Spring City Middle Basketball Coach Chattin Looks Back at 2023-24 Season

February 1, 2024 Spring City, TN

This season, The Spring City Middle School Boys Basketball Team had a very successful year.  After winning 9 games over the last 2 seasons, the varsity had an overall record of 16-7 (9-2 in Area 9 regular season).  The season included an unofficial Rhea County Championship as SCMS went 3-1 against Rhea Middle and Dayton City.  That loss was to Dayton City, by only 2 points.   The team finished in 2^nd place in the district and garnered a #2 seed in the tournament.  They advanced to the Championship game vs. Chilhowee Middle and finished as the runner-up.  They also qualified for the State Sectional Tournament but bowed out in the first round to Riceville Elementary. 

 The JV were also successful with an 8-1 record.  The only loss was a buzzer-beater to Dayton City.

" I am so proud of the team this year.  I had 8 guys in the 8^th grade, and they provided great leadership and depth.  My son, Mack, has been friends with most of these guys for a very long time.  I have had the pleasure to have known them for many years.  I have coached some of them in the early years, seen them at church, at school, parties, and sleepovers.  They are a tremendous group of young men who love each other and are a tight group of friends.  They have exhibited some of the highest character and best work ethic of any group I have been around.  I have taught for 24 years and have coached most of those 24 years (19 in basketball).  This group is fantastic!" 

"Jayden Fitzgerald was our point guard and our leader on/off the court.  Also, he was a really nice defensive player.  Harlan Thomas (7^th grade) was our leading scorer.  Mack Chattin was 2^nd in scoring but did so many other things to help the team.  Miles Phillips was slowed by a knee injury in football but came on strong during the tournament.  Gavyn Crowe was in his first year of basketball, but he came off the bench to give us a spark with his energy.  Bodie Marchetti, Trenton Ellis, Hunter Gore, and Rett Robertson had moments throughout the season that really helped our team at key times during key games."

"The season was going well, then the snowstorm of '24 hit.  We had gotten hot after Christmas, but we got chilled and had to cancel our last game on January 18 due to the weather.  Our Area Tournament kept getting pushed back and I thought we might have to forfeit, but fortunately, we were able to finish out our season on the court." 

"This is my final season coaching basketball.  I don't think I could have ended it with a better group of players.  They were a joy to coach.  I want to thank the Spring City parents and community for the support they gave this team.  They deserve everything good that happens to them in life.  I love them and will miss them dearly."

Coach Bill Chattin