Hillsboro, Pearl-Cohn Look to Keep Winning Ways Going
There are only two Metropolitan Nashville Public School (MNPS) left in the running to go win a state championship in football. In 5A, the Hillsboro Burros (12-0) are undefeated and primed to be the first MNPS team to win since the 2008 team led by former University of Tennessee star Eric Gordon. This year’s team coach by Craig Clayton is arguable the most talented team in the history of the Green Hills school. Led by Tennessee State commit QB Michael Hughes and four -star DE Kyle Phillips, the Burros are the favorite to make it to Tennessee Tech for the state championship game.
Hillsboro Burros look to advance tomorrow versus Shebyville Central
Hillsboro QB Michael Hughes
Hillsboro’s Malique Fleming
In 4A, Head Coach Tony Brunetti boasts a very talented team also. His Pearl-Cohn Firebirds (10-2) are trying to make it to the state finals for the first time since former Jacksonville Jaguar John Henderson roamed the halls of the North Nashville school. Led on offense by defending WTNTribune Radio Co-Player of the Year Ks’Shawn Vaughn, the team only losses were at the hands of Montgomery Bell Academy and East Nashville. Both games were on the road in hostile environments.
Pearl-Cohn’s Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Pearl-Cohn’s Koreyon Jordan
5A Shelbyville Central at Hillsboro
4A White House at Pearl-Cohn
Chargers Hitting Stride
COLUMBIA, Tenn.- When you start the season ranked number four in the country teams circle you on the schedule and try to play their best game. The Columbia State Community College Chargers (5-2, 3-1 TCCAA) have faced that challenge all season. After only losing two regular season game last year, the Chargers came out of the sluggish losing two of their first five. Both losses were on the road and second games of back to backs to number one ranked Vincennes University and the upcoming Motlow State Community College Bucks.
Columbia State Head Coach Brian Collins with WTNTribune Radio’s Scott Wallace
“We lost to a couple of tough teams but that is no excuse,” said Head Coach Brian Collins. “In this league we play back to back and sometimes three in four days. I like it because by tournament time that type of schedule is what we will be facing. Vincennes and Motlow State will be there come March. I am concerned about how we have played against everyone else. We haven’t played a full 40 minutes yet, but we are getting close.”
Metro Hall of Famer Ricky Collins is an assistant coach at Columbia State
The Chargers have been winning with a plethora of contributions. Preseason Player of the Year T.J. Dunans has started to play much better the past two games. This past Friday against Chattanooga State, the sophomore scored 17 in the first half. He suffered an upper body injury early in the second half and didn’t return. This next day he pulled off a double-double scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He also was credited with four steals and four assists.
Jamonte Graham has been playing well as of late for Columbia State
“Coach told us that teams come in the game to stop me,” said Dunans. “That is a mistake because we have some weapons on this team. Getting everybody involved opened it up more for us. I feel us getting more comfortable with each other.”
Whether if it’s point guard Justin Pride facilitating, Jamonte Graham, doing all the dirty work, big men Ramond Jenkins, Jamontae Davis, Immanuel Griggs and Gonda Ameri hitting the boards or leading scorer T.J, Cromer shooting three pointers, the team seems to be putting all of the pieces together. That is a welcome sight for Collins.
Columbia State’s T.J. Cromer leads his team in scoring
“We are gelling now. We have a huge road trip this weekend and a home game on Monday. Playing three games in four nights is never easy. We had a couple days off to rest. Now it is time to get working again. We can’t wait to get back on the court,” said Collins.
Congratulations to Dance Instructor Agia Hicks and the Cane Ridge Ravenettes for bring home the state championship in cheerleading competition last week.
East Nashville two sport star Isiah Upton will be having surgery to his knee. He is out for the basketball season but should be back for his first year at Middle Tennessee State University. The WTNTribune Radio Team wishes Isiah a speedy recovery.
Maplewood’s Malik Harris has finished his high school football career. He is receiving offers from OVC, SEC and Big Ten schools.
Congratulations to McGavock High School’s DeAnn Whitlow for committing to play next year at Florida A&M.
Overton’s Ugo Amadi finished his high school career helping his team to two straight state playoff appearances. Amadi is an Ole miss commit.