Monday's top games to see (2/4)

South Side (15-8, 8-5) at Middleton (16-7, 8-2) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: South Side won 61-55 in OT

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

What to know: Both of these teams are ranked in the Dirty Dozen. In the first meeting, Middleton had a bad start to the game, but came back to take a lead in the final minute before South Side won in overtime. The Lady Tigers will try not to struggle at the start. The game is in Middleton, and the Lady Tigers are hard to beat at home.

 

Dresden (18-4, 13-2) at Greenfield (13-9, 8-6) (Girls)

Last year: Teams split two meetings (Greenfield won 40-31; Dresden won 72-44)

Players to watch: Dresden guard Amy McAlpin; Greenfield guard Brittany Peoples

What to know: Dresden is a win over Carroll Academy away from winning the District 13-A regular season title. Before that game, the Lady Lions will face a cross-county rival. Dresden is playing well recently with wins over Huntingdon and Gleason, and they will want to keep the momentum going with postseason play less than a week away. Greenfield is trying to secure the No. 4 seed in District 14-A this week.

 

Liberty (18-7, 9-3) at North Side (13-11, 5-2) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Liberty won 67-63

Players to watch: Liberty guard Daniel Hill; North Side guard Storm Shivers

What to know: The last time these two teams played both were just getting their football players back. The teams should be playing much better this time around. North Side is coming off a big district win over Hardin County on Friday. Liberty has a tough district test this Friday at home against Bolivar.

Friday's top H.S. games to see (2/1)

Middleton (15-7, 7-2) at Madison (17-8, 8-2) (Girls)

Last meeting: Middleton won 63-46

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

What to know: This is the second of two tough games this week for the Lady Tigers. Middleton won easily at home in the first meeting, but the Lady Tigers won’t count on that to happen again. After losing Tuesday, Middleton will be hungry for a win to stay in the title race. Madison is still in the running for the No. 1 seed along with Scotts Hill. Madison wasn’t happy with the way it played in the first meeting and revenge will be on their minds in this one.

 

Chester County (16-7, 9-2) at Bolivar (16-5, 10-1) (Girls)

Last meeting: Bolivar won 66-65

Players to watch: Chester County guard Tamacha Couch; Bolivar guard Tionne Herron

What to know: The first meeting was extremely close in Henderson, but now the game is in Bolivar, where the Lady Tigers have a definite advantage. Chester County beat McNairy Central on Friday to stay in the title race and with a win here everything will be up in the air. The Eaglettes play tough defense, and the Lady Tigers will have to rely on their guards to break through the press.

 

Huntingdon (19-4, 12-2) at Gleason (18-5, 12-2) (Girls)

Last meeting: Huntingdon won 40-30

Players to watch: Huntingdon guard Allee Maxwell; Gleason guard Jaclyn Montgomery

What to know: Since Gleason fell to Dresden on Tuesday, three teams are tied atop the District 13-A standings. Huntingdon, Dresden and Gleason are 12-2 in district play. The loser of this game is looking at the No. 3 spot in the district tournament. The winner is in a tie with Dresden for the top spot. Huntingdon still has a tough West Carroll team to go though.

 

South Side (17-2, 10-2) at Fayette-Ware (19-5, 9-2) (Boys)

Last meeting: South Side won 98-62

Players to watch: South Side guard A.J. Merriweather

What to know: South Side and Fayette-Ware are tied at the top with two losses in District 14-AA play, so this game has much riding on it. The Hawks did as they pleased against Fayette-Ware in the first matchup, but don’t expect the game to be as easy this time around. Both teams are extremely athletic with some good shooters. The Hawks have had some slips in the fourth quarter, so playing a full game will be important.

 

North Side (12-11, 2-5) at Hardin County (18-2, 4-2) (Boys)

Last meeting: Hardin County won 63-61 in 2OT

Players to watch: North Side forward Larry Fuller; Hardin County post Will Shelton

What to know: Hardin County is in a race for second place in the district with Munford, so a win here is a must to keep that alive. The Tigers won in double overtime at North Side, and they are much better on their home floor. North Side has been playing much better recently, and the Indians would love to beat the Tigers on their home floor. Post play will be the difference in this game.

 

USJ (5-16, 2-6) at JCS (12-10, 6-2) (Boys)

Last meeting: JCS won 67-53

Players to watch: USJ guard Peyton Fendley; JCS post Lucas Pyron

What to know: JCS is one of three teams along with Fayette Academy and St. George’s that are sitting atop the district with two losses. This is a rivalry where records are thrown out the window, and the Bruins will be hungry for a win. JCS won the first meeting behind 35 points by Lucas Pyron. If the Eagles lose, they could fall from first to as far down as third place entering the region tournament in two weeks’ time.

Thursday's top H.S. game to see

Humboldt (16-5, 7-4) at TCA (20-2, 8-1) (Boys)

Last meeting: First meeting

Players to watch: Humboldt guard Nic McLilly; TCA guard William Hall

What to know: This is a prime non-district test for both of these squads. TCA is coming off its first district loss on Friday, and the Lions want to respond quickly and get back to winning. Humboldt will provide a tough test, and this game will foreshadow the type of teams TCA will have to beat to make runs in the district and region tournaments. Humboldt is playing much better than the Vikings did at the beginning of the season.

