MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Maryville's 82-71 semifinal loss to the LaGrange Panthers marked the end of the 2025-26 campaign, but it does little to overshadow one of the most successful and consistent seasons in program history.
The Scots close the year at 21-5 overall and 12-1 in CCS play, spending the majority of the season atop the conference standings. Their dominant run resulted in five All-CCS selections — Chase Morgan, Jackson Garner, Jamal Ware, Matt Schneider and Jaylon Green — while Morgan was named CCS Player of the Year and head coach Raul Placeres earned CCS Coach of the Year honors.
Friday's semifinal reflected the same fight that defined Maryville's season. The Scots led 41-38 at halftime after shooting 50 percent from the floor in the opening half and battled possession-by-possession before LaGrange used a second-half surge to pull away late.
But the lasting legacy of this season belongs to the senior class.
Chase Morgan capped his career with 19 points and nine rebounds in the semifinal, a fitting finish for a player who served as the team's anchor all year. Morgan delivered consistent scoring, rebounding and leadership in every big moment, shaping Maryville's identity on both ends of the floor. In addition to being named CCS Player of the Year, he earned multiple CCS Player of the Week honors, TSWA Player of the Week recognition twice and D3hoops.com National Forward of the Week honors — accolades that underscore the impact he leaves on the program.
Jackson Garner matched Morgan with 19 points Friday, knocking down three 3-pointers and providing the perimeter scoring that fueled Maryville's offense throughout the season. Garner consistently stretched defenses and rose to the occasion in key moments during the Scots' 21-win campaign. Over the course of his career, he earned All-CCS honors, All-Championship Tournament Team recognition and multiple Player of the Week awards.
Jaylon Green brought energy, defensive intensity and veteran poise to the lineup. His influence often extended beyond the box score, as he set the tone with his competitiveness and leadership. During his time in a Scots uniform, Green earned recognition as a Kenyon Lacy Memorial Team Player Award recipient and a member of the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.
R.J. Simmons rounded out the senior group with toughness and reliability. Whether providing key minutes, defensive stops or timely offense, Simmons played an integral role in a season defined by depth and trust. Throughout his career, he earned CCS Player of the Week honors, All-CCS recognition and All-Championship Tournament Team accolades.
Together, this senior class helped guide Maryville to:
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An 82-24 overall record (77.4 percent)
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A 12-0 conference run (only undefeated conference run in the CCS; first undefeated conference run since the 2008-09 season)
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A national ranking as high as No. 11 during their tenure, including No. 19 this season
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Four regular-season championships
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Three CCS Championship appearances
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Two CCS Tournament titles
More importantly, they reinforced a culture of accountability, competitiveness and discipline that carried the Scots from November through February in Maryville's final season in the CCS.
While Friday's result closed the chapter on the season, it does not diminish the consistency, resilience and leadership that defined it. The 2025-26 Scots will be remembered not for one night, but for the standard they upheld — and for a senior class that elevated the program every step of the way.
