Division I Boys' Basketball State Tournament Recaps
Class 4A Championship
Hillsboro 57, Oak Ridge 42 · Saturday 6:30 PM
Hillsboro claimed the TSSAA Class 4A Boys' State Championship Saturday night, defeating Oak Ridge 57-42 behind Cortez Graham-Howard's 20-point performance and tournament MVP Tyren Fisher's all-around brilliance. The Burros (34-5), who never trailed in the contest, weathered a second-quarter rally by Oak Ridge (31-4) that narrowed the gap to three points at halftime before pulling away in the second half. Ray'quan Watson scored a game-high 22 points for Oak Ridge, but Hillsboro's defense held the Wildcats to just 36% shooting while blocking nine shots. On the boards, Tyren Fisher led all rebounders with 9 for Hillsboro, while also dishing out a game-high 5 assists. Oak Ridge's Shamar Greene and Cooper Williams each grabbed 6 rebounds. Hillsboro converted Oak Ridge's 11 turnovers into 10 points, while shooting a stellar 88% from the free-throw line (14-of-16) compared to Oak Ridge's 67%.
Class 3A Championship
Upperman 65, Tullahoma 55 · Saturday 4:00 PM
Ty Cobb scored 33 points, including a perfect 14-for-14 performance from the free throw line, leading Upperman (32-3) to a 65-55 victory over Tullahoma (32-5) in the Class 3A Boys' State Championship game at Murphy Center on Saturday. The Bees gradually built their lead after the teams played to an even 10 in first quarter, with Bronzden Chaffin adding 12 points and 8 rebounds to complement Cobb's MVP performance. Tullahoma's Khani Johnson (21 points) and Xavier Farrell (19 points) kept the Wildcats within striking distance, but Upperman's dominant free throw shooting proved decisive as they converted 31 of 35 attempts (89%), including 20 of 24 in the fourth quarter alone. Cobb's clutch free throws in the final minute sealed the championship for Upperman, who captured the program's first state title. Cobb's perfect free-throw shooting performance earned him a spot of the state championship records list, tying three other performers at 100% at the line with a minimum of 10 attempts.
Class 2A Championship
Loretto 68, Alcoa 66 OT · Saturday 1:30 PM
Loretto captured the Class 2A state championship and completed a perfect 35-0 season with a thrilling 68-66 overtime victory against Alcoa (25-6) on Saturday at Murphy Center. After trailing by 12 points in the second quarter, the Mustangs rallied behind Grayson Burleson's 20 points and tournament MVP Kasen Buie's 19-point, 14-rebound performance. Alcoa was led by Condis Cherry's 20 points and Jamir Dean's 17-point, 14-rebound effort. The game turned in the third quarter when Loretto erased an 8-point halftime deficit with a 16-8 run. Cherry tied the game at 61 with a layup on Alcoa's last possession in regulation. In overtime, Corben Reynolds delivered the decisive basket for Loretto with a layup at the 1:50 mark, and later blocked Cherry's potential game-tying shot in the final seconds to secure the Mustang's second tournament championship and an unblemished 2024-25 season record.
Class 1A Championship
Chattanooga Prep 77, Hillcrest 50 · Saturday 11:00 AM
Chattanooga Prep captured the Tennessee Class 1A Boys' State Championship with a commanding 77-50 victory over Hillcrest on Saturday at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro. The Sentinels (28-8) broke open a competitive first half with a decisive 26-11 third-quarter run, turning a seven-point halftime advantage into an insurmountable lead. Tournament MVP Derrick Roberson anchored a balanced attack that saw five players reach double figures, with Demarion Bowman leading the way with 15 points. Chattanooga Prep dominated the interior battle, outscoring Hillcrest 44-20 in the paint while showcasing superior depth with 27 bench points. J'acoby Lewis delivered a valiant 26-point performance for Hillcrest (28-4), but the Sentinels' 48% shooting efficiency and commanding 40-25 rebounding advantage proved too much to overcome. Jaydan Parker's perfect 5-for-5 shooting off the bench and Joel Bulis' double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds highlighted Chattanooga Prep's complete team effort in securing the state title.
