Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
Courtesy / UT AThletics

Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia

Posted on January 15, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.

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THE LATEST FROM THE VOLS

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Fans can catch Wednesday’s game between the Volunteers (15-1, 2-1 SEC) and Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) on SEC Network. Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Richard Hendrix (analyst) will have the call.

Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.

In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it earned a hard-fought, 74-70, road victory Saturday night at Texas. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler paced UT with 16 points and a game-high eight assists in a triumph during which neither side led by greater than seven in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,195 the Moody Center.


THE MATCHUP
• The Volunteers’ 99 wins over Georgia are their second-most against any school, trailing only their 131 against Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time in series history both sides are in the AP top 25. It is also the first time UT faces a ranked Georgia team since 2/8/03, a 78-72 home win.
• UT is 6-1 in its last seven outings versus Georgia after going 2-9 in the prior 11 (with defeats in each of the five before the current seven-game span). The Vols were ranked in all six wins in this stretch and unranked in the lone loss.
• Last season, on 1/13/24 at Georgia, Tennessee trailed by 11 with under seven minutes to go, but closed on a 21-4 run in the last 6:08, including a 15-1 ledger in the final 4:49, to win by six, 85-79. Dalton Knecht dropped 36 points, including 20 in the second half.
• Coming off a 20-17 (6-12) showing that included an NIT semifinal berth, Georgia placed No. 12 in the SEC preseason poll.
• Freshman forward Asa Newell leads the Bulldogs with 15.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg.

NEWS & NOTES
• Tennessee’s 12 matchups with Mike White are its sixth-most against any active head coach.
• UT Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White (Danny) is the younger brother of Georgia head coach Mike White. Both played college basketball: Danny at Towson and Notre Dame, Mike at Ole Miss. The Volunteers fell to Florida, where Mike then worked, two days before Danny was hired on 1/21/21, but are 5-1 against him since then. More information on the White family can be found on Page 7.
• Rick Barnes and Mike White both joined the SEC in 2015-16. Barnes is 10-2 against White, posting an 8-2 ledger during the latter’s time at Florida (2015-22) and winning both matchups between their current schools.
• Georgia sophomore guard Blue Cain is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and went to Knoxville Catholic for his first three years of high school.
• Tennessee is 18-7 (.720) versus AP top-25 teams at home under Rick Barnes, including 13-1 (.929) in the last 14 such games, since 1/30/21.
• Tennessee is looking to start at least 3-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.
• UT is also seeking a 2-0 start in SEC home play for the fifth time in seven years and fourth in a row.
• Zakai Zeigler is seven assists away from 600, while his 209 steals put him three shy of Santiago Vescovi‘s program record (212).
• UT’s DI-best 24.8 3P% defense is 1.8 percent better than second- place Southeast Missouri State (26.6). That is the same gap as No. 2 to No. 19 Kentucky (28.4).
• Igor Miličić Jr., is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.
• The Volunteers’ 186 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Saint Mary’s. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (220), Kansas (203), Duke (199), Purdue (195) and San Diego State (187) possess more.

HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY
• Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.
• The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.
• UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.
• The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.
• Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.
• Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.
• Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.

DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK
• Tennessee, through 1/12/25, ranks third in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.1), just shy of Houston (86.3) and Duke (87.8).
• The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).
• In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).
• In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.
• UT, through 1/5/25, has won 42 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.
• The Vols, through 1/5/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.

RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES
• TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, good for fourth nationally,. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (23). Only Purdue (21) is even within one of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is two behind (Alabama with 20).
• TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).
• TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Alabama (14) and Iowa State (14) are even within two of Tennessee.
• TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).
• TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.

…AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY
• Tennessee, at 22-15 (.595), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .530.
• The Volunteers are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.
• UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC teams in winning percentage are Auburn (8-6; .571) and Kentucky (12-9; .571). No others are above a .500 mark.
• At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.
• Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning record versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.
• The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (37) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trailing just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (38) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.

WINNING WAYS
• Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (186), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.735). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
• In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.737) and Kentucky (.704).
• In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (88-40; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (89-39; .695), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (84-45; .648) and Alabama (80-48; .622) are at even 75-plus wins.
• Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 94-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn) in the SEC over that span.
• In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (41-16; .719) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.

POLL PRESENCE
• Tennessee has played 219 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 166-53 (.758) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 319 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (219 of 253, 86.6 percent).
• UT is 145-48 (.751) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 114-35 (.765) while top-15, 88-26 (.772) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.
• The Vols are 30-23 (.566) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.

