Basketball season in Monroe County has been filled with all sorts of emotions up to the midway point this year.
There have been big wins, tough losses, great performances, disappointing performances, and no shortage of exciting plays.

But as the county teams start the second half of the season, there's still plenty left to accomplish for each team.
Here is a look back to the season's first half as well as a look ahead to what might be in store for each county team.

Sequoyah girls
First half: Entering the season, the chips looked to be stacked against the Lady Chiefs.
Sequoyah returned just a handful of players with any experience on the high school level and would have to use several young and inexperienced players.

While there have been some growing pains, freshmen Danielle Slack, Kassidy Freeman, and Charissa Cardin have given Lady Chiefs fans plenty to look forward to with some big games early.
Veterans Hillary Dyer, Ocena Richards, and Hayley Simpson have played well at times, but prolonged scoring droughts have hurt the Lady Chiefs mightily in several games this season.

Look ahead: The good news for the Lady Chiefs is the freshmen and inexperienced players are growing up and learning valuable lessons every game.
With a five-team district, it would take just one win in the district tournament to advance to the region tournament.

A trip to the region tournament can salvage a season that's been filled with growing pains.

Sequoyah boys
Look back: If you're a believer in karma, watch out for this team in February.
The Chiefs have suffered more than their fair share of tough losses already this season. Sequoyah has proven it can hang with, and beat, anyone on its schedule.

The key will be for Sequoyah to learn from the close losses and turn them into wins.
Look ahead: The Chiefs have to feel confident about their chances to play well and compete for a district championship.
They have a talented, yet streaky, team.

However, with the way things have unfolded so far this season, it should be a good race to the finish in District 5-AA.

Sweetwater girls
Look back: Much like Sequoyah, the Lady Wildcats entered the season with some questions concerning their depth.
A lineup consisting of mainly freshmen and sophomores has taken their lumps but has also displayed some solid talent.

But with the younger players eating up a majority of the minutes, the good play should be appearing more than the bad play.
Look ahead: The Lady Cats will also be focused on finishing strong and getting at least one win in the district tournament.
Sweetwater has played well in February the past couple of years and will need to keep that going again this year.

McMinn Central and Polk County again appear to be the class of the district, but a trip to the region tournament isn't out of the question for Sweetwater.

Sweetwater boys
Look back:  The Wildcats have been on a roller coaster in the season's first half, complete with close wins and close losses.

Corey Billingsley is having an outstanding year, but his supporting cast has played well also.
The outside presence of Gavyn Davis, the athleticism of Jamarus Brewster, and ever-improving skill of post Joey Raby have allowed the Wildcats to be very competitive this year.

Look ahead: The Cats have got to like their chances of competing for a district title after big wins over Meigs County and Sequoyah while playing Central to the closing seconds.
In a wide-open district race, Sweetwater has the talent to capture the title but consistent play and avoiding injuries will be key.

Tellico Plains girls
Look back: With the exception of a two-point win in their first game and a loss during the holidays, the Lady Bears have had their way with every team on their schedule.
Tellico is winning its games by an average of nearly 30 points per game.

With Sheann Cole and Kristian Moses on the perimeter and Sarah McKinnon and Jessi Parson in the post, teams must pick their poison.
The Lady Bears have also got good play off the bench.

Look ahead: Tellico is clearly the class of District 3-A, but the Lady Bears can't let their guard down.
With Polk County and Sequoyah on the schedule twice, along with games against Sweetwater and Harriman, the Lady Bears need to remain focused.

But this is a team that could play well into February, maybe even March.

Tellico Plains boys
Look back: The Bears have struggled against non-district teams but have played well in the district.
If Tellico can get everyone on the same page at the same time, they'll be a dangerous team. However, that hasn't happened yet.

Look ahead: The schedule is chock-full of tough games in the second half, which will test the endurance of the Bears.

 But a strong finish will only help this team as they prepare for what should be an exciting district tournament.