DCHS Basketball Returns Tuesday night November 19th
DCHS Basketball Coaches Joey Agee and Brandy Alley are about to embark on their third year at the helm of the boys’ and girls’ programs with high hopes for a successful campaign.
The 2024-25 season begins Tuesday, November 19 as the Tigers and Lady Tigers travel to Wilson Central in the annual Hall of Fame competition. Action begins with the girls’ game at 6 p.m. followed by the boys’ game. WJLE will have LIVE coverage with John Pryor.
This year’s Tiger squad is made up of three seniors, Seth Fuson, Dallas Kirby, and Jordan Parker along with four Juniors, Jon Hendrix, Wyatt Carter, Logan Duke, and David Wheeler. The sophomores are Ben Driver, Kiece Hannah, and Chase Young and the freshmen are Cooper Odom, Elliot Barnes, Hartley Hannah, Carter Melson, Anthony Moore, Porter Hancock, J.T. Summers, Kingston Mills, Drew Cook, Johnny Colwell, and Carson Davis. The managers are Max Hendrixson and Lee Tramel. Head Tiger Coach Joey Agee is assisted by Coach Cody Randolph.
“Our preseason has gone pretty well,” said Coach Agee. “We had a scrimmage last Tuesday night and I was pleased with the kids’ effort. Still, we have a lot of things to clean up, but it’s gone well so far,” he said.
This year’s team will be led by three seniors, Seth Fuson, Dallas Kirby, and Jordan Parker. “We’re really going to count on these guys especially early in the year as some of the younger guys are coming along,” said Coach Agee. “All three seniors have played a lot of basketball over the last couple of years,” he said.
“We also have Jon Hendrix, a junior returning. He has played as a freshman, and he played a ton last year. He will be a returning starter for us,” explained Coach Agee.
“Logan Duke, a junior had a really good summer. He has come on, grown quite a bit and gotten stronger. We will count on him a lot,” Coach Agee continued.
“We’re trying to find some guys to come off the bench or who will work into the starting lineup at some point. We have some freshman we are excited about and sophomores and juniors we will be counting on more throughout the year. We’re pretty young off the bench so we’ll have to get them some experience early in the year,” said Coach Agee.
“Our style of play will be similar to what we’ve run in the past. We have changed our offense up a little bit. We think we have found an offense we will be able to keep from year to year instead of having to change it so much. We have really worked over the course of last year to this past summer trying to find something we think we can continuously run from year to year no matter the kids. We will have to rebound the ball well. We are not a large team but we’re scrappy and I think that will go a long way,” added Coach Agee.
Although the Tigers are not predicted to finish among the top teams in the district, Coach Agee said knowing that should give the team some motivation to prove the forecasters wrong.
“We’re picked fifth out of the six teams by the media and coaches in our district. It should be a motivation for the kids to try to prove people wrong. Upperman is going to be really good again. Ty Cobb is just a sophomore. He was their best player last year as a freshman. Bronzden Chaffin is their quarterback for Upperman. He’s back as a junior so they have their top two guys back,” explained Coach Agee.
“Stone Memorial still has Cade Capps. He can absolutely fill it up. White County is also going to be very good again. Livingston Academy is young, but I saw them this past summer and they’re going to be good. They really push the ball and shoot the ball really well. As for Cumberland County, I talked to a coach this week who has seen them in the last few days. He said they shoot the ball really well. They have a new coach so we don’t know what to expect from them. I do know they have some young guys that can absolutely shoot it. So our district is going to be tough every night from January on,” Coach Agee said.
“Outside of our district we have Warren County, Watertown, Smith County, and Cannon County and all those are great basketball schools. We will start at Wilson Central Tuesday night (November 19). They were here last year for the Hall of Fame but their coach last year Michael Teeter has left for Friendship Christian. I don’t know what style of play they will have but they (Wilson Central) will have a couple of their top kids back from last year. One of them scored 38 or 40 points against us last year. It was a high scoring game and we lost 93 to 77. They will be really good again. Then on Saturday (November 23) we will play in a Hall of Fame Play Day at Gordonsville against Liberty Creek and Gordonsville,” said Coach Agee.
The Lady Tigers will be led by three seniors, Avery Agee, Caroline Crook, and Laurie Rigsby. The squad also includes three juniors, Chloe VanVranken, Bella Rackley, and Allie Melton; two sophomores, Brooklyn Fuson and Lillie Young; and four freshmen, Autumn Crook, Jordan Agee, Jerusalem Aldino and Millie Barton. Lady Tiger Head Coach Brandy Alley is joined by Assistant Coach David Walla. Managers are Alyssa Hendrix, Kaylee Mosley, Tenisha Owens, and Pixi Willingham.
