The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has announced the finalists for the prestigious Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards, and Providence Christian Academy’s standout player, Preston Wade, has earned a spot among the top three in Division II-A Mr. Basketball. Wade’s stellar performances throughout the season have cemented his place as one of the best high school basketball players in the state. He's averaging 17-points and 11-rebounds per game. He shoots over 60-percent from the field and is an almost 32-percent three point shooter.

The awards, which recognize the top boys and girls basketball players across six classifications, will be presented at Tucker Theater on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday, March 18, at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public, drawing fans, coaches, and media from across Tennessee to celebrate the state’s elite talent.

A statewide committee of sportswriters selected the finalists based on their regular-season performance, while academics and character also played a significant role in the decision-making process. High school head coaches and media members nominated candidates for the awards, marking Wade’s recognition as a testament to his hard work and leadership on and off the court.

Wade joins Jayden Jones (Goodpasture Christian School) and Kaleb Williams (Trinity Christian Academy) as a finalist in Division II-A. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards, an honor that has highlighted the best of Tennessee high school basketball since 1985.

Division II-A Miss Basketball Finalists
Haylen Ayers, University School of Jackson
Dasha Biriuk, The Webb School
Maddie Braden, Christian Academy of Knoxville

Division II-AA Miss Basketball Finalists

Class 1A Miss Basketball Finalists
Blair Baugus, Wayne County High School
Laila Downs-Darden, McEwen High School
Elle Graham, Moore County High School

Class 2A Miss Basketball Finalists
Karina Bystry, McMinn Central High School
Maddie Gray, Westview High School
Ally Weathers, Loretto High School

Class 3A Miss Basketball Finalists
Jaidynn Askins, Jackson South Side High School
Joya Crawford, Dyersburg High School
Carsyn Swaney, Heritage High School

Class 4A Miss Basketball Finalists
Kimora Fields, Bradley Central High School
Natalya Hodge, Bearden High School
Ella Ryan, Brentwood High School

Division II-A Mr. Basketball Finalists
Jayden Jones, Goodpasture Christian School
Preston Wade, Providence Christian Academy
Kaleb Williams, Trinity Christian Academy

Division II-AA Mr. Basketball Finalists
Cameron Blivens, Lipscomb Academy
Jonathan Sanderson, Ensworth High School
Fred Smith, Jr., Briarcrest Christian School

Class 1A Mr. Basketball Finalists
Jacob Amonett, Pickett County High School
Auden Slaughter, Santa Fe High School
Derrick Roberson, Chattanooga Preparatory School

Class 2A Mr. Basketball Finalists
Grayson Burleson, Loretto High School
Ty Glasper, Gatlinburg-Pittman High School
Rodney Henderson, Tyner Academy

Class 3A Mr. Basketball Finalists
Cade Capps, Stone Memorial High School
Ty Cobb, Upperman High School
Trey Thompson, Greeneville High School

Class 4A Mr. Basketball Finalists
Christian Brown, Franklin High School
Taquez Butler, Whitehaven High School
Cortez Graham-Howard, Hillsboro High School