For the first time since 1973, the Gatlinburg Pittman Highlanders advanced to the TSSAA State Basketball Tournament, after they defeated Tellico Plains 63-60 to win the Sectional Championship. The Highlanders now look to make history after a 53-year absence from the state tournament. Coach Rashid Moore and the team enter their 'Elite 8' matchup against Westview with something to prove—to themselves and the competition. In addition to their impressive winning streak (13 games)

In what will go down as one of the best defensive performance runs in state tournament history, the Sevier County Bearettes claimed the 2026 TSSAA Class 4A State Championship after knocking off Cookeville 61-43 on Saturday afternoon in Murfreesboro, on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. Led by junior Kaliyah Burden who was named tournament MVP with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, the Bearettes stymied a veteran Cookeville team with team defense,

The Gatlinburg Pittman Lady Highlanders entered Friday afternoon's contest with the chance to advance to the TSSAA State Championship game against York Institute and a chance at revenge, however that was not to be after the Huntingdon Fillies knocked off the Lady Highlanders 65-42. Gatlinburg Pittman would get off to a hot start with a pair of three's from senior and AA Miss Basketball Maliyah Glasper, but early foul trouble and turnovers turned the tide and Huntingdon poured

Story & Photos by Montana Findley MURFREESBORO – Facing a 32-0 nationally-ranked Bradley Central team in the quarterfinal round of the Class 4A state tournament, you’d expect shocked expressions and elated celebrations from Sevier County after pulling off a 52-34 win. Bradley Central entered the state tournament having won 49 consecutive games, and were looking for a fourth consecutive state championship. However, coach Jonathan Shultz and the Bearettes were cool as could be