CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy boys basketball came away with a win as they hosted the state quarterfinal on Saturday. The Cougars improved their record to 23-12 after a win against Notre Dame High School out of Chattanooga.

The first quarter was a back and forth contest throughout the eight minutes of play. Each team was able to score effectively from all three levels on the floor. With three minutes remaining in the period, the Cougars and the Fighting Irish exchanged the lead five times. Notre Dame led after one 14-12 over Clarksville Academy.

This is where the Cougars seemed to flip a switch on defense. The Fighting Irish struggled to find an open lane on offense to begin the second quarter. After continuous defensive stops, Clarksville Academy went on an 8-0 run throughout the first five minutes of the quarter and led 20-14. Notre Dame had their first field goal with two minutes remaining in the second. The two-pointer would be their lone make, and the teams headed into the half.

Clarksville Academy head coach Tyler Hickman said patience was the key component in the second quarter. “Our guys were over-anxious on the defensive end during the first. The reason our defense turned around in the second is, because we were in position and remained patient,” he said.

This was evident as Notre Dame settled for contested jump shots from the perimeter and points became scarce.

Second half

The third quarter was similar to the first as the second half began. Clarksville Academy and Notre Dame traded baskets until the Cougars defense was able to step up once again. The home team went on to outscore their opponents 13-6 in the third. This extended Clarksville Academy’s lead to 37-22.

When each team came out of their huddles for the final eight minutes of play, they exchanged threes in under a minute. Notre Dame was desperate to get back into the game and rushed to cut the 14-point deficit. The Irish were able to cut the lead briefly, but Clarksville Academy remained in control of the ball game as time ticked away.

As Notre Dame began fouling to give themselves a fighting chance, the Cougars remained cool and collected. The home team was able to knock down 11-14 free throws from the charity stripe down the stretch. Clarksville Academy closed out the game with a 57-40 win. With the win, the Cougars advanced to the Division II-A state semi-finals.

Division II-A Final Four

The Clarksville Academy boys are looking to capture their first state championship since 2010.

While acknowledging the competition will be fierce, coach Hickman told Clarksville Now he loves what his team brings to the table.

“The team buys into their role, and the team plays for one another. The guys like being around each other, and no matter where they are, they continuously support one another. As a coach, their relationships have been a special thing to observe,” Hickman said.

Clarksville Academy scoring leaders: Eddie Ricks III – 19 points; Jac Wyatt – 14 points; DJ Merriweather – 7 points; Keith Richburg – 7 points; Trae Rideau – 5 points; Paris Pridgen – 3 points; Tyler Moss – 2 points

Notre Dame High School scoring leaders: Cole McCormick – 20 points; Tim Vaughn – 12 points; Josh McGee- 3 points; Ben Houston – 2 points; Jordon Jacks – 2 points; DJ Brown – 1 point