“We have a newer crew coming in and there’s a lot of restarts but it’s a good group of kids. They are all bought in and want to do what we need to do and continue to grow and improve every day,” said Coach Alley. “Our returning senior is Avery Agee and we have added seniors Caroline Crook and Laurie Rigsby,” she said.
As always, Coach Alley expects a tough and competitive road to the regular season district title among the six teams that make up District 7AAA.
“Our district is going to be one of the toughest around again. We have some amazing coaches who will challenge you every single night and these kids work hard all throughout the Upper Cumberland”, Coach Alley said.
“Hopefully our style of play will be fast and a little more structured. I let some the speed take over before but this year we’re not going to get that. We will still be a rough defensive group and hopefully every night we will get after it and leave teams tired at least when they come through here,’ she said.
Meanwhile, members of the DCHS Basketball Cheerleaders are:
Sara Moore (Captain)
Madeline Martin (Captain)
Eden Garner (Captain)
Annabella Dakas (Captain)
Julianna Haynes
Ava Wardlaw
Averie McMinn
Khloe Grandstaff
Jaycee Daley
Yvette Chivers
Kenzie Moss
Izzy Prichard
Brylee Kirby
Landen Tubbs
Lola Colwell
Shelia Kirby (Head Coach)
Hayley Martin (Coach)
Jazelle Featherston
2024-25 DCHS Tigers and Lady Tigers Basketball Schedule
*District – 7AAA Games
Date -Time -Opponent- Home/Away
NOVEMBER
Tues, 11/19- 6:00pm- Wilson Central-HOF AWAY • Non-District
Sat, 11/23- TBA- Gordonsville- HOF AWAY • Non-District
Mon, 11/25- 6:00pm –Monterey- HOME • Non-District
Fri, 11/29- 6:00pm- Cannon County- AWAY • Non-District
DECEMBER
Tues, 12/3-6:00pm-Smith County- AWAY • Non-District
Fri, 12/6- 6:00pm- Watertown- HOME • Non-District
Mon, 12/9- 6:00pm-Cannon County- HOME • Non-District
Fri, 12/13 -6:00pm- Warren County- HOME • Non-District
Tues, 12/17- 6:00pm- Watertown- AWAY • Non-District
Thurs , 12/19-Sat. 12/21-TBA- Frank’s Shootout-White County • Non-District
Fri, 12/27-Mon 12/30-TBA Aflac Classic-Watertown • Non-District-TBA
JANUARY
Tues. 1/7-6:00pm-Smith County-HOME • District
Fri. 1/10-6:00pm-White County*- AWAY• District
Tues. 1/14-6:00pm-Cumberland County*- AWAY • District
Fri, 1/17-6:00pm-Upperman*-HOME • District
Tues, 1/21-6:00pm-Livingston Academy*-HOME • District
Fri. 1/24-6:00 pm- Stone Memorial*-AWAY• District
Mon. 1/27-6:00 pm- Warren County- AWAY• Non-District
Tues .1/28- OPEN DATE FOR DISTRICT MAKEUP
Fri, 1/31-6:00pm-White County*-HOME • District
FEBRUARY
Tues. 2/4-6:00pm-Cumberland County*-HOME • District
Fri, 2/7-6:00pm-Upperman*-AWAY • District
Tues. 2/11- 6:00 pm-Livingston Academy*-AWAY • District
Fri. 2/14-6:00 pm- Stone Memorial*-HOME• District
District Tournament-TBA
*District 7AAA Games. Game time listed is the start of the girls contest. Boys contest to follow
Still No Decision Yet from Alexandria on Extension of Sales Tax Agreement
A discussion but no vote!
During Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the Alexandria mayor and aldermen, Mayor Beth Tripp opened up a discussion about the county’s request for the municipality to extend its sales tax agreement through 2055 to help fund a new elementary school.
Although the aldermen did not discuss it among themselves at this meeting and there was no vote taken, Mayor Tripp gave the public a chance to express their views and a couple of people did questioning how extending the agreement would be in the best interest of Alexandria. Under the county’s terms, the cities including Alexandria have until January 1 to act on extending their sales tax agreements.
The aldermen in both the cities of Smithville and Liberty have voted to extend their sales tax agreements with the county. In Smithville, it was made conditional on the county issuing bonds for a new school within one year.
“I want to bring up the sales tax that Smithville (DeKalb County) is wanting to extend with us. If the public would like to speak on that whether they want us to do it or not to do it its open for discussion,” said Mayor Tripp.
“I’m Margaret Stevens of West Main Street. I have read up on it and I was just wondering what the advantage is. That’s for the school,” asked Stevens.
“Yes” replied Mayor Tripp.
“So that’s for the school but I am told that it will not be to the advantage of anybody in Alexandria,” said Stevens.