HAPPY AT HOME
• Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 66-7 (.904) on their home court.
• In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 131-24 (.845) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.

Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State

Posted on January 15, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. —  No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center.

The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide as well as audio-streamed on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 or 190.

UT is coming off a 30-point road win at Arkansas, outscoring the Razorbacks 28-2 on points off turnovers, 22-10 on fast breaks and 40-22 in the paint en route to a 93-63 triumph on Sunday. The Lady Vols feature five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper, who puts up 18.3 points per game and shoots 51 percent from the field. Cooper is coming off a 20-point effort vs. Arkansas, marking her eighth 20+ scoring outburst of the season. Fifth-year guard Jewel Spear has scored 15 points or more in five of her last six games, dropping season highs of 20 at Texas A&M and 28 vs. Oklahoma, followed by 25 vs. LSU. She eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for her career in the second quarter vs. Arkansas.

Mississippi State also owns a 2-2 SEC record after capturing a 79-68 road win at Georgia on Sunday. The Bulldogs are paced by guard Jerkaila Jordan, who puts up 15.6 ppg. and 6.6 rpg. She is joined in double figures by guard/forward Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.).

Kim Caldwell‘s first Lady Vol team enters the match-up ranked No. 1 nationally in four statistical categories through Jan. 14. UT is tops in the NCAA in scoring offense (96.4), three pointers per game (12.0), three point attempts per game (36.0) and offensive rebounds per game (20.6).  It is second in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and turnover margin (11.75), third in steals per game (14.4), and sixth in bench points per game (33.8).

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BROADCAST DETAILS

  • Sam Gore (play-by-play) and LVFL Nikki (Caldwell) Fargas (analyst) will have the call for SEC Network.
  • All of the games included in the ESPN package (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
  • The contest also can be heard on Lady Vol Network stations and by audio stream, with Brian Rice providing play-by-play and Jay Lifford serving as studio host.
  • A link to the live audio stream can be found on the Hoops Central page or the schedule on UTSports.com. 
  • For a list of Lady Vol Network affiliates, please click the Fans tab at the top of UTSports.com, select Vol Network and then click on the Vol Network Affiliates tab.
  • Air-time generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
  • The Lady Vol Network broadcast also will be available via SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 and 190.

PARKING, TRAFFIC FLOW, ENTRY ALERTS

  • Fans coming to campus looking to purchase basketball parking will do so on-site with a credit card.
  • Those parking in the G-10 garage are requested to enter from Neyland Drive.
  • There is free public parking on the Ag Campus and a free shuttle to and from there for fans. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
  • The shuttle location on the Ag campus is on River Drive near the Brehm Animal Sciences Bldg. and across from the CF lot. Visit https://parking.utk.edu/parking/special-events/athletic/ for maps and more information.
  • Shuttles begin two hours prior to tip-off. Return shuttles run one hour postgame or until the Food City Center is cleared. 
  • Accessible shuttle loading and unloading for those with disabilities is located next to Arena Dining. 
  • For regular shuttles, the unloading and loading areas near Food City Center will be as follows: Prior to the game, regular shuttles will unload at Chamique Holdsclaw and Lake Loudoun Blvd. After the game, regular shuttles will load at Lake Loudoun Blvd and Phillip Fulmer Way.
  • All tickets and Tennessee Fund parking passes are digital.
  • Fans will again see walk-through metal detectors outside of all Food City Center entrances.  
  • Gates typically open one hour before tip for women’s games.

PHILLIP FULMER WAY CLOSURE INFO.

  • Due to the resumption of construction and upgrades to Neyland Stadium, basketball fans and media members should be advised of immediate changes to normal traffic patterns on Phillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass during the rest of the 2024-25 season. 
  • Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 garage to Neyland Stadium Gate 21 vicinity is now closed.
  • The G-10 garage will not be accessible southbound on Phillip Fulmer Way. 
  • Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to southbound traffic at Middle Drive, and it will not be accessible via Peyton Manning Pass.
  • For events at Food City Center, G-10 and Staff 5 parking areas will be accessible via Lake Loudoun Boulevard, but it is strongly recommended that vehicles enter G-10 via Neyland Drive. 
  • Lot G5/30 is only accessible from Lake Loudoun Blvd.

INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING

  • COOP IS THE REAL DEAL: Guard Talaysia Cooper is having a break-out season, leading UT in scoring (18.3 ppg.) and steals (3.6 spg.), hitting double figures 14 times, carding eight efforts of 20+ points and notching seven quarters where she scored 10 or more points, including 12 and 10, respectively, in the fourth period vs. Florida State and Iowa.
  • “FEAR DA SPEAR”: Jewel Spear is enjoying her best stretch this season, averaging 19.8 ppg. in SEC play, hitting 18 of 31 three-point tries in league action (58.1 pct.) to run her season total to a team-high 41 treys.
  • SMOOTH SAMARA: Samara Spencer (11.3 ppg., 5.6 apg.) ranks No. 5 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.42) with 89 assists, is 11 dimes short of her third 100+ assist season and is second on the team with 38 three-pointers (team-best 42.7 percent).
  • DEPENDABLE RUBY: Ruby Whitehorn is UT’s third-leading scorer at 13.0 ppg. contributing 10+ points in her past 10 games and ranking third in rebounding (4.9 rpg.). 
  • ZEE STEPPING UP: Forward Zee Spearman has been in double figures nine times, averaging 11.2 ppg. and a team-high 5.6 rpg. while shooting 54.4 percent.

FROM A TEAM PERSPECTIVE

  • PILING UP POINTS: The Lady Vols rank No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, generating 96.4 points per game. The lowest a Kim Caldwell team has ranked in ppg. is No. 4, where she was in 2023-24 (85.3) at Marshall.
  • MAKING THREES IN BUNCHES: UT ranks No. 1 in 3FGs made per game at 12.0 and has hit 10+ treys 12 times, eclipsing the old school best of six. It has hit 10+ threes in its past six games, notching its best streak.
  • CRASHING O-BOARDS: UT is No. 1 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 20.6. It has twice reached 30+ this season.
  • TURNING OVER THE OPPOSITION: UT is No. 2 in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and No. 2 in T.O. margin (11.75). Arkansas had 22 miscues on Jan. 12 for the 12th 20+ T.O. game (7th with 30+) by a foe in 2024-25.
  • RACKING UP STEALS: UT is No. 3 nationally in steals per game (14.4). It now has 12 games of 10+ steals and 230 total in 16 games. It had 159 in 33 games a year ago.
  • THAT’S A 10-COUNT: Tennessee has prevented its foes from getting the ball over halfcourt in 10 seconds a total of 17 times in 16 games. UT forced only five violations the previous five years combined.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

  • UT’S BEST START SINCE 2017-18: UT opened at 13-0 for the first time since 2017-18 (15-0) and the seventh time ever.
  • SECOND BEST START FOR COACH: UT’s 13-0 start was the second-best opening of a season in Kim Caldwell‘s nine years as a head coach behind her 29-0 start at Glenville State in 2021-22 on the way to 35-1. 
  • TENNESSEE’S BEST COACHING START: The win over N.C. Central on Dec. 14 gave Kim Caldwell eight straight to open her tenure, making it the best coaching debut in Lady Vol basketball history. She upped it to 13-0.
  • UT NO. 16 IN NET RANKINGS: UT is at No. 16 in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of Jan. 14. 
  • NO. 18 TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols’ full schedule ranks No. 18 on the NCAA Toughest Schedule report (1/14).
  • CHASING 2,000/500 STAT LINE: Jewel Spear now as 2,000+ points and needs 16 rebounds to have 500 for her career.
  • EYEING 1,000: Junior Ruby Whitehorn (919) is closing in on 1,000 career points.
  • 1,500/500/500 IN SIGHT: Samara Spencer sits at 1,549 points, 466 rebounds and 454 assists, standing 34 boards and 46 dimes from a 1,500/500/500 career stat line.

FAMILIAR FACES

  • Tennessee assistant coach Gabe Lazo was an associate head coach at Mississippi State and spent two seasons in Starkville before joining Kim Caldwell‘s Lady Vol staff prior to the 2024-25 season.
  • He helped the Bulldogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, a top-15 prep signing class and a top-three portal class.
  • At UT, he helped Kim Caldwell sign a highly-regarded five-player portal class and a 2025 prep group that is considered either the No. 1 class by 247Sports or the No. 2 unit by ESPN.
  • First-year Mississippi State assistant coach Samantha Williams spent three seasons at Tennessee on Kellie Harper’s staff.
  • MSU junior guard Denim DeShields is the younger sister of LVFL Diamond DeShields (2014-17) and the daughter of former UT track standout Tisha (Milligan) DeShields.

LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST GAME

  • Redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper led four players in double figures with her eighth 20-point effort of the season, as No. 16/15 Tennessee rolled past Arkansas, 93-63, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
  • Cooper scored exactly 20 points vs. the Razorbacks on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and added a game-high four steals to lead the Lady Vols (14-2, 2-2 SEC). Junior forward Zee Spearman knocked down a career-best trio of three-pointers to tally 18 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Ruby Whitehorn supplied 17 points and senior forward Sara Puckett was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards. In her return to Fayetteville, where she spent her first three college seasons, senior point guard Samara Spencer directed UT’s offense with eight assists and no turnovers while adding four rebounds and three steals. 
  • Arkansas (8-11, 1-3 SEC) was paced by Izzy Higginbottom, who led all scorers with 26 points. Carly Keats was the only other Razorback scoring in double figures, tossing in 10.

POSTGAME NOTES VS. ARKANSAS

  • JEWEL JOINS THE 2K CLUB: Jewel Spear became the 10th player in program history to reach and surpass 2,000 career points. Spear sank her 2,000th point on a free throw at the 2:38 mark in the second quarter. The fifth-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and six assists against Arkansas. Spear became the fifth transfer to hit 2K, joining fellow transfers Rickea Jackson (Mississippi State), Cindy Brogdon (Mercer), Jill Rankin (Wayland Baptist) and Patricia Roberts (Emporia State), who also reached that plateau. Sunday’s contest against the Hogs marked Spear’s 136th career game, her 47th as a Lady Vol.
  • ANOTHER COOP 20-PIECE: Talaysia Cooper netted her eighth 20-plus performance of the season and her career, tallying a team-leading 20 points. Cooper hit seven of 14 field goals and knocked down one of three three-pointers. The redshirt sophomore finished with three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cooper’s last 20-point scoring affair came against LSU on Jan. 9, when she carded 24 points.
  • SPENCER DROPPIN’ DIMES: Senior point guard Samara Spencer carded eight assists with no turnovers vs. her old school. It tied her second highest total of the season and pushed her totals to 89 assists vs. 26 turnovers on the season. Her flawless effort with the ball was her third this year without turning the ball over.
  • HOT FROM THREE: Tennessee carded its 12th performance of knocking down ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, hitting 12 against the Hogs. Eight Lady Vols made a three-pointer, with Zee Spearman leading the charge with three. Tennessee notched its highest three-point game against N.C. Central, draining an NCAA, SEC and school-record 30 treys. The Lady Vols have tallied 10 or more three-pointers against the following programs: N.C. Central (30), MTSU (15), Liberty (14), Tulsa (14), Memphis (12), Arkansas (12), LSU (11), Western Carolina (10), Winthrop (10), Texas A&M (10), Oklahoma (10) and Samford (10).
  • DANGEROUS ON DEFENSE: The Lady Vols forced Arkansas to turn the ball over a total of 22 times during Sunday’s win, posting a 28-2 advantage on points off turnovers and racking up 15 steals for its 12th double-digit effort in that category. Arkansas’s two points were the fewest points Tennessee has allowed off of turnovers all season long. Twelve of Tennessee’s foes thus far have committed at least 22 miscues: NC Central (44), Samford (37), Western Carolina (37), Oklahoma (31), UT Martin (31), Iowa (30), Winthrop (30), Texas A&M (25), Liberty (25), Tulsa (23), Arkansas (22) and MTSU (22). Tennessee also collected a 10-second violation versus the Hogs. This season UT’s press has resulted in 17 10-second violations by opponents through 16 games.  

UT/MSU SERIES NOTES

  • Tennessee has a 40-8 all-time record vs. Mississippi State after winning three of the past four meetings.
  • UT is 18-3 vs. MSU in Knoxville, 18-3 vs. the Bulldogs in Starkville and 4-2 at neutral sites.
  • After State had the upper hand from 2016-20, winning seven of eight and three straight in Knoxville, the Big Orange has won its past two at home vs. MSU.
  • State has a 2-0 record in overtime games between these programs, winning a 65-63 affair in Starkville on Jan. 29, 2016, and a 91-90 double-overtime thriller at Humphrey Coliseum the last time these programs met on Feb. 26, 2023.
  • UT and MSU have faced off six times in the SEC Tournament, with the Lady Vols owning a 4-2 record.

A LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS

  • Mississippi State started 8-0 and went 13-1 in non-conference play before opening 2-2 in SEC play.
  • After losing at Kentucky and vs. South Carolina in week one, MSU bounced back with wins vs. No. 10/11 Oklahoma and at Georgia last week.
  • Jerkaila Jordan paces State at 15.6 ppg., while Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) also score in double figures. 
  • The Bulldogs hold foes to 58.7 ppg. and force 17.4 turnovers per contest.

ABOUT THE HEAD COACH

  • Sam Purcell is 60-26 in his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
  • In 2023-24, Purcell led MSU to a 23-12 record and became the only head coach in program history and one of five in the SEC since 2000 to surpass the 20-win mark in each of their first two seasons. 
  • Purcell totaled the most wins (45), most SEC wins (17) and most NCAA Tournament wins (2) of any MSU women’s WBB coach through their first two seasons.
  • Purcell’s career stops include Auburn (student manager/video coordinator/admin. asst.), Tulsa (asst. coach), Georgia Tech (video coordinator/asst. coach) and Louisville (asst. coach/associate coach).

MSU’S LAST GAME

  • A season-best shooting day for Mississippi State propelled the Bulldogs past Georgia, 79-68, on Sunday. 
  • MSU shot 48.3 percent from distance and hit a season-best 14 threes to overcome 17 turnovers.
  • Eniya Russell led the way with 21 points, while Madina Okot added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Jerkaila Jordan tossed in 11 points.
  • MSU led 41-27 at the half and staved off a UGA rally.

LAST TIME WE MET STATE

  • The Lady Vols overcame a 13-point second-quarter deficit to win, 75-64, over MSU at Humphrey Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2024, the last time these teams met.
  • Tennessee (11-6, 4-1 SEC) was led by fifth-year senior Rickea Jackson, who turned in 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Kaiya Wynn came off the bench to contribute a career-high 13 points, and fifth-year senior Jasmine Powell and junior Sara Puckett each tallied 11.
  • Defensively, the Big Orange forced State into 15 turnovers on the evening and allowed the hosts only 19 points combined in the middle two quarters. 
  • Erynn Barnum led MSU with 15 points in that contest.

LAST TIME WE MET IN KNOXVILLE

  • UT moved to 3-0 in SEC play with an 80-69 home win over MSU on Jan. 5, 2023, in the last meeting here. 
  • Jordan Horston set new season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year. 
  • Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby had 18 and 13 points, respectively.
  • MSU’s Jessika Carter and Debreasha Powe had 21 each.

UP NEXT

  • The Lady Vols make their way to Nashville this weekend, where they’ll face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium.
  • Tip-off between the Big Orange and the Commodores is set for 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) with SECN+ streaming.
  • The game also will be available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.
TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
tbi

TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man

Posted on January 15, 2025

A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man.

63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT.

If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Lowe has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return home safely without assistance.

Covenant Kids Run Kickoff Returns to Zoo Knoxville

Covenant Kids Run Kickoff Returns to Zoo Knoxville

Posted on January 14, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville will once again host the Covenant Kids Run on Saturday, February 1.

Children in eighth grade and younger are eligible to enter the upcoming one-mile fun run.

Parents can register their children online before race day or on-site beginning at 8:00 a.m., one hour before the race begins. Click here for more information and to register your child / children.

“The Covenant Kids Run is a chance to excite kids about being active. We encourage families to set goals and embark on this fitness challenge together,” said Jason Altman, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon race director. “Join us at Zoo Knoxville for a fun, healthy day out!”

The course will wind through animal exhibits, and families can explore the zoo after with free and half-price admission.

The one-mile fun run marks the start of the Fittest School Challenge, which motivates children to complete the exercise equivalent of a 26.2-mile marathon.

The challenge ends with a final mile in World’s Fair Park during the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon weekend on Saturday, April 5.

A crowd of participants at the Covenant Kids Run kickoff warm up before running their first mile at Zoo Knoxville. (Courtesy: WVLT / Moxley Carmichael)

Loudon County School Placed on Lockdown as Sheriff’s Office Searches for Wanted Man

Loudon County School Placed on Lockdown as Sheriff’s Office Searches for Wanted Man

Posted on January 14, 2025

Philadelphia, TN (WOKI) Deputies with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a wanted man in Philadelphia, Tennessee.

LCSO officials say Thomas Fortune is on foot in the area of Pond Creek Road and McCrary Street.

