How Jahvin Carter led Alcoa to a second TSSAA basketball state championship game

MURFREESBORO — Mekhi Carter isn’t surprised by anything from Alcoa boys basketball’s star player. 

The 23-year-old Alcoa assistant coach watched his youngerbrotherJahvin Carter make a game-winner in the TSSAA boys basketball state championship game last year. Mekhi saw him break Alcoa’s single-game scoring record of 62 points as a junior and be named Class 2A Mr. Basketball this season. 

He can add to the list that he’s seen his younger brother lift Alcoa to a second consecutive state title game appearance with a 40-point performance. It helped Alcoa outlast Ripley 69-64 on Friday in overtime of the Class 2A TSSAA boys basketball state tournament semifinals at Middle Tennessee State's Murphy Center. 

“Big-time player, can’t ask for nothing more,” Mekhi said. “That’s what he do. He was born that way.”

Alcoa will attempt to defend its state championship against Frederick Douglass at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday in a rematch from last year's championship.

Jahvin Carter’s offensive explosion came on 14-of-26 shooting from the field for Alcoa (25-13). Ripley's Ja'Marion and Ja'Marcus Whitelow each had 16 points. Ripley (29-8) lost despite shooting 61% from the field. 

Carter, a Penn State signee, showed off the full repertoire of shooting and finishing around the rim. His superpower, however, is not simply the scores he manufactures.  Alcoa coach Ryan Collins said it’s Carter's ability to instill belief in others.  

“I can't tell you how neat it is to truly walk out there on the floor, whether I'm coaching or whether they're playing with him and just understand the best player in the gym is on our team,” Collins said. “When we need him the most he's going to come through for us.”

Carter said the pressure to perform and pull out wins doesn't faze him. 

“I feel like all year, last year, the year before pressure always been on me,” Carter said. “So I feel like in a situation I want the ball, that's what you put all the hard work in for so you’re comfortable in those moments. So when pressure came, it’s tied and lights on, I want it.” 

Carte is firmly in the conversation for best player in Tennessee. However, winning a second straight gold ball is top of his mind for the senior.

BRACKETS:TSSAA boys basketball state tournament 2024 brackets

“I think in his head, he’s just trying to be the best player he can be,” Mekhi said. “I think he’s content with where he’s at, I don’t think he’s trying to chase being the best player (in Tennessee),” Mekhi Carter said. 

Heading into Alcoa’s state championship game, the older brother's message to his little brother is straightforward. 

“Win the game, (end) on a good note and then go to Penn State and rock out,” Mekhi said. “That’s the only thing I can say.”

Toyloy Brown III is a Knox News sports reporter. Email toyloy.brown@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly Twitter, @TJ3rd_.