Tennis all-state teams named by TSWA

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association announced boys and girls tennis all-state teams in classes for Division I and Division II on Friday for the 2022 season.

BOYS TENNIS
Class A
SINGLES
Tobias Mandeville, Merrol Hyde, So.
Ethan Porterfield, Chattanooga School for Arts & Sciences, So.
Gus Davenport, Cannon County, Sr.
Preston Johns, Gatlinburg-Pittman, So.

DOUBLES
Eric Popa, So.- Grant Koch, Sr., Merrol Hyde
Drew Morris, Sr.-Nathan Morris, Sr. Signal Mountain

Class AA
SINGLES
Ranjay Arul, Collierville, Jr.
Patrick Delves, Ravenwood, Sr.
Daniel Haddadin, Science Hill, So.
Jackson Penny, Hendersonville, So.

DOUBLES
Ajay Arul, Jr.-Tristan Kelly, Jr., Collierville
Oliver Craddock, Fr.-Samuel Craddock, Fr., Hume-Fogg

Division II-A
SINGLES
Danny Hamze, Lausanne Collegiate, Jr.
Nate Witke, Lausanne Collegiate, So.
Kai Lam, Silverdale Baptist, Jr.
Henry Stack, University School of Nashville, Jr.

DOUBLES
Lee Harris, So.-Michael Vargas, Jr., Lausanne Collegiate
Ryan Lopez, Sr.-Adam Svendsen, Sr., Collegedale

Division II-AA
SINGLES
Hank Trondson, Ensworth School, Jr.
Andreas Sillaste, McCallie School, Jr.
Roberto Ferrer, Memphis University School, Jr.
Ludvig Denker, Ensworth School, Sr.

DOUBLES
Colin Tuttle, Sr.-Will Leathers, Sr., McCallie School
Henry Imorde, Fr.-Charlie Griffin, Sr., McCallie School

GIRLS TENNIS
Class A
SINGLES
Elli Reynoldson, Camden, Jr.
Lily Mefford, Unicoi County, So.
Grace Williams, Signal Mountain, Sr.
Paris Taylor, Halls, Sr.

DOUBLES
Ella Konig, Sr.-Gracie Kelly Jr., Summertown
Mitzi Castro, Jr.-Leigh Baldwin, Sr., Madison Academic

Class AA
SINGLES
Riley Cassity, Farragut, So.
Grace Stout, Ravenwood, Jr.
Ella De Jesus, Collierville, Jr.
Lexi Bryant, Science Hill, Jr.

DOUBLES
Lisa Messier, Sr.-Sofia Messier, So., Franklin
Keona Fielitz, Sr.-Ellyson Kovacs, Sr., Tennessee

Division II-A
SINGLES
Allie Faulkner, Christian Academy of Knoxville, Fr.
Aleyla Wooten, St. George's Independent, Sr.
Ayden Kujawa, Clarksville Academy, Sr.
Kai Wince, Lausanne Collegiate, Sr.

DOUBLES
Blair Driver, Sr.-Brilee Davis, So., University School of Jackson
Allison Smith, Jr.-Sienna Lightman, So., St. George's Independent

Division II-AA
SINGLES
Maeve Thornton, Knox Catholic, Jr.
Riley Collins, Ensworth School, Sr.
Ensley Collins, Baylor School, So.
Avery Franklin, Ensworth School, 8th grade

DOUBLES
Lillie Murphy, Fr.-Eleni Liakonis, So., Knox Catholic
Helen Guerry, Fr.-Agda Laakso, Sr., Baylor School

Softball all-state teams recognized by TSWA

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association announced softball all-state teams in classes for Division I and Division II on Thursday for the 2022 season.

