Knoxville area boys basketball rankings: Why William Blount is in top 5 for first time

Here are the top 10 Knoxville-area boys high school basketball teams as ranked by Knox News.

1. Fulton (29-2): Fulton remains at the top as it is arguably one of the most complete teams in the state. The Falcons are on an 11-game win streak and last beat Scott High 70-27 in the Region 2-3A quarterfinals. Last Week: Ranked No. 1.

2. Knoxville Webb (25-4): The Spartans beat Knoxville Catholic 73-56 to advance to the Division II-AA semifinals for the second straight year. They were led by Drake Ingram, who had 24 points, and Jaylen Pompey, who had 20 points Last Week: Ranked No. 2.

3. Oak Ridge (25-7): Oak Ridge beat Powell and West last week, extending its win streak to four. Ray’Quan Watson had 34 points in the Wildcats' 90-75 win over West in the Region 2-4A quarterfinals. Last Week: Ranked No. 4. 

4. Alcoa (20-13): The Tornadoes were crowned District 2-2A champions after beating Austin-East 74-66. They were led by Jahvin Carter, a Mr. Basketball finalist and Penn State signee, who had 34 points. Last Week: Ranked No. 6. 

5. William Blount (24-9): William Blount is in the top five for the first time after winning six consecutive games. Before that, it had lost five of seven games. The Governors have found their groove behind seniors Grady Robertson and Caden Windle, taking down Bearden 54-49 in the District 4-4A championship game. The duo combined for 27 points. Last Week: Ranked No. 8.

6. Austin-East (21-10): The Roadrunners fell to Alcoa and followed it up with an 82-49 win over South Greene in the Region 1-2A quarterfinals. The loss ended Austin-East's win streak at six games. Last Week: Ranked No. 5. 

7. Bearden (27-7): After the Bulldogs fell to William Blount, they bounced back with a 72-55 win over Karns. Justin Nordin and Brody Smith each had 17 points in the win. Last Week: Ranked No. 3. 

8. Gatlinburg-Pittman (26-7): Gatlinburg-Pittman won its two games last week. Ty Glasper proved why he's a Mr. Basketball finalist for Class 2A as he finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 74-67 win over Chuckey-Doak. Last Week: Ranked No. 7. 

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9. Maryville (23-7): The Rebels have won nine of their past 10 games. They beat Powell 57-42 in the Region 2-4A quarterfinals. Last Week: Ranked No. 9. 

10. Morristown East (25-8): The Hurricanes return to the top 10 after capturing the District 2-2A championship, beating Morristown West 57-44. They followed that with a 75-57 victory over West Ridge in the Region 1-4A quarterfinals. Last Week: Not Ranked.

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