Skip to main content
Monday, November 9, 2026Nov 9
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

This story is exclusive to subscribers.

Five Chattanooga ties to NCAA’s March Madness

North Carolina State's Madison Hayes (21) has enjoyed a breakout senior season for North Carolina State, who will face the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the first round of the NCAA Division I women's tournament. (AP Photo/Karl B. DeBlaker)
North Carolina State's Madison Hayes (21) has enjoyed a breakout senior season for North Carolina State, who will face the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the first round of the NCAA Division I women's tournament. (AP Photo/Karl B. DeBlaker) North Carolina State's Madison Hayes (21) has enjoyed a breakout senior season for North Carolina State, who will face the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the first round of the NCAA Division I women's tournament. (AP Photo/Karl B. DeBlaker)

By Patrick MacCoon 4 min read


With March Madness officially underway, here are five local ties to the NCAA Division I men and women’s tournament to watch out for as you keep up with your soon to be busted brackets.

Lady Vol dream killer

A perfect season remains intact for No. 1 South Carolina (32-0) thanks to SEC tournament heroics provided by former Hamilton Heights superstar Kamilla Cardoso, who banked in the game-winner in the SEC semifinals against Tennessee.

The 6-foot-7 senior has been one of the top breakout players in women’s basketball this season. Cardoso, who averages 14 points, 9.5 rebounds per game — along with 2.6 blocks and 2.1 assists — will be a likely top five pick in next month’s WNBA Draft. But first she will look to win her second national championship with the Gamecocks in the past three seasons playing under legendary coach Dawn Staley.