These Jellico Blue Devils made program history with a first ever state tournament appearance. The Jellico High School Basketball team and Coach Mike Reynolds were recognized by the Campbell County Board of Education at Thursday’s meeting.

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – It’s been an outstanding season for Jellico sports, and the Campbell County Board of Education recognized the Jellico High School Basketball team and the Jellico Middle School Basketball team at Thursday’s meeting in honor of their athletic achievements. 

School Director Jennifer Fields and school board members congratulated Jellico and both schools on their accomplishments.

“First of all, I would like to say congratulations. We’ve seen a lot of Jellico sports this year, and you must feel like you have a fan club with how many are here tonight. We followed you from Jellico High School all the way to Murfreesboro for state; we’re very proud of you,” Fields said.

The Jellico High School Basketball team was recognized first, along with Coach Mike Reynolds.

Director Fields presented them with a plaque, and the packed courtroom audience applauded them with a standing ovation.

“Not only did this team do an amazing job, they actually made history; first time going to the state,” Director Fields said.

The Jellico Blue Devils received a plaque for District 3A champions, Region 2A Runner up and State Tournament Elite 8 and another plaque for “first state tournament appearance is school history.”

Coach Reynolds spoke briefly.

“I didn’t do a lot; these young men did. I’m thankful the good Lord put them in my life and gave me the opportunity to coach them and I’m thankful for their parents and all the support they gave us…I’ve never had a parent problem in 16 years in Jellico and that speaks to the folks that send kids to us, the parents,” Coach Reynolds said. He also thanked Jellico High School Principal Joey St. John and the administration, saying the support they give is “phenomenal.”

“I also want to thank the school board for all the support they gave us, and I want to thank Director Fields. Many times, this year, Director Fields and her husband were in the stands at Jellico High School and when you coach at Jellico as long as I have, the Director of Schools doesn’t show up very often and she had nothing to gain other than the joy of watching our kids play and we certainly appreciate that, and several board members are the same way,” Reynolds said.

He also thanked the community.

“The trip we made to Murfreesboro, these young men will remember for the rest of their lives and the community was phenomenal and it was just humbling the amount of support we got from not only Jellico and all of our fifth district communities, but from the entire county and folks throughout the state and even alumni throughout the nation. We just want to thank everybody, but when you start thanking people, you forget about who was the most supportive and who did all the work and they’re standing here in front of you and playing for me is not easy, I’m hard to play for,” Reynolds said with a smile.

The Jellico Middle School Basketball team led by Gage Hyslope was recognized at Thursday’s BOE meeting.

The Jellico Middle School Basketball team was honored next with a plaque as Area 7A District champions. The Middle School team received a standing ovation as well.

Coach Gage Hyslope, a former Blue Devil star in his time, spoke briefly, saying he and the team were grateful for the acknowledgement and for the school board and for the school director.

“Our city comes together to support us, and we appreciate that; we’ve got great parents too and never have a problem getting kids to school and for getting them to the games,” Hyslope said.

He also thanked his players.

“These guys are as good as they get; I wouldn’t trade them for anything,” Coach Hyslope said.

He also gave credit to Coach Mike Reynolds as well.

“A lot of credit has to go to Coach Mike, not just for the high school, but for the things he instills in the basketball program in general and it just trickles down and we try to keep it that way because it seems to work best. We’re just thankful for the support, for the parents and most of all for these guys here (the team),” Coach Hyslope said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/05/2024-6AM)

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