CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Northeast High girls’ basketball team hosted the Kirkwood High Lady Cobras in a win or go home postseason game on Tuesday night.
The contest was a back-and-forth defensive battle, with both teams fighting to extend their seasons. However, there could only be one victor, and the Lady Cobras came out on top 43-37. With the win, Kirkwood High earned their first-ever district tournament win in program history.
Defensive intensity set the tone for the game early on as there wasn’t much offensive production from either team. Nevertheless, Kirkwood High was able to build a 18-6 double-digit lead at the half. The game was far from over, however.
In the second half of action, the Eagles turned up their intensity on both sides of the ball as they fought to keep their season alive. Lady Eagles head coach Tracie Mason-Blair was proud of her team’s fight.
“First of all, credit to Kirkwood. They came out and wanted it more,” said Mason-Blair. “I told them at half your seasons on the line, they came out and fought after that, but you have to play like that for 32 minutes. We just didn’t play with that intensity the whole game.”
While Northeast fought to get back into the game, the Cobras focused on controlling the ball and hitting their free throws, which paid dividends in the end with a 43-37 win.
Despite Qimara Summers strong 15-point effort, Northeast High girls’ basketball had their season come to an end, along with the seniors’ high school basketball careers.
For Kirkwood, they were led by Davis Collins scoring 16 points and her consistent rebounding. The Lady Cobras survived and advanced, and they now are set to face Clarksville High School in the district semifinal on Thursday.
“It means a lot to pull that one out.” said Kirkwood head coach Chris Carney. “We knew it was going to be a dogfight, and we knew they weren’t going to quit. For us to finish that, it’s special. Anytime you’re getting ready for a McDonalds All-American, you’re going to have your hands full. All it takes is a chance, and we’re going to try to knock off the top dog.”
Top Scorers:
Kirkwood High: Davia Collins – 16 points; Channing Jones – 13 points; Lorri James – 5 points; Kennedy Andrews – 5 points; Alanna Mays – 4 points.
Northeast High: Qimarra Summers – 15 points; Damonei Peterson – 13 points; Kayla Prince – 6 points; Eliza Brimley – 3 points.
Clarksville High advances in blowout fashion
The Clarksville High boys’ basketball team traveled to the Eagles nest at Northeast High School and extended their season in style by defeating the Eagles 71-31.
The Wildcats controlled this one right from the opening tip. Defensively, Clarksville High held the Eagles to a mere 6 points in the first quarter and 14 points total at the half.
“It seems like the game was a repeat of every game throughout the season,” said Northeast head coach Ivard Brimley. “Like I told the kids after the game, when facing adversity, there’s always some positives. Nobody quit. That’s something those guys can carry for the rest of their lives.”
Northeast High senior Jayden Young led his team as he scored 10 points and racked up 8 assists. As for Clarksville High, they were led by Kirk Weatherford’s 20 points. At this point and time, it seems as though the Wildcats are playing some of their best basketball. Standing in their way, however, is a date with rival – Rossview High.
“It’s always hard to beat a team three times, especially Northeast at home,” said Clarksville High head coach Ted Young. “We knew they could score, so we wanted to control the game defensively and let the offense take care of itself. We’ll do a lot of film study to prepare for Friday. The team knows I always find the worst moments of the game, and not the best, so that’s what we will focus on.”
Top Scorers:
Clarksville High: Kirk Weatherford – 20 points; Kellen Howard – 14 points; Sheldon Huber – 12 points; Jabari Jolley – 10 points; Lawson Phillips – 6 points; Dawson Smith – 4 points; Will Booth – 3 points; Bryson Ellington – 2 points.
Elsewhere In Clarksville
- The Northwest High boys’ basketball team beat out Henry County in a double-overtime thriller on a Ta’carey Monday buzzer beater.
- The West Creek Lady Coyotes extended their season, while simultaneously ending the Kenwood Knights season with a 44-38 win.