Class 4A Semifinals
Oak Ridge 59, Whitehaven 53 · Friday 8:45 PM
Cooper Williams scored 20 points and Oak Ridge held off a late Whitehaven rally to secure a 59-53 victory in the Class 4A state tournament semifinals Friday night at Murphy Center. The Wildcats (31-3) led for over 27 minutes of before Whitehaven briefly took a 52-51 lead on a Cameron Brown layup with 2:36 remaining. Oak Ridge responded with composure as Garrett Giles hit two free throws to reclaim the lead, sparking an 8-1 closing run. Ray'quan Watson added 15 points and 8 rebounds while hitting four consecutive free throws in the final minute to seal the win. Ottabwa Dickson led Whitehaven (32-4) with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks, but the Tigers couldn't overcome Oak Ridge's 41-26 rebounding advantage. Oak Ridge advances to the state championship game for the fourth time in school history.
Hillsboro 63, Bradley Central 48 · Friday 7:15 PM
Xavier Washington scored 20 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting from beyond the arc as Hillsboro defeated Bradley Central 63-48 in the Class 4A state tournament semifinals Friday night at Murphy Center. The Burros (33-5) weathered a second-quarter comeback from the Bears and a brief 25-24 deficit early in the third quarter before Washington ignited a decisive run with three consecutive three-pointers. Tyren Fisher showcased his all-around game with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 blocks and 4 steals, while Cortez Graham-Howard added 16 points on efficient 7-for-9 shooting. Tyrese Stovall matched Washington with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Bradley Central (25-9), but the Bears couldn't overcome Hillsboro's 62% shooting performance.
Class 3A Semifinals
Tullahoma 67, Fayette-Ware 58 · Friday 5:30 PM
Tullahoma rode Khani Johnson's 23 points and a dominant rebounding performance to defeat Fayette-Ware 67-58 in Friday's state semifinal at Murphy Center. The Wildcats (32-4) seized control with a 22-9 first-quarter run and maintained their advantage throughout, never trailing in the contest. Austin Tinnon controlled the glass with 16 rebounds while Xavier Farrell added 21 points for Tullahoma, which shot 50% from three-point range. Tarecous Stevens led Fayette-Ware (28-6) with 17 points on efficient shooting, including perfect 8-8 free throw shooting, along with 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Despite outscoring Tullahoma in both the second and fourth quarters, the Wildcats' early surge and 41-28 rebounding advantage proved too much for Fayette-Ware to overcome, as Johnson's breakaway dunk in the final seconds sealed Tullahoma's trip to the championship game.
Upperman 55, Greeneville 47 · Friday 4:00 PM
Tyce Cobb scored 33 points, including five crucial points in the final 78 seconds, to lead Upperman to a 55-47 victory over Greeneville in the Class 3A state semifinals on Friday. Upperman weathered a dramatic fourth-quarter rally from Greeneville, who cut a 13-point deficit to just three with 1:21 remaining on Cole Smith's back-to-back three-pointers. Upperman's remarkable second-half shooting (93% from the field) proved decisive as they pulled away in the third quarter after a tight first half that ended 18-17. Greeneville's Trey Thompson scored 19 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Bronzden Chaffin added 12 points for Upperman. Upperman dominated points in the paint (34-20) and held a significant rebounding advantage (24-17). Zayden Anderson led all players with 5 assists for Greeneville in the losing effort.
Class 2A Semifinals
Alcoa 59, Jackson Co. 38 · Friday 2:15 PM
Jibriel Koko scored 21 points on remarkable 82% shooting to power Alcoa to a commanding 59-38 victory over Jackson County in the state semifinals at Murphy Center. The Tornadoes (25-5) seized control from the opening tip, building a 16-point halftime advantage and maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the second half. Jay Kirk and Condis Cherry each contributed 12 points for Alcoa, who forced 23 turnovers and dominated inside with 42 points in the paint. Will McCrary led Jackson County (29-3) with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Alcoa's stifling defense, which produced 12 steals, and efficient offense shooting 53% from the field propelled them into Saturday's Class 2A championship game where they'll vie for their third straight state title.
