DunkerDon

End of 1st. Tied at 12 Roadrunners go up 6-0 early but Cats come back and tie game on last second trey by Tyrone Caldwell. Cats now up 17-12 early in 2nd

Congratulations, Stars. Being a Clarksville High Alumnus I would love to see a CHS/Seigal matchup. I cannot really get a good read on the upcoming game but I think perhaps Ridgeway has the edge this year. It should be a pretty good game though.

I think Antioch will win it all although it is really a coin toss between Antioch, White Station and perhaps Oak Ridge. One finalist from last year returns to the tournament; Clarksville. I am a CHS grad and would love nothing more than to see the Cats take the Gold Ball. However, I do not see this team advancing beyond the first round especially if they face a team with a big inside presence. Caldwell is definitely a force and if he gets penetration and those outside shooters get in a rythym then they could do some damage. Still, I do not think this CHS team is as good as the one last year.

Is it true (as already reported in the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle concerning tonight's game) that was the only shot Click had made in Maryville's three games in the tournament? if so, he picked a fine time to score! Ha. LC article

I do not think CHS took any busloads of students. I saw many older people there who have no children attending CHS but simply came to see what has been so elusive in the past (and remains so) which is a High School basketball crown. There have been a number of very talented basketball teams in Clarksville over the years but that final victory has been so very elusive. Ha, kudos to two Rebel fans. Call it bravery or call it stupidity but it showed some guts; Two maryville fans, one of which was painted, ventured into the middle of the Clarksville student section yelling, "Maryville!" He then came down another aisleway doing the same. He was pelted with ice, paper and other objects and several CHS students then began pushing him back up the aisle. Not sure what happened next but an authority of some sort came to escort the lad back to the other end of the arena. He arrived back in the Maryville section to the cheers of the Rebel students. The last I saw, a police officer appeared to do whatever was done with the young men. I thought Maryville brought a nice crowd considering how long a drive it is to Murfreesboro. There seemed to be a lot more Maryville fans there than what it may have looked like on television. I say this because they were simply not all sitting together in the same sections. Put all the pockets of rebel red together and it was a nice contingent. The CHS turnout was excellent. I do not think the community really goes to games but the support started coming on strong when CHS played Franklin in the Sectional Final to send the Cats to State. The Cat's Den was SRO that night and it is a fairly large gymnasium. However, for just regular season games and District tournaments, etc., the support is not nearly as much by a long shot.

Hello ihavenofriendzz, I agree that Clarksville did not look impressive at all for the vast majority of the night. I'm not saying this just because I am a Clarksville fan but just as something of a fact; That was a very tired Clarksville team that took the court tonight and it showed in a way that was glaringly apparent to everyone in the Clarksville section of the stands. When they made that comeback then it was purely on adrenaline and pride. But, you know, I don't want to take anything away from a Maryville squad that earned their victory. It could be argued that Clarksville could have saved some energy if they would have taken care of business and held on to their ten point lead against Oakland in regulation of that game.

Congratulations to Maryville, Just got back from the Murphy Center (a Wildcat alumnus who lives in the 'boro). I kept up with Clarksville all season but this was actually the first time I saw them play although I have listened to many games via internet feed. Maryville deserved to win this game. CHS did not come ready to play and looked very listless for two and one half quarters. Maryville is very well schooled in the fundamentals of the game. As one example, they were excellent at receiving defensive weak side help. Douglas was an obstacle but was subject to Clarksville quickness down low. He always received weakside help which resulted in numerous blocked shots. Eventually, the Cat post players learned to make that extra interior pass. The Rebels play smart basketball. It was quite obvious when CHS got some life in them that they were the more athletic team by far but Maryville played very sound and very smart for the most part and this is what makes them a tough team to play. Great job by the Cats for eventually awaking from their slumber and getting back in the game. I had actually exited the building when the score was 62-60 Maryville with 3 seconds to play. A man in the parking lot said the game was in another overtime. Oh well. Looks like someone from Maryville hit a three to win the game. Not too surprised since Maryville has some shooters. So, great job by the Rebels and congratulations. The Gold Ball is yours.

I agree. Maryville is very good team who has defeated some top teams to get here. They have defeated three Top 10 teams: Bradley Central (4th); Whites Creek (5th); and Science Hill (7th). Also defeated Farragut (12th) and Powell (18th). BTW, these are the taken from the CoachT strength rankings. Those are some impressive victorys. I would also point out that all but one of Maryville's losses were close in score. That being said, Maryville has what I think should be its toughest challenge of the year. The Cats can play some mean defense and they can also score a lot of points in a hurry. All it takes is for the other team to lose focus for just a minute. The Cats come in ranked #1 and have victories over #2 Oakland and #6 Franklin whom they defeated by 18. Also defeated #11 Ridgeway (whom I definitely consider to be a top 10 team and one who twice defeated preseason favorite Raleigh Egypt who was ranked in USA Today's top 25) and #14 LaVergne. I think it will be a very good game and one that is hotly contested on both sides. For those making the lengthy journey from East Tennessee, please drive carefully and arrive back home safely after the game. I do think the Cats get it done tonight though. They've won 23 straight and I don't think they will allow themselves to be denied this one.

