MBA MOCK TRIAL WINS SEVENTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

MBA Mock Trial claimed its third state championship in the last four years — and seventh overall — last weekend, earning a spot at nationals this spring to represent the Volunteer State. This achievement reflects not only the team’s recent hard work but also the dedication that began last fall.

The Big Red traveled to Philadelphia and Chicago for Empire World Championship events, where both JV and Varsity teams placed in the top 10. More recently, MBA dominated local competition, defeating University School of Nashville and Harpeth Hall for the Davidson County title before securing the state championship over Clarksville High School, Memphis University School, and Agathos Classical School, with Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary Wagner presiding over the championship trial.

MBA’s top team — Russell Howard, Kavneer Majhail, George Ma, Jack Rogers, Kenny Royer, Eli Stark, Sammy Thompson — led the way, but many others also showcased legal talent. Nikhil Misra and John Dryden earned MVP honors at the Davidson County event for their performances on MBA’s other two teams, which both finished with winning records against non-MBA competition. Additional individual accolades include:

MBA A (District & State Champions): Russell Howard, Kavneer Majhail, George Ma, Jack Rogers, Kenny Royer, Eli Stark, Sammy Thompson

MBA B (Fourth place Davidson County, 3-1 Record): Eric Chen, Witt Combs, William Guo, Alex Kaegi, Nikhil Misra, Jazz Oberoi, Ethan Sides

MBA C (2-2 Davidson County Record, including a loss to MBA A): Henry Bone, John Dryden, Will Gannon, Oliver Johnston, Aziz Sahibnazarov, Graham Sauer, Charles Williams

A special shoutout goes to coaches Wade Cowan, Tracy Hancock, and Marissa Combs-Smith. Cowan, who has guided MBA Mock Trial for 40 years, remains a role model both in and out of the courtroom.

MBA will travel to Phoenix, Arizona, May 7-10, aiming to bring home a national championship to add to its impressive collection of titles. The Big Red last competed at the national championship in 2023, finishing third in the country that year.