CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Northwest Vikings played host to the Kenwood Knights in a district matchup on Friday. Both the boys and girls Viking squads emerged victorious, 58-25 and 73-58 respectively.
Northwest girls get early start over Kenwood
The Vikings were dominant from the jump. It took them just two minutes to build a 13-0 lead and cause a Kenwood timeout before they even crossed half court.
“It’s a district game, and our girls knew how big it was,” said head coach Ben Wallace. “I was very happy with how we played, we obviously made some mistakes, but we played hard and had good results.”
Kenwood was down early, but were able to stop the bleeding and keep pace with the Vikings in the first half, never letting the game get too out of hand.
“I have a lot of underclassmen, and I think we just need to take it day by day and grow,” said Kenwood head coach Jemiah Harrison. “I’m never upset at losses; I’m concerned with getting better every day, and that’s what we’re doing.”
However, the Vikings would keep the pressure on, building up a 33-8 halftime lead. Led by forward Grace Fuuau with 18 points, they would cruise in the second half, leading to a 58-25 victory. For Northwest, it’s a huge step in momentum for their team.
“We’ve been getting better at finishing games, we did it Tuesday at Dickson and we did it tonight,” said Wallace. “We’re beginning to figure out our style of play, and we’re setting ourselves up to have a good finish to the year.”
Box Score
Northwest: Grace Fuuau 18 points, Neigna Dailey 12 points, Kendall Myree 10 points, Jalaysia Hunt 5 points, Z’Riyah Reed 4 points, J’Liyah Gillespie 3 points, Ivy Downs 3 points, Danielle May 3 points.
Kenwood: Sy’Niya Seay 10 points, Yazmine Pearson 6 points, Rayza Jones 5 points, Alesha Williams 1 point, Zakiyah White 1 point, Nyla Murphy 1 point, Surai Townsend 1 point.
Northwest boys beat Kenwood in front of big crowd
The Northwest Vikings and Kenwood Knights district showdown on Friday night had all the makings of an instant classic. Giant crowd, teams with similar records, a cross-town rivalry, everything you could ask for. Well, Northwest had other plans.
Northwest came out like hungry dogs on defense, diving for every lose ball, challenging every shot, and holding Kenwood scoreless for the first 5 minutes of the competition.
“Winning against that team, in this place, with that crowd, it always feels good,” said Northwest head coach Tommy Stanley. “They’re not at full strength, so you gotta take it into account. But when these two teams play each other, the energy level rises, and we wanted to match that.”
Northwest kept their foot on the gas throughout the first half, amassing a 20 point lead at the half, 36-16. Kenwood may have been injured, but head coach Chase Cronin did not make any excuses. “We had to play some young guys tonight, some freshman and sophomores got in and executed well. The bottom line is we all have to be bought in together as a program, and play with detail and focus.”
Northwest would start subbing in their bench guys early in the 2nd half, and easily take the game, 73-58, led by slashing guard Tacorey Monday. This game was a glimpse of what Northwest at their peak can be, a lockdown defense, get out on the break, and drive it to the rack kind of squad.
“I’m glad that everyone got a chance to contribute tonight,” said coach Stanley. “We have certain things we’re trying to get better at all the time. I’m just proud of em, they’re growing up together, growing into young men, and learning to play for each other.”
Box Score
Northwest: Tacorey Monday 22 Points, Jaquez Scott 17 points, DJ Dalls 12 points, AJ Wallus 9 points, Ahmad Harvey 7 points, Demari Mcknight 3 points, Luke Nolen 3 points, Justus Graves 2 points.
Kenwood: Jacoby Cox 22 points, Davon Martin 9 points, Jayson Russel 7 points, Xavier Moore 4 points, Jeremiah Harris 4 points, Antonio Howell 3 points, Jeremiah Matthews 2 points, Christian James 2 points, Jylin Hill 2 points, Keyondre Moving 2 points.