Tuesday's top H.S. basketball games to see (1/29)

USJ (20-3, 8-0) at St. George’s (15-5, 5-2) (Girls)

Last meeting: USJ won 58-43

Players to watch: USJ post Eliza Edwards

What to know: The Lady Bruins are on a 10-game winning streak, and this is one of two tough tests remaining on the path to a No. 1 seed in the region tournament. USJ won the first one at home, but now the Lady Bruins must travel to Collierville and play on the road. St. George’s is coming off of a bad loss at JCS, and the Gryphons are in a fight with JCS for the No. 2 spot in the district.

 

Middleton (15-6, 7-1) at Scotts Hill (16-5, 7-1) (Girls)

Last meeting: Middleton won 49-48

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

What to know: This is an incredibly tough and decisive week for the Lady Tigers. Middleton plays Scotts Hill and then Madison on Friday. The Lady Tigers beat Scotts Hill in a tight game at home, but Scotts Hill is not an easy place to play at. The Lady Lions’ lone loss in district play is against Middleton, and Middleton’s came against TCA. The winner of this will hold sole possession of the No. 1 spot in District 15-A for the time being.

 

Gleason (18-4, 12-1) at Dresden (16-4, 11-2) (Girls)

Last meeting: Gleason won 62-42

Players to watch: Gleason post Briana Jones; Dresden guard Amy McAlpin

What to know: Gleason sits atop District 13-A with only one loss in District 13-A play. The Lady Bulldogs must win on the road at county-rival Dresden to stay on top. Dresden is just a game behind Gleason, and the Lady Lions still can win the No. 1 seed in the district tournament themselves. Gleason cruised to an early lead in the first meeting en route to the win. Dresden cannot allow that to happen this time around if the Lady Lions want to win.

 

McNairy Central (18-4, 8-2) at Lexington (10-10, 5-5) (Girls)

Last meeting: McNairy Central won 55-39

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

What to know: Lexington is coming off a strong week where the Lady Tigers beat Dirty Dozen teams Bolivar, Scotts Hill and Chester County before falling in overtime at South Side. McNairy Central is still in the race for first place in the district, so the Lady Bobcats can’t overlook a rejuvenated Lexington team. A win here for Lexington and the Lady Tigers can forget about the bad first half of the season and look forward at making a possible run in the postseason.

 

Dyersburg (15-8, 8-6) at Gibson County (15-7, 8-6) (Girls)

Last meeting: Dyersburg won 62-60

Players to watch: Gibson County guard Jasmine Whittemore; Dyersburg guard Chari Swift

What to know: These two teams come in tied for fourth place in District 13-AA after Dyersburg’s loss to Westview on Monday. Gibson County lost the lead in the fourth quarter in the first meeting, but this time the game is at home. The Lady Pioneers will be focused on finishing this time around. The winner of this game has the inside track at a home tournament game against the loser of the game, more than likely. Gibson County will look to play tough pressure defense to force turnovers and easy baskets.

 

Crockett County (17-6, 12-2) at Haywood (13-10, 8-5) (Boys)

Last meeting: Crockett County won 57-55

Players to watch: Crockett County guard Elijah Shaw; Haywood forward Sadarius Delk

What to know: Crockett County is riding a seven-game winning streak. The Cavaliers have their eyes set on a No. 2 seed in the District 13-AA tournament, so a win on the road at Haywood is a must. Crockett County pulled out the game at home, but winning on the road is a different monster. Haywood is on a two-game winning streak after losing three games in a row. The Tomcats are sitting in fourth place and looking for the opportunity to climb the standings in the late season.

 

Humboldt (15-5, 6-4) at Greenfield (14-5, 9-3) (Boys)

Last meeting: Greenfield won 57-45

Players to watch: Greenfield guard Hunter Crouse; Humboldt guard De’Sonta Bradford

What to know: With the regular season soon coming to a close, both of these teams are fighting for the No 2 slot in the standings behind Union City. Greenfield had a hot first half of the season and beat the Vikings in Humboldt. The Yellowjackets have lost a few games since the undefeated first half of the season, but a No. 2 seed in the tournament would be a good season. Greenfield will not want to lose on its home floor.

Monday's top games to see (1/28)

Westview (20-3, 12-1) at Dyersburg (15-7, 8-5) (Girls)

Last meeting: Westview won 52-34

Players to watch: Westview guard Tiffany Rechis; Dyersburg guard Myah Taylor

What to know: The Lady Chargers took their first district loss on the road on Friday, and here is another tough road test. Westview needs to win to stay on top of the district tied with Covington. Dyersburg ended a two-game losing skid with a win over Haywood on Friday. The Lady Trojans are fighting for a home playoff game in the District 13-AA tournament.

 

Trenton Peabody (6-15, 1-10) at West Carroll (13-9, 11-2) (Boys)

Last meeting: Peabody won 68-66

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

What to know: Trenton Peabody might be at the bottom of District 14-A, but the Golden Tide have a 5-4 record in non-district games. West Carroll has played well lately. Peabody won the first meeting by two points, and this one should be another close one. West Caroll is trying to gain momentum as they sit near the top of District 13-A with the tournament right around the corner.

