By Susan Burton, Henry County Schools Communications Director
PARIS, TN — The Henry County High School/Grove Fishing Team is carrying a wave of momentum into the summer as they prepare to compete on the national stage. Fresh off being named the 2026 West Tennessee High School Bass Nation School of the Year, the team is set to represent Henry County at the 17th Annual High School Fishing World Finals & National Championship.
From June 23–27, 2026, in Russell Springs, Kentucky, three Henry County duos will face off against the best high school anglers in the country. The competing roster includes:
• Ayden Lawrence & Colsyn Edwards (Freshmen)
• Bryson Whitaker (Senior) & Fletcher Mooney (Sophomore)
• Byron Ellis and Carter Allison (Juniors)
The tournament features a grueling four-day format designed to test consistency and strategy. Anglers compete with a three-fish limit, where daily high weights determine who advances. While getting to the third day relies on cumulative totals, the final championship day “clears the slate,” forcing the top teams to compete from zero for the ultimate prize.
The 2026 season has been a landmark year for the program. By securing the School of the Year title, the team has reclaimed a crown they previously held in 2019 and 2020, cementing their status as a powerhouse in Tennessee competitive fishing.
“These young men will be traveling to Kingston, TN, at the end of May to represent us in the High School State Tournament,” said Head Coach Kandi Ellis. “This marks 10 years in a row that HCHS has been represented at a National Fishing tournament, a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and the support of our community.”
The HCHS Fishing Team provides student-athletes with the opportunity to compete in professional-level bass fishing tournaments. The program focuses on sportsmanship, environmental stewardship, and technical skill, consistently producing top-tier anglers who compete at state and national levels.
Photo submitted by Kandi Ellis: The HCHS Fishing Team will be competing in the High School State Tournament in Kingston, TN at the end of May. Team members are Colsyn Edwards, Fletcher Mooney, Emerson Vick, Easton Aaron, Coach Kandi Ellis, Brysen Whitaker, Byron Ellis, Carter Allison, and Ayden Lawrence.