Who They’re Playing

CoachT.com schedule rankings great primer for postseason

Alcoa freshman Nick Roberts fights off the trap against No. 1-ranked Catholic on Tuesday. The Tornadoes play one of the state’s toughest schedules. Photo by Keith Driver

By Stefan Cooper
Editor
Blount Press Row

CoachT.com’s “Schedule Strength” and “Strength + Success” rankings represent some of the best metrics out there for following high school basketball in Tennessee.

An at or near .500 record with the postseason looming takes on a different light when a team is playing one of the toughest schedules in its classification. When a team ranks high in schedule strength and success against that schedule, look out.

The Alcoa boys team, which visits Scott County tonight, ranks second in strength of schedule in Class AA in the latest CoachT rankings. The Tornadoes are 17th of 109 teams in AA when it comes to success against their schedule.

District 4AA rival Christian Academy of Knoxville ranks No. 1 in strength of schedule in Class AA.

Maryville’s Lady Rebels, who are on the road at Lenoir City tonight, play the third toughest schedule in Class AAA. William Blount’s Lady Governors, who host Heritage, are 21st of 113 teams in the state’s largest classification when it comes to success against their schedule.

Worrisome for all area AAA schools is Bearden, unbeaten at 19-0, ranks second when it comes to success against schedule strength.

Bradley Central (21-0) sits at the top.