “They are like sisters. They have come together the best I’ve ever had. They build each other up and don’t let each other get down. It’s a special group, and we have leadership from two or three players we haven’t had before.”

The Lady Eagles built a 5-0 lead, with junior Savannah Whiticker and Morris doubling in the three-run first inning before junior Lizzie Johnson tripled.

Then, two errors and a hit batsman led to sophomore Morgan Gregory and junior Kimi Richardson scoring in the second inning.

“It is disappointing,” Lady Wave head coach Randall Silcox said. “At some point, we have to be able to stop the bleeding. A lot of times, when something goes wrong, it starts pouring.

“They did a good job of getting their bats going and taking advantage of mistakes, and it was us not being able to capitalize on them. We have to be able to put the bat on the ball and drive it to the outfield.”

Sophomore Haley Barnes hit her first home run as Gallatin (3-5) – which was playing without sophomore leftfielder Cassidy Graves (sidelined due to an illness) – erupted for four runs in the third inning.

Freshman Sidney Link singled in two runs later in the frame, and senior Rene’ Hudson doubled to lead off the fourth and scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly by junior Ashlee Banks.

Gallatin High freshman pitcher Sidney Link throws to first base for a fourth-inning putout as Lady Wave head coach Randall Silcox looks on.

However, Westmoreland (4-2) reassumed control when Whiticker singled in two runs in the bottom of the fourth, followed by Morris’ three-run home run. The line-drive shot was her third homer of the season.

“I was expecting a change-up honestly,” Morris – a Martin Methodist College commit – said. “I was way down in the count, two strikes and no balls. I believe she was trying to pitch a curveball or an outside pitch. It just didn’t quite get there. It was (on the) outside corner.”

After Morris scored on a sixth-inning wild pitch, sophomore Kendell Goodrum singled in junior Kiersten Powell and sophomore Kailan Woodard to create an eight-run margin.

Goodrum had three hits and also picked up the complete-game victory in the pitcher’s circle, recording six strikeouts.

Westmoreland High junior Savannah Whiticker attempts to lay down a second-inning bunt. Whiticker singled, doubled, scored two runs and drove in two runs in the Lady Eagle win over Gallatin on Wednesday evening.

Barnes singled in the seventh inning and scored the game’s final run when freshman Makayla Wright reached on an infield singled.

Barnes had three of her squad’s 12 hits, as did sophomore Michaela Thompson.

Gallatin High freshman Makayla Wright rounds third base on her way to scoring a run during the four-run third inning.

The Lady Eagles won for the third consecutive day, including a 6-3 win at Sycamore in Monday’s district opener.

“Everybody is ecstatic,” Morris said. “Everybody loves it. I’m not the only who has been through (struggles to win).

“Instead of coming out expecting to lose and expecting to have to fight for it, we come out expecting to win and be on top.”

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.

Gallatin                004 100 1 – 6 12 3

Westmoreland 320 503 x – 13 10 2

Savannah Link, Sidney Link (1) and Haley Barnes; Kendell Goodrum and Addie Morris. WP – Goodrum. LP – Sidney Link. Home runs: Gallatin – Haley Barnes (1); Westmoreland – Addie Morris (3). Records: Gallatin 3-5, Westmoreland 4-2.

Blackman’s Donovan Sims (3) and Lawrence County’s Garrett Martin (23) go after a rebound during the Region 4-AAA boys basketball final game, on Thursday, March 3, 2016, at Franklin County.

MURFREESBORO — Top-ranked Blackman breezed into the Class AAA semifinals with a 57-34 rout of Science Hill on Wednesday at MTSU’s Murphy Center.

Blackman (32-0) extended an eight-point halftime lead to 45-27 by the end of the third quarter and never looked back.

The Blaze play the Memphis East-Hillsboro winner at 11:30 a.m. Friday in the TSSAA’s Boys Basketball State Championships.

Cedriontis Wilson led Blackman with 16 points, hitting 4 of 10 from the 3-point line. Christian Dewitt had 10 points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Thomas came off the bench to score 10 points.

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