Auburn Tigers
Hometown: Auburn, Alabama
The Auburn High Tigers are one of Alabama's premier 7A programs, consistently competing for state championships. Guiding the Tigers is Head Coach Chris Brandt, a celebrated leader with a remarkable 580-340 career record. His coaching prowess has been recognized with honors like the 2020 East Alabama Coach of the Year and the 2022 AHSAA "Make a Difference Award." Auburn High returns four starters this season with a clear goal: to compete for the 7A State Championship.
Key Players to Watch
The Tigers feature a star-studded lineup with Division I talent:
Antwane Daniels (6'5" Senior PG): A three-year starter and highly sought-after playmaker. He holds offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Missouri. Last season, Daniels averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2 blocks. He was named to the All-Tournament team at N2 Hoops, Beach Ball Bash, and the Regional Tournament, plus he played in the North/South All-Star game.
Trindon Manior (5'10" Senior PG/G): A quick guard who contributes on both ends. He holds offers from Alabama State and Voorhees South Carolina. He averaged 7 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals last year.
Tre Ross (6'6" Senior): A crucial two-year starter in the frontcourt.
Hampton Jordan (6'6" Junior): A talented junior who emerged as a starter last season.
Program History & Legacy
Auburn High boasts an elite basketball tradition since 1986, having secured 10 Final Four appearances, 4 State Runner-up finishes, and 1 State Championship (2005). This success has led to 143 players receiving basketball scholarships across the nation.
Notable Alumni: The most recognizable name is Garrison Brooks, who played collegiately at UNC and is currently on the New Orleans Pelicans NBA roster.
2024-2025 Honors
Record: 22-10
Regional Finals Runner-up
3rd Place N2 Hoops Tournament
2nd Place Beach Ball Classic
Belen Jesuit Wolverines
Hometown: Miami, Florida
The Belen Jesuit Wolverines, an All-Boys Jesuit High School known for its high academic standards, have rapidly established themselves as a Florida basketball powerhouse. They are led by Head Coach Gaston "Chachi" Rodriguez, a coaching legend with a 484-216 career record and an impressive three State Championships with three different teams—including Belen's first-ever title in 2023. Coach Rodriguez has been honored with multiple Florida Coach of the Year awards (2000, 2009, 2023).
Team Success & Honors
The Wolverines are coming off a strong 20-9 season where they captured the 5A District 16 Championship and advanced to the Regional Semifinals. They finished the year ranked as a Top 10 team in Miami Dade County and 8th in their State Classification.
Key Players to Watch
Belen brings a high-IQ, college-recruited backcourt to the tournament:
Orlando Roche (G, 6'3" Sophomore - 2027): A standout young guard who earned 2nd Team All-Dade County honors as a freshman, averaging 18 points per game. He holds offers from University of North Florida, Barry University, and Keiser University.
Alec Arnholt (PG, 6'0" Junior - 2026): A reliable point guard who earned All-Dade Honorable Mention while averaging 13 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. He has offers from Dean College, Macalester University, and Lake Forest College.
Lucas Diaz (G, 6'0" Junior - 2026): Another talented guard being recruited at the college level, holding offers from Oberlin College and Elmira College.
Program History & Legacy
Belen Jesuit achieved a monumental milestone by winning the school's first-ever basketball State Championship in 2023. This recent success has firmly cemented the Wolverines as a must-watch team on the national stage.
Bell County Bobcats
Hometown: Pineville, Kentucky
The Bell County Bobcats are a perennial powerhouse from the 13th Region, led by veteran Coach Brad Sizemore (290-179 career record, 5x Region Coach of the Year). The Bobcats are coming off an impressive 26-7 season and have established a dominant record, winning 25+ games in three of the last four seasons.
Noteworthy Achievements
Bell County secured two major tournament titles in their 2024-2025 season: the Cumberland Falls Invitational Champions and the Redmond Auto Group Holiday Tournament Champions. They also hold a recent 2A Sectional Tournament Championship (2024) and a 13th Region Tournament Championship (2012). The program has a historical tie to legendary Kentucky Wildcat and NBA draft pick, Larry Pursiful.
Key Players to Watch
The Bobcats feature a potent lineup, highlighted by two 1,000-point scorers:
Blake Burnett (Senior) 1,000 point scorer
Ethan Buell (Junior) 1,000 point scorer
They are supported by experienced starters Cayden Huff (4-year starter) and Jaxon Thomas (3-year starter). The future is also bright with Freshman Braxton Ferguson, who already holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).
Dobyns-Bennett Indians
Hometown: Kingsport, Tennessee (Tournament Host)
The Dobyns-Bennett Indians, your tournament hosts, are one of the most storied and winningest programs in Tennessee history. Led by Head Coach Chris Poore, who holds a 318-121 career record, the Indians are always a threat in the 4A classification. Coach Poore has been recognized as the 2022 BCAT State Coach of the Year after guiding the team to a State Championship.
Program History & Legacy
Dobyns-Bennett boasts deep roots in Tennessee basketball:
Among the Nation’s Winningest Programs
Most State Tournament Appearances in TSSAA history.
Two State Championships (1945 and 2022).
Notable Alumni: The program is represented by the legendary Skip Brown, who starred at Wake Forest and was drafted by the Boston Celtics.
Key Players to Watch
The Indians rely on a deep roster and promising young talent to compete at a high level:
TJ Maxwell: Named Big East Underclassman of the Year, showing his high potential.
Kaden Cutlip: Recognized as the Tri-Cities Most Promising Underclassman and set the Unicoi County record for 3-pointers made in a season.
