Tyrone Caldwell

The state tourney always has moments of excitment and feats of greatness, let's take a look at the top ten.

1. LIBERTY TECH'S DOMINANCE OVER THE AA FIELD

Their dominance over the season is well documented. They went through the season never tasting defeat within the borders of the state. Their three losses came to nationally ranked powerhouses at some of the most presitgious tournaments throughout the year. Some of the events in this year's tourney sparked discussion and debate, one did not and that was Liberty dominating the field for another state title.

2. MEMPHIS MYSTIQUE TESTED IN AAA FINAL FOUR

For the first time since 1999 no team from the Bluff City advanced to the final four of the AAA finals. When Raleigh-Egypt, the proposed favorite fell in the sectional to Ridgeway, the gates were open for the remainder of the state to capture the crown. Craigmont and Ridgeway advanced, but fell in the first round.

3. EAST TENNESSEE EMERGENCE

Fottball has always been the staple for the teams East of Nashville but this year's state tourney had a different flavor. Maryville captured the AAA title running through Bradley Central, White's Creek and Clarksville. Austin East was able to grab a win and advance to the second round. Temple defeated CSAS to secure the A title in the battle of two East Tennessee teams. Could this be a trend?

4. CLARKSVILLE'S TWO TRIPLE OVERTIME GAMES

Tyrone Caldwell made a name for himself at this years state scoring clutch baskets and finding open shooters, like Ryne Harper, who knocked down over 60% of his three-point shots. The efforts of the Wildcat junior led to an exciting triple overtime victory over Oakland and with no rest turned around and played Maryville in the championship game. That contest also featured another triple overtime classic with Caldwell showing out again.

5. JOSH SAIN'S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PERFORMANCE

The Liberty senior made his last official high school game a very memorable one indeed. The senior scored 34 points on 16 of 25 shooting and snared 13 rebounds. His heroics in leading the Crusaders to their second state title were not lost on several top level coaches in attendance. His efforts garnered him an offer from Alabama.

6. JEWON LONG MATCHING THE ASSIST RECORD

The Murray State signee etched his name in the record books tying a state mark for assists. The 6-3 senior, not only led his Crusaders to their second title, but he captured the coveted Mr. Basketball award as well.

7. JORDAN DAMRON/TYRONE CALDWELL BATTLE

The Maryville junior and the Clarksville phenom squared off in the title game unaware of their place in history. The next couple of hours would change their lives forever. Damron, who scored 29 points, was true ice scoring big threes late and knocking down foul shots to keep his Rbels ahead for good. Caldwell was equally as impressive scoring 26 points and making foul shots to force one overtime and almost pulling off the improbable victory.

8. CHAISSON ALLEN'S SEMI-FINAL PERFORMANCE

The northeastern signee was flawless in his efforts against Clarksville in the semis. He nailed 36 points including two big foul shots to force the first overtime and a sportscenter worthy 4 point play to force another. The only blemish on the scene for Allen was the triple overtime loss, which ended a fabulous career for the Mufreesboro senior.

9. DYER COUNTY'S RESURGENCE/EMERGENCE

The Choctaws made news defeating BTW in the sectional, but their season was far from just that huge win. First year coach Derek McCord brought a fun, uptempo style to Newburn and produced a 30 win season. The Choctaws used hot shooting by juniors Justin Blake and Jeremy Kimble as well as the emergence of sophomore point man C.J. Crittendon to move into the upper echelon of the state's AA reigns.

10. MARYVILLE'S FOOTBALL MENTALITY HELPING THE HOOPS TEAM

Gridiron success is nothing new at Maryville High School, the Rebels have won titles for several consecutive years now but made only their second state appearance on the hardwood. The leadership of senior Tennessee football signee Tyler Maples and future Volunteer junior Aaron Douglas brought a whole new dynamic to the Rebel attitude and first year coach Mark Eldridge.