Keller, McCown, Hillis lead HVA boys

  • Hawk senior Kaden Keller, boys individual champ. - Tony Cox

  • Sophomore Maddie Archdale, HVA girls top finisher. - Tony Cox

KNOXVILLE — With six of the top 11 Region 2-Large finishers, the Hardin Valley Academy boys tuned up for the state meet in Hendersonville today (Thursday, Nov. 4) — and a chance to repeat as state champs — with a Region 2-AAA title Tuesday, Oct. 26, at Victor Ashe Park.

“If we take care of business (at state), we have a shot,” HVA head coach Bryan Brown said.

Hawk Kaden Keller, defending region champ, repeated that feat with a time of 16.05.

Helping Farragut finish runner-up (29-44) was junior Trevor Coggin, finishing second (16.17 ).

Hawks seniors helping the cause were Mitchell McCown, third at 16:39, and Nathan Hillis, fourth, 16:40). “They look to be running well at the right time of the year,” Brown said.

Farragut sophomore Braden Ebbert was sixth (16:43).

“I was really proud with the way Braden Ebbert ran for us,” FHS head coach Chelsea Osborne said. “He came into the race with a bit of a nagging injury.”

Freshman Cade Crum was the top Bearden Bulldog, finishing seventh (16:47) and leading BHS to a fifth-place team finish (121).

Another pair of top Hawks were seniors Isaac Legault (eighth, 16:48) and Asa Mazow (ninth, 16:51). Ads junior Riley Hanson was 10th (17:06).