GRAY DEYOSports Writer

The East Middle School basketball programs have taken the floor to officially start the 2025-2026 season. Here is a brief recap of their seasons from last year, and a look at their schedule and rosters for the new seasons.

East Boys

The East boys’ 2024-2025 season was up and down. They had some budding talent that will have a chance to grow to even greater heights in the Tullahoma High School basketball program. Last season their year officially came to an end losing to Spring Hill Middle School in the playoffs. They will have the benefit this season of having some players who logged serious minutes last year for their varsity squad to return and play again.

One player to keep an eye on for the Panthers is 8th graders Brody Phillips. Last year Phillips showed off his dynamic wing play. His above average athletic ability makes him a great rebounder and great scorer through traffic around the basket. With his good game around the basket he also has a capable jumper.

Roster: Camden Ballard, Clason Bordenet, Jeremias Browning, Colt Burton, Jonathan Chesney, Trevor Hall, Carter Hayes, Dewayne Hickerson, Jackson Hunt, Marvaden Johnson, Traevon Johnson, Henry Jordan, Silas Martinez, Brayden McLaughlin, Corbin McShea, Mick Nelson, Jack Nichols, Joshua Osborne, Brody Phillips, Lincoln Price, Riley Prosser, Davis Roberson, Woody Roberson, Andreas Sfirakis, Eli Shelton, Sawyer Smith, Jack Sudbury, Miller Unzicker, and Asher Wei

East Girls

The East Girls’ basketball season was a fun one. Their year was highlighted by Genevieve Hickerson’s high-level play as she and the rest of the Lady Panthers produced some special moments, including beating the West Middle School girls in the first round of the playoffs last season. Someone will have to fill in Hickerson’s shoes, with her graduating, as they look to produce more memorable moments this season.

The East girls’ team on Oct.21 lost a heartbreaker in their season opener, losing to Community Middle School 38-35. A couple of the players that stood out were Rylee Ferguson and Hartleigh McMurtry. They finished as the two leading scorers in the game; McMurtry had eight points and Ferguson had 10.

Roster: Hartleigh McMurtry, Makayla Murray, Ingrid Fults, Ava Spellman, Azalea Moore, Ava Hill, Rylee Ferguson, Haylee Craig, Ciara Raby, Khloe Ewing, Elie Sehorne, Spencer Smith, Amberlyn Moody, Rileigh Lindsay, Nora Fogarty, Ava (Harper) Moyer, Haleigh Jackson, Ellie Sons, Dillon Bennett, Kate Miller, Marlee Unzicker, Kinsleigh McMurtry, and Giselle Hickerson