Friday's top games to see (1/11)

West Carroll (11-6, 7-2) at Dresden (11-4, 6-2) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: West Carroll won 50-45

Players to watch: West Carroll forward Kenyatta Hillsman; Dresden guard Amy McAlpin

What to know: These two teams are battling for position in District 13-A play, and these two are both in the top four of the district. Both teams are young and looking to mature each game to be mentally prepared for tough tests that await the rest of the season and in the postseason. The Lady War Eagles will look to limit the points by Dresden’s Carrie Hatchel and Amy McAplin.

 

McNairy Central (14-2, 5-0) at Bolivar (12-3, 6-0) (Girls)

Last year: McNairy Central won both meetings 55-53, 57-53

Players to watch: McNairy Central guard Brianna Phelps; Bolivar guard Tymeria Franklin

What to know: This will be Tymeria Franklin’s first chance to play her old team after sitting out last season. Bolivar managed a one-point win over Chester County, but this will be another big test to try and stay undefeated in 14-AA play. McNairy Central will try to establish a post game. Bolivar will try to control tempo with their quick guards.

 

Madison (11-7, 4-1) at Scotts Hill (12-4, 3-1) (Girls)

Last year: Madison won all three meetings (60-42, 79-54, 64-39 (Reg.))

Players to watch: Madison post Dakota Smith; Scotts Hill post Chelsea Wyatt

What to know: This is a big District 15-A as these are two of the three teams sitting with one loss at this point of the season in the district.. The Lady Mustangs boast two solid post players in Dakota Smith and Taylor Davis to complement three solid guards. Scotts Hill has two players of its own that can post up in Chelsea Wyatt and Chloe Roberts.

 

Riverside (11-5, 4-0) at TCA (13-1, 3-0) (Boys)

Last year: TCA swept the two meetings 67-58; 66-60

Players to watch: Riverside guard Payton Hehe; TCA guard William Hall

What to know: These are the two teams that are currently unbeaten in 15-A play. TCA’s one loss is to USJ. Riverside’s losses are to AA teams Lexington and Camden and Class A runner-up Perry County. The Panthers are looking to make a name for themselves this year with a shot at the district title. TCA had the breakthrough season last year and wants to back it up again this year.

 

West Carroll (9-8, 7-2) at Dresden (9-5, 7-1) (Boys)

Previous meeting: Dresden won 65-61

Players to watch: West Carroll guard Letrell Huff; Dresden guard Brock Dilday

What to know: This will be the third tough test for the Lions this week after starting the week with Bradford and Bruceton. West Carroll lost a close one to Dresden earlier this season at home, and the War Eagles would like to return the favor. This is another game this week that is a battle for position in 13-A.

 

Lake County (5-9, 3-4) at Greenfield (11-3, 6-1) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Greenfield won 66-62

Players to watch: Lake County guard Zay Coleman; Greenfield guard Tony Robinson

What to know: The Yellowjackets are looking for a season sweep of perennial powerhouse Lake County. Greenfield won on the road, so now it has to try and win at home. Tony Robinson had a hot first half of the season, and now he is looking to back it up in the second half. Greenfield will have to play tough defense to have a chance at winning.

 

Covington (15-3, 9-0) at Haywood (11-7, 6-3) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Covington won 82-72

Players to watch: Covington guard Tarecus Hughes; Haywood guard Kyler Douglas

What to know: Emotions are high between these two teams after Tarecus and Chevia Hughes transferred from Haywood to Covington over the summer. The first game was close at Covington, and Haywood would like nothing less than to give the Chargers their first district loss. The Tomcats have to play with composure and not take bad shots.

Thursday's game to see (1/10)

Middleton (10-5, 4-1) at South Side (10-5, 4-2) (Girls)

Last year: Split two meetings (Middleton won 54-43; South Side won 67-48)

Players to watch: Middleton post Deja Faulkner; South Side post Stephanie Tipler

What to know: This is a good non-district test for both of these teams in the midway part of the schedule. Middleton is playing tough defense, but the Lady Tigers are still a young team that can have lapses. South Side is trying to play some quality opponents to prepare for a run in the postseason.

Tuesday's top games to see (1/8)

Madison (11-6, 4-0) at Middleton (9-5, 3-1) (Girls)

Last year: Madison swept 52-39; 63-56

Players to watch: Madison guard Cayla Sheets; Middleton guard Averyale Joy

What to know: These are the top two teams in the district standings. Both teams have quickness and will try to use it to their ability. These teams could meet a couple more times this season and postseason. Madison is looking to find consistency game to game, and Middleton is looking to play solid defense.

