Harpeth boys basketball fights for first-ever state appearance

The Harpeth High School (HHS) boys basketball team is fighting for their first-ever appearance at the TSSAA State tournament. 

The Indians will take on Loretto Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. for their first sectional game since 2009. If they win, they will advance to the State tournament. 

As the Indians come off their 14th loss this season, the Mustangs are heading to sectionals with a clean record – looking for their 32nd straight victory. 

The Indians’ 20-14 record boasts their best season since 2014. 

The team was dubbed the district runner-up after they fell to Hickman County on Feb. 25 with a score of 58-40. They moved to host the first round of the region tournament on March 1, where they beat Waverly 52-43. They continued to advance through the region tournament with their nail-biting 60-63 win over Huntingdon. 

They ultimately fell during the region championship on March 6 with a 63-33 loss against Hickman County. Despite the loss, an appearance in the region championship won them a ticket to sectionals on Monday.

The team’s success this season is due in large part to senior Jordan Johnston, who has racked up 159 points this season. Junior Cj Turner is trailing closely behind Johnston with 155 points. Johnston’s younger brother – sophomore Caiden Johnston – has played a promising season with 112 points. The senior and junior were awarded All District and sophomore landed the Defensive MVP title for the season.

The Indians played in their first region tournament since 2014 last week, winning the opening round against Waverly 52-43. All photos by Kristyn Wilson.