Union City High School senior Ben Kail has added one final accolade to his impressive high school basketball résumé.
Already named District 14A’s regular season MVP and postseason tournament MVP, Kail earned a spot on the prestigious Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 1A All-State team, announced today. The 6-foot-1 guard becomes one of just 15 players across the state to receive the honor.
Kail’s senior season was nothing short of stellar. He averaged 18.4 points per game, helped lead the Tornadoes to both the regular season and tournament District 14A titles, and crossed the 1,000-point career milestone in the process. He hit double figures in 27 of 30 games, including a jaw-dropping 42-point performance—featuring eight 3-pointers—against Gibson County in December.
A true all-around player, Kail also led the team in steals (2.8 per game), ranked second in rebounds (4.0 per game), and showed off his efficiency with a 49.4% shooting percentage and 82.2% accuracy from the free-throw line. He drained 64 threes during the season.
Among the 15 players selected for the All-State team, Kail was one of just seven seniors, joining standouts like Humboldt’s Kendrick Taylor and Darion Taylor, and Tate Surber of McKenzie.
In typical humble fashion, Kail expressed gratitude upon learning about the recognition.
“It means a lot, and I’m just so blessed for every honor I’ve received,” he said. “I’m thankful for my teammates, the coaches who spent so much time with me, and just for the experiences that Union City basketball has given me.”
Kail’s journey began as a skinny freshman known for clutch 3-pointers during Union City’s 2022 playoff run. Over the next three years, he transformed into a complete player—thanks to dedication in the weight room and coaching from UC assistant Ronald Ward. As a senior, he took on added responsibility as a point guard, showcasing his ability to facilitate while still scoring at a high level.
“I was a lot smaller, and I wasn’t very fast as a freshman. Shooting was about all I could do,” Kail said with a smile. “I was so blessed to have good coaching—both individually and as part of the team—and my game just got better.”
He credited 2024 Mr. Basketball finalist Malaki Brooks as a key inspiration.
“Watching Mali and what he did consistently helped me a lot. And practicing against guys who pushed me every day really made a difference.”
In addition to his on-court achievements, Kail was also recognized for his work in the classroom, earning a spot on the District 14A All-Academic Team.
As his high school career comes to a close, Ben Kail leaves behind a legacy of hard work, leadership, and humility—setting the standard for future Tornadoes.
TSWA ALL-STATE BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Class 1A
Jacob Amonett, Pickett County, Sr.
Auden Slaughter, Santa Fe, Sr.
Derrick Roberson, Chattanooga Prep, Jr.
Ja’Coby Lewis, Hillcrest, Sr.
Trey Vann, Jellico, Jr.
Kendrick Taylor, Humboldt, Sr.
Cadence Collins, Chattanooga Prep, Fr.
Cruz Coggins, Cosby, Jr.
Andrew Cole, University High-Johnson City, Sr.
John Hardin, Unaka, So.
Tate Surber, McKenzie, Sr.
Cayman Camfield, Wayne County, Jr.
Camden Cole, Eagleville, Jr.
Ben Kail, Union City, Sr.
Darion Taylor, Humboldt, So.