 

Bolivar (11-3, 5-0) at Chester County (10-4, 4-0) (Girls)

Last year: Bolivar won all three meetings (50-47; 41-36; 55-50 (Dist.))

Players to watch: Bolivar guard Kelsey Kirk; Chester County guard Darby Miskelly

What to know: This is the first of two tough games this week for Bolivar. If Bolivar comes away with two victories this week over Chester County and McNairy Central, the Lady Tigers in the front seat to earn the No. 1 seed in the district tournament. Chester County is playing with confidence right now and win over Bolivar would be a big momentum boost for the second half of the season.

 

Greenfield (9-5, 4-3) at Gleason (12-4, 7-1) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: Greenfield won 40-35

Players to watch: Greenfield forward Brittany Peoples; Gleason guard Jaclyn Montgomery

What to know: A big cross-county rivalry game. Greenfield took the earlier meeting by five points, but this one could go either way. Gleason is playing well lately with the only recent loss coming against Westview. Greenfield lost Friday against South Fulton and needs to get back to winning to compete in a tough District 14-A.

 

JCS (8-9, 2-1) at USJ (3-9, 1-2) (Boys)

Last year: USJ swept the series 52-41, 60-48

Players to watch: JCS post Lucas Pyron; USJ guard Trey Teel

What to know: Next year this matchup will no longer be a district contest so the teams will have to make the most of it this year. USJ has dominated the series in recent history behind the play of John Ross Glover. The Eagles are looking to get back to winning in the series. The Bruins have had a tough start to the season, but they have played some tough competition also. USJ would love to win and use this as a boost into the second half of the season.

 

Fayette-Ware (14-3, 5-0) at South Side (10-1, 4-1) (Boys)

Last year: South Side swept the season series

Players to watch: Fayette-Ware guard Carlos Hart; South Side guard Jaylen Barford

What to know: Fayette-Ware has had a renewal in the program this season and are off to a good start. All three of the Wildcats losses are to teams in Memphis. Fayette-Ware has already beaten Bolivar and Liberty this season. South Side opened the second half of the season with a win over JCM, and the Hawks want to continue to stay unbeaten in 14-AA play. The winner of this game will be the lone unbeaten in district play.

 

McKenzie (11-5, 7-1) at West Carroll (9-7, 7-1) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: West Carroll won 70-68

Players to watch: McKenzie guard Trevor Willis; West Carroll guard Jamal Glenn

What to know: These are the only two teams that are 7-1 in district play. Dresden is a half-game back at 6-1. West Carroll won the first meeting in a close one, but the War Eagles can’t expect McKenzie to just lay down this time. West Carroll will be coming off of a tough game the night before against TCA and will have to make sure they have their legs in the fourth quarter.

Monday's top games to see (1/7)

TCA (7-4, 1-1) at West Carroll (9-6, 6-2) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: TCA won 45-40

Players to watch: TCA guard Samantha VanCleave; West Carroll guard Tierra Williams

What to know: TCA hit free throws down the stretch in the first meeting, and West Carroll was unable to do so. The Lady Lions are looking to pick up a win to start a week where the team plays three games. West Carroll is coming off a loss of its own in district play to Huntingdon. The Lady War Eagles will look to rebound and revenge that earlier loss.

 

Bradford (10-7, 1-6) at Dresden (8-4, 6-1) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Bradford won 79-57

Players to watch: Bradford guard Tyler McCartney; Dresden guard Austin Maxey

What to know: The Bradford win earlier in the season ended a five-game skid for the Red Devils. Bradford followed that with three wins over quality competition including a win over Lake County. Dresden has suffered two tough losses recently, and now the Lions would like to find a rebound win.

Saturday's top games to see (11/5)

TCA (7-4, 1-1) at Madison (10-6, 3-0) (Girls)

Last year: Madison won both meetings (61-41, 56-48)

Players to watch:  TCA post Lacy Henson; Madison post Dakota Smith

What to know: Which Madison team will show up? The Lady Mustangs have beaten some solid teams, but have lost two of their last four games. This is the first of three straight games against tough District 15-A opponents. TCA has won four of its last five games with the loss coming against South Side. A win here for the Lady Lions could be a big momentum boost toward a postseason run. Madison has to find consistency on a nightly basis.