Class A
C: Ella Hampton, Oliver Springs, Sr.
C: May Wilson, Sale Creek, Sr.
IF: Megan Armstrong, Oliver Springs, Jr.
IF: Lily Taylor, Harriman, Sr.
IF: Briana Jordon, Peabody, Sr.
IF: Paisley Pittman, Dresden, So.
IF: Brooke Raines, Sale Creek, So.
IF: Kaliyah Lucas, Jo Byrns, Fr.
OF: Bella Bain, Eagleville, Jr.
OF: Faith Holt, Jo Byrns, Fr.
OF: Shylee Weeks, Cosby, So.
P: Ashtyn Danley, Huntland, Jr.
P: Kailey Plumlee, Gordonsville, Fr.
P: Eva Stafford, Dresden, So.
UT: Addisyn Linton, Eagleville, Fr.

Class AA
C: Olivia Emert, Alcoa, So.
C: Caiti Beth Gallaher, Summertown, Sr.
IF: Briley Dover, Loretto, Jr.
IF: Jaylyn Halliburton, Alcoa, Jr.
IF: Molli Deere, Riverside, Sr.
IF: Kamry Holland, Bledsoe County, So.
OF: Cassa Arnold, Alcoa, Sr.
OF: Abby Ferguson, Forrest, So.
OF: Abigail Murrill, Community, Jr.
OF: Addy Edgmon, Sequatchie County, Sr.
P: Lainey Fitzgerald, Meigs County, So.
P: Ella Baker, Bledsoe County, So.
P: Makayla Cooper, Union County, Sr.
P: Braedyn Hazelwood, Westview, Jr.
UT: Briley Wigginton, Adamsville, So.

Class AAA
C: Brie Howard, Brighton, Jr.
C: Makenzie Henderson, Anderson County, Sr.
IF: Ryli Renfro, Soddy-Daisy, Sr.
IF: Mykenzi Duke, Lexington, Jr.
IF: Gracie Palmer, Gibbs, Sr.
IF: Esther White, Waverly, So.
OF: Malyiah Smith, Gibbs, Fr.
OF: Kimmie Payne, Jackson South Side, Sr.
OF: Leah Freeman, Anderson County, Sr.
OF: Mia Brown, Lincoln County, So.
P: Ava Ozment, Dyer County, Sr.
P: Addison Abell, White County, Sr.
P: Cadey McDaniel, Lexington, Sr.
P: Lacey Keck, Gibbs, Fr.
UT: Reagan Thompson, Dyer County, Sr.

Class AAAA
C: Brooke Ramsey, Stewarts Creek, Sr.
C: Abby Chappell, Clarksville, Sr.
IF: Taelor Chang, Wilson Central, Sr.
IF: Camryn Sarvis, Daniel Boone, Sr.
IF: Maci Masters, Daniel Boone, Jr.
IF: Ava Guzowski, Farragut, Jr.
IF: Addie Graham, Arlington, So.
OF: Brylee Mesusan, Daniel Boone, Sr.
OF: Reagan Duran, Siegel, Sr.
OF: Saviya Morgan, Columbia Central, So.
OF: Maliyah Wilkins, Green Hill, So.
P: Avery Flatford, Farragut, Sr.
P: Emberly Nichols, Clarksville, Sr.
P: Kaleigh Pitzer, Wilson Central, Sr.
P: Brie Asmondy, Springfield, Sr.
UT: Lauren Brakovec, Farragut, Sr.

Division II-A
C: McKinley Arnold, Jackson Christian, Jr.
C: Heather Scales, Donelson Christian Academy, Fr.
IF: Presley Rader, Davidson Academy, Sr.
IF: Katie Whitaker, Lakeway Christian, Jr.
IF: Rose Davis, Middle Tennessee Christian, Jr.
IF: Tori Duval, Columbia Academy, Sr.
OF: Bentlee Stiner, Silverdale Baptist, Sr.
OF: Kennedy Stinson, Silverdale Baptist, So.
OF: Ella Brooks, Grace Christian Academy-Knoxville, Sr.
OF: Hailey Brooks, Grace Christian Academy-Knoxville, So.
P: Averi Slaughter, Columbia Academy, Sr.
P: Katie Fultz, Lakeway Christian, Jr.
P: Baily Shepard, Donelson Christian Academy, Fr.
P: Maggie Richardson, Jackson Christian, So.
UT: Myleah Hardy, Columbia Academy, Sr.