Carter Atwood: Was named the Three Rivers Underclassman of the Year and set a Johnson County school record for most consecutive free throws made.
Garrison Jones: Big East All-Conference player at Boone last season.
The team will also utilize the talents and depth of key sophomores from last year's squad, including Henry Hill and Elijah Thomas.
2024-2025 Team Overview
Record: 22-12
Classification: 4A
Dorman High Cavaliers
Hometown: Roebuck, South Carolina
The Dorman Cavaliers are one of the nation's elite high school basketball programs, built on a foundation of dominance in South Carolina's largest classification. Head Coach Thomas Ryan leads the charge, bringing an exceptional 479-171 career record and the prestigious title of 2020 National Coach of the Year (Ballislife.com). The Cavaliers are the reigning Alpha Invitational Tournament Champions and are focused on continuing their high level of play.
Program History & Legacy
Dorman has achieved a dynasty-like status in South Carolina:
5x SC 5A State Champions
The program is a proven pipeline for Division I and professional talent, with alumni currently in the NBA, including Noah Clowney (Brooklyn Nets) and PJ Hall (Memphis Grizzlies).
Key Players to Watch
The Cavaliers' roster is loaded with college prospects who were integral to their success last season:
Jaden Johnson (G): A high-level playmaker and scorer who averaged 18.7 points and 3.5 assists per game last season. He earned All-Region and All-State selections and is currently being recruited by Liberty, App. State, Austin Peay, and Wofford.
Aaden Bruton-Smith (F): A versatile forward who provides scoring and rebounding, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 42% from three-point range. He holds an offer from Charleston Southern and Wofford, with interest from Liberty, Clemson, South Carolina, App. State, and Furman.
Will Bush (F): An All-Region selection who contributes 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. He holds offers from Piedmont College, Randolph Macon, and Francis Marion.
2024-2025 Team Overview
Record: 24-5 Overall Record
Region Champs: SC Region 2-5A
Tournament Success: Lost in the SC Upper State Finals game.
Gate City Blue Devils
Hometown: Gate City, Virginia
The Gate City Blue Devils represent one of the most consistently successful programs in Southwest Virginia. Led by Head Coach Chris Fugate, who quickly established success with a 36-13 career record and was honored as the Mountain 7 Coach of the Year in the 2023-2024 season. The Blue Devils are expected to leverage their historic success and deep tradition to compete hard in the tournament.
Program History & Legacy
Gate City boasts an extraordinary history of consistent winning:
23 District Titles in the Last 26 Years
2018 State Champions
Home to 3x NBA Slam Dunk Champion, Mac McClung
The program’s ability to consistently win conference titles speaks to a deep, winning culture and commitment to excellence.
Key Players to Watch
The Blue Devils feature a deep lineup of players looking to make an impact:
Ollie Carpenter
Kaden Houseright
Zayne Reed
Kory Byrd
Bryson Smith
BB McDonald
This group will rely on team effort and execution as they look to build momentum in the 2025-2026 season. They are eager to
compete for another district title.
2024-2025 Team Overview
Record: 12-13
Classification: 2A
Gray Collegiate Academy War Eagles
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
The Gray Collegiate Academy (GCA) War Eagles are synonymous with South Carolina basketball dominance. Led by Head Coach Dion Bethea, who boasts a phenomenal 222-58 career record and coached in the prestigious 2022 Jordan Brand All-Star Game, GCA is entering a new chapter in the 4A classification with sights set on capturing their 7th state title.
Program History & Legacy
GCA has experienced a dynasty-like run, capturing an astounding six state titles in seven years between 2018 and 2024 (in the 2A classification). The program is a proven incubator for college-level talent, having developed notable players like Jalek Felton, Khalil Robinson, and Tommy Bruner. The War Eagles remain a benchmark program in the region.
Key Players to Watch
Coach Bethea’s squad features a balanced mix of committed seniors and elite up-and-coming talent:
Levi Ball (Senior): Provides stability and leadership, already committed to Kennesaw State.
Desmond Harrington (Junior): Ranked as a Top 10 Junior in South Carolina.
Jayden Rowe (Combo Guard): Recognized as a Top 10 Combo Guard in the state.
Babar Johnson (Freshman): The state's future is bright with the #1 Ranked Freshman in South Carolina.
2024-2025 Team Overview
Record: 19-8
Classification: 4A (New Classification)
Tullahoma High Wildcats
Hometown: Tullahoma, Tennessee
The Tullahoma Wildcats are rolling into the tournament fresh off a phenomenal campaign that saw them reach the state finals. Led by Head Coach Jason Welch, who boasts a strong 365-230 career record, the Wildcats are one of Tennessee's top 3A programs. Coach Welch is highly respected, earning BCAT Coach of the Year in 2017 and three District Coach of the Year honors (2025, 2017, and 2013).
Program History & Legacy
Tullahoma is enjoying a period of major success and tournament runs:
State Runner-up in 2025
State Tournament Appearances in 2025 and 1977.
Three District Titles in the last six years, showcasing recent dominance.
2024-2025 Season Honors
The Wildcats had a landmark season, finishing with an impressive
32-5 overall record and capturing multiple titles:
State 3A Runner-up
Region Champions
District Champions
Key Players to Watch
Tullahoma will rely on a balanced attack featuring promising players in the frontcourt and backcourt:
Austin Tinnon (F): A key contributor in the paint, Tinnon averaged 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks last season, providing strong defense and rebounding.
Alex Bobo
Sam Bobo
Jayden Thompson
Jackson Knight
Lukas Price
This returning group is focused on building on their State Runner-up finish and maintaining their status as Region and District Champions.
