CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville High versus Rossview High is more than just the game being played; it’s the students, the alumni, the fans, it just means more.
Leading up to the boys’ basketball game, Rossview was the suspected favorite, but Kellen Howard and CHS had different plans. Clarksville High upset the Hawks for their first in city loss since the 2022 region tournament, 71-69.
Rivalry games are always high energy battles, and that’s exactly how this one started. It was all knotted up, 14-14 at the break. Long-time Clarksville High head coach Ted Young was just happy to be back after all these snow days and was concerned they might not have had enough practice time.
“We’ve had one day of practice in the last 10 days” said Young. “I hadn’t really got to see my players much, and it was just good to be back with them. They sent me pictures of them bonding over the snow break, and for them to come out and beat the top team in the district right now, I loved to see the look and joy on their faces.”
Going into the half, the Wildcats built a 34-27 lead, which was capped off by Howard’s fade away jumper at the buzzer. The senior forward was all over the floor tonight for CHS, and his amazing defensive effort was a big part of the Wildcat win.
“It feels good to get a big win, especially at Rossview.” said Howard. “All the time we work on defense, and we didn’t feel good about our defense after the Springfield (game). We just stayed discipline, stayed motivated and worked together.”
Coaches corner
The Hawks have been a second half team the whole year. It felt like in the second half, the underdog was up, but everyone was waiting on the Hawks to go on a run and take the lead. Unfortunately for the Hawks, it just never happened.
“They outplayed us, give them the credit.” said Rossview head coach Johnny Jackson. “They shot well, made free throws down the line, they deserved to win.”
For Rossview High, it snaps a 19-game winning streak in Clarksville, but the Hawks are still the team to beat in their district. For Clarksville, it’s something to build off of for a team, who this time last year, was nowhere close to where they are now.
“The road is still really long.” said Young. “The regular season district games are a preparation for the postseason, so if we continue to play well… we just need to keep improving towards the tournament. I mean this time last year we only had one win, and they’ve taken it to heart we’re working towards an ultimate goal.”
Top scorers
Clarksville High: Sheldon Huber – 20 Points; Kellen Howard – 18 points; Dawson Smith – 8 points; Kirk Weatherford – 8 points; Jabari Jolley – 7 points; Trey Youngs – 7 points; Stefan Losich – 3 points.
Rossview High: Cam Ward – 19 points; Landon Hankemeier – 16 points; Jacob Edwards – 13 points; Jiyair Rose – 12 points; Quamond Lindsey – 9 points.
Clarksville High girls’ basketball stay perfect
The Clarksville Lady Wildcats took their unbeaten 17-0 mark into a hostile and electric atmosphere at Rossview High School. However, they couldn’t be stopped and escaped with a win against the Lady Hawks, 46-38.
The battle between Imari Berry and Torri James had a lot of hype built up around it, and it lived up to everyone’s expectation. Early on it was a defensive slugfest, and neither team could break through. Part of that was because of both teams were rusty after being out of school for a week, and an amazing defensive effort on both ends.
“I thought both teams played really well, especially after having a week off” said Clarksville High head coach Brian Rush. “It was a game of runs, and fortunately we made the runs at the right time.”
It was only a 5-point difference at the half, 22-17, and Rossview High had Clarksville right where they wanted them. However, Berry took over in the second half, and the Wildcats pulled away.
“We gritted, we grinded and we gave it our all.” said Rossview head coach Clay Head. “We kept them off the boards, kept them in front, and defensively we played well enough to win, we just have to be better offensively.”
Top scorers
ClarksvilleHigh : Imari Berry – 21 points; Malon Smith – 12 points; Emma Young – 4 points; Keira Garinger – 3 points; Shakia Vance – 4 points; Ella Moore – 3 points.
Rossview High: Torri James – 14 points; Ellie Hankemeir – 9 points; Madisyn Thomas – 3 points; Baylee Williams – 3 points; Ailani Davis – 3 points; Neveah Brown – 2 points; Imani Evans – 2 points; Jai Jordan – 2 points.