Murfreesboro Post
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MTCS girls enjoying the ride to state





MTCS' Jailyn Banks has been a key cog for the Lady Cougar, who are making their first-ever appearance in the TSSAA State Tournament. FILE

MTCS’ Jailyn Banks has been a key cog for the Lady Cougar, who are making their first-ever appearance in the TSSAA State Tournament. FILE

Middle Tennessee Christian School’s girls have made history by reaching their first-ever TSSAA State Tournament.

The Lady Cougars (25-9) have been on a roll of late to the tune of reaching the state’s Final Four. They’ll face CAK (26-7) in the semifinals on Friday at noon at Tennessee Tech.

First-year coach Hannah Jones knew she was inheriting a talented team with a wealth of experience. It was just a matter of blending their talents and developing team chemistry.

“I think coaching is definitely a calling, and these girls were just ready,” Jones said. “I just think they needed someone to believe in them. Coaches don’t win games, players do.

“I think they understand their strengths and weaknesses. In the long term I’m super proud of these girls. They were just ready.”

The talented roster includes the likes of Jailyn Banks, Sarah Wisniowski, Ellie Shirley, Sydney Cooper, Anna Clay Shirley, Autumn Davis, Reagan Atkinson, Claire Knight and Riley Smith.

“There isn’t one challenge they haven’t met so far,” Jones said. “Usually by now, they go do another sport or hang out at the mall. They’ve turned the corner and are going to play in the first month of March.”

Jones said MTCS needs to play within itself against a strong program like CAK.

“We have to be us,” she said. “I think we proved we belonged when we played Northpoint. We hit a bunch of 3s and played good defense. We need to hunt the paint and let our defense create offense for us. I don’t want this week to end. This time is precious.”

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