Tyner Academy's boys' basketball team believes it has all the ingredients to bring home a gold ball from the TSSAA Class AA state tournament this week in Murfreesboro.
The Rams have a loaded starting five, of which all average double figures in scoring, and led by a top-tier offensive creator in senior point guard Xavier Fisher. Junior Nehemiah Bloodsaw is explosive off the wing, freshman Rodney Henderson looks well on his way to becoming one of the best guards in the area while junior Keelan Jackson can dominate in the defensive paint with his long arms and ability to get red hot from 3-point range.
Not to mention, senior Latavious Conyers scored 27 points in the overtime sectional win to propel Tyner (23-10) to the state tournament for the first time since 2018.
"Everything starts with your mindset," Tyner coach E'Jay Ward said. "If you truly believe, it can happen for you. There's eight teams left and I know everybody is packing their bags till Saturday's championship round. But you have to believe it for yourself first. Then everything else takes care of itself. I am confident in this group. I know it is March Madness and anything can happen. So hopefully we will be on the good side of March Madness."
Fisher has been the trigger for the Rams' dangerous attack averaging 8.2 assists per game and his experience is invaluable as the lone player on the team to have played in the state tournament.
Last March, Fisher nearly helped Howard upset a one-loss Jackson South Side in the state quarterfinals, scoring 10 points while adding two steals and making 2-of-4 from 3-point range in the Murphy Center.
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Tyner's Xavier Fisher (1) dribbles down the court as Brainerd's Keon Wheeler defends. The Tyner Rams met the Brainerd Panthers in the Region 2-2A championship game, played at Marion County High, in Jasper, on March 3, 2022. Now, after transferring to Tyner and becoming a team leader, he brings confidence in his second go-around.
"Everything about state is special," said Fisher, who averages 10.1 points, six rebounds and 3.2 steals. "From going out to eat with the team to being in the locker room and running up the tunnel to the court. It's unforgettable. Just being out there with the team is a great moment. And when the time comes everybody will be ready. We have the perfect guys. We have star players and great role players who are ready to embrace the moment."
Bloodsaw has provided Tyner with a jolt all season and will look to do so again against Bolivar Central (21-9) in Tuesday's Class AA quarterfinals matchup at 2:15 eastern. The 6-foot-3 slashing guard is capable of wowing an entire arena with his electric dunks which has helped him to a team-high 16.5 points per game.
"I am going to go out there and just play like I deserve to be there," Bloodsaw said. "Just play comfortable and be me. Don't let the people or bright lights distract you. We are coming to get the job done and prove we are the best in the state. To do so we have to stay locked in mentally."
Jackson averages nearly four blocks per game for the Rams and made seven 3-pointers in a game this postseason. Meanwhile, Henderson has starred as a freshman averaging 13.2 points per game and 4.2 steals. His left-handed shot can be lethal from outside or when making acrobatic drives to the basket.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / Tyner's Xavier Fisher (1) drives to the basket during the Best of Preps boys basketball tournament game between Tyner and Silverdale at East Hamilton high school on Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 in Ooltewah, Tenn.