Division II-AA
C: Ansley Blevins, Girls Preparatory School, Sr.
C: Riley Oleksik, Baylor School, So.
IF: Ryleigh Bowers, Tipton-Rosemark, Sr.
IF: Kayla Clement, Tipton-Rosemark, Sr.
IF: Morgan Sharpe, Baylor School, Jr.
IF: Holly Merritt, Baylor School, So.
IF: Emma Price, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Sr.
IF: Lauren McGill, Chattanooga Christian, Jr.
OF: Abbie Reel, Girls Preparatory School, Sr.
OF: McKamey Bratcher, Girls Preparatory School Sr.
OF: Addi Yates, Baylor School, So.
OF: Neely Taylor, St. Benedict at Auburndale, Sr.
P: Kaylee Snyder, Baylor School, So.
P: Hannah Smith, Chattanooga Christian, 8th grade
UT: Addy Grace Summers, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Jr.

TSWA announces all-state baseball teams

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association announced baseball all-state teams in classes for Division I and Division II on Wednesday for the 2022 season.

Class A
IF: Hayden Hixson, McKenzie, Jr.
IF: Cade Pollock, University School-Johnson City, Sr.
IF: Jayden Mount, South Pittsburg, Jr.
IF: Jett McAllister, Peabody, Jr.
IF: Cole Hines, Coalfield, Jr.
IF: Owen Lee, Peabody, Jr.
C: Jackson Cassidy, McKenzie, Jr.
C: Ryan Winters, Eagleville, Sr.
OF: Nathan Brewer, Eagleville, Sr.
OF: Austin DuCrest, Gordonsville, Sr.
OF: Jakob Elrod, Sale Creek, Sr.
OF: Kooper Williams, Greenback, So.
P: Jake McDaniel, McKenzie, Sr.
P: Cole Cates, Bradford, Jr.
P: Brayden Baker, Eagleville, So.
UT: Camden Penny, Sale Creek, Sr.

Class AA
C: Garner Anderson, Westview, Sr.
C: Baron Cribbs, Sequatchie County, Jr.
IF: Riley Franklin, Pigeon Forge, Sr.
IF: Ayden Mansfield, Camden, Sr.
IF: Brett Blankenship, Riverside, Sr.
IF: Ethan Quinn, Riverside, Jr.
IF: Dylan Norris, Community, Sr.
OF: Kevin Fernandez, Pigeon Forge, Sr.
OF: Kain Collins, Kingston, Sr.
OF: Carson Plunk, Adamsville, Sr.
OF: Kaden Seay, Watertown, Sr.
P: Dylan Loy, Pigeon Forge, Jr.
P: Nic Smith, York Institute, Sr.
P: Braxton Roberts, Loudon, Sr.
P: Tanner Everett, Bledsoe County, Sr.
UT: Alec Whitlock, Watertown, Sr.

Class AAA
IF: Seth Garner, Hardin County, Sr. 
IF: Cooper Clapp, Hardin County, Sr. 
IF: Dylan Bartley, Sullivan East, Sr. 
IF: Caden Shanks, Upperman, So.
IF: Holden Warmath, Covington, Jr. 
C: Luke Lawson, Knox Halls, Jr. 
OF: Andrew Dingus, Tennessee High, Jr. 
OF: Justin Fallon, Upperman, Fr.
OF: D.J. Dillehay, Tullahoma, Sr.
P: Brady Smith, Grainger, Jr.
P: Tyson Mitchell, Sullivan East, Jr. 
P: Reilly Byers, Gibbs, Jr.
P: Drake Randolph, Lenoir City, Sr. 
P: Eli Huddleston, Upperman, Jr.
P: Tyler Smith, South Side, Sr. 
UT: George Davis, Carter, Sr. 

