SPORTS

Ensworth defeats Brentwood Academy for DII-AA girls title

Tom Kreager
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

Jordyn Cambridge scored 17 points to lead Ensworth to the Division II-AA girls basketball state championship Saturday with a 57-38 win over rival Brentwood Academy at Lipscomb's Allen Arena.

Ensworth celebrates their 57 to 38 victory over Brentwood Academy in the 2017 TSSAA Division-II Class AA Girls State Basketball Championship at Allen Arena Saturday, March 4, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn.

It marked Ensworth's first title since 2013 and snapped Brentwood Academy's run of three straight DII-AA titles.

"I've been waiting for this since the eighth grade," said Cambridge, who was named the tournament's MVP.

Ensworth head coach Mary Taylor Cowles hugs her daughter Caroline Cowles after defeating Brentwood Academy 57 to 38 in the 2017 TSSAA Division-II Class AA Girls State Basketball Championship at Allen Arena Saturday, March 4, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn.

BA (25-7) was without Miss Basketball finalist in Sydni Harvey, who did not play after sustaining a sprained shoulder in Thursday's semifinal win over Briarcrest Christian.

"It's really hard to switch things 30 games in," Brentwood Academy coach Rhonda Brown said. "Everybody is excited for the state championship, and then all of sudden let's put you in a different role."

Ensworth (24-4) jumped out to a 23-14 halftime lead, keeping BA scoreless for 5:51 of the second quarter.

"Defense has really been what we've believe in all year," Ensworth coach Mary Taylor Cowles said. "When you have a group of young ladies that buy into that, it makes it a lot easier."

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 and tkreager@tennessean.com or @Kreager.