Saturday's top games to see (1/26)

Lexington (10-9, 5-5) at Madison (15-8, 7-2) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: Lexington won 59-49

Players to watch: Lexington post Andrea Moffitt; Madison post Dakota Smith

What to know: A third tough game for the Lady Tigers on the week, but this one is a non-district contest. Lexington has Chester County and South Side to start the week. The Lady Tigers pulled off the win at home, and Lexington would love to win this one on the road. Madison also has two district games in the early part of this week, and the Lady Mustangs are favored in both. This will be a good test to see if Madison can go on a winning streak in the latter part of the season.

 

Huntingdon (17-4, 11-2) at Bradford (7-14, 3-8) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: Huntingdon won 50-33

Players to watch: Huntingdon guard Allee Maxwell; Bradford guard Morgan Martin

What to know: The Fillies have a shot at being on a 17-game winning streak going into this non-district contest. Huntingdon is definitely playing well since the middle part of December. Bradford is looking to pick up a non-district win and gain confidence as the district tournament looms right around the corner.

 

Union City (14-6, 8-1) at Liberty (13-7, 6-3) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Liberty won 58-57

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

What to know: The earlier meeting this season was a one-point win by Liberty on the road. Union City now comes to Liberty. The Crusaders are playing well recently and have responded from early season struggles. Liberty holds a win over the No. 2 Class AA team in the state and a one-point loss. This will be another good test for the Crusaders.

 

Riverside (13-6, 6-1) at Camden (13-6, 3-3) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Camden won 77-73

Players to watch: Riverside guard Dylan Scott; Camden post Tanner Hudson

What to know: Camden picked up the win at Riverside, and the Lions want to try and pick up an 11^th non-district win this season. Riverside is playing better then the Panthers did in the first matchup, and coach Jim Hehe hopes the better play continues. Camden plays in a tough district, and the Lions have taken two district losses since Christmas.

Friday's top H.S. games to see (1/25

Chester County (13-7, 7-2) at McNairy Central (17-3, 7-1) (Girls)

Last year: McNairy Central won all three meetings (56-36, 48-47, 49-40 (Dist.)

Players to watch: Chester County post Iesha Sims; McNairy Central post Mallorie Sweat

What to know: The District 14-AA top spot is wide open. Bolivar and McNairy Central have one loss in district play, and Chester County is a game back with two losses.. This is the first matchup of the year between McNairy Central and Chester County, and this one should be a tight game throughout.

 

Westview (20-2, 12-0) at Covington (22-2, 12-1) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: Westview won 54-40

Players to watch: Covington guard Precious Dyson; Westview guard Tiffany Rechis

What to know: Westview is unbeaten in District 13-AA action, but trying to win on the road in Covington is not easy. Westview will have to learn to win big games without starter Jasmine Howard, who could be out for the rest of the season after a right knee injury. Westview still has the team to win the district and this will be a big test toward reaching that goal.

 

Hardin County (13-5, 3-2) at Dyer County (13-7, 3-2) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: Dyer County won 52-48

Players to watch: Hardin County guard Katie Terry; Dyer County guard Amber Webb

What to know: This is a big matchup in determining who will finish second in District 13-AAA for the regular season. Dyer County pulled out the win at Hardin County, and now the Lady Choctaws have a shot at sweeping the series at home. Hardin County’s guards are going to have to play well and handle the ball through Dyer County’s press.

 

Lexington (10-8, 5-4) at South Side (12-7, 5-4) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: South Side won 69-65

Players to watch: Lexington guard Adi Hale; South Side guard Ke’Shunan James

What to know: Lexington might have made the season turnaround it needed after beating Bolivar, Scotts Hill and Chester County in the Lady Tigers’ last three games to extend their winning streak to six games. The Lady Tigers are full of potential, but they didn’t play to that potential in the first half of the season. That has changed in the second half of the season. South Side lost to Bolivar on Tuesday and needs to get a the home district victory. The winner of this has the inside track at finishing in the top four of the district.

 

Munford (13-8, 3-2) at North Side (12-9, 2-3) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Munford won 45-40

Players to watch: Munford guard Jonathan Starks; North Side guard Storm Shivers

What to know: The loser of this game is more than likely playing Brighton in the play-in game of the district tournament. The winner has a shot at moving all the way up to second with a few more wins. North Side has won eight of its last nine games, and the lone loss was to Bolivar by one point. Munford is coming off a win over Dyer County, and the Cougars look to build off of that.

 

TCA (17-1, 6-0) at Middleton (11-9, 6-1) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: TCA won 57-55

Players to watch: TCA guard William Hall; Middleton guard Tyron Smith

What to know: Winning at Middleton will be the toughest task TCA will have in trying to finish undefeated in the district. Middleton is tough to beat on its home floor. The Tigers fell to TCA by two points in Jackson in December, but Middleton is still in the race for the district title. A win here is a necessity for the Tigers to try and earn the No. 1 seed in the tournament. The Lions are on a 13-game winning through Friday’s win.