Season’s end: Whitehaven tackled adversity with its mental toughness
Over and over again, Whitehaven had to prove itself worthy of being in the conversation for a spot in the state tournament, a notion the Tigers seemed ready for. Head coach Faragi Phillips was very aware of the outsiders saying…
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Continue ReadingOver and over again, Whitehaven had to prove itself worthy of being in the conversation for a spot in the state tournament, a notion the Tigers seemed ready for.
Head coach Faragi Phillips was very aware of the outsiders saying Bartlett, which was the No. 1 team in the state of Tennessee for the entire regular season, would be the best team in Class AAA to represent West Tennessee in the Blue Cross TSSAA Boys’ Class AAA State Tournament in Murfreesboro, TN.
Well, the uncertainty of who was heading to the state tournament was cleared up when Whitehaven defeated the Panthers 65-49 on their home floor in a sectional matchup.
The season’s Tigers team, which was full of juniors, wasn’t afraid of playing on the big stage. All season long, Whitehaven was able to feed off the naysayers who felt like the team wasn’t good enough to be a title contender. The Tigers defeated Memphis East to capture this season’s District 16 AAA Championship before losing to the Mustangs in the TSSAA 8 AAA Regional Tournament Final.
Whitehaven defeated Sevier County by 36 points in the quarterfinals round of the state tournament, and in the win, the Tigers converted on 44.6 percent of their shots and made 9 of their 13 free throw attempts. Whitehaven’s defense forced the Smoky Bears into 21 turnovers.
But in the semifinals round against eventual Class AAA Champion Bearden, the Tigers’ best player Matthew Murrell struggled offensively, converting on just 4 of 11 shots from the field, a day after posting 17 points on 7 of 13 shooting against Sevier County. Whitehaven was outrebounded 38-24 and could never find a rhythm on either end of the floor.
The Tigers finished the 2018 season 25-8, with the mindset of returning to Murfreesboro next season for a better outcome.
“It’s not a good feeling, I mean, it’s a part of life, you have your ups and downs,” said Murrell, who didn’t play in last season’s Class AAA Championship game due to injury. “But I’m pretty sure we will be back next year.”
Murrell didn’t hold his head down as he was talking to the media for the final time this season, showing very little signs of disappointment, with the sureness of making a return next season. Phillips, one of the fiercest competitors from the sideline, was very proud of his team overcoming adversity each time the outsiders weren’t confident in his team.
“It’s a testament to their toughness and the heart they play with,” Phillips said. “We have been counted out all season long, and again, we weren’t expected to be here today. Many people thought we wouldn’t make it thus far, and here we are.
“We are here talking about the semis of the Class AAA State Tournament, so that’s a success in itself. I’m proud of my team, I’m proud of my coaches. I’m proud of our community, and I’m glad we had the opportunity to play for a gold ball. Again, as I have said, we will look at things and go back and be as motivated as ever next year.”
Whitehaven will have the horses back next season to compete for a state title. Ragi Phillips, Kavion McClain, Jesse Payne, Antwarn Smith, Devine Owens, and Murrell will be seniors next season. Junior big man Jordan Wilmore, a 7-foot-3 post player, will weigh his options in the offseason on whether to rejoin the Tigers next season or attend a prep school.
Outside of Wilmore, Whitehaven is only losing guard Joshua Exom and forwards Keveon Mullins and Jermon White.