CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The No. 4-seeded Zion Christian Mountaineers traveled to Clarksville Christian for a TSIAA State Quarterfinal matchup with the Centurions on Tuesday. This one was never in doubt, as Clarksville Christian scored the first 53 points of the contest and won 67-9.

The Mountaineers had no answer for forward Marley Spires, but to be fair, no one really does. Spires scored 10 points in the first quarter, then 14 in the third to continue to pull away with a lead. Spires also grabbed 14 rebounds, three steals and a block, a truly dominating performance on the biggest stage of the state tournament. Defensively, the Centurions were dominant, not allowing a basket until 30 seconds left in the third quarter.

“We did well defensively, being active in our zone and having good pressure,” said Centurions head coach Trenton Hassell. “Offensively, Marley dominated down low, and we’re going to need her to continue to play that way if we want to have a chance at the state title. With Lauren out, she has to step up, and we did that tonight.”

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Guard Kaydence Kindle did the dirty work defensively, grabbing seven steals and scoring 11 to be the second leading scorer on the Centurions, and still outscored the Mountaineers as a team. Next up, the Centurions are back at home on Thursday for the state semifinals against Franklin Road.

“We have to continue to be disciplined and play together no matter what the score is,” said Hassell. “We have to continue to get better every game we play, and have girls step up. Thankfully, we’re at home, and we spent a lot of time on the road this year, so anytime we play here, we take advantage of that. We’ve got a good Franklin Road team coming in, and we will need to be on our game, defensively, especially.

Elsewhere in Clarksville

Clarksville Academy’s girls almost pulled off the upset, but fell to Middle Tennessee Christian, ending the Cougars’ season.

Kenwood’s girls defeated West Creek in the District 14-4A play-in game, ending the Coyotes’ season.

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