CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Rossview High boys’ basketball team traveled to Northeast High School to take on a newfound rival, the Kirkwood High Cobras, in the district 13-4A championship game.
While the young Kirkwood High team battled in the program’s first ever district championship game, Rossview’s experience and defensive intensity made the difference in an 89-69 win, claiming their second-straight district championship.
Rossview High came out of the gate like a team on a mission, they were able to jump out to a 15-point lead early on due to their defensive capabilities and transition offense.
“This class has been in the district championship all four years they’ve been here; they’ve been through battles like this,” said Rossview head coach Johnny Jackson. “Our guys took on the challenge of a really talented Kirkwood team and defensively we locked in.”
Despite a 45-23 halftime lead for Rossview High, the Kirkwood Cobras continued to fight their way back into the game. Every time it seemed like the Hawks were going to run away with the game, Kirkwood would gain some momentum back, powered by Prophet Basden’s 16 points and Armani Smith’s 15 points.
“I’m super proud of their fight, this groups’s not going to lay down,” said Kirkwood head coach John Stigall. “That’s the most talented team we’ve played, and they’re a tough team to cover. It didn’t work out tonight, that’s what it is and that’s what we have to learn from.”
Rossview’s star of the game was Jacob Edwards, who finished the contest with 32 points, along with a number of rebounds. Edwards said he will celebrate tonight, but he’s looking at the bigger picture.
“It feels great, I’ve never had a coach like Coach Jackson who lets me score like that,” said Edwards. “The big picture is now, it’s win or go home. We know we can play with anybody, and our ultimate goal is to play at MTSU.”
Top Scorers:
Rossview High: Jacob Edwards – 32 points; Quamond Linsey – 17 points; Cam Ward – 17 points; Landon Hankemeier – 13 points; Jiyair Rose – 6 points; Jay yip – 2 points; Maksim Idzi – 2 points.
Kirkwood High: Prophet Basden – 16 points; Armani Smith – 15 points; Bryce Garnett – 13 points; Chance Austin – 7 points; Tae Clardy – 6 points; Linkoln Schwass – 6 points; Taetum Carney – 4 points; Temi Onilenla – 2 points.
Regular season and tournament awards
The All 13-4A District and Tournament teams were announced following the game:
All-District Team
- Northeast High – Jayden Young.
- Clarksville High – Kellen Howard, Sheldon Huber.
- Springfield High – Alaric Hudson, Jalen Chapman.
- Kirkwood High – Armani Smith, Chance Austin, Prophet Basden.
- Rossview High – Landon Hankemier, Cam Ward Quamond Linsey, Jacob Edwards.
- Most Valuable Player – Rossview’s Landon Hankemier.
- District Coach of the Year – Rossview High’s Johnny Jackson.
All-Tournament Team:
- Northeast High – Jayden Young
- Springfield High – Alaric Hudson, Eshon Thompkins
- Clarksville High – Kirk Weatherford, Jabari Jolley
- Kirkwood High – Armani Smith,Chance Austin,Bryce Garnett
- Rossview High – Jiyair Rose, Cam Ward, Quamond Linsey, Jacob Edwards
Elsewhere in Clarksville:
- The West Creek High Coyotes won the district 14-4A championship against the Kenwood Knights. Meanwhile, Northwest fell to Dickson County in the district 14-4A consolation game.
- The Clarksville High Wildcats defeated Springfield High 62-41 in a district 13-4A consolation game.