Loretto 59, Tyner 47 · Friday 12:45 PM
Undefeated Loretto overcame a two-point halftime deficit with a suffocating third-quarter defensive effort to defeat Tyner Academy 59-47 in Friday's Class 2A state semifinal at Murphy Center, advancing to the championship game with a perfect 34-0 record. Kasen Buie dominated with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Mustangs, who trailed 26-24 at halftime before holding Tyner to just one field goal in a pivotal 13-3 third-quarter run. Loretto sealed the victory at the free throw line in the fourth quarter, making 16 of 20 attempts, with Kylon Wilkerson coming off the bench to score 10 points including a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. Despite 15 points from Adarius Brewster and a well-rounded performance from Rodney Henderson (13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals), Tyner (31-7) couldn't overcome 32% shooting and a 38-27 rebounding disadvantage, ending their championship hopes when Jordan Felder's late three-pointer to cut the deficit to five points was answered by Loretto's closing free throw barrage.
Class 1A Semifinals
Hillcrest 44, Wayne Co. 41 · Friday 11:00 AM
Cornell Watson scored 11 points including four clutch free throws in the final 29 seconds as Hillcrest edged Wayne County 44-41 in a thrilling state semifinal Friday at Murphy Center that featured 14 lead changes. Alex Morgan led all scorers with 18 points for Hillcrest (28-3), who advanced to the state championship game, while Cayman Camfield paced Wayne County (27-9) with 16 points. The dramatic fourth quarter saw 8 lead changes, with Wayne County taking a 41-38 lead with 1:13 remaining on a Will Robertson layup before Hillcrest closed the game on a 6-0 run. Watson hit a layup with a minute remaining, then sealed the victory at the free throw line as Hillcrest's defense forced a crucial turnover and contested Wayne County's final three-point attempts at the buzzer to preserve the win in a game where neither team ever led by more than 5 points.
Chattanooga Prep 65, Humboldt 59 · Friday 9:30 AM
Chattanooga Prep secured its spot in the state championship game with a 65-59 victory over Humboldt in the first of Friday's Class 1A semifinals at Murphy Center. Demarion Bowman scored 15 points, Derrick Roberson added 14 points with three blocks, and Austin Jones delivered a complete performance with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the Sentinels (28-8). Chattanooga Prep broke open a 24-24 halftime tie with a strong third quarter and sealed the win with near-perfect shooting in the fourth, connecting on 8 of 9 field goal attempts (89%). The Sentinels built a 9-point cushion when Roberson scored with 2:04 remaining, and though Humboldt (29-6) cut the deficit to 4 points in the final minute, Bowman's clutch free throws in the closing seconds secured Chattanooga Prep's spot in Saturday's championship game.
Class 4A Quarterfinals
Whitehaven 40, Independence 36 · Thursday 8:45 PM
Taquez Butler scored 13 points, including critical baskets in the fourth quarter, as Whitehaven held off Independence 40-36 in a tense quarterfinal matchup at the Murphy Center. After trailing by five points at halftime, Whitehaven (32-3) rallied with a 15-9 third quarter advantage to reclaim the lead and never relinquished it in the final period. The Tigers' defense limited Independence (23-13) to just 31% shooting for the game, including a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter where they allowed only 6 points. Butler's driving layup with 2:04 remaining gave Whitehaven a four-point cushion they would maintain until the final buzzer, sealing their advancement to the semifinals. Harris Hall led Independence with 9 points and 12 rebounds in defeat, as the Eagles' season came to an end despite a valiant effort that saw them hold the lead for much of the middle quarters.
