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The 2023-2024 Mr. and Miss Basketball finalists were announced earlier today. While several gave praise to those who were named as finalists, there was also a lot of questions asked.
As there is every year, people naturally asked how certain players weren’t named as finalists. Some where respectful about it while others, not so much.
I naturally joined the crowd asking about certain players not making it. While I believe that every player who made the cut as a finalist is more than deserving, there were some names I was shocked to see left off of both the boys and girls lists.
Here are 10 of those players:
Boys
Auden Slaughter, Santa Fe, Jr.
On the boys side of the equation, it could be argued that Class 1A had the most stacked list of nominees. Several players averaged 30 points or more meaning there would be a few standouts left off.
Slaughter was not a name I expected to see left off that 1A list though.
Averaging over 33 points per game and a 19-win Wildcats side, I just penciled him in as a finalist. When I didn’t seem him on that list, I’ll admit that I had to do a double-take.
Carter Webb, Siegel, Sr.
We’ve had Siegel ranked as our No. 1 large class team for several weeks now and Webb is a massive reason why. Class 4A is always a loaded field but Webb not being one of the final three was a shock.
The Stars’ junior guard is averaging over 22 points per game on what many could argue is the best public school team in Middle Tennessee at the moment. Don’t fret though Stars fans. If I had to guess, he’ll be right in the mix again next year.
Fred Bailey, Pope Prep, Sr.
I’d be shocked if Tyler Tanner wasn’t this year’s DII-AA Mr. Basketball. While I think he’s the winner, I thought Bailey was more than deserving to be included as a finalist.
The Knights are one of the most complete teams in the Midstate this season and Bailey has been a big reason why.
Averaging over 18 points, Bailey leads the Knights attack but where I was impressed with him is on the defensive side of the ball. Expect to see a motivated Bailey during Pope’s postseason run.
Jason Britton, North Greene, Sr.
Like Slaughter, Britton was one of the many talented 1A players left off of this year’s final three. His stands out a little more though to me.
Britton was a finalist last year and is arguably better as a senior averaging 30.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Huskies aren’t having the best season on the court but Britton continues to stand out with his production.
Trae Rideau, Clarksville Academy, Jr.
Admittedly, I thought the Midstate would sweep the DII-A final three. Jayden Jones and Kavien Jones made of two of the final three but Rideau was left off the ballot.
On one of the best teams in DII-A this season, Rideau’s averaged over 20 points per game. With him leading the way, the Cougars remain as a favorite to make it back to Cookeville to compete for a state title.
Girls
Ally Weathers, Loretto, Jr.
The younger sister of a two-time Miss Basketball winner, Weathers is carving her own legacy with the Lady Mustangs.
This season she’s averaging close to 20 points per game on a team that’s 21-2. That’s pretty good in my book.
Unfortunately for Weathers, the 2A girls field is very much like the 1A boys field. Several top players were left off the final three but my guess is that Weathers’ time is coming.
Ellie Butler, Livingston Academy, Jr.
As previously noted, I had Butler as my Class 3A Miss Basketball winner. So not seeing her even as a finalist was a complete shock.
I do think her time is coming and that a long postseason run is in the works for the Lady Wildcats. One of the best players in the Upper Cumberland this year, I’ve got her tabbed as my way-too-early favorite for next season’s Class 3A Miss Basketball race.
Joya Crawford, Dyersburg, Sr.
I’ve heard all season about Crawford and just how good she is in the court. The Cincinnati commitment leads an insanely talented Dyersburg side that should compete for a gold ball this season.
Another Class 3A player I expected to see on the ballot, Crawford will have her time. If she builds off of what she’s done this season, expect to see Crawford as a favorite next season.
Layla Bouldin, Van Buren County, Sr.
A 2,000-point scorer, Bouldin really impressed me last season during Van Buren County’s long postseason run. I expected her to be in the Miss Basketball race this season and it seemed like she was.
However, she didn’t make the cut like I figured she would. Averaging over 17 points per game this season, she should play a pivotal role in trying to lead the Eaglettes back to Murfreesboro.
Molly Masingale, McMinn Central, Sr.
Masingale not being a 2A Miss Basketball finalist is arguably the biggest snub on the girls side. I’m one of those who was shocked not to see her name listed as a finalists.
Averaging close to 21 points per game on what many consider as one of the favorites in Class 2A this season, Masingale was like Weathers as an insanely good player left off in a crowded 2A field.
Expect a motivated Masingale this postseason as the Lady Chargers should return to Murfreesboro.
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