Middle College Basketball's Historic State Tournament Run Ends in Heartbreak

Late turnovers doom Bulldogs in TSSAA Class 1A semifinal loss to Jackson County

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:05am

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Middle College boys basketball's first-ever trip to the TSSAA Class 1A state tournament semifinals ended in a heartbreaking 54-49 loss to Jackson County. The Bulldogs held a 26-16 halftime lead, but a 26-10 third-quarter run by the Blue Devils and two late inbound violations in the final 14 seconds doomed Middle College's chances of reaching the state championship game.

Why it matters

Middle College was making its second state tournament appearance in the last three years, a historic accomplishment for the program. Despite the tough loss, the future remains bright with a talented young core led by juniors Kason Thomas and Matthew Manuel, who combined for 33 points. The experience gained will be invaluable as the Bulldogs look to return to the state tournament and compete for a championship.

The details

Middle College held a 26-16 halftime lead, but Jackson County stormed back with a 26-10 third-quarter run fueled by 1A Mr. Basketball winner Will McCrary's 21 points. The Bulldogs trailed 50-49 with 14.9 seconds left, but two late inbound violations in a span of seven seconds allowed Jackson County to seal the win with a layup. First-year Middle College coach Joshua Weeden said the team made "some mental mistakes right there at the end" that proved costly.

  • Middle College was making its second trip to the TSSAA state tournament, both of which have come in the last three years.
  • The Bulldogs' first state tournament win came in the March 19 quarterfinal.
  • The TSSAA Class 1A state semifinal game was played on March 20 at MTSU's Murphy Center.

The players

Kason Thomas

A junior who led Middle College in scoring with 17 points.

Matthew Manuel

A freshman who scored 16 points, including 15 in the second quarter to help the Bulldogs build a 26-16 halftime lead.

Will McCrary

The 1A Mr. Basketball winner who scored 21 points to fuel Jackson County's third-quarter comeback.

Joshua Weeden

The first-year Middle College coach who said the team made "some mental mistakes right there at the end" that proved costly.

Caleb Odom

One of two players remaining from Middle College's 2024 state tournament team, he had 2 points and 4 assists.

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What they’re saying

“Some mental mistakes right there at the end. We can just learn to be more patient. We're supposed to be off the paint so that if he does step, he doesn't step on the court. We did that twice in a row, and those are just mental things.”

— Joshua Weeden, Middle College Head Coach

“It's the little details that matter. Every little thing you do matters.”

— Matthew Manuel, Middle College Freshman

“There's no better teacher than experience. I expect us to be here (again) competing for a championship.”

— Joshua Weeden, Middle College Head 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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.