CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville High girls’ basketball team traveled to Northeast High for a chance to extend their winning streak to 20 games, and that’s exactly what they did. The Lady Wildcats took care of business to move to 20-0 after an 84-31 victory over the Eagles.
“Our girls played hard and showed effort all night,” said CHS head coach Brian Rush. “We tried some different defenses, moved the ball around and got production out of all ten of our girls.”
The Lady Eagles were not without fight though. Northeast High crashed the boards, dove on the floor and hit shots with regularity. However, offensively, they just weren’t able to keep up with the pace of Clarksville High early on.
“Our girls went out and played hard,” said Northeast head coach Tracy Mason-Blair. “Clarksville’s a good team, that’s why they’re undefeated, and it’s hard to beat them, but we just have to keep working and getting better. We’re going to put the same effort on the floor every night and see how far it takes us.”
McDonalds All-American Imari Berry led the Wildcats in scoring on the night with 32 points in only 3 quarters of play. That allowed some of their younger talent to find the floor as the Wildcats continue to prepare for the postseason.
“We want to get better every day we step on the court,” said Rush. “The goal is to peak in the playoffs, that’s where you want to be playing your best ball. We’re on the right trajectory to get there.”
Top Scorers
Clarksville High: Imari Bery – 32 points; Shakia Vance – 15 points; Malon Smith – 13 points; Ella Moore – 13 points; Cambell Boisseau – 4 points; Emma Young – 2 points; Ally Howard – 2 points.
Northeast High: Damoni Peterson – 10 points; Qimore Summers – 6 points; Krista Brandon – 5 points; Tinonna Charles – 4 points; Jorion Cozart – 2 points; Kionna Rourk – 2 points.
CHS boys’ defeat Northeast to climb district standings
The Clarksville Wildcats have had a lot of up and down moments so far this season but made a step in the right direction following a 70-56 victory at Northeast High.
“What we’re looking for right now is progress,” said Clarksville High head coach Ted Young. “Tonight, we played really hard, and we made too many mistakes for this time of year, but we managed to find a way to win.”
Early on, the game was back and forth. The Eagles were coming off their first win of the season against Springfield Tuesday night and were high energy right from the opening tip.
“That’s the one thing that’s turned the corner for us,” said Northeast Head Coach Ivard Brimley. “Our kids don’t necessarily look at records or scores anymore, they just come out, compete and see where that takes them.”
Before halftime hit, the Wildcats were able to build a double-digit lead, which they were able to sustain for the majority of the second half. In the end, Clarksville High won 70-56 behind Kellen Howard’s 23 points scored.
After Springfield lost to Northeast, this win puts CHS in good position to be the districts 3-seed and escape the district play-in game. Before looking at the playoffs though, the Wildcats have a date with Rossview High, who is looking for revenge following their last matchup.
Top scorers
Clarksville High: Kellen Howard – 23 points; Sheldon Huber – 18 points; Kirk Weatherford – 10 points; Jonah Green – 7 points; Dawson Smith – 4 points; Jabari Jolley – 2 points; Bryson Ellington – 2 points; Joseph Kifle – 2 points.
Northeast High: Deshaun Peterson – 14 points; Tayshaun Mozee – 10 points; Jayden Young – 9 points; Markus Bennett – 6 points; Kio’voney Gilmore – 6 points; Joseph Kwakuyi – 4 points; Lance Hodges – 3 points; B. Phillips – 2 points; Terry Jones – 2 points.