Week ending Dec. 28

Thomas tears it up; Upchurch great get for Rebels

Heritage senior Leah Thomas works the ball around the perimeter against William Blount earlier this month. Photos by Jolanda Jansma

Probably had to open a few windows once she got going.

Heritage High School guard Leah Thomas went off for a game-high 23 points, including seven 3-pointers, in pacing the Lady Mountaineers to a 78-57 win over Girls Preparatory School in the championship game of the Fiber Optic Holiday Tournament at Hixson High School on Friday. The Heritage senior made it a full night’s work with six rebounds, five assists and a steal.

Easton Upchurch goes for the steal against A-E.

Thomas then put a lock on Barley’s/Blount Press Row Player of the Week honors with a flourish to end the week. In a 50-37 semifinal win over McMinn County at the White County Christmas Tournament a day later, Thomas’ 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals moved Heritage into the championship game, where the host Warriorettes prevailed.

Maryville sophomore Easton Upchurch, along with older brother Tristen, a junior, has proven a most welcome addition to the Rebel roster. Easton had 18 on Saturday in a 77-58 win over Scott County at the Renasant Bank Maryville Christmas Tournament. The Upchurch brothers, transfers from Mississippi, are a big part of the reason the Rebels are 10-2 with District 4AAA play set to begin in earnest on Friday.

Maryville, 4-0 against district competition, visits Hardin Valley on Friday.