During close games, a team can begin to lose focus. The underclassmen ultimately look to their seniors, who, instead of focusing on mistakes, pull the team together, tell them to trust their training, and play as one.
In high-pressure moments like these, the upperclassmen show their knowledge of the game and prove their leadership skills.
Their leadership doesn’t show up on the highlight reel, but without them, none of the team’s success would be possible.
On the Tennessee High Lady Vikings and Vikings teams this year, there are four seniors, one from the girls’ team and three from the boys’ team.
Each player is unique in their own way and plays a vital role both on and off the basketball court. Their teammates and coaches feel the same.
Austin Thomas
Austin Thomas, nicknamed “AT”, is a 5’10 point guard. He is a guy who gets his hands on the ball, gets a steal in big moments, dives and hustles after a loose ball, and chases someone down to make a play. Thomas is not only valuable on the court but also a leader to his teammates.
“He shoots the ball really well, at tough times,” junior teammate Ryan Roller said.
Thomas is a player who is willing to do what the team needs him to do and put up points. Not only skilled at shooting, but he is also supportive of his teammates.
“He’s the glue guy. Keeps us together,” junior teammate Caden Terry said.
While being a senior may come with responsibilities, he makes time to keep the team together. He works to make everyone feel included.
“AT, my freshman year, played JV with me, and he was just a really good teammate. Welcoming me to THS [with] open arms,” sophomore teammate Cannon Swift said.
Above all, Austin Thomas works hard and plays with great passion, coming in every day and competing so that the underclassmen will be able to look up to the seniors.
“I feel like they all are looking up to us as seniors,” Austin Thomas said. “I mean, coming in as freshmen and sophomores and all that, they just are looking to get better, and we push them to do what is best for the team and for us.”
Braden Howard
Braden Howard is also 5’10 point guard. He was an All-Conference player last year and continues to put in work on the court, working to be a playmaker and a threat on defense. His teammates trust him on and off the court.
“I’ve known Braden since I was, like, five, six, so [I’ve] always been able to rely on him,” sophomore teammate Cannon Swift said.
Howard and Swift have shared a bond far before school ball, with this year being the first to play together on varsity. Besides his trust, he is positive and motivates his teammates.
“Braden’s kind of there[so] if you do make a mistake, he’ll bring you up,” junior teammate Zayden Poole said. “Like if you miss a shot or something, he’ll be the first guy to tell you to keep shooting.”
That kind of presence matters. Howard works hard on the team and is there to pick up his teammates in tough moments.
“Braden Howard helps me a lot through practice. If I have a question about something, he helps me out,” freshman teammate Caden Lambert said.
Braden works to better his teammates, challenging them to level up their game and grow as players.
“[I want to make] sure everybody is confident in their shots, keeping them up, and make sure they don’t get down on themselves,” Howard said.
Reed Miller
Read Miller is a 6’6 forward. He was the defensive player of the year last year. Reed’s skills aren’t limited; he can play underneath the basket and on the wing, even with the ability to dunk. He works hard to help everyone improve on the team and does his best to give advice to the underclassmen.
“He’s very helpful as well. He has helped me through a lot, helped me get better and mature, and become a better player,” freshman teammate Caden Lambert said.
Caden Lambert is a freshman who is on varsity. Lambert feels very fortunate to have three seniors who can help him grow on the court this year. With Reed’s knowledge and understanding, can help his team improve in his last season.
“Reed, he really helped me with my mindset of it, and gave me the confidence to play varsity,” sophomore teammate Cannon Swift said.
Similar to the other seniors, he lifts his teammates up, helping them better themselves both physically and mentally.
“I think Reed really does a good job keeping everybody accountable, and making sure that everybody is doing what they need to do before and after games,” junior teammate Ryan Roller said.
He holds his teammates to a high standard. Even though this is his last year at Tennessee High School, he continues to inspire the underclassmen.
“I try to lead by example, I’m trying to say and do the right things, and [hope] that people follow.” Reed Miller 
said.
A Word from Coach McMeans
Coach Michael McMeans is the boys basketball head coach at Tennessee High School, who has watched the seniors grow, develop, and mature over the years.
“They’re fun to coach. They’re fun to be around every single day. They don’t give us any trouble. They do what we ask them to do,” Coach McMeans said.
The seniors show commitment by listening to instructions and putting in the work without hesitation. They make sure that practice runs smoothly and strengthen the bonds between the team.
“Well, I think those three are really good leaders,” Coach McMeans said. “ They’re good guys in practice that work really hard on and off the floor.”
They work hard on the court to set a standard for the underclassmen to follow. Coach McMeans hopes that with the seniors’ leadership, they will have a successful season.
“Hopefully [the team] wins another conference championship and hopefully makes the state tournament,” Coach McMeans said.
Coach McMeans has high hopes as the season comes to an end. The positive example set by the upperclassmen through hard work and discipline has made them role models for the underclassmen.
“They’re good guys in practice that work really hard on and off the floor. They’re good examples for the young kids to follow,” Coach McMeans said.
Katy Granger
Katy Granger is a 5’8″ forward/center who has been on the varsity team since the middle of her freshman year. She excels at rebounding, making open shots, and setting screens. Not only is she a great player, she is a great teammate.
“She’s very kind and funny, and she helps me out a lot, and everybody else, and encourages [us] to do what [we] need to do,” freshman Kaelye Fullen said.
Granger is supportive and caring to those around her, teammates working hard to make sure they do the right things. Her positive attitude is contagious.
“She’s always been super encouraging to me, and just, she’s very funny to be around, and just always positive,” Sophomore teammate Nila Proffit said.
Granger includes everyone; she welcomes the underclassmen with open arms, hoping that they can grow together and bond as a team.
“She always came to talk to me, and always was super, uplifting, and just inclusive to everybody around her,” junior teammate Delany Linkous said.
As she finishes off her senior year, she hopes to inspire her teammates and push them to be a better version of themselves.
“Well, I am the only senior, but I love these girls to death. I feel like I’ve grown up with them, just watching them play, and I think it’s been great,” Katy Granger said.
A Word from Coach Vance and Coach Tiller
Coach Amanda Vance and Coach Charlie Tiller are the girls’ basketball coaches at Tennessee High School. She leads by how she plays and is an uplifting teammate who continues to work off court.
“I mean, she’s a good person. You know, she’s just a girl that we’ve gotten to see mature a lot over the course of her career,” Coach Tiller said.
Both coaches speak very highly of Granger, describing how she treats others with respect and is responsible, making sure everyone is coordinated.
“She is super responsible as far as, making sure that everybody is, coordinated and wearing the same outfits,” Coach Vance said.
As a senior leader to the underclassmen, she has proven that she has the ability to mentor her teammates, which the coaches are thankful for.
“I’m super thankful for her. She’s played all four years here for us, and I’ve been a huge asset on our team,” Coach Vance said.