Oak Ridge 60, Walker Valley 39 · Thursday 7:15 PM
Oak Ridge used balanced scoring and efficient shooting to defeat Walker Valley 60-39 in Thursday's Class 4A state tournament quarterfinal, ending the Mustangs' season at Murphy Center. The Wildcats never trailed after the opening minutes, methodically building their lead in each quarter behind Ray'quan Watson's 13 points and Garrett Giles' all-around performance of 11 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Oak Ridge (30-3) shot 49% from the field and converted 8 of 20 three-pointers, including Charlie Taubenheim's perfect 3-for-3 shooting from beyond the arc. Turner Clayton led Walker Valley (30-5) with 12 points, but the Mustangs couldn't overcome Oak Ridge's stifling defense and superior ball movement, as the Wildcats registered 15 assists and built their largest lead to 22 points in the fourth quarter before securing their semifinal berth.
Hillsboro 53, Maryville 47 · Thursday 5:30 PM
Hillsboro weathered a furious Maryville comeback to secure a 53-47 victory in the state tournament quarterfinals at Murphy Center on Thursday. The Burros (32-5) built a commanding 26-15 halftime lead behind Cortez Graham-Howard's 17 points and Lonny Holland's 16 points off the bench. Maryville (24-13), led by Jonathon Woodlee's 13 points, rallied in the second half and sliced the deficit to just three points with 1:40 remaining when Woodlee connected on a crucial three-pointer. However, Fisher's fast-break layup with 1:06 left pushed the lead back to seven, helping Hillsboro (32-5) withstand the late charge. The Burros' dominance on the glass with a 28-20 rebounding advantage and efficient 79% free-throw shooting proved key in advancing to the Friday night's semifinal round.
Bradley Central 63, Memphis East 48 · Thursday 4:00 PM
Tyrese Stovall recorded a dominant double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds as Bradley Central defeated Memphis East 63-48 in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state tournament Thursday afternoon. Andrew Walker added 17 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 performance from the free throw line, as the Bears (25-8) never trailed in the contest. Bradley Central broke open a close game with an 18-9 third-quarter run capped by Hunter Fields' buzzer-beating three-pointer, then maintained their double-digit lead throughout the fourth quarter. The Bears' efficient 47% shooting and 26 free throws proved too much for Memphis East (17-14), who were led by Jacquez Suggs' 13 points and 7 rebounds.
Class 3A Quarterfinals
Fayette-Ware 57, Knoxville Fulton 49 · Thursday 2:15 PM
Markylon Terry scored 19 points and Tarecous Stevens filled the stat sheet with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks as Fayette-Ware defeated Knoxville Fulton 57-49 in Thursday's Class 3A state tournament quarterfinal at Murphy Center. The Wildcats established control early with a 28-16 halftime lead, then withstood a third-quarter surge from Fulton that cut the margin to five points. Fayette-Ware's interior dominance resulted in a 40-18 advantage in points in the paint, while Stevens' rim protection repeatedly thwarted Fulton's comeback attempts. Derrick Smith led Fulton with 16 points, including three 3-pointers in the final minute, but the Wildcats maintained their poise down the stretch, advancing to the semifinals with a 28-5 record while Fulton's season ends at 18-17.
Tullahoma 68, J. South Side 48 · Thursday 12:45 PM
Xavier Farrell scored 33 points on 71% shooting as Tullahoma overwhelmed Jackson South Side 68-48 in the state tournament quarterfinals at Murphy Center on Thursday. Khani Johnson added 16 points, 5 assists and 5 steals for the Wildcats (31-4), who never trailed in the contest. Tullahoma's defensive pressure proved decisive, forcing 27 turnovers and converting them into 36 points while recording 21 steals. Robert Liggins led South Side (24-3) with 18 points and 7 rebounds, but the Hawks struggled against Tullahoma's relentless defense, especially in the fourth quarter when they were held to just 6 points. After South Side closed the gap to 28-25 at halftime, Tullahoma seized control with a 21-point third quarter and pulled away with a 19-6 advantage in the final period to secure their semifinal berth.