“Well, the money that is set aside that was agreed upon has helped build onto the west school and done other things for the west school that did not at that time benefit Smithville kids, but they (county) did it anyway because we had an agreement with them. So, if we want future endeavors on building things down here (west school) I am just asking for opinions right now,” said Mayor Tripp.
“That’s me. I’m just asking too if it will be an advantage”, Stevens replied.
“I’m for the people and I want the best for my residents and that goes for everyone who lives here whether you are for me or not I want the best for everybody. Everyone’s opinion matters,” said Mayor Tripp.
“Mayor you might mention the city already has a sales tax contract with the county for another 13 years which you can’t change,” explained City Attorney Vester Parsley.
“What they (county) are asking the cities to do, and they have asked every city in the county to contribute extra money from their sales tax to go to the school funds which would not only help build schools but also do other things that are beneficial to schools. Its true that what they are really talking about primarily right now is building a new elementary school in Smithville to replace the old Smithville Elementary School but over the years the money has been used some for the west school. I think that front addition was all built through that money and that debt has been retired. That was money that came from (sales tax) in Smithville, Alexandria, Dowelltown, and Liberty”, said Parsley.
“My name is Bobbie Ford and I live on Cumberland Avenue in Alexandria. As far as the sales tax goes, I am a teacher. I do not teach in DeKalb County, but I am a teacher, and I understand the money. I do not think that is a good idea for Alexandria to do (extend sales tax agreement) because I think that benefits our citizens. We could use that tax money for so many things here in our community. I would like to see that money used here in the community before we send it out. We are already giving them tax money,” said Ford.
“Keep in mind we are still under contract to do it for another 13 years,” replied Mayor Tripp.
“That’s great but I think we shouldn’t add to that and keep it here in our community,” added Ford.
Under the existing sales tax agreements with the county, which are set to expire in 13 years on July 16, 2037, the cities turn over to the county for schools a greater percentage of their local option sales tax collections than they would otherwise be required to do. That money goes into what is called the Local Purpose Tax Fund for Schools to help fund school operation and debt. Officials say the county must be able to count on that extra sales tax money coming in from the cities over the life of a 30-year bond up to $55 million in order to cover the costs of a new school without having to use or raise property taxes to fund it.
Nashville Man Sentenced for Defrauding Elderly Smithville Woman
A 69-year-old Nashville businessman accused of financially exploiting a 74-year-old Smithville woman appeared for sentencing in DeKalb County Criminal Court on Tuesday, November 19. He was previously charged with similar offenses in Williamson and Rutherford counties.
Michael David Verble, a native of Livingston raised in Hot Springs Arkansas, was indicted in July 2023 for financial exploitation of an elderly adult. Verble’s professional background was listed as having experience in the health care, financial services and insurance industries. On Tuesday Verble entered a guilty plea to the charge and received a four-year sentence to serve concurrently with cases in Rutherford and Williamson counties. He must make restitution of $3,500 to the victim by March 31. 2025. Verble was given jail credit of 419 days.
Assistant District Attorney General Greg Strong told WJLE last October that Verble took $3,500 from the Smithville woman to set up a trust account and never followed through.
The indictment alleges that “on or about October 2019, Verble did unlawfully and knowingly through the use of deception financially exploit an elderly DeKalb County woman in violation of state law.”
30-year-old Sonni Michael Fullilove entered a plea to possession with intent to sell a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) over 0.5 grams. He received an eight-year TDOC sentence to serve with a furlough to a treatment program. The sentence is to run concurrently with another case against him. He was fined $2,000.
32-year-old Joshua McAllen Beckham entered a plea to two counts of possession with intent to sell a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) over 0.5 grams and received an eight-year TDOC sentence in each case to run concurrently and suspended to supervised probation. He was fined $2,000 in each case and given 97 days jail credit.
37-year-old Troy Allen Cunningham entered a plea to two counts of sale of methamphetamine over 0.5 grams and received an eight-year sentence suspended to supervised probation and fined $2,000 in each case.
DeKalb County has a new Veterans Service Officer
DeKalb County has a new Veterans Service Officer.
Erica Degni was recently named to the position succeeding former Veterans Service Officer Bill Rutherford who resigned due to health reasons.
Degni was introduced to the county commission Monday night during its regular monthly meeting by County Mayor Matt Adcock who hired her.
Originally from New York, Degni’s family lives in Florida but she and her husband, who is from Mississippi, retired from Maryland and decided to move to DeKalb County while looking for a new home. “We were looking for property and what we wanted and found a place right here in DeKalb County,” said Degni.
A retired veteran, Degni served 24 years in the US Army and did Intelligence in computers. She and her husband left the service five years ago and they have been in DeKalb County for more than three years.
