District tournaments are over, now the real season begins as regionals start February 21st. Private school sub-state and quarterfinals are ready to roll as well. My top 5 is now top 10 heading into the last few weeks of the season. Soon we will know who’s representing the area in the Tennessee High School State Basketball Tournament.
February 21 (Updated Team Rankings)
- Bartlett High School (27-4) League champions after a big win over Cordova, 65-59. Their eyes are locked on the first step, the regionals on February 24th. They will host their first-round game with an opponent still yet to be decided. When this team is playing well, rebounding, limiting you to 1 possession, defending, and making timely shots, they are going to be tough to beat.
- Cordova High School (27-2) Despite the the loss to the number 1 ranked Bartlett squad, the Wolves should shake that off and host a regional game on Saturday. The Wolves are circling their prey on empty stomachs making them a dangerous team very capable of winning and achieving their goals on the year.
- Douglass High School (28-0) They were cruising along beating everyone by 30 plus, but Memphis Business Academy was up to the task last week. They played Douglass in their closest game in a while. Did that show their vulnerability? To be honest, probably not but it does show that MBA is a team no one should overlook. Douglass was a victim of familiarity in that tight battle, but they are still in the driver’s seat with the next stop for them being Murfreesboro. It doesn’t mean they won’t get a couple fights along the way.
- FACS (24-3) They won their league over the weekend defeating ECS, 69-45. Marcellous Jackson had 24 points to lead all scorers. Next up for them, the sub-state game. They will be hosting this weekend. Their opponent hasn’t been determined yet. FACS is right where I imagined they would be this time of year.
- Ridgeway High School (22-5) District champions-check, city champions – check and now Covington will come in to play them Saturday at Ridgeway. I expect them to win that game and win it big. The Roadrunners have that look right now of a state title type team. They should be able to paint tunnels on walls and run through them while the Chargers crash into the rocks.
- Whitehaven High School (21-8) The Tigers are at home on Feb. 21st against Central in the 16 AAAA title game. The winner will play against Houston High School on Saturday. The Tigers won’t have to travel far if they win that game Saturday as the regionals, the second round, will take place at their home gym.
- Briarcrest Christian (24-4) The Saints will face the winner of MUS vs Ensworth (Feb. 21st) on Saturday. The winner moves to the semi-finals. Is a meeting with Brentwood Academy (Nashville) inevitable?
- MUS (21-5) Ensworth Feb. 21st with a possible match up against league foe Briarcrest should they win. The Owls have really been sneaky good all year long.
- MASE (19-4) City champions in 1A for the second year in a row, Marcus Moody has his team playing well at the right time… something that’s not uncommon since his time at MASE began. They won their league Feb. 20th beating BTW and now will host the first round at their place this weekend.
- Hillcrest High School (24-6) 62-52 was the final as they captured their district title. Hillcrest and MASE are the favorites to represent Memphis in 1A in my opinion, nothing has changed. They have the best player in 1A in Jordan Allen in Memphis. That gives them a chance in every game from here on out.
That’s the Power 10. The city should get a lot of scouts popping in for the upcoming Road to the State. I’ll be there taking notes and sharing info. Follow me on Twitter/X for live updates:Chuck Lawson (@ChuckLawson901) / X (twitter.com)