They say Fortune is white and was last seen shirtless and wearing black pants. Officials add that a K-9 Unit has been brought in to help find Fortune and that Philadelphia Elementary School was placed on lockdown as a precaution.

Fortune is wanted on several charges, including felony evading arrest, driving on a revoked license, two counts of violation of probation, failure to appear and speed limit violation.

Thomas Fortune (Courtesy: LCSO)

Teen Killed by Knox County Deputies Had Posted About Selling Drugs Online, Search Warrant Says

Teen Killed by Knox County Deputies Had Posted About Selling Drugs Online, Search Warrant Says

Posted on January 14, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The 18-year-old who Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies are accused of shooting dead earlier this month had a history of posting drug-related content to social media.

That, according to a search warrant wherein KCSO detectives suspected Daevon Montez Saint-Germain was associated with the Murdaville Mafia street gang, a subsect of the 98 Main Street Mafia Crips, who work out of the Montgomery Village apartment complex.

The warrant also targeted Saint-Germain’s Instagram account where investigators allege he made several posts advertising that he was selling drugs, even at school.

According to KCSO detectives, many of the posts contained pictures of marijuana, THC carts and cash, prompting the search warrant.

On January 3, multiple deputies responded to a home on Sevierville Pike to take Saint-Germain into custody, but the situation escalated and the deputies fired.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

Early in the month, officials with KCSO said that multiple deputies had responded to a home on Sevierville Pike to take Daevon Montez Saint-Germain into custody, but the situation escalated and the deputies fired. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Teens Arrested at a Walmart on Multiple Charges Including Drug, Theft, Various Endangerment and Carjacking
KCSO

Teens Arrested at a Walmart on Multiple Charges Including Drug, Theft, Various Endangerment and Carjacking

Posted on January 14, 2025

(Knox County, TN WOKI/KCSO) Detectives with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile, Narcotics, and Organized Retail Crime Units, along with KCSO’s Aviation Unit, successfully apprehended a 17-year-old juvenile (primary suspect) who was wanted on numerous outstanding charges with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Knoxville Police Department.

Detectives also arrested a second adult male with an outstanding charge, plus additional charges stemming from today’s incident. Today’s (Monday) arrest occurred at the Walmart on Kinzel Way in east Knoxville. Both armed suspects attempted to flee unsuccessfully from Detectives and were apprehended without further incident or injury.

The Juvenile suspect will also face the listed additional charges from today’s (Monday) arrest. The investigation is active and ongoing- further charges are possible. We thank the Knoxville Police Department for their assistance during this investigation.

.The primary suspect, a 17-year-old who can’t be identified due to juvenile status

(All new charges from KCSO)

-Prohibited weapons- fully automatic weapon

-Drugs Schedule 2 for resale

-Drugs Schedule 6 for resale

-Handgun possession prohibited

-Possession during the commission of a dangerous felony

-Reckless endangerment

-child endangerment

-resisting arrest

-fleeing

-tampering with evidence

-possession of burglary tools

(Previously Outstanding)

-theft over $10,000 (KCSO)

-violation of home placement

-aggravated robbery (KPD)

-aggravated burglary (KPD)

-carjacking (KPD)

-possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony (KPD)

-theft over $2500 (KPD)

-handgun possession prohibited (KPD)

Elijah Hall, 19, of Knoxville

Charges – Knox County Sheriff’s Office

-prohibited weapons- fully automatic weapon

-reckless endangerment

-child endangerment

-resisting arrest

-fleeing

-tampering with evidence

(Previously Outstanding)

-theft over $10,000.

Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday

Posted on January 14, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee will host its annual “We Back Pat” game on Thursday, as Mississippi State comes to Food City Center and joins the Lady Vols in commemorating the 13th anniversary of the initiative, which is a partnership between the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Southeastern Conference.

UT (14-2, 2-2 SEC) and MSU (15-3, 2-2 SEC) are slated to meet at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, with the contest televised on SEC Network and carried by Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.

Orange Mountain Designs, located in The Gallery shopping center at 7240 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, is selling “We Back Pat” shirts, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Pat Summitt Foundation. 

The Pat Summitt Foundation was launched on Nov. 27, 2011, by the late, legendary Lady Vol head coach Pat Summitt after her diagnosis of early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type, at the age of 59. Each year, “We Back Pat” games are held around the nation to create awareness and help raise funds for research that can lead to more effective treatment and a cure for the disease.

