HIGH SCHOOL

Notebook: Blackman's Master Teague names top 12 college choices

Cecil Joyce
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
Blackman junior running back Master Teague finds running room during a 2016 game. Teague named his top 12 college choices on Sunday.

Blackman junior running back Master Teague announced his top 12 college choices on Sunday, and there's a geographical similarity to the list.

Of the 12 (eight which have made offers and four which have yet to do so) teams, eight are Southeastern Conference schools.

"That's pretty important - being close to my family," said Teague. "I want them to be able to come and see me play."

His top eight schools that have made offers include (alphabetical order) Auburn, Duke, Georgia, Louisville, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

The top four schools who have not made offers include Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Ohio State. Clemson and Alabama played in last season's national championship game.

"All of them are worthy because they all fit my running style and have good coaches who teach well," said Teague. "They're all good programs with good culture."

Teague will be one of the state's top returning players next season. The 5-foot11, 200-pounder rushed for 2,031 yards and 24 touchdowns in just 10 1/2 games last season.

Blackman was 9-2 in games which he played last year.

Teague said he planned to narrow the list "one or two more times."

"I hope to make a choice in the summer," he said.

Central Magnet teams do well: Central Magnet's soccer and softball teams fared well over the weekend in tournaments

The Tiger soccer team competed in the Smoky Mountain Tournament and came away unbeaten and the only team with a clean sheet every match.

Central Magnet, which competed in the Mt. Leconte Division, defeated Christ Church Episcopal 3-0 on Friday and knocked off Sevier County 2-0 and Lexington 4-0 on Saturday.

Stephen Falter and J.J. Jack each scored three goals over the weekend while Luis Sanchez added two goals and three assists.

The Lady Tiger softball team won four games in the Gordonsville tournament and reached the championship game before falling to William Blount 9-2 Sunday.

Central defeated Notre Dame 10-3 and fell to East Hamilton 3-0 on Saturday. On Sunday the Lady Tigers downed Gordonsville 5-4 and 8-4 and defeated Macon County 5-2 to earn a trip to the title game.

Abby Frazier and Addie Baird both had huge tournaments for Central Magnet while Faith McCaghren and Kali Penny handled mound duties.

Stewarts Creek football standout Marcus Clemons recently signed to play at Bethel University. Pictured in the front row (l-r) are Shamar Clemons (father), Marcus Clemons and Sonja Clemons (mother). In the back row are Stewarts Creek coach David Martin and Marcel Clemons.

Area athletes sign: Stewarts Creek had three athletes recently sign to play in college.

Football standout lineman Marcus Clemons signed with Bethel University while football standout Jordan Rouse signed with Cumberland University.

Stewarts Creek football standout Jordan Rouse recently signed with Cumberland University. Pictured (l-r) are Leon Rouse (father), Jordan Rouse and Lisa Rouse (mother).

Soccer standout Paige Loveless signed with Motlow State. Smyrna soccer standout Emily Bryant also recently signed with Motlow State.

Stewarts Creek soccer standout Paige Loveless recently signed to play at Motlow State Community College. Pictured in the front row (l-r) are Brian Loveless (father), Paige Loveless and Susan Loveless (mother). In the back row (l-r) are siblings Morgan and Mason Loveless.
Smyrna soccer standout Emily Bryant recently signed to continue her career at Motlow State Community College. Pictured in the front row (l-r) are Andrew Bryant (father), Emily Bryant and Louise Bryant (mother). In the back row (l-r) are Smyrna coach Brian Grogan and Motlow State coach Andy Lyon.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.