Red-hot Maryville upsets Bearden in 4-AAA semifinals

The Maryville High School girls basketball team is hot at the right time.

The Lady Rebels clawed back from a double-digit deficit in the second half and came away with a 56-49 victory over No. 4 Bearden in the semifinals of the District 4-AAA tournament on Friday at Hardin Valley Academy.

It is the seventh victory for Maryville in its last eight games and only the second loss for top-seeded Bearden all season - the only other loss coming against Hardin Valley on Jan. 27.

Maryville trailed 36-24 early in the third quarter, but rattled off a 12-2 run to close out the period and get back in the game. The Lady Rebels kept in going in the fourth, taking a 47-46 lead with two minutes to play and holding on down the stretch to advance to Monday's district title game against William Blount, who beat HVA 55-45, at 7:30 p.m.

Lindsey Taylor (18), Olivia Pepperman (15) and Courtney Carruthers (10) all scored in double figures for Maryville. Bearden was led by Jakhyaia Davis, who scored 13 points.

Morristown West 66, Morristown East 50: The District 2-AAA title is going home with the Lady Trojans.

Leading 41-35 heading into the fourth quarter, Morristown West pulled away by dropping 25 points in the final period. The Trojans were paced by a 26-point performance from Blayre Shultz, who was named tournament MVP. Morristown East received 18 points from Jaleah Patton, who was named to the All-Tournament team.

Alcoa 46, Scott County 43: Alcoa advanced to the District 4-AA tournament finals behind a game-high 19 points from Destiny Haworth. Madison McClurg also chipped in 12 points. Scott County was led by an 18-pint performance from Hannah Myers. The Lady Tornadoes will host Kingston, who defeated CAK 61-49, in the title game at 6 p.m. Tuesday.