Summitt, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and an inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, produced a 1,098-208 record in 38 seasons at the helm of the UT women’s basketball program. She led her teams to eight NCAA national championships, 18 NCAA Final Fours, 16 SEC regular season titles and 16 SEC tournament crowns. The program maintained a 100 percent graduation rate for every player who completed her eligibility at UT, with 122 players under her leadership earning degrees.

Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls

Posted on January 14, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team checks in at sixth in the country in the major polls this week.

After a program-best five-week run atop the rankings, Tennessee (15-1, 2-1 SEC) dropped five spots in both the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, as released Monday afternoon.

The Volunteers are in the AP rankings for the 70th straight week, a streak spanning four campaigns and dating to the 2021-22 preseason edition. That tally is 33 longer than the previous program record and is the third-longest active streak in the country, trailing just Houston (96) and Kansas (75). No other program is at even 55-plus, while the next closest SEC school, Kentucky (32), has the eighth-longest streak and is 38 back of Tennessee.

This is the 44th time in the last 47 releases Tennessee claimed an AP top-15 position, dating to Nov. 28, 2022. The Volunteers are in the AP top 10 for the 66th time in the Barnes era, including the eighth in a row.

Tennessee split its two outings last week, both on the road in SEC play. The Volunteers’ nation-best 14-0 start came to an end Tuesday with a 73-43 defeat at then-eighth-ranked Florida. The team rebounded with a 74-70 triumph Saturday at Texas behind 16 points and a game-best eight assists from senior guard Zakai Zeigler.

The Volunteers collected 1,251 points in this week’s AP Poll balloting, 67 above seventh-place Marquette. In the Coaches Poll, Tennessee got 626 points, just 22 shy of fifth-place Alabama, and retained one first-place vote.

Tennessee is among nine SEC teams in the top 25 of both polls, six of which are in the top 11 of each. It is featured alongside top-ranked Auburn, No. 4/5 Alabama, No. 5/4 Florida, No. 8/9 Kentucky, No. 11 Texas A&M, No. 15/18 Mississippi State, No. 21 Ole Miss and No. 23 Georgia. Meanwhile, Missouri and Oklahoma are listed in the receiving votes section of both polls.

Tied for the second-best winning percentage in the country with a .938 clip, the Volunteers also place fourth in the NCAA NET rankings.

Tennessee resumes play Wednesday at 8 p.m. when it hosts No. 23 Georgia in the first-ever AP top-25 matchup between the two sides, live on SEC Network from Food City Center.

To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.

DOLLYWOOD HIRING EVENTS FOR 2025 SEASON BEGIN SATURDAY

DOLLYWOOD HIRING EVENTS FOR 2025 SEASON BEGIN SATURDAY

Posted on January 14, 2025

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Monday, January 13, 2025) — With a busy 40th anniversary season on the horizon, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has scheduled several hiring events in January and February to prepare for the exciting year ahead.

With last November’s opening of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort and the opening of the Dolly Parton Experience this past May, The Dollywood Company continues to grow with abundant opportunities at all of its properties. The 2025 season is the perfect time to join the award-winning Dollywood team. Exciting perks—including 100% free tuition, competitive wages, free lunch, and more—add to the reasons why The Dollywood Company is a great fit for anyone regardless of their career aspirations.

From part-time positions for students to full-time careers with advancement opportunities, working at Dollywood may very well become a lifetime home for those looking for a position that means “a little more.” Positions are available at each of the company’s properties, with most event attendees being hired on the spot with a position for the 2025 season at either Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.

Available positions are currently posted at dollywoodjobs.com. The first major hiring event of 2025 takes place Saturday, Jan. 18 at Sevier County High School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional hiring events take place at Jefferson County High School (Saturday, Jan. 25), Seymour Heights Christian Church (Saturday, Feb. 1), Newport Community Center (Saturday, Feb. 8), Sevierville Civic Center (Saturday, Feb. 15) and Morristown Landing (Saturday, Feb. 22). All hiring events except for the Feb. 8 event take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event at the Newport Community Center takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to attend the earliest hiring event possible for the largest selection of available opportunities.

Positions are available for the entire length of the 2025 operating season as well as for shorter peak season openings, which are perfect for applicants looking for a fun summer position or those looking to earn a little extra money during the Christmas holidays. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.

Positions are available on several teams including Dollywood’s award-winning culinary and merchandise teams, park operations positions including ride operators, ticketing, transportation, house and grounds, and more. Among the openings at Dollywood’s Splash Country are house and grounds, lifeguards and culinary services positions. Dollywood’s lodging properties also have a number of openings available including food and beverage, front desk, bell/valet and housekeeping positions.

