Rhea County Eagles pose with Championship Trophy from the "Battle at the Creek" Tournament in late December 2023.(Photo:GaryBolden/RCM)

Eagles Begin District Play Vs McMinn on Friday, January 5, 2023

1/5/23 Evensville, TN

Rhea County High School boys' basketball is ready for district play this Friday at home vs McMinn County. Eagles have played a very busy pre-district schedule and have compiled a 18-3 record, with losses to three very good teams, Red Bank, Fulton and Bearden. The Eagles have returned most of last year's team and with an off-season of hard work and 21 games of success, it is time for 4A District 5 play to begin. McMinn, Rhea County, Walker Valley and Cleveland make up the new district that created 2 districts from the old, with East Hamilton moving into the district to form 2 4-team districts. The other team is composed of Bradley, Ooltewah, Howard Tech and East Hamilton.

Tonight, the Eagles will begin the district journey. During Christmas break, Eagles played in two tournaments, earning a championship in the "Battle at The Creek" Tournament and a second-place trophy at their own "Rhea County Holiday Tournament" with loss to Bearden in championship game. The Eagles have been able to go deep into bench during their pre-district play and have seen consistent play far down the bench. Bryce Dupre and Kyler Akin have been the top scoring duo for the Eagles, but Braylon Geer, Chad Carr and Keshawn Smith have the ability to help carry the load. Carr and Smith have been very effective down-low with rebounding, defense and scoring punch. Also providing much needed minutes is Cooper "All-Out" Brackett, who has been effective as ball-handler and as a spark-plug on defense. Hank Logsdon has provided another outside threat as well as some help on the boards. Ethan Davis has continued to work himself into shape after his recovery from injury last year. Sam Stumbo is also working his way back from injury and is also an asset. There are more players who are also seeing playing time and their growth should add to the teams depth. Coach Crowder and the coaching staff have been working hard to get this team ready and tonight, the fun begins.

After tonight's home game, the Eagles hit the road for four straight games, with trips to Soddy Daisy, Walker Valley, Sale Creek and Cleveland, before returning home for a game against Sale Creek on January 23, 2024.