0
0
As quickly as the season started, we’re now at the point of the year where Mr. and Miss Basketball conversations are starting to begin.
Our coverage area once again is full of talent that needs to be in those discussions. While we already knew some of those names, we decided to reach out to all of our area coaches to get their takes on who needs to be involved.
Below is a list of 25 of those players, nominated by their coaches, who we think need to be included in this year’s Mr. Basketball conversations.
*Note: Stats are current as of Jan. 31*
Class 4A
Christian Brown, Franklin, Sr.: Brown broke on the scene as a junior and has now become one of the area’s best. The James Madison signee is averaging 22.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.
Landon Bryant, LaVergne, Sr.: Bryant does a little bit of everything for the Wolverines averaging 20 points, six rebounds and five assists per game.
Desmond Carpenter, Stewarts Creek, Sr.: Carpenter’s been one of the area’s best this season averaging 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Garrison Eady, Blackman, Sr.: Eady’s the best player on a Blaze teams that’s running rough shot through Murfreesboro. He’s averaging 13 points and six rebounds.
Cortez Graham-Howard, Hillsboro, Sr.: Graham-Howard’s been a standout since his freshman season and the top player on Burros’ squad with state title aspirations. He’s averaging 16 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Tylan Lewis, Independence, Sr.: Lewis has taken over the lead role for the Eagles this year averaging 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Cutter Sisk, Beech, Jr.: Sisk went from a solid role player last season for the Bucs to a true Mr. Basketball contender. He’s a double-double machine averaging 22 points, 10.5 rebounds and two blocks.
Armani Smith, Kirkwood, So.: Smith is arguably the best player in Clarksville and he’s only a sophomore. This year he’s averaging 20 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.4 steals.
Class 3A
Michael Nwoye, Hume-Fogg, Sr.: The Blue Knights are off to their best start in school history and Nwoye is a big reason why. One of four players averaging double-figures, he leads that group at 14 points along with nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks per game.
Chandler Galloway, Lawson, So.: There’s no denying that Galloway is an up-and-coming star for the Lightning. The sophomore is averaging 18 points and seven rebounds.
Ty Thurston, Station Camp, Sr.: The long-time leader for the Bison, Thurston is averaging 16 points, 5.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds.
Class 2A
Avery Coles, White House Heritage, Jr.: Coles has been a double-double machine for the Patriots averaging 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
AJ Petway, LEAD Academy, Sr.: Petway’s been one of Metro Nashville’s top scorers the last few years. This year he’s averaging 19.2 points, 8.6 assists, 4.3 steals and 2.9 rebounds.
Division II-AA
Cade Bennerman, Father Ryan, Sr.: The Northwestern signee has been a force in the post this season averaging 14 points, 4.5 rebounds and two blocks.
Cam Blivens, Lipscomb Academy, Jr.: Blivens is one of the state’s top scorers and should be in Mr. Basketball talks for the next two years. This season he’s averaging 25.8 points, six rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Kamden Days, Pope John Paul II, Sr.: The senior leader on a team loaded with junior talent, Days went from a role player last season to a legit Mr. Basketball contender this season. He’s averaged 17.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.
Collin O’Neal, MBA, Sr.: O’Neal’s proven himself to be on of the best in DII-AA this season averaging 20 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Jonathan Sanderson, Ensworth, Jr: Sanderson may be a newcomer to the state but he came in as a top-50 prospect for the 2026 class. He’s played like that averaging 26.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals.
Division II-A
MJ Gibbs, Ezell-Harding, Sr.: Gibbs is a big reason why the Eagles are having one of their best seasons in school history averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Jayden Jones, Goodpasture, Sr.: Jones was a Mr. Basketball runner-up last year and playing like he could win it this year averaging 18.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.5 steals.
King Keary, Goodpasture, Sr.: Keary’s return to the Cougars is a big reason why they’re the No. 1 DII-A team this season. He’s averaged 15 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.5 steals.
Clay Payne, USN, Sr.: Payne’s been a long-time standout for the Tigers and is averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game this season.
Preston Wade, Providence Christian, Sr.: Wade’s been a standout for sometime but is having the best season of his career as a senior averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Chris Washington, Providence Christian, Jr.: The area’s top 2026 prospect, Washington has come to Middle Tennessee and dominated. He’s averaging 15 points and eight rebounds for one of the state’s best teams.
Greyson Williams, BGA, Sr.: Could Williams make it back-to-back Mr. Basketball winners for the Wildcats? He’s put up the numbers for that to be a conversation averaging 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
You must be logged in to post a comment.