The Cats have to win. It is the school's 100th Anniversary.

According to a webpage I saw listing interest in Caldwell, Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi State of the SEC have all shown an interest with Mississippi State showing a great interest. Caldwell, however, at least once stated that he desired to play in the ACC. Clemson has a high interest in Caldwell but Virginia and Florida State have looked at him too. I also read that both Austin Peay of the OVC and Middle Tennessee of the Sun Belt have already offered scholarships to the Junior. Since Caldwell gets the lions share of the publicity some of the other players are much lesser known; Harper being one of them. However, to those who have followed the Cats all season, Harper has been dead-on from three all season. I actually wish Harper would shoot more than he does. Insofar as playing Maryville's big man Douglas down low; While Clarksville has been outsized in some contests it really has not affected their rebounding or ability to defend the post. Henderson and Merriwether are both very athletic. Oakland had a height advantage and were outrebounded by 12. However, I think Coach Young may start Dowlin tonight. Dowlin has a big body and will not get pushed out of the paint and the Cats really lose nothing on the offensive end when he is in there.

What are your thoughts on tonight's AAA State Championship contest? Here are some questions; Will the Cats come into the game tired and drained after the triple overtime game last night? Can Maryville stop Tyrone Caldwell and even if they can, will it matter since the other four can score? Can Clarksville's post players keep Douglas off the glass? Can Maryville match Clarksville's athleticism? Will that defense of Clarksville (their constant all season) shut down Maryville?

Oakland fans, I am only going to state that which already you know; The Oakland Patriots have a phenomenal basketball team and certainly had the talent to win the State Championship this year. The ball does not always bounce the way we would like though and after an absolutely mesmerizing game at the Glass House it is just horrible that either team had to go down in defeat. Those players on both teams gave it their all tonight and provided for fans of all sides a game which should be remembered for a very long time to come. Truly, it was a clash of two Titans. Oakland is a great team with tremendous support. Hopefully, the Wildcats can take their 23 game winning streak and 33-2 record and add one last win to that total. Clarksville High has been close before as has Clarksville Northwest but never has the city of Clarksville been home to the Gold Ball Trophy. Tomorrow is a new day with a new opponent and laying claim to that ball will take a full four quarters of good, sound basketball. It is just a shame that a team as great as Oakland had to go down in defeat tonight but Clarksville also has an outstanding basketball team. Best of luck to the outgoing Seniors in their future endeavors. I think Chiassen Allen is going to have a great college career at Northeastern. Best of luck to you next season and hope we meet on the hardwood once again.

I tell you what, the way Oakland opened the game I was wondering if Clarksville had left their defense at home. Oakland was really dominant in the first part of the game.

Thanks, Powellfan. Yeah, it didn't sound like he was scoring in bunches. It is a tribute to the team that he doesn't always need to.

Hey Powellfan, Could you please tell me in as objective a fashion as possible about this Maryville team. Of course, they do have Maples but what about the supporting cast - style of play - strengths and weaknesses? I noticed their record is 29-7 but all those losses were close with the exception of one game against your Panthers. I certainly desire a Wildcat victory but I won't be doing any smack talking. Maryville wouldn't be playing in the game if they were not very good and deserving to be there. I expect a good game. Some have mentioned that Clarksville might be physically and emotionally drained after tonights triple overtime contest with Oakland. Certainly something to consider, however, I think the Cats will come well rested and ready to play as they will need to be ready. Afterall, it is the State Championship and Clarksville teams have come close before but no cigar. This team has faced many obstacles this year and has an uncanny knack for fighting through them.

Not sure how many points Caldwell had tonight. Listened to the first half and then my computer went out. Got back online at the end of the game after Oakland had come back from 12 down. From that point on, I didn't hear Caldwell's name called much insofar as Clarksville scoring. Mostly Barnes, Dowlin, Henderson and Merriwhether.

I always did. Oakland has a fantastic ball team but so does Clarksville. As I said in an earlier post, if these teams played 10 times then they would probably split. Tonight's game should go down in TSSAA history as one of the best ever.

.... and the CoachT #1 strength ranked Cats defeat the #2 Pats in 3 OT's. Mercy! What a shame anyone's season had to come to an end tonight. Oakland has a great team. Chiasson Allen was phenomenal. CHS did what it has done all year long............ WIN!

Cat's gonna win and go to State Championship! Wow! WHAT A BATTLE OF THE TITANS!!!!!!

Radio announcers calling this one of the best State tournament games ever. Cats up by 4: 30 seconds.

Barnes nails a three to draw first blood.

Triple OT. Chiasson Allen nailed a three and was fouled to tie the game and send it to OT. Man, clutch!

Clarksville draws first blood in 2ot. 59-57 1:22 left: 61-57 Cats. Pats at the line.

2:12 to go. tie game. just over a minute. Clarksville with ball. 6 seconds. Tie. Chs with ball........... Double overtime 57-57

OVERTIME: CHS up by 3. Man, what a game! What a battle!