Cheatham County can build on 2018 girls basketball state tournament run

Tom Kreager
The Tennessean
The Cheatham County Central High School bench react as they lose to the Macon County High School, 75 to 55 in the TSSAA Basketball Girls State Championship at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Thursday, March 8, 2018.

MURFREESBORO — Things didn't go as planned for Cheatham County girls basketball program this past week.

A trip to MTSU's Murphy Center ended abruptly Thursday with a 75-55 Class AA quarterfinal loss to Macon County, which went on to finish runner-up to two-time state champion Upperman.

Here are four reasons why Cheatham County can return to the state tournament next year.

Small senior class 

Macon County High School Jamie Ashburn (12)  struggles with Cheatham County Central High School Rachel Allen (23) for the ball in the second half of the TSSAA Basketball Girls State Championship at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Thursday, March 8, 2018.

The nucleus of the Lady Cubs varsity team returns next season.

Rachel Allen, who averaged 5.4 points and 3.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists, was the lone senior starter this season. Allen dropped 15 points on Macon County in her final game for Cheatham County. Kayla Johnson also graduated.

Point guard Emmy Nelson directs offense

Nelson averaged 15.3 points and grabbed a team-high 7.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists. She went over 1,000 points this past season for her career. Her leadership must continue to grow over the offseason.

Abbi Douglas provides scoring punch

Cheatham County Central High School head coach watches as Macon County High School leads in the first half of the TSSAA Basketball Girls State Championship at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Douglas led the Lady Cubs with 15.4 points and 5.3 rebounds a game. She led the Lady Cubs at the foul line with 73.4 percent from the line.

As crucial as Nelson is on the court, Douglas adds to a solid 1-2 offensive punch.

Taste of success

Cheatham County Central High School fans cheer on their team as they play Macon County High School in the TSSAA Basketball Girls State Championship at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Cheatham County didn't lose a game to a District 9-AA opponent this season. The Lady Cubs were the District 9-AA tournament champions and Region 5-AA champions.

Cheatham County finished 28-2 with a loss to Summertown, which finished Class A runner-up.

That success plus four starters returning and the Lady Cubs are in a prime spot to get back to state next season.

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