Class AAAA
C: Garrett Brewer, Farragut, Sr. 
C: Logan Poteet, Powell, Sr. 
IF: Lukas Buckner, Farragut, So.
IF: Brady Cooper, Rossview, So.
IF: Dean McCalla, Germantown Houston, Jr.
IF: Grant Ross, Collierville, Sr.
OF: Cole Torbett, Science Hill, Sr. 
OF: Aaron Walton, Brentwood, Sr.
OF: Landon Franklin, Walker Valley, Jr. 
P: Justin Lee, Mt. Juliet, Sr. 
P: Tanner Franklin, Jefferson County, Sr. 
P: Jaxson Pease, Farragut, Sr.
P: Ben Cleaver, Independence, Jr. 
P: Austin Hunley, Mt. Juliet, Sr.
P: Grayson Saunier, Collierville, Sr.
UT: Brooks Wright, Bearden, So.

Division II-A
C: Turner Junkins, Silverdale Baptist, Jr. 
IF: Carson Rucker, Goodpasture Christian, Jr. 
IF: James Smith, Northpoint Christian, Sr. 
IF: Wesley Alig, Christian Academy of Knoxville, So. 
IF: Trace Anderson, Goodpasture Christian, Sr.
IF: Jordan Carter, Grace Christian Academy-Franklin, Jr.
IF: Cade Fuller, Grace Christian Academy-Franklin, Jr.
IF: Hudson Brown, Northpoint Christian, Jr.
OF: Brett Rogers, Silverdale Baptist, Jr.
OF: D.J. Merriweather, Clarksville Academy, Jr.
OF: Cooper Wallace, Clarksville Academy, Jr.
P: Simon Tesh, Christian Academy of Knoxville, Sr.
P: Alec Bouchard, Notre Dame, Jr.
P: Griffin Graves, Trinity Christian, Jr.
P: Jonah Smithson, Goodpasture Christian, Sr.
UT: Logan Harrell, Goodpasture Christian, Jr.

Division II-AA
C: Cade Law, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Sr.
C: Aden Napier, Lipscomb Academy, Sr.
IF: Henry Godbout, Baylor School, Sr.
IF: Daniel Parris, Knox Catholic, Jr.
IF: John Webb, Christian Brothers, Sr.
IF: Henry Ford, Baylor School, Jr.
IF: Carter Hewitt, McCallie School, Sr.
OF: Ian Hubbard, Knox Catholic, Jr. 
OF: Caleb Hampton, Baylor School, Jr.
OF: Andrew Davidson, Lipscomb Academy, Sr.
P: Christian Lim, Montgomery Bell Academy, Jr.
P: Matthew Dallas, Briarcrest Christian, Jr.
P: Chet Lax, Pope John Paul II, Jr.
P: Austin Breedlove, McCallie School, Sr. 
P: Willie Walton, Lipscomb Academy, Sr. 
UT: Miller Green, Lipscomb Academy, Jr.

Winners announced for 2021 TSWA writing contest

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association released the winners of the annual writing contest this week. All of the first, second and third-place winners will be recognized during the Hall of Fame dinner and banquet on Thursday, July 14, at Cumberland University. Thanks to Ron Higgins for again coordinating the judging for all of the categories in the annual writing contest.

In addition, Tennessee coach Rick Barnes, the 2021-22 TSWA men’s basketball coach of the year, is scheduled to attend and speak at the Hall of Fame induction and awards ceremony July 14. Chris Dortch, Dan Fleser and Mark McGee will be inducted into the TSWA Hall of Fame in July.

TSWA 2021 WRITING CONTEST RESULTS
Entries were from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021

DIVISION 1
GARY LUNDY WRITER OF THE YEAR – 1. Adam Sparks, Knoxville News Sentinel/The Tennessean: Runaway winner because he had great story angles (such as the behind-the-scenes humanization of Vanderbilt baseball coach Tim Corbin and on the crazy night Lane Kiffin left UT for USC), he did detailed reporting and wrote superbly and efficiently. 2. John Adams, Knoxville News Sentinel. 3. Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press.

