UCHS boys team aiming high after changes

It's an unprecedented move, but Unicoi County boys coach Brandon Broyles and girls coach Jordan Simmons feel their switching positions has been good for both programs. They credit the players for keeping it positive. "It's been a good adjustment. Anytime you've got good kids, it helps with the adjustment part of it, and making the transition smooth," Broyles said. "Our kids have been receptive, and I'm excited to be back coaching the boys." Broyles has served as boys' assistant coach at Daniel Boone and Tennessee High, and as head coach at North Greene. His tenure as girls' coach he believes has made him a better coach. The Blue Devils came up three points shy of upsetting two-time defending state champion Fulton in the Class 3A sectional last season. Senior guard Jackson Simmons returns from that team, which now drops to the 2A class. Simmons is closing in on 2,000 points, and is on pace to break Trevor Hensley's all-time school scoring record. "He's a few points away from 2000. I joke with him all the time, and he may have that by the Hall of Champions is over," Broyles said. "He's a good kid, somebody does things the right way. He's got a 4.3 GPA, and he scored over 30 on his ACT. He does a great job of leading the team." Jackson's cousin, Brady Simmons, is another team leader in the senior class. Broyles explained they rely on Brady to give us some toughness and physicality. Cade Peterson is another senior whom Broyles describes as been through the battles. Gabe King and Eli Harris are other key members of the senior class. "They've been through it and seen what's done," Broyles said. "They know what it takes to accomplish the goals that we're going to and attack to make it happen." The Blue Devils, 21-14 last season, also have a talented junior class with several members also part of Unicoi's football team. Carter Simmons, a 6-foot-2 post and Brady's little brother in age," adds more of a physical presence. Avery Hatcher, Aidyn Evely and Alex Lanningham will have expanded roles this season. Two freshmen are slated to be part of the rotation. A.J. Thomas is expected to play some at the point, and free Jackson Simmons to move to the two guard. Zach Jenkins is another freshman expected to get his share of minutes. The Blue Devils are blessed with a lot of athletes, but they don't have the height of years past. No player is listed taller than 6-foot-2 on the roster. "Hopefully, the athleticism and the pace we're going to play at will offset that a little bit," Broyles said. "We're going to try to play fast, to be fundamentally sound defensively, and get up in you in the half court."