MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Chattanooga Prep steamrolled to a state title repeat Saturday, routing Hillcrest 77-50 in the TSSAA Class 1A final to tip off the last day of the BlueCross Basketball Championships. The Sentinels (29-8) set a program record for wins in their fourth season of varsity competition, and they became the first boys' basketball program from Chattanooga to win back-to-back state titles since Tennessee Temple in 2002-03.
A year after outscoring its three opponents at the state tournament by a combined 22 points, coach Christian Collins' team -- with just two seniors on the roster and none in the starting lineup -- was 73 points better than its competition across the quarterfinals (84-44 against Santa Fe on Wednesday), the semifinals (65-59 against Humboldt on Friday) and the final at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center.
Chattanooga Prep junior Joel Bulis had a double-double in the championship game with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and he also blocked two shots and collected a pair of steals. Demarion Bowman led the Sentinels with 15 points for the second straight game, while Derrick Roberson added 10 points (including a pair of dunks in the second half) and two blocks on his way to being named the Class 1A tournament MVP for the second straight season.
The Sentinels dominated the state tournament, outscoring their postseason competition a staggering 597-341 in eight victories, finishing the season with an impressive 11-game winning streak and another gold ball trophy in hand. Hillcrest gave it their all, with J’acoby Lewis scoring 26 points, yet it wasn’t enough to contend with Chattanooga Prep’s intensity and skill.
The championship game marked the culmination of a season where both teams worked diligently and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, showcasing the best of high school basketball. As Hillcrest's guard J'acoby Lewis accepted the Runner Up trophy, the emotions reflected the journey undertaken by both teams.
As expected, the game showcased fierce competition right from the start. Both teams were initially slow to find their rhythm, with Chattanooga Prep holding a slim 12-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as the Sentinels outscored Hillcrest 26-11 in the third quarter, setting the tone for their commanding victory.
Chattanooga Prep’s extensive depth proved significant in their victory, as every player contributed and demonstrated balanced scoring. With the game finishing 77-50, it underscored not just the team's skill but their hard work throughout the season. Their victory resonates with their fans, who filled the stands at MTSU's Murphy Center, creating a thrilling atmosphere.
The Sentinels’ triumph is not only a testament to their current abilities but also to the future of Chattanooga basketball. As they celebrate this achievement, the coaching staff and players alike will remember this championship as a defining moment in their developing program. The school and its supporters look forward eagerly to more successes in the seasons to come.
The 2025 TSSAA state championship games brought together some of the best talents in Tennessee high school basketball. While Chattanooga Prep emerged as the stars of the day, it represented much more than just a game for the teams involved. It was the end of a long journey for Hillcrest but a springboard for greatness for Chattanooga.
As the echoes of the buzzer sounded in their favor and the celebrations began, the Sentinels etched their names into the history books of Tennessee basketball, not just as champions but as innovators of their time. Whether this successful run can translate into future achievements remains to be seen, but for now, they relish this moment, having secured their legacy within the sport.
