Written by Donnell Murphy — December 19, 2025

Friday night hoops are back in Murfreesboro as Battle Ground Academy travels to Middle Tennessee Christian School for a boys and girls doubleheader that brings together pace, control, and four teams trying to define who they are before district play ramps up.

This is not about what already happened. This is about who steps up when the lights come on.

Girls Varsity Preview: Battle Ground Academy vs MTCS

MTCS Girls

MTCS comes into Friday night playing fast and confident, averaging around 77 points per game while holding opponents to about 45. Their identity is built on pressure defense, quick decisions, and multiple scoring options.

A big part of that success comes from Anna Clay Shirley, whose length helps anchor the interior, and Kailah Crawford, a versatile forward who can score around the rim and clean up possessions. On the perimeter, Jade Watson and Jules Ferrell help set the tempo, pushing the ball and attacking gaps before defenses are set.

• Multiple scoring threats
• Length across positions
• Ability to create quick runs

Battle Ground Academy Girls

BGA’s girls bring a more controlled approach, averaging about 46 points per game while allowing around 41. They are comfortable slowing the game down and forcing teams to execute in the half court.

The offense often flows through Elle Young, who helps keep possessions organized and limits mistakes. Raquel Gorman and Olivia Walker add scoring and rebounding presence, while Cece McClellan provides energy and defensive toughness that shows up in close games.

• Disciplined guard play
• Defensive awareness
• Comfort in tight, low-scoring games

Girls Game Breakdown

This matchup comes down to tempo and discipline. MTCS wants to run and apply pressure. BGA wants to slow things down and make every possession matter. The team that wins the first stretch usually dictates the rest of the night.

Lean: Slight edge to MTCS because of pace and depth, but BGA’s composure keeps this one competitive deep into the game.

Boys Varsity Preview: Battle Ground Academy vs MTCS

Battle Ground Academy Boys

BGA’s boys enter Friday night averaging about 64 points per game and giving up around 45, showing balance on both ends of the floor.

They are led by Lawson Gillispie, who can score or facilitate, and Elijah Fernandez, whose quickness helps apply pressure defensively. Jake Harney and Christian Thompson round out a backcourt that values shot selection and ball movement.

• Clean offensive execution
• Strong perimeter defense
• Poise in late-game situations

MTCS Boys

MTCS brings a faster pace, averaging around 67 points per game, while allowing close to 59. They are at their best when the ball moves side to side and shots come early in the clock.

Noah Owens and Ja’Ray Tyler provide scoring punch, Ron Davis adds physicality and rebounding inside, and Jackson Piercey helps stretch the floor when defenses collapse.

• Willingness to play fast
• Scoring balance
• Energy at home

Boys Game Breakdown

This one is about control versus tempo. BGA wants efficiency and clean possessions. MTCS wants pace, pressure, and crowd energy. Whichever team imposes its style early gains a major edge heading into the second half.

Lean: Battle Ground Academy, but MTCS has enough firepower to make this a true four-quarter battle.

Friday Night Threat: What to Watch

• Guard play and tempo control
• Transition opportunities versus half-court execution
• Rebounding battles in the girls game
• Late-game decision making in the boys matchup
• Which player rises when momentum shifts

More Previews and Predictions on Triple Threat Sportscast

Stats and schedules via MaxPreps

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