CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW)– The Vikings of Northwest were the designated home team against the Stewarts Creek Redhawks for a 2:30 tipoff in the Clarksville Academy Basketball Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 19. However, the Redhawks were the ones who emerged the victor, 51-21.
There was a lot of physical defense being played throughout this game early, including a full court press from Stewarts Creek after every made basket. Early, the Vikings could not break the press, and turned the ball over often, leading to a 30-12 halftime deficit.
“It’s hard to win when you turn the ball over.” said Northwest head coach Ben Wallace. “Most of those turnovers were our own fault. We probably gave them 20 points off of easy layups. We have to learn and get better.”
It wasn’t all bad for the Vikings, as coming out of the half, they were able to break the press and score with more frequency, allowing them to play the game at their pace. This allowed Northwest forward Kendall Myree to play her game, leading the Vikings with 8 points.
“On the court its always player led, no matter how many people want to say it’s scheming,” Wallace said. “At halftime I just reminded them of things we have to do to break a press, and we got going a little bit. I’m not making any excuses, but I think it being Christmas break affected both teams a little. We just have to be smarter.”
Northwest Leading Scorers: Kendall Myree – 8 points; Neighna Dailey – 7 points; Grace Fuaau – 4 points; J’Liyah Gillespie – 2 points.
The Clarksville Wildcats and Kirkwood Cobras were also victorious earlier in the day, in their games against Clarksville Academy and Trigg County respectively.