CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville girls basketball team traveled to face Rossview on Monday in the TSSAA district championship game. This was the third matchup of the season between the programs, and it was another back and forth contest.

Each team looked to maximize their seeding in regional play. The matchup was a game of streaks throughout, and it could have gone either way, just as the previous two matchups. Nevertheless, each team left their full effort on the floor.

CHS Imari Berry shooting as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS Malon Smith driving as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS Malon Smith passing as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS Torri James shoots as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS Sydney DesRoches shoots as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS Sydney DesRoches as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS girls coach Brian Rush as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
The CHS bench as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS Emani Collier as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS Emani Collier driving as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS defense swarms CHS Malon Smith as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS Ella Moore, left, and RHS Sydney DesRoches, right, as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS girls coach Justin Woods talks to the team as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS Evie Darnell driving as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS Aubrey Padgett, left, as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS Aubrey Padgett, right, as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS Brystal Calhoun shooting as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS Angel Martin driving as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS Angel Martin shooting as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Brystal Calhoun, right, and Jana Darnell, left, as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Brystal Calhoun, left, on defense as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Battle for the rebound as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Aubrey Padgett, #44, and Laci Edwards, #32, combine for the rebound as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS cheer team as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
CHS cheer team as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS cheer team as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
RHS finished runners-up as Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High defeated Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
The All-Tournament Team after Clarksville High played Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
The All-District Team after Clarksville High plays Rossview in the TSSAA district championship game on Feb. 21, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)

District championship

The Wildcats started the game off on a solid note offensively and defensively. Imari Berry and Malon Smith were able to control the tempo on offense. Between the two, they scored 14 out of the team’s 18 points in the first quarter. While on defense, it was a collective effort to hold the Hawks to only 9 points.

However, Clarksville’s lead would soon deteriorate. Rossview would end up becoming the aggressor throughout the remainder of the first half. The team went on a 13-3 run to take the lead in the second quarter. Their ability to turn defense into offense was a key piece to their turnaround, as the Wildcats struggled with the Hawks’ full-court press.

Sydney DeRoches and Aubrey Padgett led the way for RHS, as each player scored six points in the quarter. As the half winded down, Rossview would go into the locker room with a 30-27 lead over Clarksville.

Second half

The Wildcats came out of halftime determined and ready to execute on both ends of the floor. The team started the third quarter with a 11-2 run through five minutes of play. They continued controlling the pace of the game from this point on. Clarksville outscored Rossview 17-10 to take a 44-40 lead through three.

CHS fed their hot hand in Berry who almost outscored the Hawks by herself in the fourth quarter. The sophomore guard was able to score 12, with a pair of threes, to keep her team ahead. Rossview pushed Clarksville to their limit up until the final whistle, but it was not enough in the end. The Wildcats would go on to win the district championship 59-54.

After the game, Clarksville head coach Brian Rush said his team’s resilience and toughness was on display throughout the night.

He said the Wildcats were effective on the offensive and defensive sides to start the game. He credited his opponent on being able to fight their way back into the lead. Rush said the team’s true toughness came out in the second half, and was showcased in their ability to close out the game with a win after being down at halftime.

Clarksville scoring leaders: Imari Berry – 27 points; Malon Smith – 17 points; Angel Martin – 7 points; Alexis Wimberly – 6 points; Ella Moore – 2 points

Rossview scoring leaders: Sydney DeRoches – 18 points; Emani Collier – 13 points; Evie Darnell – 8 points; Aubrey Padgett – 6 points; Laci Edwards – 5 points; Tori James – 4 points

After the game

As the district tournament has concluded, Clarksville, Rossview, Northeast and Springfield all turn their attention to regionals. Below are those individuals who were recognized after the game for their play in the tournament, as well as their play during the regular season.

All-Tournament Team: Clarksville – Amari Berry, Angel Martin, Ella Moore and Malon Smith; Rossview – Emani Collier, Evie Darnell and Jana Darnell; Northeast – Cierra Bowser and Aubrey Hagins; Springfield – Shamarri Cantrell and Rayne Erickson; West Creek – Reagan Fisher

All-District: Rossview – Sydney DeRoches, Laci Edwards, Tori James and Aubrey Padgett; Clarksville – Imari Berry, Brystal Calhoun and Angel Martin; Northeast – Cierra Bowser and Krysonie Mitchell; Springfield – Sarah Tejada and Shamari Phillips; West Creek – Amarachi Chukuemeka

Player of the Year: Rossview – Sydney DeRoches

Coach of the Year: Rossview- Justin Woods