Chattanooga Prep Rolls Past Peabody In 2A Quarterfinals

Sentinels advance to 2A semifinal with 83-66 victory over Peabody

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:03am

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Chattanooga Prep, the defending 2A state champions, defeated Peabody 83-66 in the quarterfinal round of the Tennessee high school basketball tournament. The Sentinels, led by a balanced scoring attack with five players in double figures, controlled the game with their size and athleticism to earn a spot in the semifinal round.

Why it matters

Chattanooga Prep is seeking an unprecedented third straight 2A state championship. The Sentinels have made four consecutive trips to the state tournament and are looking to add another title to their resume.

The details

Chattanooga Prep trailed Peabody 13-10 after the first quarter, but took control in the second quarter with a 21-point outburst to lead 31-24 at halftime. The Sentinels' size and speed proved too much for Peabody, as Chattanooga Prep outrebounded the Golden Tide 32-27 and shot 71% from the field. Senior Derrick Roberson led the Sentinels with 20 points, while fellow seniors Joel Bulis and Reid Conley added 17 and 15 points respectively.

  • Chattanooga Prep will take on Loretto (20-10) in Friday's semifinal at 9:30 a.m. at Middle Tennessee State University.
  • The Sentinels are making their fourth consecutive trip to the state tournament.

The players

Chattanooga Prep

The defending 2A state champions, seeking an unprecedented third straight title.

Peabody

The Golden Tide ended their season with a 25-7 record after capturing the District 14 runner-up spot and the Region 7 runners-up.

Derrick Roberson

The senior led Chattanooga Prep with 20 points in the quarterfinal victory.

Joel Bulis

The senior scored 17 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for the Sentinels.

Reid Conley

The senior guard scored 15 points for Chattanooga Prep.

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What they’re saying

“We have several weapons. We have several guys that can step up and make plays at any given time.”

— Chattanooga Prep coach

“It wasn't a pretty game. We had too many turnovers. We were 2 for 12 in 3's. We didn't shoot the ball well, but it was the first game (of the tournament) back in the Glass House. I'm glad they got these nerves out and got this game over with. It wasn't a pretty game. I'll take the win and give credit to these guys.”

— Chattanooga Prep coach

“We practice it all the time. One thing we teach these guys is how to play with good poise and patience regardless of what type of defense a team might throw at us. We always prepare the guys in practice to take care of basketball and read the defenses. I think they did a solid job of that tonight.”

— Chattanooga Prep coach

“We're going to take it one game at a time. The goal is to get a three-peat, but it's always one game at a time. We'll never overlook our next opponent. We'll just take it one game at a time and eventually, hopefully God can bless us and we van get back to that Saturday game.”

— Chattanooga Prep coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Chattanooga Prep's balanced scoring attack and dominant rebounding performance propelled them to a quarterfinal victory as they continue their quest for a third straight 2A state championship. The Sentinels' size, athleticism, and poise under pressure proved too much for Peabody to overcome.