Best teams not to win a state title.

[QSouth89]

There is a cliche that goes the best team doesn't always win. Who are some of the best teams in the state not to win a state title.  I remember in 1992-93 Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett (35-2) having an incredible team ranked in the USA Today Super 25 led by JaMichael Mills .  I was apart of the 1995-96 University High (Johnson City) team that went 23-5 in class A.  That team scored more than 100 points 8 different times including 121 points against Johnson County one night.  We had 8 double digit scorers led by Gaitor twins (Randall and Ranell), Ed Stone, Ben Haws and Adam Russell, That team averaged about 88 points a game that season.  Another really talented team that I saw was the 2003-04 Catholic team, they finished 28-3 all 5 starters (Tony Fox, Brett Connor, Matt Parton, Tremane Brown,&  Danny Sheridan) were double digit scorers.  

[SweetScience]

Just going to name some of the Oak Ridge teams I am familiar with. 2007-2008 team went 32-3 and lost to White Station by 3 points. Great team. Also the 1988 team led by Darryl Miller was awesome, too.

[bigchief]

Whites Creek  1989, 90 and 91. They were ranked #1 in the country by ESPN in '91 during the season. Did finish runner up in 1989 to Franklin

[87vikingalumni]

2009 Humboldt Vikings, 39-0 & lost first & only game  at the state quarter finals to Manassa on a last second shot from almost half court. Manasas went on to win the next two (2) games by an average of twenty-five (25) points including the title game. Humboldt was up in that game by fifteen (15) & lost, probably was the most depth/balance/Talented Humboldt team ever!

[tradertwo]

2009 Humboldt Vikings, 39-0 & lost first & only game  at the state quarter finals to Manassa on a last second shot from almost half court. Manasas went on to win the next two (2) games by an average of twenty-five (25) points including the title game. Humboldt was up in that game by fifteen (15) & lost, probably was the most depth/balance/Talented Humboldt team ever!

I have to agree, Manassas was a great team that year too...if they play ten more times, Humboldt probably wins nine or maybe all of them. There were a lot of elements that beat Humboldt that day...they were up big and relaxed too soon, there were some bad calls at critical times, and it still took a lucky shot at the end. They were big, long, fast, and could shoot and play defense...like they say...the best team doesn't always win. Booker T Washington, Lake Co., and Perry Co. all were in the conversation a 'couple of years back and Friendship "sneaked" through the weak side of the bracket and won it all...probably the forth best team there.

[87vikingalumni]

I have to agree, Manassas was a great team that year too...if they play ten more times, Humboldt probably wins nine or maybe all of them. There were a lot of elements that beat Humboldt that day...they were up big and relaxed too soon, there were some bad calls at critical times, and it still took a lucky shot at the end. They were big, long, fast, and could shoot and play defense...like they say...the best team doesn't always win. Booker T Washington, Lake Co., and Perry Co. all were in the conversation a 'couple of years back and Friendship "sneaked" through the weak side of the bracket and won it all...probably the forth best team there.

Yes, they relaxed to early & started taking quick shoots that game basically should have been the finals game!! Humboldt also would have broke the state record with most wins in a season that team was fun to watch! The crazy part about the game was when Humboldt was up by fifteen manassa was in a zone, all the coach had to do was hold the ball & make them play man which they could do but manassa did have a good team with Buckner!!!

[Purple & Gold Standard]

Union City (AA) 1991 (29-4) and Union City (A) 2007 (30-4).....These seasons kept the Tornadoes from three-peating on two different occasions.....

[toinemac]

2009 Bolivar or 2012 Bolivar

 

I thought the 09 team was better than the one that won it in 2010. 2012 may not have won but i really wanted to see that team vs CPA. I think they were the only team that stood a chance against them.

[mondo44]

Goodpasture with Ron Mercer, Drew Maddux, and Sam Howard. Lost to BGA I believe in the state finals.

[QSouth89]

It's great to see the responses. Kind of nostalgic reminiscing about past teams instead of trash talking or put downs.

[QSouth89]

Bearden's 2008-09 team with 5 division 1 players was a very good team that should have won it.

[Quackattack]

Bearden's 2008-09 team with 5 division 1 players was a very good team that should have won it.

I watched that team play Oak Hill down to the wire. I think the 5 in 5 out rotation killed that team.