BEST COLUMNIST – 1. John Adams, Knoxville News Sentinel: Is there any columnist in the state of Tennessee who isn’t afraid to deliver a clearly stated opinion besides the winner of this category? He doesn’t candy-coat anything. He writes stuff like this on Phil Fulmer – “He couldn’t even act like an AD and was more interested in masquerading as a football coach on the practice field than running the athletic department.” Or this on Jeremy Pruitt – “No one else in school history has done more harm to UT’s football program than Pruitt. He didn’t just lose. He cheated and lost.” 2. Mark Wiedmer, Chattanooga Times Free Press. 3. Adam Sparks, Knoxville News Sentinel/The Tennessean.

BEST FEATURE WRITER – 1. John Varlas, The Daily Memphian: He has a history with his subjects yet delivers balanced, well-rounded stories. Particularly loved the story of the female sports information director retiring from a small Catholic school after 33 years. 2. Phil Stukenborg, The Commercial Appeal. 3. Adam Sparks, Knoxville News Sentinel/The Tennessean.

BEST EVENT WRITER – 1. Mark Wiedmer, Chattanooga Times Free Press: In each of three stories, the winner in this category did a great job of making the reader feel he was at the event and took you behind-the-scenes. 2. Adam Sparks, Knoxville News Sentinel/The Tennessean. 3. Stephen Hargis, Chattanooga Times Free Press.

BEST NEWS WRITER – 1. Adam Sparks, Knoxville News Sentinel/The Tennessean: Showed his reporting chops with his story on Tennessee’s legal fees defending NCAA violations and the context-filled story on the firing of Vanderbilt women’s basketball coach Stephanie White. 2. Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press. 3. None awarded.

BEST PREP WRITER –1. Stephen Hargis, Chattanooga Times Free Press: This writer does a ton of legwork and isn’t afraid to quickly put together all encompassing stories, such as a look at a group of six small-town rural high schools advancing in the state playoffs. 2. John Varlas, The Daily Memphian.
NOTE: DID NOT HAVE MULTIPLE ENTRIES TO JUDGE BEST DAILY SECTION, BEST SPECIAL SECTION, BEST INVESTIGATIVE SERIES, BEST INDIVIDUAL LAYOUT AND BEST OUTDOOR WRITER

DIVISION II
GARY LUNDY WRITER OF THE YEAR – 1. Cecil Joyce, Daily News Journal: A solid set of stories but his investigative story into the COVID-19 protocol spat between MTSU head football coach Rick Stockstill and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin was a detailed, entertaining read. 2. Kevin Weaks, Union City Messenger. 3. No place awarded.

BEST SPECIAL SECTION (COMBINED DIVISION II AND III) – 1. Union City Messenger, 2021 Football Preview (Kevin Weaks, editor): What sets the winner in this category apart are the minute details that make it easy for the reader to navigate through this two-part, 32-page section. It was the only section entered with a table of contents rail on the inside front cover, the only section that had the results from the 2020 season and 2020 stat leaders on the three main area teams. The only section that included college and the Tennessee Titans. 2. Weakley County Press, 2021 High School Football Preview (Randy Cavin, editor). 3. Williamson Herald, 2021 Williamson County high school football preview (Charles Pulliam and Joe Williams, editors).

BEST FEATURE WRITER – 1. Kevin Weaks, Union City Messenger: A trip down memory lane with retiring Tennessee football radio network analyst Tim Priest was excellent as was a feature of a father-son golf superintendent duo. But the story of a former Union City High girls athlete and her lifelong battle against scoliosis was simply inspiring. 2. Cecil Joyce, Daily News Journal. 3. None awarded.

BEST EVENT WRITER – 1. Cecil Joyce, Daily News Journal: The winner perfectly captured the joy and emotion of big moments, such a 30-year high school girls head basketball coach winning her first league title and high school baseball coach recording his 500th career win. 2. Kevin Weaks, Union City Messenger 3. None awarded.

BEST NEWS WRITER – 1. Cecil Joyce, Daily News Journal: His story removing curtain on a growing independent Virginia high school program was well-researched and his story on an alleged racial slur at a girls basketball game had depth and balance. 2. Kevin Weaks, Union City Messenger 3. None awarded.

