CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Kirkwood Cobras hosted the Rossview Hawks in front of a packed crowd at “The Pit” for the Battle of Exit 8 on Tuesday. The two teams traded blows in a back-and-forth battle, but the Cobras sank free throws down the stretch to pull away, securing a 62-50 win and first place in the District 13-4A standings.

Rossview got off to a hot start, building a quick 13-4 lead, aided by a few tough shots made by guard Roland Morton, who led the Hawks with 15 points. The Cobras quickly responded, aided by a lively home crowd, and thus began the chess match between the two squads.

The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)
The Kirkwood Cobras defeated the Rossview Hawks on February 4 (Knox Rives)

Kirkwood head coach John Stigall gave the Hawks credit. “They shot really well. I think some of those guys enjoy playing against us and shoot it better when they see our jerseys,” said Stigall. “We settled down, but I would like to see us guard better from the start.”

The Hawks led by six at the halftime break, but the Cobras quickly erased the deficit heading into the fourth quarter. Kirkwood guard Armani Smith caught fire, and was able to make tough shots and sink free throws, leading all scorers with 25 points.

“We came out and played with great intensity, especially defensively,” said Hawks head coach Johnny Jackson. “We got the shots that we wanted offensively, but had a few things not go our way down the stretch. Our guys aren’t scared of anybody, and we’ll learn from this.”

MORE: Rossview High girls basketball dominates Kirkwood in physical battle | PHOTOS

Thanks to Northeast defeating Springfield, the Cobras are now first place in the District 13-4A standings.

For Stigall, it’s all about being able to execute down the stretch, as he knows his team will need that come the postseason.

“Sometimes not handling games well at the end, that can hurt you, but we handled it well tonight,” said Stigall. “We didn’t have any empty possessions late, and we have to find ways to eliminate losing. We have to figure out how to guard them, because we will probably see them again.”

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