This season looks to be another very competitive one in District 9A.  Although, there are some big time players returning in the district, no team stands out as a clear cut favorite.  All predictions lead to this race going all the way into February and the district tournament being another great group of games.  Below is a quick rundown of the strengths of each team heading into the new year. 

CASCADE: Cascade finished 4th in the district a year ago with a (7-7) District 9A record.  With several sophomores playing crucial minutes a year ago, the Champions will see a solid group of returning players who have logged a large amount of varsity minutes.  Among those returning, Cascade boasts 2 all-district players from a year ago.  One of these is a sharp shooting guard, and the other is a dominant post player who handles the ball pretty well.  As previous assistant Mike Edmonson takes over as head coach this season, expect a heavy dose of the triangle-post offense and a more up-tempo zone press defense.  With the amount of experience returning, as well as the good fundamental basketball that has been played recently, there is no reason to think that Cascade won't improve on their (7-7) record and finish in the top tier of the district.

COMMUNITY: It was the breakout season that Vikings' fans were hoping for a year ago as Community finished with an (11-3) district record which landed them a number 2 seed heading into the district tournament.  Arguably the most talented team in the district a year ago, several sophomores logged minutes with two seniors to provide a dominate inside/outside threat.  Similar to Cascade, Community returns a very strong Junior Class. (sophomores last year).  Among these players are two strong posts that can also step out and shoot the three, a very solid "floor general" type point guard, and several slashing guards.  There are some questions to be answered by the Vikings this season, as they have been forced to deal with a couple of off-season injuries.  They will also have a new head coach this season as previous head coach Jace Bryant took a job in Kentucky.  Coach Robby Davis will take over and being very familiar with the "Lipscomb" systems, will bring a slightly different look to the offensive and defensive sets.  All in all, the bottom line is Community is talented. Partner hard work with quieting some of the uncertanties, and expect the Vikings to contend for the district crown once again. 

EAGLEVILLE:  Coach Joey Reed at Eagleville had to be happy with the way that his team put together a nice stretch of wins to finish 3rd in the regular season a year ago with a record of (8-6).  With only one player (a junior) on the all-district team, Coach Reed coached his players up to play hard and to be ready to step up on any given night.  Outside of the all-district guard, Eagleville saw balanced and various scoring leaders throughout the season. This made them difficult to guard at times and they thrived on putting a lot of pressure on the ball.  This season, Eagleville returns several young players that played important minutes last year, as well as one of the purest shooters in the district (mentioned above).  Look for this team to be aggressive and press in an up-tempo way.  Also, rumors of a transfer or two have circled and the Eagles may get some new bodies from Murfreesboro to jump into District 9 action.  Coach Reed could see everything come together this season as Eagleville should again be in the top tier of the district.

FAYETTEVILLE CITY: You can ask anyone in the district when this game came up on the schedule a year ago, teams definitely took notice.  Although Coach Chris Murdock and the Tigers finished (1-13) in the district, they did so with 8th, 9th, and 10th graders.  A bright future is ahead for this squad as they bring some of the best athletes and some quality shooters to District 9A.  All they lacked a year ago was experience to limit mistakes and finish some big games.  They gave plenty of teams a scare last year, and those close games will almost surely turn into more victories this season.  Murdock played a large amount of zone a year ago to help nuetralize some size and strength disadvantages, but look for the Tigers to press and run this season.  When playing the tigers, you better GET BACK ON DEFENSE!  Their weaving offense allows them to get to the basket and finish at the rim.  How much of a jump the Tigers take this year remains to be seen, but don't expect them to end up in the bottom of the district.

FORREST: The Rockets used some strong senior leadership and a good work ethic to finish (13-1) in district play last season.  Forrest saw balanced scoring on most nights a season ago, and that is one of the things that the offense always tried to do.  (put players in their best positions to score) The Rockets return two sharp-shooting guards and two solid forwards who will be seniors this season, but look for some increased development from some younger post players this year as well.  The 4 seniors that the Rockets have this season will look to replace the intesity brought by the three graduating seniors.  This will be no small task.  A lot of the Rocket's success could lie in the upcoming junior class.  Can these players step into meaningful action and add some athleticism and defensive intensity?  Look for the Rockets to battle every night and should be in a good position to finish strong in district play.

HUNTLAND: Huntland used some critical wins a year ago to finish with the 5th seed in the District. (6-8)  They sported a dynamic two man game with a junior guard/forward (District MVP) and a dominating post player (senior, all district).  With the talent to beat anyone a year ago, the Hornets lost some very close games, but forced teams to bring their A-game every night.  This season, look for the Hornets to get younger.  They return arguably the most important player in the district (guard/forward mentioned above), but the Hornets will use the offseason to see what pieces will fit to accompany this outstanding player.  Coach Keys will likely look to younger players to step into this role as the Hornets have had some talented middle school teams the last couple of years.  Also, a transfer from Hazel Green (AL) should be a nice addition, as well.  On paper, with young players getting playing time, it appears the Hornets may be rebuilding.  But with the District MVP returning, you can never count out the Hornets.  Look for them to be competitive once again!

MTCS:  If Middle Tennessee Christian were a stock, their current state of their program would be soaring.  After finishing only (6-8) in the district a year ago, Coach Piercey and team rattled off a stretch of wins that can only be explained as impressive.  A six seed heading into the district tourney, MTCS went on a run to beat Forrest to win the District, upset White House Heritage to finish 2nd in the Region, and make their first ever Sub-State appearance.  Partner this success with a beautiful new facility/gymnasium and a rabid fan base and MTCS could not be happier with their future.  This year the Cougars will return a junior guard that proved a year ago to be one of the toughest to defend.  He scored his 1,000 pt as a Sophomore! They also return a sharp-shooting junior who will limit help side, as well as several other slashing guards that will help their offense run.  Look for two transfers to play meaningful minutes as well, leading any thoughts of MTC taking a step back to be rediculous.  With one of the district's top players as well as a strong work ethic, look for the Cougars to be right there at the end of the season.

Moore County: Moore County may be the biggest mystery coming into this season.  Although they finished the district at (4-10) a year ago, they played hard every night and competed with all of the top teams.  On paper, it might appear that Moore County will struggle again this year, but there is quite a buzz from the Moore County camp.  The Raiders return several key guards that made big shots for them last year, as well a presence in the paint.  Coach King does a nice job game-planning and his team usually executes that plan pretty well.  The word in the message boards is that Moore County players have built a nice team chemistry and work ethic this offseason.  This could lead to some big surprises come game time.  And never forget about their home court advantage!  With fans close to the action and a confidence shooting the basketball, they are at least 10 points better at home.  Even if this continues to be a rebuilding process, you have to think they are headed in the right direction.