Top 6 moments from 2016-17 girls hoops season
The high school girls basketball season came to an end on March 10 when Westview, Dresden and Huntingdon lost in the state quarterfinals. South Side’s season ended in the quarterfinals on March 9.
So as coaches continue to send in nominations for the All-West Tennessee selections.
Here is a look back at the top six moments from the 2016-17 season.
1. USJ advanced to Division II-A state title game – University School of Jackson played its eighth season in Division II-A, and the Lady Bruins finally broke through to reach the title game.
Behind a strong defensive performance, USJ beat Battle Ground Academy 34-31. MTSU signee Anna Jones had 13 points and 14 rebounds in the game.
2. South Side wins sectional to stay unbeaten – The Lady Hawks went through the regular season undefeated, but there were some tough games in the postseason. One of them was a Class AA sectional game against Liberty.
The two crosstown rivals battled before South Side pulled out the 53-42 win to advance to the state tournament for the first time since 1994.
3. Tucker hits two free throws to send Westview to state – The Lady Chargers were trying to get to their fifth straight state tournament, but they were down late to Haywood in a Class AA sectional.
With four seconds remaining, Mary Katherine Tucker went to the free throw line and hit both free throws for a 38-37 win over the Lady Tomcats.
4. USJ get over the sub-state round and advances to state – The Lady Bruins have played in the Division II-A sub-state multiple times since moving to Division II-A, but they had never gotten through to the state semifinals.
USJ advanced to the state tournament for the first time since 2005 with a 64-46 win over Franklin Road Academy at home. Anna Jones finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
5. South Side wins Region 7-AA championship – For the past four years, fans in West Tennessee have been waiting for South Side and Westview to meet up in the region tournament.
In 2017, it finally happened. Behind two fourth quarter steals and layups, the Lady Hawks won its first region title since 1994 with a 37-33 victory over the Lady Chargers.
6. Huntingdon loses lead, but wins over TCA – The Fillies held a 14-point lead during the fourth quarter, but TCA fought back and forced overtime in a Class A sectional.
But in overtime, Huntingdon took the lead and kept it for a 71-69 victory for the spot in the state tournament.
Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.