This article has been updated with a photo gallery.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Rossview High boys’ basketball team extended their season on Wednesday, March 13, with a state tournament quarterfinal victory over Morristown East High School.
The Hurricanes gave the Hawks fits early on into the game with their ability to stretch the floor. However, with their defensive pressure and ability to dominate the paint offensively, Rossview High won by a score of 64-43.
During the first half, the Canes did not miss from three-point range where they shot 35% from behind the arc. In total they connected on six threes to keep pace with Rossview.
The Hawks were able to hold onto a 31-28 halftime lead and at the half, head coach Johnny Jackson knew what adjustments Rossview needed to be make.
“We were trying to match their threes, and that’s not who we are,” Jackson told Clarksville Now. “At halftime I told them, let’s attack the rim, let’s get back to playing our brand of basketball,” and that’s exactly what the Hawks did.
Clinching the victory
In the second half, Rossview came out like a team on a mission. They went on a 10-0 scoring run coming out of halftime, fueled by their defensive play. Numbers show that Morristown East only shot 18% from the field in the second half, 11% from behind the arc, which was a drastic difference from the first half of action.
As for the Hawks offense, they began attacking the rim as Jackson suggested. They outscored the Hurricanes 34-14 in the paint during the second half, and senior guard Cameryn Ward lead the team with 16 points throughout the game.
“Cam Ward was last year’s district MVP. He’s taken a step back scoring wise to focus on being our best defender,” Jackson said. “When they saw shots fall in the first half, it made them upset, and they turned up their defense.”
With the win, Rossview wins the first state tournament game in school history. It’s also the first time a team from Clarksville has won a game in the state tournament since Northeast High School in 2018. As for Jackson, he’s looking for his players to continue building upon today’s game.
“We didn’t play the schedule we played just to get here,” Jackson said. “These guys are super talented, super athletic, and all uncommitted. I think they all just boosted their stock. We came up here to win the whole thing.”
Top Scorers
Rossview High: Cam Ward – 16 points; Landon Hankemeier – 14 points; Jacob Edwards – 12 points; Quamond Linsey – 12 points; Jiyiar Rose – 7 points; Roland Morton – 2 points; Micheal Lawton – 1 point.