 

St. George’s (11-3, 2-0) at USJ (10-3, 3-0) (Girls)

Last year: Teams split two meetings last season

Players to watch: USJ post Eliza Edwards

What to know: These are the top two teams in the district, which means that the No. 1 seed is on the line tonight and when the two meet in Collierville later in the season. Both have beaten the defending district champion Fayette Academy. The Lady Bruins played well in the first half of the season with one loss coming before Christmas, but USJ will be tested by the Lady Gryphons.

 

Liberty (9-6, 3-2) at Union City (12-5, 6-1) (Boys)

Last year: Did not play

Players to watch:  Liberty guard Daniel Hill; Union City’s Malik Stocksdale

What to know: Liberty reached the championship game of the Poplar Bluff (Mo.) Showdown over the Christmas break before falling to Jonesboro (Ark.). Union City won the Murray Bank Laker Classic with a win over Calloway County. This will be a good non-district test for both teams. Liberty is looking to continue to find its identity after a Class AA semifinal finish last season. Union City is looking to find its way back to the Class A state tournament this season.

 

Adamsville (7-6, 1-2) at Hardin County (14-1, 3-1) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Hardin County won 69-31

Players to watch:  Adamsville forward Lane Burcham; Hardin County guard Kelby Wardlow

What to know: Hardin County is coming off a big district game the night before, but the Tigers will have to regroup quickly to play rival Adamsville. Adamsville will be playing a tough district opponent of its own the night before in Riverside. This one might come down to who has their legs in the fourth quarter and make some outside shots.

 

Greenfield (9-3, 6-1) at Gibson County (2-15, 0-8) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Greenfield won 49-42

Players to watch: Greenfield guard Tony Robinson; Gibson County guard Colton Marcle

What to know: These two teams will be in the same district next year, so the Yellowjackets would like to pick up the season sweep this season to be ready. Tony Robinson has had a great first half of the season to position Greenfield on top of District 14-A. The Yellowjackets want to continue the success in the second half of the season. Gibson County picked up a win over JCM followed by taking Bradford to overtime over the Christmas break, and the Pioneers want to continue to build off of that.

Friday's top games to see (1/4)

Chester County (9-4, 3-0) at Liberty (5-10, 2-2) (Girls)

Last year: Chester County won both meetings (59-56, 64-32)

Players to watch:  Chester County post Iesha Sims; Liberty guard Rhaven Kemp

What to know: Chester County is one of three teams undefeated in District 14-AA play, and the Eaglettes are looking to keep it that way. Liberty is tied with South Side for the No. 4 spot currently. Chester County is on a two-game losing streak after falling to Dyersburg and DeSoto Central (Miss.) in the Dyersburg Christmas Invitational. Liberty went 2-2 in the Heritage Bank Hardwood Tournament, ending the tournament with a win over Memphis East. The Lady Crusaders need to open the second half of the season with a win because Union City and McNairy Central are the next two opponents.

 

Lexington (4-7, 1-3) at McNairy Central (12-2, 3-0) (Girls)

Last year: McNairy won two of the three meetings (McNairy won 56-52, 50-36; Lexington 54-47 (Dist.))

Players to watch: McNairy Central post Mallorie Sweat; Lexington post Kalee Goff

What to know: The first half of the season is not what the Lady Tigers expected as they sit 1-3 in District 14-AA play. A win over McNairy Central could be a big step in correcting the slow start. McNairy Central’s two losses have come to rivals that are close by in Hardin County and Adamsville. A key to this game will be which team can produce the best post presence because both teams have quality players in that department.

 

Scotts Hill (10-3, 2-0) at Middleton (8-5, 2-1) (Girls)

Last year: Middleton won two of the three meetings (Middleton won 60-44, 55-50; Scotts Hill 52-46 (Dist.))

Players to watch: Scotts Hill post Chelsea Wyatt; Middleton post Deja Faulkner

What to know: Middleton won six of its last seven games before the Christmas break, but the one loss was also a District 15-A loss to Trinity Christian Academy. Scotts Hill is one of two teams that are undefeated in district play so far. That Lady Lions are also on a two-game losing streak after falling to Chester County and Stewart County, so they are looking to get back to their winning ways of earlier in the season. This will be another game that will feature two quality post players.

 

West Carroll (9-5, 6-1) at Huntingdon (9-3, 5-1) (Girls)

Last year: The teams split two meetings last season (West Carroll won 53-49; Huntingdon won 77-38)

Players to watch: Huntingdon forward Allee Maxwell; West Carroll guard Tierra Williams

What to know: These are two of three teams sitting with one loss in District 13-A and in a tie for first place. The Fillies are on an eight-game winning streak dating back to Dec. 4. Huntingdon has beaten some quality opponents like Riverside, Gleason and Camden during the streak. West Carroll lost two of its last three games going into Thursday’s game against Trenton Peabody. The Lady War Eagles are looking to open the second half of the season with wins before a rematch with TCA that West Carroll lost by five.