BEST PREP WRITER – 1. Cecil Joyce, Daily News Journal: Easily the best variety of stories, but the standout was the one on a high school boys soccer team wearing performance tracking vests to monitor health issues and increase work rate. 2. Kevin Weaks, Union City Messenger. 3. None awarded.
NOTE: DID NOT HAVE MULTIPLE ENTRIES TO JUDGE BEST SECTION AND BEST INDIVIDUAL LAYOUT. A SINGLE BEST COLUMNIST ENTRY WAS MOVED TO DIVISION I.

DIVISION III
GARY LUNDY WRITER OF THE YEAR – 1. Craig Harris, Macon County Times: This category was extremely competitive and any of the top three finishers could have won. But what separated the winner was his lengthy but well-written insight on the Macon County High girls basketball team’s season-long journey to win the school’s first state championship. 2. Russell Vannozzi, Main Street Media. 3. Charles Pulliam, Williamson Herald.

BEST FEATURE WRITER – 1. Michael Odom, Mirror-Exchange: He had three stories all with unique angles (such as the guy who had won 21 conference middle school championships in 23 years at the same school) and all had a good flow. There were no wasted words, making you want to read to the end. 2. Russell Vannozzi, Main Street Media. 3. Craig Harris, Macon County Times.

BEST NEWS/EVENT WRITER – 1. Russell Vannozzi, Main Street Media: The winner in this category separated himself with creative leads backed by tight writing and a thorough style that answered almost every question a reader might have. 2. Charles Pulliam, Williamson Herald. 3. Bill Sorrell, Collierville Herald Independent.
NOTE: HAD TO PAIR DIVISION III SPECIAL SECTION ENTRIES WITH DIVISION II DUE TO A LACK OF ENTRIES

DIVISION IV
BEST FEATURE WRITER – 1. Chad Bishop, Vanderbilt: His features on his subjects, especially on a couple of Vanderbilt fans who used a VIP experience to the College World Series they won from the school to help the grieving process of the wife’s miscarriage, were beautifully layered with a balance of voices and context. 2. Thomas Corhern, Tennessee Tech 3. Mark McGee, Lipscomb.

BEST EVENT WRITER – 1. Thomas Corhern, Tennessee Tech: This writer had punchy, creative leads that got readers quickly into stories that gave you more than who, what, when and why. 2. Anne C. Wehunt, Chattanooga. 3. None awarded.

UT's Harper, Belmont's Wells earn TSWA women's basketball accolades

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s Kellie Harper and Belmont’s Destinee Wells were recognized as the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s Women’s Basketball Coach and Player of the Year, respectively, in awards announced this week for the 2021-22 academic year by the organization.

Harper started the season losing a returning starter in Marta Suarez with All-SEC forward Rae Burrell missing the first 12 games. She later lost Keyen Green and Jordan Horston to season-ending injuries yet guided the Lady Vols to their most overall and SEC wins since 2017-18, their highest national ranking since 2015-16 and their first NCAA Sweet 16 since 2015-16.

She directed her squad to an 18-1 start, UT’s best since 2007-08. UT rose as high as No. 4 in the AP Poll and defeated five ranked teams. The Lady Vols reached the SEC Tournament semifinals and earned a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament before losing to eventual Final Four participant Louisville in the Sweet 16. The Lady Vols ended the season 25-9, matching Harper’s career high for victories and marking her second Sweet 16 appearance after leading Missouri State there in 2019.

Wells ranked second in the OVC and among the top 100 players nationally, averaging 16.7 points per game while ranking in the Top 65 in the country in both total assists (140) and assists per game (4.5 APG). She became only the second player in OVC history to earn OVC Tournament MVP as both a freshman and sophomore after averaging 21 points in the 2022 OVC Championship.

Wells has scored in double figures in 43 of her last 45 games dating to February 2021. She led all scorers at Final Four contender and Wichita Regional champion Louisville with 19 points (Dec. 5) and helped Belmont upset No. 5 seed Oregon in double overtime in the NCAA Tournament for a second straight first-round victory before the Bruins pushed Tennessee to the final seconds of a second-round loss.

The coach and player awards will be handed out July 14 at the 2022 TSWA Hall of Fame ceremony.