Greeneville 63, Munford 46 · Thursday 11:00 AM
Greeneville used a perfect shooting fourth quarter to pull away from Munford 63-46 in the Class 3A state tournament quarterfinals Thursday at the Murphy Center. Trey Thompson scored 28 points and added 12 rebounds and 7 assists as the Greene Devils (26-11) broke open a five-point game with an 11-0 run in the final three minutes. Zayden Anderson hit four three-pointers enroute to 13 points for Greeneville, which connected on 11 of 21 attempts from beyond the arc. Despite a 30-point effort from Jadyn Lee, Munford (21-11) couldn't overcome Greeneville's sharpshooting down the stretch, as the Greene Devils shot 7-for-7 in the decisive fourth quarter, including three consecutive three-pointers that pushed their lead to double-digits.
Upperman 54, Hume-Fogg 40 · Thursday 9:30 AM
Ty Cobb scored 28 points, including a perfect 12-for-12 performance from the free throw line, as Upperman defeated Hume-Fogg 54-40 in the quarterfinals of the state tournament Thursday morning at Murphy Center. The Bees (30-3) set the tone early with a dominant first quarter, building an 18-3 lead they would never relinquish. Michael Nwoye led Hume-Fogg (29-4) with 15 points and Alonzo Rhodes added 9 points and 8 rebounds in a strong effort, but Upperman's 55% shooting from the field and 20 fast break points proved too much to overcome. Bronzden Chaffin contributed valuable floor leadership for Upperman with 5 assists and 6 rebounds, while Jack Torrence added 9 points.
Class 2A Quarterfinals
Jackson Co. 66, JCM 56 · Wednesday 8:45 PM
Will McCrary led all scorers with a commanding 28-point, 16-rebound performance as Jackson County defeated Jackson Central-Merry 66-56 in Wednesday's Class 2A state tournament quarterfinal. After a tightly contested first quarter ended in a 14-14 tie, Jackson County used a decisive 16-7 second quarter run to build a nine-point halftime advantage. JCM mounted a valiant comeback in the third quarter behind Brennan Ballard (14 points) and Nathan Graham (13 points), cutting a 14-point deficit to just five entering the fourth quarter. However, Jackson County's superior shooting (52% to JCM's 35%) and commanding rebounding advantage (38-22) proved too much to overcome. Alex Meadows contributed 17 points on perfect 3-for-3 shooting from beyond the arc for Jackson County (29-2), which advances to the semifinals while JCM's season ends at 21-10.
Alcoa 65, Hickman Co. 55 · Wednesday 7:15 PM
Condis Cherry scored 22 points and Jamir Dean added 21 as Alcoa secured a 65-55 victory over Hickman County in the Class 2A state tournament quarterfinals Wednesday night at Murphy Center. The Tornadoes (24-5) took control with a dominant second quarter, building a 15-point halftime advantage they would never relinquish. Jay Kirk contributed 12 rebounds for Alcoa, which shot 49% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. Hickman County (25-8) battled back in the second half behind William McDonald's 17 points and Tyler McKennon's 13, trimming the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter. Dylan Qualls added 11 points and 9 rebounds for the Bulldogs, who saw their season end despite outscoring Alcoa 33-28 after halftime.
Tyner 56, Memphis Business 49 OT · Wednesday 5:30 PM
Rodney Henderson scored a game-high 28 points, including 5 crucial points in overtime, to lead Tyner Academy past Memphis Business Academy 56-49 in a tense Class 2A state tournament quarterfinal on Wednesday. The Rams (31-6) overcame a six-point second-half deficit and dominated the extra period, outscoring Memphis Business 9-2. With the game tied at 47 after regulation, Tyner seized control in overtime with Henderson's clutch free throws and Kohl Ward's emphatic dunk off a Jordan Felder steal with 17 seconds remaining to cap the victory. Zion Pinkerton added 7 points and 11 rebounds for Tyner, while Jay'lon Hopson led Memphis Business (23-8) with 15 rebounds and 9 points.
