CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville High came face to face with Lebanon High on Wednesday in the state boys basketball tournament for a chance to advance to the final four. But the Wildcats fell just short of a comeback against the Blue Devils, losing 62-57.
When looking at the game totals, the Blue Devils had the advantage in the turnover battle, shot efficiency, assisted baskets and blocked shots.
Clarksville was still able to dominate the boards throughout the night.
However, the staggering statistic is the difference in free throws attempts. Lebanon shot 29 attempted free throws compared to Clarksville High’s 10. Even though the Blue Devils only made 16-29 of their attempts, it paid dividends down the stretch of the game.
| Clarksville | Lebanon | |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | 39.6% | 46.7% |
| Rebounds | 34 | 30 |
| Assists | 7 | 11 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 8 |
| Steals | 3 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Free Throws | 9-10 | 16-29 |
(TSSAA, Official Box Score)
The Wildcats season ended in the team finishing with an overall record of 26-3. Clarksville High had won 17 straight games before their latest defeat.
Next season could be tough: The team is on pace to lose Joseph Schreiber-Rivera, Daferlin Walls, JJ Wheat, Arnett Hines and Jaheim Berry this off-season.
The five seniors accounted for a large portion of the team’s overall production. In reference, the five scored 95% of Clarksville’s total points on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, the 2022-23 season will be interesting to see who steps up and how far the Wildcats can progress under coach Ted Young.