SPRINGFIELD, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Kirkwood Cobras traveled to Springfield High School for the District 13-4A Tournament championship against the Yellow Jackets on Thursday. The Cobras fell just short of the district championship last year. But this year, they left no doubt, winning their first in program history, 76-56.

The Cobras came out on fire, stringing together stops on the defensive end with great ball movement on offense to create easy buckets. Kirkwood guard Bryce Garnett got hot and ended the night with 16 points. Anytime Springfield attempted to make a run, the Cobras responded, and Armani Smith, who led all scorers with 21 points, got bucket after bucket.

“It’s huge for us, being only our second year,” said Kirkwood head coach John Stigall. “We’re still young, we’re still growing, but we wanted this one pretty bad. Since day one we talked about being a championship program without winning championships. We followed through tonight.”

The Cobras were up 18 at the half, and cruised in the second to the win, earning them a one seed in next week’s Region 7-4A tournament. Now, it’s all about surviving and advancing for Kirkwood and Stigall.

“Normally, this happens on a Tuesday, but we’re in a unique situation with a quick turnaround,” said Stigall. “We told them tonight, enjoy it, but when you wake up tomorrow, it’s all about Kenwood and all about moving forward to the next. If we lose Saturday, this one doesn’t mean a lot.

All-District, All-Tournament Team

After the contest, the All-District and All-Tournament teams were announced, along with the presentation of District Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and District 13-4A runner up and Champion plaques.

All-District Team

  • Kirkwood High: Armani Smith, Anthony Goring, Bryce Garnett, Linkoln Schwass
  • Springfield High: Jalen Chapman, Jermaine Cobbins, Eshon Thompkins
  • Clarksville High: Sheldon Huber, Kirk Weatherford, Trey Youngs
  • Rossview High: JiYair Rose, Roland Morton, Chris Johnson
  • Northeast High: Tayshaun Mozee
  • District MVP: Armani Smith, Kirkwood
  • Coach of the Year: John Stigall, Kirkwood

All-Tournament Team

  • Kirkwood High: Aaron Hines, Armani Smith, Tay Clardy, Chance Austin
  • Springfield High: Jalen Chapman, Jermaine Cobbins, Cameron Cobbins
  • Clarksville High: Dawson Smith, Thomas King
  • Rossview High: Logan Pikeelko, Preston Russell
  • Northeast High: Kiovonney Gilmore

What’s Next

Now, the eight teams remaining in region 7-4A will square off in win or go home quarterfinal games on Saturday at 7 p.m., hosted by the higher seed.

  • (4) Kenwood @ (1) Kirkwood
  • (3) Dickson County @ (2) Springfield
  • (3) Clarksville @ (2) Northwest
  • (4) Rossview @ (1) Henry County