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The Chatt Prep Sentinels, ranked No. 1 in Class 1A, are facing a critical moment in their season. Coming off a heart-wrenching rivalry loss to the No. 5-ranked 2A Tyner Rams last Friday night, the Sentinels are looking to regain their momentum as they host the formidable Bradley Central Bears. Tyner’s win may have been sweet revenge for last year’s loss, but for Coach Collins and the Sentinels, there’s little time to dwell.
Bradley Central, fresh off an emotional rivalry win of their own against McMinn County, presents a significant challenge. With both teams brimming with talent, tonight’s matchup promises to be a high-stakes battle in a packed “The LAB”gymnasium—a clash basketball fans won’t want to miss.
Chatt Prep: Testing Their Mettle
The Sentinels aren’t strangers to adversity, as Coach Collins has built one of the toughest schedules in the state to prepare his team for a title defense. They’ve competed against powerhouse programs like Cleveland High, Austin-East, and Tyner, as well as in marquee events like the Buc Hoop-Giving Tournament in Florida and the Memphis Hoopfest. Upcoming matchups with Baylor, Hamilton Heights, and the Dr Pepper Classic ensure that Chatt Prep remains battle-tested and ready for March.
The Sentinels will need to bring their A-game tonight, particularly against a Bradley Central team riding high on momentum. After all, the Bears have star power and are no strangers to clutch performances.
Bradley Central: Riding the Big 3
The Bears come into this matchup with a chip on their shoulder and a roster built for big moments. Tyrese Stovall, the 6’9” powerhouse, delivered a monster performance in their win over McMinn County with 32 points and 20 rebounds. Add in the sharpshooting of Hunter Fields, who drained a game-winning three-pointer to secure the Best of Preps championship, and the all-around brilliance of MVP Caiden Baldwin (31 points, 9 rebounds in the same tournament), and you have a team primed for a deep postseason run.
With all eyes on the LAB tonight, Bradley Central’s depth and size will be tested against Chatt Prep’s athleticism and home-court energy.
Keys to the Game
Chatt Prep Sentinels
1. Limit Turnovers- Friday’s loss to Tyner exposed an uncharacteristic flaw for the Sentinels: turnovers. Sophomore guard Cadence Collins must control the game’s tempo, avoid risky passes, and get his teammates involved early to set the tone.
2. Attack the Basket- While the Bears’ three-headed monster of Baldwin, Stovall, and Taylor brings size and skill, drawing fouls on their bigs could shift the game’s momentum. Chatt Prep needs to prioritize aggressive drives to the rim instead of settling for outside shots.
3. Play Sentinel Basketball- Chatt Prep thrives on speed, athleticism, and relentless pressure. They need to impose their style of play, get out in transition, and trust Coach Collins’ game plan. Friday’s flashes of brilliance must become tonight’s full-game effort.
Bradley Central Bears
1. Dominate with Stovall- Tyrese Stovall’s presence in the paint will be a key factor. If he can establish himself early and put Chatt Prep’s Joel Bullis in foul trouble, the Bears could control the game inside.
2. Limit Transition Opportunities- Chatt Prep’s high-pressure defense is designed to create turnovers and quick baskets. Bradley Central must value every possession and avoid live-ball turnovers to keep the Sentinels from gaining momentum.
3. Play as a Unit- Basketball is a game of runs, and in a hostile environment like the LAB, staying composed is critical. The Bears must trust their system, rely on each other, and keep their focus during Chatt Prep’s inevitable scoring bursts.
SOTG Predictions
Lito: Chatt Prep wins. “I don’t see them taking back-to-back losses. It’s personal for Prep.”
Smoke: Chatt Prep wins. “The Bears’ Big 3 has been incredible, but the Sentinels are battle-tested, and I’ve got a feeling Austin Jones will have a big night.”
🚨🚨🚨 update the game is played at Bradley Central and no changes to the picks for #SOTG
