CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Northeast Lady Eagles traveled to Exit 8 for a matchup with the Lady Hawks on Friday. The Hawks led from opening tip to the final buzzer, and Ellie Hankemeier became the sixth Lady Hawk in program history to hit the 1,000 career point mark, scoring 37 on the night, as Rossview celebrated Senior Night with a 55-26 win.

The Hawks set the tone immediately, going on a 9-0 run to start the contest, and as soon as Northeast answered, a 10-0 run for a 19-2 lead midway through the second quarter. The rust was showing from both teams – not playing for two weeks hurt both – but Rossview was getting more shots to fall. Hawks forward Ellie Hankemeier had 17 at the half as Rossview led 25-8.

“They were dealing with some of the same rust issues, so it’s no excuse, but it made the game kind of bleh,” said Hawks head coach Drew Smith. “I really liked a lot of the things we did defensively, and that’s how we give ourselves a chance. Ellie is a unique luxury; she’s one of those special ones. She can get a shot anytime she wants it. The best part about her is that she’s such a good kid, and you saw all the girls run and hug her because of how much she cares. I will say, my favorite point was 1,002, because she finally finished with her right.”

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The Hawks continued their blowout of the Eagles, highlighted by guard Milania Peak knocking down three three-pointers in the second half, and Hankemeier finishing with 37. With the win, Rossview has won three straight district games and has two important contests against rivals Kirkwood and Clarksville High next week. If they sweep the week, the Hawks can at least tie for the No. 1 seed.

“In our locker room, we have all five plaques from the last five years, and they’re all silver runner-ups,” said Smith. “We have turned a corner to being a team that can surprise some people. We’ve lost a lot of talent over the past few years, but now we’re looking at it as we’re the team that can put a gold plaque in the locker room. Playing games that matter this time of year, that’s what you sign up for.”

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