Jackson County High School’s boys basketball team achieved a historic milestone, capturing its first-ever state championship in the Class 1A Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) tournament. The Blue Devils, led by senior star Will McCrary, triumphed over Humboldt with a final score of 52-39. This victory not only marked the program’s inaugural gold ball but also underscored the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and growth for the team and the community.
Will McCrary, Jackson County’s standout player and the reigning Mr. Basketball for Tennessee, delivered a stellar performance in the championship game, recording 18 points and 15 rebounds. His consistent excellence throughout the tournament earned him the Class 1A state tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors. McCrary’s leadership on the court was crucial in guiding the Blue Devils to their first-ever appearance in the championship game, as he posted double-doubles in both the quarterfinals and semifinals as well. For McCrary, lifting the gold ball was a dream come true — a moment he had long envisioned and one made possible through the combined efforts of his teammates and coaches.
Head coach Kevin Thomas expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment, highlighting the significance of the championship not only for the players but also for the wider Jackson County community. “I’m just so proud ... to be able to bring a state championship to the community is just awesome,” Thomas remarked. He also noted that the championship marked the 100th win in the players’ high school careers, a testament to their hard work and perseverance over the years. Thomas emphasized the competitive nature of the state tournament, reflecting on the fact that many talented teams compete without ever securing the title, making this victory all the more special for the Blue Devils.
While this championship was unprecedented for the boys program, basketball excellence runs deep within Jackson County’s athletic tradition. The school’s girls basketball team has long been a powerhouse, boasting eight state championships and five runner-up finishes. The boys’ recent success adds a new chapter to this proud legacy, bringing a gold ball home to Gainesboro and inspiring future generations of players.
The 2024 season proved to be a near-perfect senior campaign for McCrary and his teammates. McCrary’s accolades began earlier in March when he became the first-ever Mr. Basketball recipient from Jackson County. This recognition not only honored his individual talent but also set the stage for the team’s historic run. Alongside McCrary, the Blue Devils’ starting lineup featured four additional seniors—Parker Patterson, Alex Meadows, Aden Netherton, and one other—each of whom played significant minutes throughout the state tournament. Their collective experience and chemistry were instrumental in the team’s success.
Alex Meadows, who scored 10 points in the championship game and earned a spot on the all-tournament team alongside Patterson and Netherton, spoke about the deep bonds among the senior class. “They mean everything to me,” Meadows shared. He described the camaraderie and close-knit nature of their group, recalling how the team would stay together during away games, strengthening their unity and resolve. “Every time we go somewhere far away, we always stay in the same hotel sleeping together ... I love all of them and I’m glad I got to play with them four years,” Meadows added, underscoring the importance of teamwork both on and off the court.
The journey to the 2024 state championship was built on the foundation laid in the previous season. In 2023, the Blue Devils made their first state tournament appearance in 17 years, competing in the Class 2A division. Although their run ended in the semifinals against Alcoa, the eventual runner-up, the experience proved invaluable. Coach Thomas reflected on how last season’s deep tournament run boosted the team’s confidence and helped them realize their potential. “They found out, ‘Hey, we’re pretty good,’” he said, pointing out that competing against strong teams throughout the year helped sharpen the Blue Devils’ skills and mental toughness.
The team’s reclassification to Class 1A ahead of the 2025-26 school year also played a role in their championship campaign, aligning them with schools of similar size and competitive levels. This change, combined with the confidence gained from the previous season, set the stage for the Blue Devils to excel. Coach Thomas emphasized the importance of belief and confidence, noting, “If you