The Montgomery Bell Academy Basketball Team was honored by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame as one of the 2001 Amateur Teams of the Year. The 2000 MBA Basketball Team finished the season on a definite high note, winning the final seven games of the year, and winning 12 of their last 14 games. The crown jewel came when Big Red won their second TSSAA State Basketball Championship in three years. The Big Red were paced by state tournament MVP Barton Simmons who keyed the MBA offense, but more importantly, he was the catalyst for an aggressive, lightning quick defense. Alabama signee, Dan Banko, 6’9″, neutralized all the opponents’ big men including Parade All-American David Harrison from rival Brentwood Academy. Seniors Carlton Stewart and Jonas Rodriguez have played basketball for Coach Ricky Bowers’ for four years.