Loretto 49, Liberty Creek 34 · Wednesday 4:00 PM
Undefeated Loretto (33-0) continued their perfect season with a 49-34 victory over Liberty Creek (26-10) in the Class 2A state tournament quarterfinals Wednesday at Murphy Center. Grayson Burleson paced the Mustangs with 19 points on efficient 7-10 shooting, while the Loretto defense held Liberty Creek to just 34% from the field. The Mustangs seized control early with a 20-10 first quarter advantage and never relinquished the lead. Liberty Creek sophomore Drew Massey provided a spark off the bench with 15 points and 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Loretto's balanced attack, which featured four players scoring at least 7 points. Corben Reynolds contributed 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals for Loretto, who dominated with a 19-6 advantage in points off turnovers.
Class 1A Quarterfinals
Wayne Co. 62, Harriman 55 · Wednesday 2:15 PM
Justice Bell scored 22 points and Cayman Camfield added 18 points and 12 rebounds as Wayne County defeated Harriman 62-55 in the Class 1A state tournament quarterfinals Wednesday at Murphy Center. Trailing 27-24 at halftime, Wayne County seized control with a blistering 19-12 third-quarter run fueled by three Bell three-pointers. The Wildcats dominated the glass, outrebounding Harriman 34-23, and shot 49% from the field while building their lead to as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter. Martel Yeager led Harriman with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Wayne County's Will Robertson contributed 11 points, 4 steals and 3 assists to the winning effort.
Hillcrest 56, Pickett Co. 39 · Wednesday 12:45 PM
J'acoby Lewis scored 24 points on 69% shooting as Hillcrest defeated Pickett County 56-39 in the state tournament quarterfinals at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro. Lewis connected on all three of his attempts from beyond the arc while Alex Morgan added 15 points for Hillcrest, who built a seven-point halftime lead and steadily pulled away in the second half. Pickett County, who led by four points early in the first quarter after six lead changes, was paced by Jacob Amonett's 13 points and Nathaniel Cobb's 12 points on efficient 67% shooting. Hillcrest's dominance on the offensive glass resulted in a 19-8 advantage in second-chance points, helping them advance to the semifinals with a 27-3 record while Pickett County concluded their season at 25-8.
Chattanooga Prep 84, Santa Fe 44 · Wednesday 11:00 AM
Cadence Collins scored 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting as Chattanooga Prep overwhelmed Santa Fe 84-44 in the Class 1A state tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday at Murphy Center. The Sentinels dominated from the opening tip, shooting 59% from the field while holding Santa Fe to just 26% shooting. Derrick Roberson added 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks for Chattanooga Prep, which led by as many as 40 points in the fourth quarter. Auden Slaughter led Santa Fe with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds in the season-ending defeat. The Sentinels controlled the paint with a 48-20 scoring advantage inside and converted 29 fast break points, punctuated by Kentrell Watkins' three dunks in the final quarter. Chattanooga Prep (27-8) used a balanced attack with 19 assists and 29 points from their bench to advance to the state semifinals, while Santa Fe concludes their season at 28-4.
Humboldt 54, North Greene 35 · Wednesday 9:30 AM
Humboldt's balanced attack and efficient shooting propelled the Vikings to a 54-35 victory over North Greene in the state tournament quarterfinals at Murphy Center on Wednesday morning. Kendrick Taylor scored a game-high 13 points while Darion Taylor added 12 points and 7 rebounds as Humboldt shot a blistering 56% from the field. The Vikings took control early, using an 8-0 run in the second quarter to build a double-digit lead they would not relinquish. Humboldt's inside dominance was evident with a 32-14 scoring advantage in the paint, while their bench contributed 17 critical points. Lance Carrico led North Greene with 11 points, including three 3-pointers, in the season-ending loss.