CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Tuesday night, the Rossview High boys’ basketball team went head-to-head with the Clarksville High Wildcats for a win or go home region semifinal game. Clarksville High battled throughout the contest as they have done all year, but Rossview High pulled away late for a 56-43 victory.
Each team struggled to find a rhythm on offense at the beginning of the game due to some intense defense. Rossview High head coach Johnny Jackson said the ball just didn’t want to go in early, but they knew shots would fall eventually.
“Sometimes shots don’t fall, that’s just how it is,” said Jackson. “That’s why you get upsets at any level. You have to tip your hat to the leaders on this team for finding a way to win.”
Going into the halftime break, Rossview High lead the Wildcats 29-20. With their team down 9 points opening the third quarter, Clarksville High knew they had to leave it all on the court to extend their season.
As the game progressed, Clarksville High was able to cut the deficit to just five points with four minutes left in the game. However, Rossview High guard Quamond Linsey took over the game with his ability to make clutch shots and his ball handling. He finished with 21 points in the Hawks 56-43 win over the Wildcats.
For Rossview High, it’s their third straight appearance in a region championship, but they have bigger goals than just the region.
“This group is special,” said Jackson. “To go to the sweet 16 this many times, it hasn’t been done a lot in the city. We’re just trying to play at our best when it matters most.”
Top Scorers
Rossview High: Quamond Linsey – 21 points; Jacob Edwards – 14 points; Cam Ward – 12 points; Landon Hankemeier – 7 points.
Clarksville High: Jabari Jolley – 17 points; Will Booth – 9 points; Sheldon Huber – 5 points; Kellen Howard – 5 points; Kirk Weatherford – 4 points; Bryson Ellington – 2 points; Dawson Smith – 1 point.