'We always run this district': Bartlett boys basketball beats Cordova for District 15-4A title

Dion Real is typically reserved when he talks to media members after games. Tuesday night, the Bartlett boys basketball coach decided to go off his normal script.  

Before the question was even finished about winning the District 15-4A Tournament title over Cordova, 65-59, Real was ready.  

“Let me cut you off. We always run this district,” Real said after Bartlett’s fourth district title in the last six years. “One little bump doesn’t keep us from running this district.”  

After losing in the district semifinals to Collierville a year ago, the Panthers are back on top. And it’s the perfect confidence boost for a team looking to return to the state tournament for the first time since the 2021-22 season and seventh time in program history.  

The win gives the Panthers the No. 1 seed in the region tournament.  

Here’s what Bartlett’s win over Cordova means ahead of the region tournament. 

Bartlett bounces back after upset losses last season 

The Panthers remember how the early exit in the playoffs felt last season. This season has been dedicated to returning to the state tournament.  

After two losses in its final three games of the regular season, Christian Alston made it clear the district title is cool, but just the first of many steps for Bartlett.  

"This is definitely a breath of fresh air, getting this win right here,” Alston said. 

Last season, the Panthers had to go on the road to Overton and lost by three points. This time around, they’ll get to host the region quarterfinals and that’s enough to keep Bartlett focused. 

“Last year, we had a team (take) us out that shouldn’t have taken us out,” Alston said. “This definitely felt good getting back.” 

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R’Chaun King is a difference maker for Bartlett 

Every time Cordova and Bartlett have met this season, King has been one of the biggest differences in the game. He’s scored 20 or more points in all three meetings and has posed a problem for the Wolves to contain.  

And it’s not just Cordova. King, who was named the district tournament MVP, is averaging a double-double this season. Bartlett is going to go as far as King will take it. 

"I know everybody feels good about it,” King said, “but we can’t get too much of a big head because the job is not finished yet.” 

A potential fourth meeting between Bartlett-Cordova

Though Cordova (27-2) lost the district title game, its path to region final looks good. The Wolves will host a region quarterfinal as the No. 2 seed. If both teams win the next two games, it could set up a fourth meeting between the two for a region championship.  

"Cordova is one of those teams where every year we’ve got to get up for them,” Real said. “Coach (Terrance) Scales he’s put his imprint on this district. Trying to fight him and trying to keep it is hard.” 

The Bartlett-Cordova matchup this season has had a vintage Memphis basketball rivalry feel to it and all signs are pointing to the area’s top teams meeting at least one more time before the season is over.  

“I wouldn’t mind seeing them five times,” Real said. 

Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @wynstonw__.