State Championship Previews

Andrew Force March 21, 2025 @ 10:10 PM

Analysis: The Unbeaten or the Champs. Something's gotta give. Alcoa won the State Championship in 2023 and 2024. Without Jahvin Carter they still figured out 31 wins. Alcoa Head Coach Ryan Collins knows winning basketball and entrusts a lot of scout prep to his assistants. Expect a prepared team to meet the scoring juggernaut that is Loretto. You might remember Loretto won the 2018 State Tournament with a wonderful group of seniors. Before the season tipped Loretto Head Coach Greg Tipps thought he had another special group. Regardless of the outcome Saturday he was right.

My pick: Loretto 59, Alcoa 56

3A Championship: Upperman (30-3) vs. Tullahoma (32-4), 4:00 pm

Analysis: A very strong basketball team will lose Saturday evening. Upperman's Ty Cobb Ty Cobb 6'2" | PG Upperman | 2027 State #121 Nation TN continues to produce regardless of the opponent. Though the Bees feature an assortment of capable players, Cobb's offense must be there...and it almost certainly will be. Tullahoma defended Fayette-Ware solidly and the squad impressively handled the frenetic pressure of the blue and gold. Unlike their last two opponents, Upperman will not attempt to speed Tullahoma up. Both are comfortable playing methodically and sitting down in the halfcourt. Both could defend in the 2-3 zone. The Wildcats must be aware of Cobb leaking out upon the defensive rebounds. His quickness and ability to finish in the open floor is elite. Cobb draws fouls like a veteran too. Upperman features nobody as adept at rebounding/blocking as junior Austin Tinnon Austin Tinnon 6'10" | C Tullahoma | 2026 State TN . Tinnon recorded 16 rebounds Friday in a win over Fayette-Ware.