CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The last time Rossview faced Clarksville High, on Jan. 22, the Hawks were stunned on their home court in a 71-69 upset. It was their first in-city loss since 2022. But on Friday, the Hawks got their revenge in a defensive battle, 54-39.
The game started out neck and neck. An electric atmosphere led to some scuffles, which included a technical foul on Jacob Edwards after a monster dunk. In the second quarter however, the Hawks defensive intensity rose ten-fold. They would only score 10 in the 2nd, but held the Wildcats to only 2 points in the 2nd.
“Any time you play that team, it’s gonna be intense,” said Rossview head coach Johnny Jackson. “Defensively we were better tonight than the last time we played them. It was one of those grind them out games, wasn’t very pretty to watch, but we don’t mind that.”
Rossview historically hasn’t shot well in William Workman Gymnasium. That trend continued, however the Cats shot worse. Only scoring 12 points between the second and third quarters, Clarksville wouldn’t be able to find their rhythm.
“Both teams played very very good defense,” said Clarksville head coach Ted Young. “We had several opportunities with open shots that we just couldn’t get to fall. We’re a thin team, and we just ran out of gas.”
The 15 points from Kellen Howard led the Cats, but it would not be enough. Rossview was well below their scoring average, but scored just enough and played incredible defense, to win 54-39. Landon Hankemeier led the way with 15 points, and 13 rebounds. However the most important stat of the night was not in the score book. Cam Ward took on the responsibility of guarding Kellen Howard, and held him without a made FG in the first half.
With the loss, Clarksville will play Northeast in district play and fight to stay alive. For Rossview, it all but wraps up the one seed, but they have bigger goals ahead.
“It was just nice to come to their place and get a big win,” said Jackson. “The guys celebrated, but they know we have bigger goals ahead of us.”
Box Score
Rossview: Landon Hankemeier- 15 points; Jacob Edwards- 14 points; Cam Ward- 9 points; Jiyair Rose- 8 points; Quamond Linsey- 6 points; Jay Yip- 2 points.
Clarksville: Kellen Howard- 15 points; Kirk Weatherford- 14 points; Sheldon Huber- 8 points, Dawson Smith 2 points.
Lady Cats wrap up 1-seed in district
The Lady Hawks came into William Workman Gymnasium with the intention of knocking off the undefeated Wildcats. They got close, but fell just short at the end, as the Lady Cats got just enough shots to win, 49-37.
It was a rough shooting night for both teams, as it usually is when these two teams get together. However, the Cats used suffocating defense early, and held the Hawks to only 5 points in the 1st quarter.
“Playing Rossview is always fun, that’s the thing,” said Clarksville head coach Brian Rush. “Coach head always has his girls ready, and you saw two teams battle. We spent most of our practice time working on defense, so I’m glad that showed up for us tonight.
Clarksville was up 30-17 at the half, but at the start of the 3rd, the energy shifted. The Hawks engaged a press defense that Clarksville wasn’t able to break, and created turnovers and momentum to lessen the deficit. Led by the scoring and defense of Torri James, who ended the night with 17, the Hawks were finally in a rhythm.
“We competed really well, from the very start,” said Rossview Coach Clay Head. “I’ll put our girls up against anybody out there defensively. We just have to be able to constantly score higher. I hope we get to play them again later on.”
The Cats would extinguish the run quickly however, with some timely shot making from Imari Berry, who had a casual 21 points. Malon Smith, while only finishing with 12, was the primary ball handler and the key to stopping turnovers.
For Rossview, it puts them firmly in second in the district, barring any huge upsets. For Clarksville, they’re back where they were, on top of the district, and need two more wins to finish out the perfect season.
“We’ve had two weeks of playing three games a week, and much like a lot of teams right now, we’re a little tired,” said Rush. “We’re gonna rest this weekend, and get ready for Northeast and Henry next week. We’re just trying to keep it pushing, and peak at the right time.”
Box Score
Clarksville: Imari Berry-21 points; Malon Smith- 12 points; Ella Moore- 9 points; Shakiah Vance- 5 points; Ally Howard- 2 points.
Rossview: Torri James- 17 points; Ellie Hankemeier-10 points; Imani Evans- 3 points; Madisyn Thomason- 3 points; Ailani Davis 2 points; Jai Jordan 2 points.