CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Kirkwood High Lady Cobras traveled to Kenwood High School for a matchup with the Knights on Friday, the final day of Christmas break. A back-and-forth physical battle with several ties and lead changes saw Kirkwood pull away late and hold on for a 56-50 victory.
Early in the contest, both teams struggled to find the net, mostly due to strong defense from both squads. The teams were dead even at the halftime break, 27-27.
Kirkwood head coach Micah Rochester said his message to his team at the half was to just value the basketball.
“We’ve got a lot of girls that can really score, but when you’re giving up possessions due to turnovers, that doesn’t matter,” said Rochester. “I discussed not so calmly the importance of not turning it over, and we were able to execute better out of the half.”
In the second half, Mya Brooks got hot for the Cobras and scored 16 points, including four three-pointers. Kirkwood built a 45-36 lead at the end of third quarter, and despite a strong comeback attempt from Kenwood, they held the lead to the final buzzer.
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Despite the loss, Kenwood head coach Jemiah Harrison is positive about her team’s effort and fight.
“We were diving for the ball, grabbing rebounds, and overall we just wanted it tonight,” said Harrison. “Obviously not the result we wanted, but we’re showing that we are a whole lot better. There’s a large conception that Kenwood isn’t very good, but we’re starting to show we can really play. A new season starts next week in district play.
As for Kirkwood, it’s a big in-city win following the turn of the new year, and a big momentum boost heading into the back half of the season.
“They showed a whole lot of fight grit and determination, especially in a close game late,” said Rochester. “They kept their composure and pulled out the win. We understand we’re young, and we look at every game as an opportunity to learn grow and get better. Whatever happens in district play we will worry about that then.”
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