Kyle Groothuis

Class AAA sub-state games begin on Monday. Some surprises and some upsets dot the register.

REGION 1AAA-2AAA

Maryville @ Science Hill

The Hilltoppers exacted all their revenge over Tennessee High and Dobyns Bennett to get their home game on Monday. Omar Wattad has been the mainstay but has been aided by a sterling group picking up the scoring slack when opposing defenses have schemed to stop him. Sophomore Chris Smith is scoring well, juniors Danny Avery and Dionte Gray have played well also. The Rebels fell to a very hot shooting Powell squad but can be dangerous if all cylinders are firing.

Prediction: Science Hill

Dobyns Bennett @ Powell

The Panthers will host their first sub-state game in 20 years. Efficent shooting and tough defense are the staple of this squad. Senior Chris Connor can score inside and out and his classmate Matt Hargis is the heart and soul of the team. From Kingsport comes the Indians of D.B. Coach Charlie Morgan has a well balanced squad that eliminated early favorite Greeneville in the semis. Guard play is a strength with seniors Josef Throp and Coty Sensibaugh making the plays. Sophomore Justin Sylvester is the next hot shot from the area and some young size should help out.

Prediction: Dobyns Bennett

REGION 3AAA-4AAA

White County @ Bradley Central

The Bears are on a tear. Bradley is playing it's best basketball of the season at the right time. Terrence Ogelsby is dangerous and the emergence of Kyle Groothuis coupled with his fellow 6-8 inside terror Keith Dodd have enough size to help Bradley make a big push come state time. White County is very dangerous from deep and can keep themselves in any game if hot. Tyler Greene and Kyle Delaney will be on the Bradley radar.

Prediction: Bradley Central

Red Bank @ Oakland

This could be a battle with the athletic group from Chattanooga traveling to tough and talented Oakland. The Patriots have been near the top of the game all season long. Chaisson Allen scored 26 points in the region final and appears to be the go to guy few teams possess. Red Bank has used their all out style to get great games from Tim Benford and Dominique McDuffie as the region tourney has advanced.

Prediction: Oakland

REGION 5AAA-6AAA

Franklin @ Clarksville

The Tyrone Caldwell show gets to stay in Clarksville for this one. A battle of two district top seeds culminates with the big prize on deck for the winner. Franklin has been a big story all season with their unselfishness and team play. Don't expect anything but their best effort in this contest. Clarksville has gotten inspired play from Caldwell but his teammates including Shawn Merriweather, who has been double-double happy, are their for the long run.

Prediction: Clarksville

Mt. Juliet @ White's Creek

The Cobras have played at a high level all season and now get the chance to make it all worth while. Jaime Graham is a scoring machine but his supporting cast of Demonte Harper, Fabian Lorande and many others are feeling like they can get their spot at the 'boro. Mt. Juliet has started playing their best ball when it means the most. Jeremy Dixon is finally fully healthy and Demond Craig knows how to run a team. This will be a battle.

Prediction: White's Creek

REGION 7AAA-8AAA

Ridgeway @ Raleigh Egypt

Our choice for game of the week has two of the Bluff City's top names. Ridgeway has come on strong since the end of the district and senior Andre Wooten is moving up the charts. Junior slashers Martino Brock and Jason Jones will keep the Pharoahs occupied most of the game. Raleigh Egypt brings its usual depth and fire to this important contest. Maurice Miller is primed to cap off his senior season with the daily double (state championship and Mr. Basketball) but will not have any easy road to either award.

Prediction: Raleigh-Egypt

Craigmont @ White Station

Joe Jackson is the newest name on the High School hoops horizon. The precocious freshman was huge during the region capturing the MVP award for his efforts in big wins over Hamilton, Wooddale and Ridgeway. His basketball IQ is way above his age category and he excels in the White Station system. The Spartans have a solid team with DI signees DeAndre Bynum and Jordan Miller helping the youngster. Craigmont will be ready after their region final defeat. Terrico White is the scorer and they will need a big game from him to make a move to the state.

Prediction: White Station