Two of Sumner County’s finest high school basketball standouts just earned a major nod on the national stage.
Beech center Cutter Sisk and JPII point guard Trey Pearson have been nominated for the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Games, a showcase reserved for the top high school seniors in the country. The nomination alone puts them in elite company - a signal that both players are among the best of the best in the 2026 class.
Let’s start with Sisk. At 6-foot-9, he’s been a dominant force in the paint for Beech, and his numbers back it up.
Through 22 games, the Wofford signee has averaged 23.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.3 steals per contest. That’s not just production - that’s consistent two-way impact.
Sisk has the size to protect the rim, the touch to score inside, and the motor to clean the glass. His presence has been a game-changer all season long.
Then there’s Pearson, a four-star point guard committed to High Point, who’s been the engine for JPII. At 6-foot-2, Pearson has shown the kind of all-around game that coaches at the next level love to build around.
He’s putting up 17.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.7 steals per game - a stat line that speaks to his versatility and leadership on both ends of the floor. He’s not just scoring - he’s setting the tone, facilitating offense, and locking down on defense.
Together, Sisk and Pearson are two of only five players from Tennessee to earn nominations this year. They’re joined by Fred Smith (Briarcrest), Ja’Michael Mitchell (Whitehaven), and Chris Washington (PCA) - a strong group representing the Volunteer State.
Getting nominated is just the first step. Out of more than 300 boys basketball nominees, only a small fraction will actually suit up for the McDonald’s All-American Games. Last year’s event took place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and it remains one of the most high-profile stages for high school hoops talent.
For context, it’s been a minute since a Midstate player made the final roster. The last was Brandon Miller of Cane Ridge, who earned All-American honors before heading to Alabama. And when it comes to Sumner County, there’s only been one McDonald’s All-American: Corey Brewer, the Portland native who made the cut back in 2004 before going on to win two NCAA titles and carve out a solid NBA career.
Sisk and Pearson now have a chance to follow in those footsteps - and while the final selections are still to come, the recognition alone cements their place among the top-tier talent in the country.