CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The number two-seeded Rossview High Hawks traveled to Kirkwood High School for the district 13-4A tournament semifinals against the Cobras. The Hawks were defensively dominant, allowing only 20 total points enroute to a 35-20 win, led by Ellie Hankemeier’s 21 points.

The first half was a slugfest, with only 29 total points being scored. Freshman guard Miliani Peek had the hot hand for Rossview, hitting three three-pointers in the first half, but that was the most offense we saw in the first 16 minutes. The third quarter was the separator, as the Hawks went into the half up 10 and allowed only three points while scoring 12 of their own.

“It was probably the best execution of a game plan I’ve seen from our girls on any given night,” said Hawks head coach Drew Smith. “We knew how dangerous Kirkwood was.  There are so many things that aren’t going to show up in the stats, little moments that our girls really just bought in and wanted it. Shoutout to our backup post, Chloe Mitchell, she didn’t play a single minute, but her work against Ellie in practice made her better.”

The Cobras made a comeback attempt late, but the Hankemeier show was already in full swing. Hankemeier scored 21, with nine of those points coming off free throws with her physical play inside. The Hawks won the third edition of the Battle of Exit 8, sending the Cobras to the third-place game. Despite the loss, Kirkwood will have a chance to rebound heading into regional play.

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“Give credit to Rossview, they came out and wanted it more,” said Cobras head coach Tenisha Lockridge. “Our girls are still kind of young, so this is a learning point for us. Offensively, we really just couldn’t get going. It sounds simple, but the teams with the most points win, and we just couldn’t score points. Now, we have to regroup and come out to respond on Monday.”

As for Rossview High, they’ve found themselves back in the district title game. After losing four starters last season, and starting the year 1-7, despite all the odds, the Lady Hawks are back in this position. They have fallen to the Wildcats in the district title game the last four seasons and look to finally change that on Monday.

“Our girls deserve this, and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Smith. “This rivalry is what makes the wins mean so much more. Our locker room is filled with silver plaques, and now these girls have an opportunity to win a gold one and be the change. Now, we have a team that’s confident; it’s not an accident that we’re here. Winning is great, but having girls who believe in themselves, that’s the best thing I’ve seen as a coach.”

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