Gene has been with the Times Free Press since July 2008. Prior to that, he spent three years covering sports for the Cleveland Daily Banner. He now covers Tennessee athletics, focusing on football and basketball. Prior to that he spent five years in the same capacity, covering UTC. Gene spent three years playing college basketball, then played a year of semi-professional before starting with the Cleveland Daily Banner in 2005. His passion is basketball, but he loves all sports of all kinds. He does consider himself a fan of the Bulls (NBA), 49ers (NFL) and is attempting a new-found fandom of the Miami Marlins and Florida Panthers. Gene lives in Cleveland and has a 14-year old son, Judah.
Reggie Upshaw never had a problem adjusting to his surroundings.
by Gene HenleyWhile signing up youth basketball players for one of his camps during his time as Tyner's coach, Gerald Harris couldn't help but notice a gangly little kid shooting and playing on a side court.
by Gene HenleyLate in his freshman year of college at NCAA Division II Carson-Newman, former Cleveland standout Ish Sanders scored 51 points in a win over rival Mars Hill.
by Gene HenleyDuring his time with the Central Purple Pounders, Ryan Montgomery knew he was good enough to play college basketball.
by Gene Henley"Fessy" Shafaat has become a star in the reality television world, with the former "Big Brother" participant having advanced to the final round of MTV's "The Challenge: Total Madness," which will be shown Wednesday night at 8.
by Gene HenleyAs successful as Jorden Williams was on the basketball court at Sewanee, the standout guard may have learned even more off of it.
by Gene HenleyDuring his time as head coach of the Howard boys' basketball program, Walter McGary saw the potential in Brandon Walters long before the big player saw it in himself.
by Gene HenleyIt wasn't often when something clicked inside of Trey Suttles on the basketball court.
by Gene HenleyEric Parker chose to carve his own path.
by Gene HenleyThe University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women's basketball program picked up a commitment recently from Destiny McClendon, a 5-foot-9 guard from Lake Oconee Academy in Greensboro, Georgia.
by Gene HenleyDuring a workout the two had together Tuesday, Bradley Central athlete Javin Burke had questions for former Baylor School standout Jaylon Baker, who will be a sophomore cornerback at Virginia this season.
by Gene HenleyIf there's one constant for University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football season openers, it's that they usually come with some sort of spotlight element.
by Gene HenleyJosh Ayeni had his best game of the 2019-20 season in McKenzie Arena while playing for South Alabama.
by Gene HenleyIn some way, shape or form, professional soccer is set to be played in Chattanooga this summer.
by Gene HenleyFive games into his UTC playing career, Davis Tull realized he "had it" when it came to getting the hang of college football.
by Gene HenleyLike so many high school athletes with aspirations of playing in college, when Jacob Huesman was in his senior football season at Baylor School, he wanted his step to the next level to be the highest one possible.
by Gene HenleyRuss Huesman expressed excitement in February 2012 when offensive lineman Corey Levin chose the Mocs, even though it wasn't always trending in that direction.
by Gene HenleyBeing next in line after a three-time Football Championship Subdivision All-American and a fourth-round NFL draft pick made the expectations pretty high for Keionta Davis at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
by Gene HenleyOne thing about former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defensive lineman Isaiah Mack: He knows how to finish on a high.
by Gene HenleyBradley Central three-star wide receiver Tray Curry announced his commitment to Tennessee on Saturday afternoon on his Instagram page.
by Gene Henley