5 keys to Central Magnet's sweep over Cannon County

On senior night, Central Magnet’s basketball teams took a sweep over visiting Cannon County Tuesday.

The Lady Tigers (2-11,9-16) avenged an earlier loss to Cannon County by defeating the Lionettes 59-47 Tuesday night.

Central Magnet’s boys (7-6, 14-12) remained tied for third in District 8-AA with a 59-49 victory.It is the best finish in school history for Central’s boys.

Here are five keys to Central Magnet's victories:

Complete turnaround

When Central Magnet and Cannon County’s girls played in Woodbury Jan. 13, a 49-34 victory for Cannon County, the Lady Tigers were plagued with turnovers throughout the first half and the Lionettes hardly missed any of their first-half shots, hitting 70 percent from the field (14-of-20).

Tuesday’s game was almost the opposite. The visiting Lionettes were the team plagued with turnovers, committing 10 in the first quarter and five in the second quarter; and the Lionettes struggled from the field, only making 8-of-18 in the first half. But take away Cannon’s top scorer and it was even worse than that – junior post player Maleah Scott was 5-of-6 from the field (20 overall points), and the rest of the Lady Lionettes were only 3-of-12, 25 percent.

Central took advantage of the miscues to build an eight-point halftime lead, 25-17.

Clutch fourth-quarter freebies

Down the stretch, Cannon County kept trying to cut into Central’s lead and the Lionettes put the Lady Tigers on the free throw line. Central delivered, connecting on 15-of-18 from the line in the fourth quarter.

Senior Sidney Smith, who led the Lady Tigers with 18 points, had 10-of-12 from the line.

“Sidney made free throw after free throw after free throw,” said Central coach Kyle Turnham. “She illustrates that if you want something bad enough, and you’re willing to work hard enough at it, you can improve. She’s worked on becoming a better free throw shooter. She’s such a great driver, she wants the ball in her hands.”

Scott nets double-double

While the rest of her team was struggling, Scott was consistent all night. She posted up and scored despite Central’s best efforts to stop her. She also grabbed every rebound that was anywhere near her.

She had 20 points to lead all scorers and pulled down 10 rebounds.

Tigers take advantage of 14-0 run

There were five lead changes and one tie in the first quarter-and-a-half.

Midway through the second quarter Central Magnet’s boys went on a 14-0 run to take a commanding 30-22 halftime lead.

Patrick Blair, who led the Tigers with 21 points, was a key force in the run.

“Patrick’s been a catalyst for us all year,” said CMS coach Doug Worsley.

End of a district rivalry 

Central Magnet and Cannon County have had a huge rivalry over the past few years, especially with the girls, when both teams were among the leaders in the extremely competitive district.

But unless they meet in next week’s district tournament, Tuesday’s game may end up being the final one played between the teams in District 8-AA.

Next season Central Magnet will be moved to a different district with Nolensville, Forrest, Community, Marshall County and Giles County.