Interested applicants may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com. Applicants can signify their interest in a position by following the online instructions to complete the application process. Technical support will be available at the hiring events to assist applicants in the process if needed.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts plans to host several hiring events throughout the season to give potential employees an opportunity to attend at the time that best suits their individual needs. Additionally, new job opportunities are posted throughout the year.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to many regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.

This season, Dollywood Parks & Resorts received a national Top Workplaces award from USA Today/Gannett and underscoring the friendly environment present at Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Newsweek also named the park to the top of its Best Theme Park Customer Service list.

For more information about positions, please visit dollywoodjobs.com.

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Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
Courtesy / UT AThletics

Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. MORE INFO GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO RELATED LINKS  Buy TicketsGame Day InformationFollow @Vol_HoopsSEC Clubhouse  TENNESSEE  Roster ScheduleGame Notes  GEORGIA  Roster ScheduleGame Notes  THE LATEST FROM…… Continue Reading

Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. —  No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center. The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network…… Continue Reading

TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
tbi

TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man

Posted on January 15, 2025 by rcadle • 0 Comments

A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man. 63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT. If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND. Lowe has a…… Continue Reading

Covenant Kids Run Kickoff Returns to Zoo Knoxville

Covenant Kids Run Kickoff Returns to Zoo Knoxville

Posted on January 14, 2025 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville will once again host the Covenant Kids Run on Saturday, February 1. Children in eighth grade and younger are eligible to enter the upcoming one-mile fun run. Parents can register their children online before race day or on-site beginning at 8:00 a.m., one hour before the race begins. Click here…… Continue Reading

Loudon County School Placed on Lockdown as Sheriff’s Office Searches for Wanted Man

Loudon County School Placed on Lockdown as Sheriff’s Office Searches for Wanted Man

Posted on January 14, 2025 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Philadelphia, TN (WOKI) Deputies with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a wanted man in Philadelphia, Tennessee. LCSO officials say Thomas Fortune is on foot in the area of Pond Creek Road and McCrary Street. They say Fortune is white and was last seen shirtless and wearing black pants. Officials add that a…… Continue Reading

Teen Killed by Knox County Deputies Had Posted About Selling Drugs Online, Search Warrant Says

Teen Killed by Knox County Deputies Had Posted About Selling Drugs Online, Search Warrant Says

Posted on January 14, 2025 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The 18-year-old who Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies are accused of shooting dead earlier this month had a history of posting drug-related content to social media. That, according to a search warrant wherein KCSO detectives suspected Daevon Montez Saint-Germain was associated with the Murdaville Mafia street gang, a subsect of the 98…… Continue Reading

Teens Arrested at a Walmart on Multiple Charges Including Drug, Theft, Various Endangerment and Carjacking
KCSO

Teens Arrested at a Walmart on Multiple Charges Including Drug, Theft, Various Endangerment and Carjacking

Posted on January 14, 2025 by rcadle • 0 Comments

(Knox County, TN WOKI/KCSO) Detectives with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile, Narcotics, and Organized Retail Crime Units, along with KCSO’s Aviation Unit, successfully apprehended a 17-year-old juvenile (primary suspect) who was wanted on numerous outstanding charges with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Knoxville Police Department. Detectives also arrested a second adult male…… Continue Reading

Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee will host its annual “We Back Pat” game on Thursday, as Mississippi State comes to Food City Center and joins the Lady Vols in commemorating the 13th anniversary of the initiative, which is a partnership between the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Southeastern Conference. UT (14-2, 2-2 SEC) and MSU (15-3, 2-2…… Continue Reading

Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team checks in at sixth in the country in the major polls this week. After a program-best five-week run atop the rankings, Tennessee (15-1, 2-1 SEC) dropped five spots in both the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, as released Monday afternoon.…… Continue Reading

DOLLYWOOD HIRING EVENTS FOR 2025 SEASON BEGIN SATURDAY

DOLLYWOOD HIRING EVENTS FOR 2025 SEASON BEGIN SATURDAY

Posted on January 14, 2025 by rcadle • 0 Comments

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Monday, January 13, 2025) — With a busy 40th anniversary season on the horizon, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has scheduled several hiring events in January and February to prepare for the exciting year ahead. With last November’s opening of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort and the opening of the Dolly Parton Experience this past May,…… Continue Reading