Lipscomb Academy girls basketball beats Knoxville Webb to reach first state championship since 1986
Emily Adams
COOKEVILLE — For the first time since 1986, Lipscomb Academy girls basketball is heading to the state championships. The Mustangs beat Knoxville Webb 47-37 in the Division II-AA semifinal.
The game was back and forth from the beginning. Webb led 10-6 at the end of the first quarter, but the two teams were tied at 18 at halftime. Lipscomb took a five-point lead at the end of the third quarter and finished the job, outscoring Webb 13-8 in the third and 16-11 in the fourth.
Fouls were the deciding factor in the end, as Webb gave up 15 points in free throws in the second half compared to one point allowed on free throws by Lipscomb. The Mustangs also shot 37% from the field to Webb's 28%.
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The high-scorer between both teams was Webb eighth grader Meeyah Green, who recorded 18 points. Two Lipscomb players, Ella Grace Thompson and Mallye Merritt, reached double figures with 12 and 11 points respectively.
The last time Lipscomb Academy appeared in a state championship game was 1986, when they brought home the first state title in school history. It is the second time the program has reach the title game.
Contact Emily Adams at eaadams@knoxnews.com or on Twitter @eaadams6.