1. McCallie (23-3): The Blue Tornado brought their region schedule to a fitting close last Tuesday with an 82-48 win over Pope John Paul. Jamal Calvin led five double-figure scorers way with 24 and Dan Wadley’s team ended the year tied with Ensworth with only one region loss. The next day, however, McCallie’s regular season officially concluded with more puzzling result. The Blue Tornado lost 75-65 at Class AAA Stone Memorial, which lost at McCalle by eight points on Dec. 6. The loss may have shaken momentum, but McCallie’s focus remains on getting back to the state title game. That journey begins Saturday with a sectional game.
2. Bradley Central (23-5): It’s easy to credit the return of junior point guard Bryce Copeland with Bradley’s second-half surge, but the Bears’ improvement has hinged on more than just adding the finishing piece to its roster. Bradley has at least four different players that could lead the team in scoring on any given night, but the real catalyst is the defense. The Bears haven’t given up more than 56 points during its current 11-game winning streak. That will be put to the test Tuesday night against Ooltewah, which hasn’t scored under 60 in the month of February.
3. Ooltewah (22-3): Four of Ooltewah’s starters scored in double figures Saturday night as the Owls topped McMinn County 60-54 to reach the District 5-AAA tournament final. They’ll meet Bradley Central, which used a big first half to beat the Owls on Jan. 20. Coach Jesse Nayadley’s team will have to find a way to push the tempo and get Bradley out of rhythm if it hopes to win its second straight district title.
4. Baylor (14-10): Baylor’s regular season ended with yet another heartbreaking loss. The Red Raiders’ last seven defeats, dating back to Dec. 28, have all been by less than five points. The 71-70 stinger at home against Ensworth Tuesday simply put a cap on a long string of disappointment. The start of the postseason, though, brought at least a brief end to the discouraging results. The Red Raiders beat Memphis University School 60-39 and will play their second-round game Saturday.
5. East Ridge (21-9): The Pioneers finished in a three-way tie for the District 6-AA regular season title, but neither of their co-champions, Howard and Tyner, will be playing for the tournament title Tuesday night. East Ridge beat the Hustlin’ Tigers 57-49 on Saturday, despite trailing by seven points at halftime. Brainerd, a winner over Tyner in its semifinal, awaits in the championship game. The two teams split two close games during the regular season.