 

Obion County (13-4, 6-0) at Westview (15-2, 7-0) (Girls)

Last year: Obion County won all three meetings (62-42, 42-29, 54-46 (Dist.))

Players to watch: Obion County post Brandi Goodman; Westview post Teddy Vincent

What to know: These have been two of the top three teams in this district for over five seasons now. These are also the only two teams undefeated in district play. The Lady Chargers’ two losses were both to Union City by a combined five points. Obion County went 5-3 in two different tournaments over the Christmas break. The Lady Rebels went 2-2 in the Heritage Bank Hardwood Tournament and reached the championship game of the Dragon Fire Invitational.

 

Adamsville (7-5, 1-1) at Riverside (9-4, 2-0) (Boys)

Last year: Teams split two meetings (Adamsville won 58-54; Riverside won 71-59)

Players to watch: Adamsville forward Tucker Campbell; Riverside guard Payton Hehe

What to know: Riverside has won seven of its last eight games and is one of two teams sitting 2-0 in district play. The Panthers are playing well behind the scoring of Dylan Scott and Payton Hehe. Adamsville is 1-1 in district play. The Cardinals are on a two-game losing streak after big losses to North Side and Goodpasture in the McNairy Central Banker’s Classic. Both teams want that district victory to open 2013.

 

Humboldt (11-4, 3-3) at Bradford (10-6, 1-5) (Boys)

Last year: Humboldt won two of the three meetings (Humboldt won 60-32, 75-57 (Dist.); Bradford 60-59)

Players to watch: Humboldt guard De’Sonta Bradford; Bradford guard Tyler McCartney

What to know: Bradford went through a five-game losing streak earlier in the season, but other than those losses the Red Devils’ lone loss is to Dyer County in the Martin Lions Club Christmas Tournament. Bradford is near the bottom of 14-A, but the Red Devils beat Lake County just before the Christmas break. Humboldt has won five of its last six games with the lone loss coming against Kenwood. The Vikings sit fourth in the district a half-game behind Halls.

 

Munford (10-6, 2-1) at Hardin County (13-1, 2-1) (Boys)

Last year: Munford won two of the three meetings (Munford won 60-46, 44-43; Hardin County won 53-49 (Dist.))

Players to watch:  Munford guard Jonathan Starks; Hardin County post Will Shelton

What to know: This is the big test for the Tigers this season. Hardin County’s lone loss was to Dyer County by 11 at home. If Hardin County wants a shot at playing for the district title, the season series against Munford is crucial. Expect the gym to by loud with Coach Brown’s Clowns in full attendance. Hardin County has won seven games since its loss to Dyer County.

Thursday's Games to see (1/3)

USJ (9-3, 2-0) at Fayette Academy (9-4, 1-1) (Girls)

Last year: Fayette Academy won all three meetings (43-40, 51-26, 39-37 (Reg.))

Players to watch: USJ post Katie Exum

What to know: The big question going into this game is the status of the four starters that sat out of the Martin Lions Club Christmas Tournament. If they are back, the Lady Bruins will look to stay undefeated in district play. If they are still out, the Lady Bruins will have to find consistency in playing farther down the bench. USJ played well at times without the four starters, but the Lady Bruins also struggled at other times.

 

Gleason (10-4, 6-1) at Bradford (5-9, 1-5) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: Gleason won 52-32

Players to watch: Gleason guard Jaclyn Montgomery; Bradford guard Morgan Martin

What to know: Gleason won the earlier meeting easily, but that was before Thanksgiving. Bradford is a different team from that game as the Lady Red Devils have won two of their last three games. Freshman Morgan Martin is playing well and scored 30 points in Bradford’s last two games. Gleason reached the championship of the Martin Lions Club Tournament with solid play from post Briana Jones.

 

West Carroll (8-5, 6-1) at Trenton Peabody (4-10, 1-6) (Boys)

Last year: Teams split two meetings (Peabody won 74-54; West Carroll won 63-42)

Players to watch:  Peabody senior Tyler Gadlen; West Carroll senior Jamal Glenn

What to know: Both of these teams are looking for good starts to the second half of the season. The War Eagles have lost two of their last three games, but both were to quality opponents in TCA and Lexington. Peabody entered into the Christmas break with a win, but that was preceded by three losses in district play. A non-district win would be big for either of these teams.