Degni got the Veterans Service Officer job in January and since has gone through training. She is now in the office every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and is anxious to meet local veterans and help them with what they need.
The Veterans Service Office is located on the first floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse and although not required appointments are encouraged. The phone number is 615-597-3003.
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DCHS Track Runner Kaleb Spears Preparing to Sprint off to College
A DeKalb County High School track runner will soon be sprinting off to college in full stride!
Kaleb Spears, a senior, signed papers Thursday committing to Milligan University to join the Buffaloes next year. He was joined at the signing by family, friends, and coaches.
It was during his middle school years that Spears became a runner in cross country and he continued participating in the sport at high school, but he really took off as a sprinter when he joined the DCHS/Warren County cooperative track program as a sophomore. Just last year as a junior, Kaleb set a school (Warren County) record placing 1st overall at Franklin County High School’s Sub-Sectional meet, with a personal best of 51.65 seconds. It was the third time Spears had broken the school’s record and his own in the same season.
Kaleb said he loves living and going to school in a small town like Smithville and that’s what he likes about Milligan. “It felt the most like home. It is a really small town and really closeknit. Everybody is nice and friendly. It’s a lot like DeKalb County and it felt like home to me when I was there,” said Spears.
Kaleb’s plans are to study chemistry and to become a forensic science technician for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Although he also enjoys basketball, Kaleb ‘s most success has been as a runner. “Basketball is my first love but when I made cross country in sixth grade I fell in love with the sport and I just kept doing it and its grown on me,” he said.
Before he sprints off to college, Kaleb still has more high school running ahead of him and more goals to achieve with his senior track season about to shift into high gear.
“It has really been exciting for me just to see all the hard work I have done to actually achieve something on the track as well as knowing that I still have my senior year coming up to hopefully improve on those records and maybe keep breaking my own records,” said Spears.
Jeremy Wilhelm, head coach at Warren County, said Kaleb is a gifted runner and has come a long way through hard work and perseverance.
“Kaleb takes long strides in the way he runs, and last year especially in the 400 meters event he did a really good job of improving his times. In fact, he broke the school record, three different times in the same season. He just continually got better and better and his hard work has paid off as is evidenced with this Milligan scholarship to further his education,” said Coach Wilhelm.
“With another high school season coming up, there are still a lot of things he can do this year that he is already pushing himself to do and that will result in the payoff of some good dividends because the little things he is doing now will set him apart when he goes to college,” added Coach Wilhelm.
Assistant Coach Kristen VanVranken of DeKalb County has worked with Kaleb from his days as a middle school runner and she has watched him excel in the sport over the years.
“Kaleb started running cross country with our DeKalb program as a middle schooler in sixth grade and he ran all three years of middle school. In high school he ran his freshman through senior years as a cross country runner and then in his sophomore and junior years he began running competitively in track and field through our Warren County cooperative program”, said Coach VanVranken.
“Kaleb is an extraordinary young man, super athletic, and he has just really blossomed the last two years with his track experience and training,” Coach VanVranken continued “He is very speedy. In cross country he was always a contributor to the team, but track is where he really shines. Kaleb does all the little things that sets him apart from being a competitive athlete to a collegiate level athlete. He does cross fit training through Vitality Fit. He trains with strength and you could really see that in his 400-meter run last year. Its just the extra stuff he does outside of practice that makes the difference for him and its pretty amazing to see,” added Coach VanVranken.
Along with his athleticism, VanVranken said Spears is among the best and brightest students academically in his class.
“Our 2024 DCHS class is super competitive with their academics. There are lots of smart kids in this class and Kaleb is ranked seventh which is determined through GPA and ACT scores. Its pretty impressive to make the top ten,” said Coach VanVranken.
Spears said while he is looking forward to college next year, he will always remember DCHS with a great deal of fondness.
“I’ll miss DCHS and seeing the people I grew up with and seeing their achievements in athletics and academics,” said Kaleb.
Milligan University is a private Christian university in Milligan College, Tennessee near Johnson City. Founded in 1866 as the Buffalo Male and Female Institute, and known as Milligan College from 1881 to May 2020, the school has a student population of more than 1,300 students, most of whom reside and study on its 355-acre campus. As a church-related liberal arts university, Milligan remains closely aligned with the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, a capella churches of Christ, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the three religious bodies that have traditionally supported the school. The university offers over 100 programs of study leading to both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The Milligan athletic teams are called the Buffaloes. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) since the 2001–02 academic year.
Milligan competes in 29 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, cycling, eSports, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field, triathlon and volleyball; while women’s sports include basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, cycling, dance, eSports, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field, triathlon and volleyball. Former sports included football and men’s disc golf.