After the pandemic cancelled the 2020 state tournament last season we are blessed that we get to have an event this season. The teams are in and the match-ups have been set. This preview will capture a brief synopsis on the three classifications and highlight the top 15 players in the tournament, which tips next Wednesday at the Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. 

Class A
Richland vs. North Greene
Madison Magnet vs. Clay County
West Carroll vs. MAHS
Cosby vs. Pickett County

The smallest classification is far from having the least amount of talent. Madison Magnet, featuring Mr. Basketball finalist Walter Peegs,  has been the top-ranked squad in the state rankings majority of the season and would be the odds on favorite to bring home the gold ball. A tough opening-round opponent in Clay County, led by Mr. Basketball finalist Grant Strong, has been the second-ranked squad in the state. Look for Richland to make a little noise as they put the finishing touches on an outstanding year. MAHS is the wild card having only played a handful of games. 

Class AA
Greeneville vs. Bolivar Central
Pearl Cohn vs. Upperman
Community vs. Kingston
Howard vs. Jackson Southside

Jackson Southside comes in as the state's top-ranked team in this classification. A perennial state tournament participant the Hawks have the bulls-eye on their back. Upperman is a squad to watch with two dynamic players in Gore and Rush and a wealth of experience in tight games. The opening match-up will also set the early tone for Class AA as Greeneville, led by Mr. Basketball finalist Jakobi Gillespie battle Bolivar Central and their Mr. Basketball finalist Toris Woods. 

Class AAA
Cleveland vs. Collierville
Cane Ridge vs. Bearden
Oak Ridge vs. Siegel
Houston vs. Clarksville

This classification is loaded with talent and Houston should be the odds on favorite with a stacked line-up featuring three D1 signees. Bearden has secured the top spot in the state for most of the season and will have their hands full with Cane Ridge, who despite an abbreviated schedule comes in unblemished at 13-0 led by one of the top players in the nation in junior guard Brandon Miller. An interesting first-round match-up features Oak Ridge taking on Siegel, who is led by Mr. Basketball finalist Matthew Schneider. Both coaches were a part of Bruce Pearl's staff at Tennessee and now battle at state. Oak Ridge's Aaron Greene and Siegel's Dyron Birdwell were grad assistants for the Vols under Pearl. Very cool.