CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Battle of Exit 8 rivalry, the Rossview Hawks and Kirkwood Cobras, took place Tuesday on a massive stage: the District 13-4A championship game at Kirkwood. The Hawks and Cobras physically battled back and forth before Kirkwood pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 52-38 win, earning their second straight district title and head coach John Stigall’s 400th win.
The Cobras’ offense caught fire in the first quarter, with Kirkwood looking to take control early. Armani Smith got to the rack, scoring eight points all in the paint in the first quarter, and Bryce Garnett couldn’t miss from outside, hitting three three-pointers in the same span for a 21-9 first quarter lead. However, the Rossview defense tightened up, and Jiyair Rose got going, hitting two threes. The Cobras were held to only five points in the second, and led by two points at the half, 26-24. We were set up for a classic.
The two teams matched each other’s score in the third quarter, heading into the fourth quarter with the same two-point lead. Armani Smith had had enough of being close. Smith scored 11 fourth-quarter points, finishing with 27, as the Cobras used stifling defense to pull away. Rossview was held to only 14 second-half points.
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“Both teams defended at a very high level; you had to really be a tough dude to score in that game tonight,” said Stigall. “That’s the way it should be for a championship game. We’ve got guys that have been through the wars, and they did the dirty things to get it done. Armani was huge; he’s one of the best players around here in a long time, and tonight he got that championship moment.”
What’s next for Rossview
The Hawks defended well in one of the most physical high school basketball games in a long time, but couldn’t make enough baskets down the stretch. Rossview now turns its attention to a regional quarterfinal against West Creek, a game that went to double overtime earlier in the year.
“It was a bloodbath,” said Hawks head coach Johnny Jackson. “It was unlike any high school game I’ve coached in. We didn’t shoot a free throw till the fourth quarter. It was a battle, and anytime our two teams play, it’s going to be like that. Now it’s a one-game season, and you have to be ready to go. This one stings tonight, but we will be ready to go tomorrow.”
What’s next for Kirkwood
As for the Cobras, they earned their second straight title in just their third year as a program. As far as Stigall is concerned, though, it’s on to the next, as the Cobras host Dickson County in a regional quarterfinal on Saturday.
“Our group had a goal, and they accomplished it,” said Stigall. “It’s been a fun group to coach, they play their butts off, and I’m glad they’re getting some success. I didn’t say anything about the championship in the locker room; it’s all about the next tournament. Tonight is just a check off our list.”
All-District, All-Tournament teams
After the game, the All-District 13-4A and All-Tournament Team was announced.
All-District Team:
- MVP- Armani Smith – Kirkwood
- Bryce Garnett – Kirkwood
- Montavious Clardy – Kirkwood
- Aaron Hines – Kirkwood
- JiYair Rose – Rossview
- Israel Dillard – Rossview
- Linkoln Schwass – Rossview
- Dawson Smith – CHS
- Lawson Phillips – CHS
- Terry Jones – Northeast
- Destin Jones – Northeast
Coach of Year: John Stigall – Kirkwood
All-Tournament Team:
- Destin Jones – Northeast
- Peyton Smith – Northeast
- Isaac Thornhill – Clarksville
- Thomas King – Clarksville
- Preston Russell – Rossview
- JiYar Rose – Rossview
- Macs Idzi – Rossview
- Armani Smith – Kirkwood
- Bryce Garnett – Kirkwood
- Aree Hines – Kirkwood
- Travis Rivers – Kirkwood
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