CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Wednesday, March 6, the Clarksville High School girls’ basketball team competed in the 2024 Blue Cross Basketball Championship tournament at the Murphy Center at MTSU. Their season came to an end with a 62-30 loss against the defending state champions, the Lady Bears from Bradley Central.
This was the second straight year the Lady Wildcats reached the state tournament. The quarterfinal was their only loss of the season as they finished with a record of 31-1.
Bradley Central came out the gate with a strong defensive showing, utilizing their interior size to score, defend and rebound. The Lady Bears won the first quarter, 17-6, before ballooning their lead to 24 with two minutes remaining in the first half. At the half, Bradley Central led 39-17.
2nd half of play
The Lady Bears kept a tight lid on Clarksville senior, Clemson signee, Miss Basketball finalist and McDonald’s All-American, Imari Berry. She finished 5 of 20 on field goals and 3 of 12 from beyond the arc, leading Clarksville’s scoring with 14 points on the night. She was the only Wildcat in double digits.
Clarksville head coach Brian Rush had great praise for the opposition. “I spent hours watching Bradley Central – I never did come up with a weakness. Their size and defense set the tone from the outset,” he said. Despite Clarksville’s girls fighting the whole game, they were unable to find any openings. This win moves Bradley to a record of 32-0 and a semifinal matchup.
Rush believed there was great improvement in the team as this year’s quarterfinal game felt different than last year’s. The girls left everything on the floor, emotionally and physically, he said. He also saw growth throughout the year and credited it to the leadership of the seniors. He recounted a moment in practice when Berry brought a trash can onto the floor and set it down to force a teammate to stop stepping forward before a shot.
Berry reflects on her time at CHS
As her high school career comes to an end, Berry holds the record for the most career points in program history. Yet, reflecting on her time at Clarksville High, she was most proud of her own personal growth.
“When I used to play basketball when I was younger, I didn’t talk, really. But now that I’m comfortable with people, I’m kind of goofy,” she said. “I could’ve done more on the court, I feel like. But I can’t really be too hard on myself, because I gave the game all I had.”
Seniors Ella Moore, Ella Muiznieks, Olivia Loos and Emma Young will also depart the program this year, along with manager Summer King.
As for Berry, her biggest takeaway from high school basketball as she embarks on a journey at the Division I level?
“Just be me,” she said with a smile.
Top scorers
Clarksville High: Imari Berry – 14 points; Malon Smith – 5 points; Campbell Boisseau – 4 points; Ella Moore – 3 points; Shakiah Vance – 2 points; Ally Howard – 2 points.